The bid document showed that NGEL intends to raise fresh debt and repay outstanding liability of Rs 8,200 crore towards NTPC by March 31, 2023 along with applicable interest cost.

Also, additional funds to the tune of Rs 800 crore would be required for additional debt liability and for balance capex payments of projects which are yet to achieve full commercial operations, it stated.

Thus, NGEL has invited offer for rupee term loan of up to Rs 9,000 crore, it said.

The minimum amount of loan offered by banks/FIs (financial institutions) shall be Rs 1,000 crore and in multiples of Rs 500 crore thereafter, it stated.

The last date for submission of bids is March 6, 2023.

NTPC had incorporated NGEL in April 2022 for consolidating its renewable energy businesses and aggressively pursue its green/ sustainable energy venture.

Source : PTI

The event, held on 11 February, saw Jean-Eric Vergne of DS PENSKE emerge victorious.

However, the significance of the event transcended beyond the racetrack, as it highlighted India’s leadership in energy transition and decarbonisation, according to an official statement.

To minimize the carbon footprint of the event, Greenko Hyderabad E-Prix incorporated several sustainability initiatives. As part of the green initiatives and awareness of decarbonisation, the Nissan Formula E Team drivers, Sacha Fenestraz and Norman Nato visited Greenko’s Integrated Renewable Energy Project (IREP) in Kurnool.

The Greenko Group has a massive renewable energy project in Kurnool with solar, wind, and pumped storage capacities, which also provided energy to power the racing event.

Greenko has an installed renewable energy capacity of 7.5 GW and a presence in 15 states in India.

The company is committed to developing 100+ GWh connected Digitized Cloud Storage across India by 2027 through Intelligent Renewable Energy Storage Platforms. To enable deeper decarbonization, Greenko is also entering the green molecule sector.

Source: livemint

Ministry of Power has notified the Electricity (Promoting Renewable Energy through Green Energy Open Access) Rules, 2022 on 06th June 2022 with the aim of accelerating India’s ambitious renewable energy programmes. Reduction in the limit of open access transactions from 1 MW to 100 kW for green energy has enabled small consumers to purchase renewable power through open access. For captive consumers, there is no minimum limit. Ministry of Power vide notification dated 08th July, 2022 has notified Grid Controller of India Limited (Grid- India) as Central Nodal Agency to set up and operate a single window green energy open access system for renewable energy under the Rules.

Further, a web portal https://greenopenaccess.in on Green Energy Open Access has been launched on 11th November, 2022. All the applications related to green energy open access are being submitted on the portal and routed to concerned nodal agencies as notified by the Appropriate Commissions for grant of open access.

This information was given by Shri R.K Singh Union Minister for Power and MNRE in a written reply in Lok Sabha yesterday.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman makes big announcement to enhance India’s energy transition and steering the fight against climate change.

• Budget 2023 builds on focus to green growth
• National Green Hydrogen Mission will facilitate the transition of economy
• 1 crore farmers to be facilitated to adopt natural farming

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday announced that India is moving swiftly in reaching its Net-Zero targets by 2070. The finance minister in her budget speech announced that the National Green Hydrogen Mission, which has an allocation of Rs 19,700 crore, will facilitate the transition of the economy into a low-carbon intensity and green economy.

HERE’S WHAT FM ANNOUNCED TO BOOST GREEN ENERGY TRANSITION:

* The finance minister said that the Budget 2023 builds on a focus to green growth.

* The National Green Hydrogen Mission will facilitate the transition of the economy to low carbon intensity and reduced dependence on fossil fuel imports.

* Target for the hydrogen mission is to reach annual production of 5 MMT by 2030.

* Rs 35,000 crore allocated for priority investment towards energy transition, net-zero objective.

* Battery energy storage systems will be supported with viability gap funding.

* Framework for pump storage projects announced.

* Inter-state transmission system for evacuation, grid integration of 13 GW of renewable energy from Ladakh to be constructed with investment of Rs 20,700 crore.

* Green credit program to be notified under the Environment Protection Act for responsive actions by individuals and companies to encourage environment-friendly behaviour.

* PM program for Restoration, Awareness, Nourishment and Amelioration of Mother Earth (PM-PRANAM) to be launched to promote alternative fertilisers and balanced use of chemical fertilisers.

* 500 new waste to wealth plans under the Govardhan scheme announced to promote a circular economy.

* One crore farmers to be facilitated to adopt natural farming

* Building on India’s success in afforestation, Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes (MISHTI) announced

* Government to promote conservation values through the Amrit Darohar scheme that will be implemented to encourage optimal use of wetlands, enhance eco-tourism and income generation for local communities

* Coastal shipping to be promoted as an energy efficient and lower cost mode of transport through the PPP model.

* FM announces replacing old polluting vehicles is an important part of greening the economy. Adequate funds are to be allocated to scrap old vehicles of the central government, state government and ambulances.

Source: PTI

The finance minister said that the Budget 2023-24 builds on a focus to green growth. India is moving swiftly in reaching its Net-Zero targets by 2070.

* The National Green Hydrogen Mission will facilitate the transition of the economy to low carbon intensity and reduced dependence on fossil fuel imports. It has an allocation of ₹19,700 crore, will facilitate the transition of the economy into a low-carbon intensity and green economy.

* Target for the hydrogen mission is to reach annual production of 5 MMT by 2030.

* ₹ 35,000 crore allocated for priority investment towards energy transition, net-zero objective.

* Battery energy storage systems with capacity of 4,000 MWh will be supported with viability gap funding.

* Framework for pump storage projects announced.

* Inter-state transmission system for evacuation, grid integration of 13 GW of renewable energy from Ladakh to be constructed with investment of ₹20,700 crore.

* Green credit program to be notified under the Environment Protection Act for responsive actions by individuals and companies to encourage environment-friendly behaviour.

* PM program for Restoration, Awareness, Nourishment and Amelioration of Mother Earth (PM-PRANAM) to be launched to promote alternative fertilisers and balanced use of chemical fertilisers.

* 500 new waste to wealth plans under the Govardhan scheme announced to promote a circular economy.

* One crore farmers to be facilitated to adopt natural farming

* Building on India’s success in afforestation, Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes (MISHTI) announced

* Government to promote conservation values through the Amrit Darohar scheme that will be implemented to encourage optimal use of wetlands, enhance eco-tourism and income generation for local communities

* Coastal shipping to be promoted as an energy efficient and lower cost mode of transport through the PPP model.

* FM announces replacing old polluting vehicles is an important part of greening the economy. Adequate funds are to be allocated to scrap old vehicles of the central government, state government and ambulances.

Signs of declining inflation, resilient consumer spending and strong labour markets, among others, suggest that growth could be rebounding in the short term, global financial leaders said on Friday.

”My message is that it is less bad than we feared a couple of months ago, but that doesn’t quite get to us to being good,” said Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund.

The threat of rising inflation seems to have abated in many parts of the world, thanks in part to interest rate increases from some central banks, experts said on the last day of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2023 here.

While many decision makers have expressed determination to sustain rates, there is a risk that recent improvements could cause leaders to ease rates.

”The greatest tragedy in this moment would be if central banks were to lurch away from a focus on assuring price stability prematurely and we were to have to fight this battle twice,” said Lawrence H Summers, Professor at Harvard Kennedy School of Government.

A major economic priority worldwide for 2023 involves accelerating decarbonisation.

Recent legislation in the United States to support green energy will provide billions of dollars in funding but has provoked concerns of launching a subsidy war between Europe and the US over decarbonisation technology, WEF said.

On the one hand, competition to promote green energy could accelerate progress for the benefit of all. On the other hand, the risks that nations will block technological developments and turn inward would deter global progress, it added.

”I hope very much that this subsidy race we are hearing about is not going to be a race for the bottom,” said Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank.

A negative repercussion of Europe-US competition would be overlooking the imperative to finance the green energy transformation in the developing world, which is the most vulnerable to the impacts of the climate crisis, she added.

Experts are worried that competition over green energy could amplify other risks of fragmentation in global trade as many nations prioritise national security over global integration.

”Over the last three years, we have entered a new era of globalisation. We have shifted from market-driven globalisation to politically powered globalisation,” said Bruno Le Maire, France’s Minister of Economy, Finance and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty.

Fragmentation poses numerous risks to the world economy such as higher costs associated with reorganising supply chains.

For example, Europe and the US have focused recently on increasing domestic production of silicon chips. There is a risk that such turning inward will impede global cooperation on trade and climate goals, according to WEF.

The easing of pandemic restrictions in China raises questions for the 2023 economic outlook. One potential concern involves rising energy costs worldwide, as Chinese consumption rises.

In Japan, inflation remains a concern, but the nation has seen recent improvements in job creation.

”We made that change I should say mainly due to increased labour participation of women,” said Kuroda Haruhiko, Governor of the Bank of Japan.

In terms of the most pressing risks for 2023, economic experts focused on the ongoing war in Ukraine not only as a geopolitical and humanitarian crisis but also as a concern for economies around the world.

Likewise, experts expressed uncertainty about whether inflation would continue a downward trajectory and about the continued threat of mutations of COVID-19. Despite recent signs of improvement, “relief must not become complacency,” Summers noted.

Source: PTI

Amaravati: AP is taking big strides in attracting investments in green energy. The state is giving a tough fight to the states which were so far known as hubs for green energy plants. The state secured fourth spot in generation of green energy in 2022 and it is going to be the leader in the next two-three years as the state government has lined up several big-ticket projects in renewable energy sector.

According to the data compiled by the Centre, AP added 1,261.54 megawatts to the existing power generation through green energy during 2022. While Gujarath added a whopping 7,880 mw, Rajasthan added 9,227 mw.

Similarly, Tamil Nadu added 3,368 mw and Karnataka 2,024 mw. AP is little behind Maharashtra which added around 1,288mw. Interestingly, Telangana added just around 958 mw, less than AP’s generation. Big state Uttar Pradesh, which had also planned big projects, could generate just 1,245mw Centre said all the states together added nearly 30,000 mw through green energy during 2022, which is a significant growth. Interestingly, this additional generation through green energy is exclusive of big hydel projects. “AP’s footprint on renewable energy sector is significant. It has started the journey on good track and going to be the leader of the nation,” said energy minister Peddireddy Ramachandraa Reddy.

State cabinet had recently stamped its nod for big-ticket investments in green energy sector. The state government gave green signal to different firms to set up Pumped Storage Hydro-Electricity Projects (PSP). Adani group is planning to set up plants to generate about 3,700mw in different locations. Shirdi Sai electricals of Kadapa district is coming up with two plants with 1,200 mw in green energy sector. These projects are expected to be completed in two-five years. Adani group alone is investing 16,000 crore in green energy plants in AP.

Source: PTI

Technology will be a key differentiator and the company should adopt tech-driven solutions to succeed, L&T CEO and MD SN Subrahmanyan said in his new year address to employees.

Engineering and infrastructure conglomerate Larsen & Toubro (L&T) needs to focus on areas such as green energy, data centres and edutech, which are relatively new to the group, to remain competitive and relevant.

Technology will be a key differentiator and the company should adopt tech-driven solutions to succeed, L&T CEO and MD SN Subrahmanyan said in his new year address to employees.

“We need to remain competitive and relevant in the emerging business landscape. While we are well attuned to identify and chase opportunities in our core areas, we need to be sharp and smart in areas that are relatively new to us like green energy, data centres, edutech and SuFin,” he said in a town hall on Monday.

“These businesses will stretch us immediately but have an immense future and we need to pursue the same with vigour,” he added.

L&T is betting big on green energy and had earlier announced plans to invest up to $2.5 billion in the next 3-4 years to start with, across green hydrogen, solar and wind projects. The Mumbai-based company’s building and factories division had won several orders to set up data centres, while it already has a presence in edutech through L&T Edutech. SuFin is an e-commerce platform for B2B industrial products and services.

Stating that the future is bright and “great execution” should be the aim, Subrahmanyan said that technology would remain a key differentiator.

“So, the more we embrace and adopt tech-driven solutions and processes, the easier it will be to succeed. Digital technology brings in data and enables transparency and objectivity in decision making,” he added.

On the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) front, the company is integrating its goals with our business targets and intends to achieve water neutrality by 2035 and carbon neutrality by 2040.

“We cumulatively saved 150 million Kwh of energy, which is equivalent to powering 70,000 homes in a year and avoided emissions of 47,000 tonne CO2 equivalent in 2022, which is equivalent to planting five lakh trees. On the social dimension, we have touched 1.13 million lives through our initiatives on water and sanitation, education, health, and skill building and the target is to touch 1.5 million lives by FY26,” he added.

According to Subrahmanyan, at L&T, some of the company’s key projects are led by women, even as traditionally the infrastructure and manufacturing space has witnessed lower participation by women.

While talent acquisition is important, retaining good talent is even more critical by creating an enabling environment, he added.

Source: PTI

• The Programme envisages installation of 4,000 MW of RTS capacity in the residential sector

• A total of 7.3 GW RTS capacity has been achieved till 30.11.2022

With an objective to achieve 40 GW of rooftop solar (RTS) capacity in the country, the Government of India launched Rooftop Solar Programme Phase-II on 8.3.2019. The Programme envisaged installation of 4,000 MW of RTS capacity in the residential sector by providing Central Financial Assistance and incentives to DISCOMs for achievement of additional RTS capacity in a year over and above the installed capacity of the previous year. A provision of total central financial support of Rs. 11814 Cr, including service charges to the implementing agencies, has been made under the programme, which was initially scheduled for completion by 2022. However, a total of 7.3 GW RTS capacity has been achieved till 30.11.2022.

Apart from reasons such as apprehension of possible revenue loss to DISCOMs, delay in approvals and installation of net/gross meters by DISCOMs, lack of uniform regulations, lack of awareness, etc., the implementation of the Programme has been significantly affected due to Covid-19 pandemic and DISCOMs/ State Implementing Agencies have sought extension in the time-line for execution of projects under the Programme. Ministry has also conducted third party evaluation of the Programme and based on the recommendations, the Programme has been extended till 31.3.2026.

This information was given by Shri R.K Singh, Union Minister for Power and New and Renewable Energy in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

NEW DELHI : As the Government efforts continue to ensure 24×7 power supply for all, power distribution companies’ timely payments to electricity generating companies and round-the-clock availability of renewable energy will be focus areas in 2023.

Amid the outstanding dues of power distribution companies (discoms) hovering at around Rs 1.13 lakh crore, the Union power ministry implemented the late payment surcharge rules in June this year to ensure timely payment of dues by discoms to power generating companies (gencos) and also converted their long outstanding overdues into equated monthly installments. The initiative has helped in reducing the dues of discoms by Rs 24,680 crore to around Rs 1.13 lakh crore in the six months to November 2022.

“By and large, that’s the plan (to ensure 24×7 power for all). In 2023, all green energy, RTC RE (round the clock renewable energy) will be encouraged,” Union Power and New & Renewable Energy Minister R K Singh told PTI. He was responding to a query about the Government’s efforts to ensure 24×7 electricity supply across the country. “We made one nation one grid, enabling sale of power to any part of the country irrespective of its source of generation. All of these contributed to reduced power cost. This increased availability of power to rural areas,” he said.

On renewable energy, Singh said, “We have not calculated round-the-clock green energy proportion. But overall, roughly renewable energy proportion is around 20-25 per cent.” The minister also mentioned about strengthening the power distribution system by spending Rs 2,04,000 crore, which substantially increased power supply to rural areas. “From 12 hours in 2015 to over 22.5 hours in 2022, we increased power supply to rural areas to a great extent. It is around 23 hours in urban areas,” he said.

As part of efforts for 24×7 power supply, Singh said the focus will be mainly on rural areas as urban areas are already getting almost round-the-clock supply of electricity. In 2012, the electricity shortage was around 9 to 10 per cent and it came down to 4.5 per cent in 2013, in energy terms. It is just 0.4 per cent in 2022, meaning there is no shortage, Singh pointed out.

“It is only (in places) where discoms do not have money to purchase the power. We have made the entire nation power surplus. Our demand is 2,15,000 MW while our service capacity is 4,04,000 MW. We have surplus capacity and have strengthened the entire distribution system through transmission lines,” he said. According to experts, it is imperative to reduce losses of discoms as well as their dues towards gencos and power transmission companies for ensuring 24X7 power supply across the country.

The minister said that AT&C (Aggregate Technical & Commercial) losses reduced by almost 5 per cent in FY22 due to several measures taken by the power ministry. In the last two years, discoms’s AT&C losses were hovering at 21-22 per cent. Preliminary analysis of data for FY22 of 56 discoms contributing to more than 96 per cent of the power supply indicates the AT&C losses of discoms declined to 17 per cent from 22 per cent in FY21, as per the ministry.

The reduction in AT&C losses has resulted in reduction in the gap between Average Cost of Supply (ACS) and Average Realizable Revenue (ARR). Among other initiatives, the ministry plans to invest Rs 2.44 lakh crore to further strengthen the power transmission system in the backdrop of India’s goal of having 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030. “Robust power transmission network is the key catalyst in driving India’s 500 GW renewable energy ambition. The recently announced road map for the transmission sector addresses the urgency with which India needs to develop its transmission infra for renewable energy evacuation.

“The estimated investment need of Rs 2.44 trillion in the inter-state transmission segment spells enormous opportunity for the industry,” Sterlite Power MD Pratik Agarwal told PTI. The issues related to ROW (Right Of Way), land acquisition as well as permits and clearances need to be fast-tracked to ensure that these transmission corridors are executed in a timely manner, he noted.
Agarwal said the changing composition of installed generation capacity in the country, increase in electrification, burgeoning power demand and the push to promote manufacturing are strong tailwinds requiring a persistent thrust on investment in power transmission in the immediate and long term.

Source: PTI

Billionaire Andrew Forrest has expanded his reach further into green energy with the purchase of CWP Renewables.

The acquisition by Squadron Energy, part of Mr Forrest’s privately funded Tattarang group, is worth about $4 billion.

It will take Squadron’s renewable energy operating portfolio that spans wind, solar and battery farms to 2.4 gigawatts.

Once fully operational, it will provide enough electricity to power 8.5 million homes, Dr Forrest said in a statement on Wednesday.

“Squadron is proud to bring a very significant portion of Australia’s renewable energy assets home to local ownership,” he said.

“It means that Squadron has the renewable energy critical mass to help Australia step beyond fossil fuels.

“We are committed to ensuring that Australians benefit from the rising employment opportunities, and massive investment in the renewable energy sector.”

CWP provides renewable energy to customers including Transurban, Woolworths Group, Sydney Airport, Commonwealth Bank and Snowy Hydro.

Its assets include the Sapphire wind farm in NSW and Murra Warra farm in Victoria and it has approvals to construct four more wind farms in NSW.

The business was sold by Swiss-based Partners Group.

Squadron chief executive Eva Hanly said the purchase would allow the company to develop and operate a portfolio of wind, solar and storage assets that would ensure reliability of supply for customers.

“The sooner we can get renewable energy at scale into the grid, the more quickly prices will come down for consumers,” she said.

Dr Forrest’s Fortescue Metals Group has outlined ambitious multibillion dollar plans to achieve zero emissions by 2030.

He announced last month the iron ore business and climate-focused Fortescue Future Industries would link executive bonuses to meeting emissions reduction targets.

Source: PTI

India will lead the global energy transition, and the country will be a net exporter of green energy by 2050, Gautam Adani, chairman of the Adani group said today.

“Cooling the planet down will be one of the most profitable businesses and the largest of job creators over the next several decades. I am in no doubt that India will lead the global energy transition,” Adani said while addressing the World Congress of Accountants in Mumbai.

He announced that over the next decade the Adani group will invest over USD 70 billion in the green energy space and build the world’s most integrated renewable energy value chain.

Predicting India will need 400 per cent more units of energy by 2050 than it currently consumes, Adani said that there is little doubt that India’s energy transition will be unparalleled as it races to meet its energy needs.

India currently ranks third in the renewable energy attractive index and is the world’s third-largest energy-consuming country.

Adani added that given the dramatic and continued drop in the cost of renewable energy, especially solar power, the marginal cost of green power is headed to ‘zero’.

“The ability of this ‘zero’ cost electron to economically split a water molecule and create 100 per cent green hydrogen in the future is now certain. The combination of solar and wind power coupled with green hydrogen opens up unprecedented possibilities for India,” the Adani group chairman further added.

Adani said that India’s population will grow by 15 per cent to 1.6 billion, but the per capita income will accelerate by over 700 per cent to approximately USD 16,000 over the next 28 years. India’s current per capita income is around USD 2,200.

Adani expressed his confidence that India will reap its demographic dividend to drive consumption and accelerate the growth of a tax-paying society. He highlighted the fact that even in 2050, India’s median age will be 38 years, and the surge in per capita income will drive an unprecedented surge in demand. This in turn will drive a surge in private and government expenditures as well as attract the highest levels of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

To support his point, he said that India is expected to record a 15 per cent increase and an all-time high of over USD 100 billion in FDI this year.

“Such scale of investments lay the foundation for significant job expansion,” he said.

“It took us 58 years to get our first trillion dollars of GDP, 12 years to get the next trillion and just five years for the third trillion. Given the pace at which the Government has been executing a vast multitude of simultaneous social and economic reforms, I anticipate that within the next decade, India will start adding a trillion dollars to its GDP every 12 to 18 months,” he further said.

Source: PTI

The move is aimed at ensuring affordable, reliable, sustainable, and green energy for all

1. Green Energy open Access is allowed to any consumer with load limit reduced from 1000 kW to 100 kW
2. The portal will allow consumers to access green power easily through transparent, simplified, uniform and streamlined procedure
3. Consumers would benefit from Access to Green Power. Approval for Green Energy Open Access which will be granted to a Consumer in a time bound manner within15 days

In continuation of several initiatives to promote clean and green energy by Government of India, the Union Minister of Power and New & Renewable Energy, Shri R K Singh launched the Green Energy Open Access Portal today through Video Conferencing. The Minister of State for Power, Shri Krishan Pal, also graced the occasion. Secretary (Power), Chairperson, CEA and CMD, POSOCO along with other senior officers were also present on the occasion. About 500 participants from the States, Regulatory Commissions, RE developers and other stakeholders joined the event.

Any consumer with a connected load of 100 kW or above can get Renewable Energy through open access from any Renewable Energy generating plant set up by himself; or by any developer. The open access has to be granted within 15 days. The application for open access can be made on this portal.

The portal can be accessed at https://greenopenaccess.in/ for processing of applications related to green energy open access by the stakeholders including open access participants, traders, Power Exchanges, National / Regional / State Load Despatch Centres, Central/State transmission utilities. The portal provides a transparent, simplified, uniform and streamlined procedure for granting open access to green energy that will be key to facilitating deepening of electricity markets and enabling integration of Renewable Energy (RE) resources into the grid.

Ministry of Power notified the Electricity (Promoting Renewable Energy through Green Energy Open Access) Rules, 2022 on 06th June 2022. These rules aim at promotion of generation, purchase and consumption of green energy including the energy from waste-to-energy plants.

Union Minister Shri R.K.Singh, speaking on the occasion mentioned the importance of transition to clean energy. He mentioned that India is contributing only 3.5% to the global emission despite having about 17% of world population and India is leading the clean energy transition globally and has the fastest growth of RE capacity addition. Ministry of Power has taken a number of initiative in this regard and many more are in advanced stages. He emphasised the importance of ease of implementation in reform process.

Minster of State for Power, Shri Krishan Pal mentioned that the objective of the Green Open Access rules is to provide access to green energy generation, sale & purchase and consumption for RPO fulfilment. He mentioned that these rules will benefit the small consumers mostly and would remove bottlenecks in the administration of open access for renewable energy.

Shri Alok Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Power, mentioned the need of energy security with green and clean energy resources in the future. India is committed to meeting the NDC targets of 50% installed capacity from non-fossil fuel sources and is on the verge of ushering in a mass revolution in the green energy transition. The Green Energy Open Access rules support India’s vision of transition to clean energy with participation of all generators, DISCOMs, and other stakeholders. He mentioned about various reforms and actions being taken such as integrated transmission planning for renewables integration, carbon market, streamlining and harmonised captive consumption and banking for renewable energy.

The Nodal agencies shall post progress reports related to green energy open access to stakeholders through the portal. The approval for Green Energy Open Access will be granted in 15 days or else it will be deemed to have been granted, subject to the fulfilment of technical requirements through the portal.

The move is aimed at ensuring affordable, reliable, sustainable, and green energy for all. The consumers can now get access to RE power easily.

Source : pib

Kapil Maheshwari, Leader, Renewable Energy, RIL, said that in another year, India will be number 1 in net energy green hydrogen export.

BENGALURU: The Karnataka government expects an investment of Rs 2.5 lakh crore in the renewable energy sector by 2023, Additional Chief Secretary, of the Energy Department, G Kumar Naik, said here on Thursday.

He was speaking at a panel discussion on ‘Reinventing the energy ecosystem: Future of energy generation in the world’ at the ongoing GIM.

He said the department plans to set up a 10,000 MW unit under a public-private partnership model to store the renewable energy produced. The government is working on setting up a pump storage unit of 2,000 MW capacity in Sharavathi. Naik said that Karnataka is leading in the production of renewable energy, but there is a need to address ways to store the energy.

Adlan Ahmad, the CEO, of Petronas Hydrogen, said that with governments working on hydrogen energy, some companies, including his, are working on technologies where ammonia is produced by converting hydrogen, which is then stored and shipped. He said that while India has a lot of potential for round-the-clock green energy generation, land and other cost factors are expensive.

Kapil Maheshwari, the Leader, of Renewable Energy, RIL, said that in another year, India will be number 1 in net energy green hydrogen export. Work is also on in the 1-1-1 scheme where 1 kg of hydrogen energy will be sold for $1. Venu Nuguri, MD and CEO, of Hitachi Energy, India and South Asia, said that to attain the goals set by the Centre at the COP26, technologies and the pace of development should speed up.

Source: PTI

New Delhi : Jindal Steel and Power (JSP) has signed an agreement with clean energy player Greenko for the supply of 1,000-MW green power.

As part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Greenko will supply the clean power for its steel making operations at Angul, Odisha, JSP said in a statement.

“The move aimed at reducing CO2 emissions in line with ESG goals. Green energy use to ensure reduction of approximately 7 million tonne CO2 annually at Angul, Odisha,” it said on Wednesday.

Source: PTI

In tune with this mission, several Indian airports are switching to green energy and the Centre has kept a target of turning 90 airports into carbon neutral by 2024.

NEW DELHI: India is going big on its commitment regarding net zero emission and switching as fast as possible into green energy in every sphere of business.

In tune with this mission, several Indian airports are switching to green energy and the Centre has kept a target of turning 90 airports into carbon neutral by 2024.

India aims to reach net zero emissions by 2070.

In June this year, the international airport in New Delhi adopted green energy, using only hydro and solar power for all its energy needs.

The Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), a GMR Infrastructure Limited-led (GIL) consortium, which manages and operates the Delhi airport, has signed a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with a Himachal Pradesh-based hydropower producing company for the supply of hydroelectricity for the airport until 2036.

Since June 1, the Delhi airport has adopted renewable energy use from the hydropower plant for its demand of the remaining 94 per cent, thus ending its dependency on non-renewable power. This move will help Delhi airport in the reduction of indirect energy emissions of a whopping 200,000 tonnes of CO2 every year.

Besides, DIAL has a 7.84 MW solar power plant on the airside, whereas as part of stakeholder collaboration, operators of the Cargo terminals at the airport have added another 5.3 MW rooftop solar power plant.

Working to make the aviation sector environment-friendly, Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia had recently informed that by 2024, more than 90 airports in the country will be carbon neutral.

The minister also added that the number of airports will also be increased from the current strength of 141 to 220 by next year.

Cochin International Airport became the first ‘green airport’ in the world, for which it was awarded the ‘Champions of Earth’ award in 2018, which is United Nations’ highest environmental honour.

The airport fully operates on solar power, which meets all its electricity requirements. This is no small feat as the Cochin airport stands to be one of the most important airports for not just India, but also the rest of the world. It is the largest airport in Kerala and the seventh largest in India in terms of passenger handling.

It is also the first-ever airport in India to be developed under public-private-partnership. Installing the first solar photovoltaic power station plant on the rooftop of the arrival terminal block way back in 2013 turned out to be trendsetter. Since then, it has not looked back, adding several more solar power units to maximise energy production and produce enough for all its needs.

Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) has entirely switched to green sources for its energy consumption needs, making it one of India’s 100 per cent sustainable airports.

The CSMIA was the first in India to launch hybrid technology that solely runs on green energy since April 2022. This sustainable initiative undertaken by the CSMIA is part of the airport’s efforts that reduces its carbon footprint and further propels its journey towards net zero emissions.

Out of the total 100 per cent needs, the CSMIA procures around 5 per cent of the airport’s electricity requirement through its onsite solar generation and the rest 95 per cent from other green sources such as hydro and wind energy.

The CSMIA witnessed a rise in natural energy procurement with 57 per cent green consumption in April 2022 to a whopping 98 per cent between May and July. And, finally, attained the landmark 100 per cent utilisation of renewable sources of energy in August 2022, a national daily reported.

A transition to clean energy is a huge economic opportunity. India is particularly well-placed to become a global leader in renewable batteries and green hydrogen.

These and other low-carbon technologies could create a market worth up to $80 billion in India by 2030. Support from the international community is essential to help shift India’s development onto a low-carbon path, a paper in International Energy Agency stated.

The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai was the first in India to launch hybrid technology that solely runs on green energy since April 2022.

Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) has entirely switched to green sources for its energy consumption needs, making it one of India’s 100 per cent sustainable airports, said a CSMIA official.

Notably, the CSMIA was the first in India to launch hybrid technology that solely runs on green energy since April 2022. This sustainable initiative undertaken by the CSMIA is part of the airport’s efforts that reduces its carbon footprint and further propels its journey towards ‘Net Zero’ emissions.

“The aviation sector globally has a huge role to play in strengthening sustainability pillars like environment, social and economic. The future depends on the sustainable work we do today and staying committed to its sustainable goals,” said a CSMIA spokesperson.

Out of the total 100 per cent needs, the CSMIA procures around 5 per cent of the airport’s electricity requirement through its onsite solar generation and the rest 95 per cent from other green sources such as hydro and wind energy. The CSMIA witnessed a rise in natural energy procurement with 57 per cent green consumption in April 2022 to a whopping 98 per cent between May and July. And, finally, attained the landmark 100 per cent utilization of renewable sources of energy in August 2022, the spokesperson said.

The CSMIA initially installed a 1.06 MW rooftop solar power plant, which the airport eventually strengthened to 4.66 MW. This effort was recognised by the Confederation of India Industry (CII), which awarded the CSMIA, the spokesperson said.

The CSMIA has prepared a roadmap to achieve “Net Zero Carbon Emission” by 2029. In April 2022, the CSMIA enhanced its capacity usage of green energy and deployed a 10 Kwp Hybrid Solar Mill consisting of 2 Kwp Turbo Mill (3 Savonious type VAWT) and 8 Kwp Solar PV modules with an estimated minimum energy generation of 36 Kwh/day. This first-of-its-kind, fully integrated, hybrid renewable energy product, harnesses solar and wind energy combined to generate electricity. This green transition to renewable energy ensures a reduction of around 1 lakh 20 thousand tonnes of CO2 equivalent (tCO 2 e) every year, thus moving closer to the CSMIA’s target of Net Zero by the year 2029. The CSMIA implemented a Carbon Accounting and Management System (CAMS) based on ISO 14064-1:2018 to identify, measure and manage Green House Gas (GHG) emissions. The CSMIA is the first Indian airport to have participated in the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) programme of the Airports Council International (ACI) in 2012, the spokesperson said.

Speaking on the occasion, the CSMIA spokesperson said: “We are extremely delighted to achieve this key milestone in our journey towards attaining a sustainable future for the CSMIA.

“Quick wins do not create a high level of impact on the environment, thus, the CSMIA has always been determined to focus on long-term transformations. The diligent efforts of the airport in undertaking several thoughtful initiatives have paved the way to achieve this feat. With several accolades in recognizing energy usage and sustainable efforts under the belt, the CSMIA over the years has been acknowledged by globally acclaimed organisations, for its efficient management of energy consumption.

“As the CSMIA aspires to become net-zero by 2029, this landmark event further encourages us to stay committed to our efforts in enhancing the operational efficiency of the airport while operating on fully renewable energy.”

Source: PTI

Chandigarh : Punjab New and Renewable Energy Sources Minister Aman Arora on Sunday emphasized the need to make optimum use of municipal solid waste to generate green energy and bio-fuel.

The minister held deliberations with representatives of a bio-fuel company and senior officials of the department, an official statement said here.

The minister said the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government is committed to promoting non-conventional and natural energy sources to tackle the pollution problem for saving the environment.

Giving a presentation on the feasibility to generate bio-fuels and hydrogen using solid waste, Arora was apprised that urban areas of Punjab generated about 3,800 tons per day (TPD) MSW in 2021.

Unsegregated MSW remains a major challenge as manual segregation is not possible for such large volumes, which eventually results in large-scale dumping of waste in landfills.

Showing keen interest to invest in Punjab, Gurjot Singh, Director BioShakti said their company has developed a hub and spoke model, wherein unsegregated MSW in nearby urban local bodies will be segregated using an automated process, which will further be converted into an organic-rich fraction and a combustible fraction (RDF) using well-established technologies.

“The organic-rich fraction will be processed into a dry anaerobic digestion plant to produce bio-CNG and high-quality compost, while, the RDF will be shredded, baled, and transported to a central refinery where it will be gasified to produce a range of fuels including methanol, biodiesel, and sustainable aviation fuel,” he said.

He evinced that the first such plant to handle the MSW is proposed to be set up in Ludhiana, Patiala, SAS Nagar, and the nearby Urban Local Bodies. The company will make an investment of Rs 1,500 crore to set up the hub and spokes in collaboration with the ULBs.

The plant will create up to 500 green jobs and could handle 1600 TPD of MSW from these major urban centres, he added.

Hydrogen mobility can play a pivotal role in decarbonizing sectors such as long-distance transport by trucks and buses that are difficult to electrify, he said.

Source: PTI

Angul currently accounts for 12% of India’s and 56% of Odisha’s coal production

Researchers have urged policymakers to switch to green energy and economy in Odisha’s Angul, one of India’s largest coal producing districts, before power grade coal reserves are exhausted.

The International Forum for Environment, Sustainability and Technology (iFOREST), Delhi-based environmental pressure group, here on Wednesday released a report as to how Angul, Odisha’s biggest coal producing and key industrial district, can plan a just energy transition and build a green economy in the coming years.

According to iFOREST, Angul currently accounts for 12% of India’s and 56% of Odisha’s coal production. The coal production in Angul is expected to increase nearly by three times in the next 10 years, reaching over 300 million metric tonnes (MMT) by 2033. The sector has given direct employment to 1,68,000 – nearly 69% of them are informal.

“Coal production is expected to grow threefold over next 10 years in Angul, from 96.7 million metric tonne currently to 308.8 MMT by 2033. Mine closure will start after 2040 and the last mine will close by 2070, considering a full operational life. However, an accelerated and ambitious climate action to meet 1.5°C climate goals, requires coal production to be phased out by 2050 through strategic planning,” says the iForest’s analysis.

Chandra Bhushan, president and CEO of iFOREST, said, “While coal will dominate the district’s economy for the next 10-15 years, districts like Angul need to start planning for a just energy transition to support climate change mitigation, as Odisha is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts.”

After 2035, the district should move to green energy and industries, based on growth of the renewable energy sector and technology advancements and viability, the organisation says listing out alternatives such as renewable-based electricity, hydrogen-based steel and urea production, production of green aluminium using renewable energy, and enforcing circular economy practices.

Moreover, about 33,000 hectares of land will be available from closure of coal mines and power plants over the next 3-4 decades.

“Besides, biological restoration, this high value land should be repurposed for investment in green economic activities, including, installation of solar photovoltaic, development of industrial and food parks, development of fisheries and tourism sectors. Reform in coal mine closure laws, and industry and land laws will be required to support investments,” it said.

iForest emphasised on enforcement of strong laws for pollution mitigation, waste management, and material reuse and recycling,. It will ensure a sustainable growth and well-being of the local community.

“Massive financial resources will be necessary for implementing just transition. Use of coal mining related funds, government support, private financing, and international cooperation will be necessary. As a seed fund, District Mineral Foundation and coal cess holds enormous opportunity. Even in an accelerated closure scenario by 2050, nearly ₹3 trillion can be available to support just transition combining these funds,” the analysis said.

Source: PTI

• Recent transition to green electricity will significantly reduce annual carbon emissions

• Milestone in the transformation of production capacities to LENZING ECOVERO and VEOCEL branded specialty viscose

Purwakarta : The Lenzing Group, a world-leading provider of wood-based specialty fibers, is expanding its global clean electricity portfolio and transitioning its production site in Purwakarta to green electricity. The Indonesian subsidiary PT. South Pacific Viscose (SPV) has been using electricity generated solely from renewable sources since July this year, which will reduce its specific carbon emissions by 75,000 tonnes annually.

In 2019, Lenzing became the first fiber producer to set a target of halving its carbon emissions by 2030 and becoming climate neutral by 2050. This carbon reduction target has been recognized by the Science Based Targets Initiative. In Purwakarta, Lenzing is currently investing in the reduction of carbon emissions, as well as air and water emissions. Thanks to its EUR 100 million investment in this area, Lenzing is gradually transitioning its existing capacities for standard viscose to LENZING ECOVERO and VEOCEL branded specialty viscose.

“Demand for our wood-based, biodegradable specialty fibers is constantly rising. We see enormous growth potential, especially in Asia. The switch to green, renewable electricity marks a huge step forward in converting our Indonesian site into a specialty fiber supplier. This makes us better positioned to meet the growing demand for sustainably produced fibers,” comments Robert van de Kerkhof, Chief Commercial Officer for Fiber at Lenzing.

Boosting growth in specialty fibers

Man-made climate change is one of the most pressing problems of our time. The fashion industry has an extremely negative impact on the environment due to its fast fashion business model and the growing consumption of fossil resources in textile production. LENZING ECOVERO viscose fibers (for textiles) and specialty viscose fibers under the VEOCEL brand with Eco Care technology (for nonwovens) generate 50 percent lower greenhouse gas emissions and water pollution compared to standard viscose.1

Specialty fibers are Lenzing’s key strength. The company aims to generate more than 75 percent of its fiber revenue from the wood-based, biodegradable specialty fibers business under the TENCEL, LENZING ECOVERO and VEOCEL brands by 2024. With the launch of the lyocell plant in Thailand in March 2022 and the investments in existing production sites in Indonesia and China, the share of specialty fibers in Lenzing’s fiber revenue is set to exceed the 75 percent target by a significant margin as early as 2023.

1 Higg MSI: This figure was calculated using the Higg Material Sustainability Index (Higg MSI) tools of The Sustainable Apparel Coalition. The Higg MSI tools assess the impact of materials according to the cradle to gate method for finished material (e.g. material that is ready to be integrated into a product). However, the results only reflect the impact of manufacturing up to fiber production.

Source: lenzing

According to Chairman and Managing Director Mukesh Ambani, Reliance Industries (RIL) expects its green energy division to become a growth engine for the company within the next 5-7 years (FY22). As part of its drive into new energy, Reliance had already promised a Rs 75,000 crore investment spread over three years.

According to Ambani, this investment would be used to close the gap in green energy by erecting a mega complex in Jamnagar that would manufacture and fully integrate all essential parts for the company. Additionally, investments in joint ventures and emerging technologies would be made.

By 2035, RIL wants to be net carbon neutral. The business has formed a number of alliances, including those in the energy storage sector with Ambri in the US, Faradion in the UK, and Lithium Werks in the Netherlands. Additionally, it purchased REC Solar, a leader in solar panel manufacturing technology on a global scale. Additionally, a 40% investment in Sterling & Wilson Renewable Energy was purchased. The business claimed to have established a new energy council, which will oversee sustainable energy efforts, and will be led by Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar, a former director general of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research. Eight global technocrats, many of whom serve as advisors to governments around the world, are included in the nine-member council.

“Over the course of the next year, our investments in various segments of the green energy value chain will gradually start to take effect. In approximately 5-7 years, this new growth engine has the potential to surpass all of our current growth engines, according to Ambani. He declared that RIL would keep growing its current operations in terms of scale, innovation, technology, and execution. “All of Reliance’s business verticals will play a key role in achieving that. India is poised to become one of the world’s top three economies in the next couple of decades. Ambani stated that India and Reliance would like to take the lead in the global switch to clean energy.

To establish green energy producing projects across India, RIL would also invest in building an ecosystem of thousands of small and medium scale project consultants and installers. For power generating firms or significant investors, the company will also take on big gigawatt-scale turnkey green energy projects on its own. According to the company’s annual report, “Reliance’s approach is to develop a new energy ecosystem, move to clean energy, and convert clean energy to green chemicals.”

Source: PTI

New Delhi : National Mining Development Corporation is looking to set up solar power plants in the southern state of Telangana, according to its Chairman and Managing Director Sumit Deb.

The state-run mining company is keen to invest in renewable energy, Deb told PTI, without sharing details about the investment. “Yes, we have plans. We are looking in Telangana where we have a sponge iron unit,” he said. Deb said NMDC may also set up a solar power plant on the land available with its sponge iron unit, located at Paloncha in Telangana.

The unit, which has a daily capacity of 100 tonnes, is not operational now and NMDC has no immediate plans to resume its operations, Deb said. NMDC, which mines around 17 per cent of the country’s annual iron ore output, has lately been trying to diversify its business. It is setting up a 3 million-tonne-per-annum integrated steel plant in Nagarnar, Chhattisgarh, at an estimated investment of Rs 23,140 crore.

In October 2020, the Union Cabinet approved the demerger of the Nagarnar Steel Plant from NMDC, and the sale of the Centre’s entire stake to a strategic buyer.

Source: PTI

CM said some 30,000 jobs will be created in relation to green energy projects based on the signed agreements

VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy said on Wednesday that the state is concentrating on production of green hydrogen and ammonia as part of the efforts to promote the green energy sector.

He asked officials to draft policies on green energy. AP will give incentives to MSMEs every year to ensure industrial development and will initiate measures to restrain pollution in the industrial parks through special funds, he said.

The CM held a review meeting on the construction of ports, fishing harbours and industries here. He wanted the officials to focus on developing infrastructure in the lands allotted for industries, as it will enable industries to start their operations at the earliest.

Officials informed the CM that special attention will be paid to Nakkapalli and Kalahasti nodes that are part of the Visakhapatnam-Chennai corridor.

Discussing Green Energy, Jagan Mohan Reddy said some 30,000 jobs will be created in relation to green energy projects based on the signed agreements. Over 66,000 acres of land are required for these projects. Good income will be generated for those who have dry lands where over Rs 30,000 per acre will be paid every year, the CM said.

He asked officials to formulate policies on this and also told them to focus on oil palm processing units, green hydrogen and ammonia along with ethanol production using rice.

Jagan Mohan Reddy asked officials to help the MSMEs and provide them with industrial incentives every year. Officials must set up water treatment plants to control the pollution levels especially in MSME clusters. Consider introducing pollution control systems to industrial areas, he said, and advised officials to monitor the systems on a regular basis.

The CM said pollution control systems should be strengthened in industrial areas through a special fund and directed the authorities to chart a policy that provides government assistance to these units, which will help prevent pollution in industrial areas and safeguard the health of the workers.

On industrial policy, the CM said the government has been implementing transparent policies and providing infrastructure facilities like electricity, roads, and railways. This is not a false promise to rope in industrialists to start their units, the CM said and added that many reputed industrialists like Singhvis and Birlas were coming to the state and signing agreements to start their projects.

The officials said they were concentrating on the hosting of the Andhra Pradesh Global Investors Conference in Visakhapatnam.

Source: PTI

New Delhi : ReNew Power on Thursday said it is acquiring wind and solar assets totalling 527.9 megawatts (MW) in various states.

It has also entered into an agreement with the Maharashtra government for the supply of 200 MW of green power, the company said in a statement.

ReNew said, “It has signed definitive agreements to acquire an operating wind and solar portfolio of 527.9 MW, comprising 471.65 MW of wind and 56.25 MW of solar assets. The company has also signed a PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) with MSEDCL for a 200-MW solar project”.

The total enterprise value of these agreements is around USD 388 million, it said.

The definitive agreements come with PPAs with state distribution companies in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Telangana, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.

ReNew will supply electricity at a tariff of Rs 2.43/kWh (kilowatt-hour) for 25 years from its asset in Rajasthan to Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL).

“The clean energy transition in India must happen at an increasingly rapid pace to meet the expanding energy requirements of the country, and to strengthen its longer-term energy security. Given the recent electricity shortages and blackouts, customers are even more keen to sign new power agreements to ensure future supply,” the company’s Chairman and CEO Sumant Sinha said.

ReNew is one of the largest renewable energy Independent Power Producers (IPPs) in India and globally. The company develops, builds, owns, and operates utility-scale wind energy, solar energy, and hydro projects.

Source : pti

India attaches utmost priority to its relationship with Africa, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu has said, as he called for stepping up bilateral cooperation in green energy, services, health and agriculture among other sectors.

Naidu arrived here on Monday on the first leg of his three-nation tour of Gabon, Senegal and Qatar.

Addressing the business community at an event organised by the India-Gabon Business Forum on Tuesday, Naidu said: “India attaches utmost priority to its relationship with Africa” He “called for exploring India-Gabon cooperation in green energy, services, health and agriculture among other sectors,” the Ministry of External Affairs tweeted.

Naidu also attended a reception hosted by the Indian community in Libreville.

“He appreciated the small but significant Indian diaspora for its noteworthy contribution to the growth and development of Gabon,” the MEA tweeted.

Around 800 Indians are living in Gabon. They are engaged in infrastructure projects, trading, and export of timber and metal scrap.

The Vice President was happy that major Indian festivals are celebrated by the entire community together. He asked them to respect local laws and customs at the same time preserving the age-old Indian values of ‘share & care’ and respect for elders and nature.

Taking to his Twitter handle, Gabon’s President Ali Bongo Ondimba said he was delighted to welcome the Vice-President of India to Gabon.

He said economic opportunities, the quality of the business climate and stability are factors that make Gabon an attractive country.

Replying to his tweet, Naidu said: “India stands committed to be an active partner in Gabon’s growth story. Together we can harness our many complementaries and broadbase our economic cooperation for a better tomorrow.” Naidu on Tuesday also held wide-ranging talks with Gabon’s top leadership and expressed India’s readiness to work with the central African country in various sectors and broaden regional and multilateral cooperation.

While Naidu’s visit is the first by any Indian vice president to all three countries, it marks the first-ever high-level visit from India to Gabon and Senegal.

From Gabon, Naidu will travel to Senegal on Wednesday where he will hold delegation-level talks with its President Macky Sall, and meet the President of the National Assembly Moustapha Niasse, and other dignitaries.

India and Senegal are celebrating the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year. The vice-president is also expected to attend a business roundtable and address the Indian community.

His visit is expected to add momentum to India’s engagement with Africa and emphasise New Delhi’s commitment to the African continent, the Vice-President Secretariat said in a statement ahead of his departure.

The last leg of the tour will be the visit to Qatar from June 4 to 7.

Source: PTI