Sustainability Outlook Headlines

India's forest and tree cover rises to 24.56%: IFSR

Forest and tree cover rises more than 130 million hectares in the last four years The Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Prakash Javadekar released the biennial, India State of Forest Report (ISFR). The report is published by the Forest Survey of India (FSI) which has been mandated to assess the forest and tree resources of the country including wall-to-wall forest cover mapping in a biennial cycle. Starting 1987, 16 assessments have been completed so far. ISFR 2019 is the 16th report in the series. Announcing the results the Union Minister said that India is among... Read more..

Date : Dec 31

Source: Business Standard

Kerala, Himachal top sustainable development goals index

The SDG Index, launched last year, ranked states based on 16 goals across 54 targets spread among 100 indicators based on national identified indicators. Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Telangana have topped the list of states on the sustainable development goals index 2019-20. While Uttar Pradesh, Odisha and Sikkim have shown maximum improvement, states like Gujarat have not shown any improvement vis-a-vis first ranking in 2018. In 2019-20 report, 14 states have fallen in the overall ranking in the index compared to last year. India's composite score improved from... Read more..

Date : Dec 31

Source: The Economic Times

Bengaluru: 2020 may be a better year for urban mobility

Bengaluru, which is perennially dogged by chock-a-block roads, can look forward to 2020 with some hope and expectation, going by the promises made by various government agencies to unveil projects to benefit urban mobility. With more than 80 lakh vehicles and average speed dropping by the day from the current 10kmph during peak hours, a sizeable section of Bengalureans is spending frustrating hours on city roads. However, several projects by Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL), South Western Railway(SWR) and Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) slated to come to... Read more..

Date : Dec 31

Source: The Times of India

Renewable energy certificate sales down 10 per cent to 5.04 lakh in December

Sales of renewable energy certificates fell around 10 per cent to 5.04 lakh units in December as compared to 5.59 lakh in the same month a year ago due to lower supply, according to official data. Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) and Power Exchange of India (PXIL) are the two power bourses in the country which are engaged in trading of renewable energy certificates (RECs) and electricity. The trading of RECs is conducted on the last Wednesday of every month. But due to Christmas holiday, the trading this month was done on the last Thursday. According to official data, IEX saw total trade of 3.... Read more..

Date : Dec 30

Source: ET Energy World

Gujarat spent less than 5% of Rs 1,048 crore budget allocated for climate change

Gujarat was the first state in India to constitute a climate change department in 2009. A decade later, its performance has been rather dismal. Of the Rs 1,048.26 crore allocated in the 2019-20 budget to the department that was the brain-child of the then chief minister Narendra Modi, it spent only Rs 40.23 crore in first three quarters from April to December in the current financial year. This is a mere 4.79% of the total allocation. The apathy towards taking concrete measures to tackle the future challenges of climate change is alarming as multiple studies in past five years have... Read more..

Date : Dec 30

Source: ET Energy World

Government plans major push for electric vehicles in Punjab

To give greener, non-polluting vehicles a push, the Punjab government has decided exempt battery-operated vehicles — both private and commercial — from paying registration and permit fee, besides offering other financial benefits. As per the draft of the ‘Punjab Electric Vehicles Policy, 2019’ prepared by the state government, private electric vehicles will be given 100% waiver on motor vehicle tax for a period of five years, while commercial vehicles will be exempted from registration as well as permit fee for the same period. The waiver will be applicable for a period of 10 years for... Read more..

Date : Dec 30

Source: The Times of India

EV Policy: Streamlining charging infra to be an uphill task for Delhi govt

The Delhi government is upbeat about its recently launched Electric Vehicle (EV) policy, as it targets inducting thousands of electric vehicles in the near future. But, it is yet to come out with a full-fledged plan on building a robust charging infrastructure, an issue that if not thought through could potentially impede the capital's shift to a zero-emission transport system. According to the government's policy it will attempt, within a year, to induct 35,000 electric vehicles (2/3/4 wheelers and buses), 1,000 EVs for last mile deliveries and also establish 250 public charging/swapping... Read more..

Date : Dec 30

Source: ET Auto

BHEL commissions first renovated unit of 180 MW Baira Siul Hydro Project

Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), the country’s largest power equipment manufacturer, today announced it has renovated and modernised first of the three 60 megawatt (MW) units of Baira Siul Hydro Power in Himachal Pradesh. BHEL won the order for renovation and modernisation (R&M) of three units of the power plant located in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. The R&M of the other two units is under various stages of execution. "R&M of the project will result in restoration of output capacity and improvement in efficiency, in addition to leading to better plant... Read more..

Date : Dec 30

Source: ET Energy World

53% multi-layer plastic recycled, says MPCB; experts remain sceptical

Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) recently released data on the state’s efforts to recycle multi-layer plastic (MLP). According to the information made available to Hindustan Times, 53% of MLP waste generated in 2019 was processed as fuel. However, independent experts are sceptical of the claim. MLP is the glossy cover in many processed foods, and groceries are wrapped. The wraps have layers of plastic and aluminium, making it hard to separate the components for recycling. According to the Plastic Waste Management Rules passed by the Centre in 2016, all non-recyclable MLP (which... Read more..

Date : Dec 30

Source: Hindustan Times

Future is green: 2020 may see re-birth of electric vehicles, say experts

The year 2019 was a mix of ups and downs for the electric vehicle (EV) sales in the country. The coming year is expected to be better, with the entry of more electric cars and Chinese entities’ entry, bringing down the average cost. The second phase of the Rs 10,000-crore scheme of the central government, termed Faster Adoption and Manufacturing for Hybrid and Electric vehicles (FAME II), offers higher incentives to higher powered products. It excludes lead acid battery-powered two-wheelers and mandates that e-scooters should have 80 km per charge and a minimum top speed of 40 kmph, with... Read more..

Date : Dec 30

Source: Business Standard

Severe cold days may be linked to air pollution, say scientists

Delhi recorded a severe cold day on Saturday along with severe cold wave conditions increasing the intensity of cold a notch higher than what was felt in the rest of December. Delhi has been experiencing a cold spell for 15 days now. The minimum temperature at Safdarjung observatory was only 2.4 degree C, 5 degrees below normal; 1.7 degree C at Lodhi road; 1.9 degree C at Ayanagar and 3.1 degree C at Palam. The minimum at Safdarjung is the coldest since December 11, 1996 when the minimum was 2.3 degree C and same as December 30, 2013 when the minimum was 2.4 degree C. The all time record... Read more..

Date : Dec 30

Source: Hindustan Times

India set to cross 100GW renewable energy capacity mark in 2020

India is all set to cross the 100GW renewable energy capacity mark in 2020 and can make rapid strides towards the ambitious 175GW clean energy target by 2022 provided the government keeps a close eye on key issues and deals with those well in time. The government however needs to promote storage to ensure 24X7 clean energy supply as coal fired thermal power still remains the base load in the country. Presently, the issues hampering growth of renewables in India are lack of interest of financial institution to fund renewable energy projects, safeguard duty on imported solar panels,... Read more..

Date : Dec 27

Source: ET Energy World

Power ministry invites bids for transmission projects to evacuate renewable energy in TN, Gujarat

The power ministry has invited bids from companies for setting up transmission infrastructure to evacuate power from renewable energy projects of 2,500 Megawatt capacity in Tamil Nadu and 2,000 Mw projects in Gujarat. The transmission system is to be set up for renewable energy sources in Karur-Tiruppur wind energy zone in Tamil Nadu through tariff-based competitive bidding. The ministry has selected PFC Consulting as bid process coordinator and the selection will be on the basis of build, own, operate and maintain (BOOM). The transmission project in Gujarat will provide connectivity to 2,... Read more..

Date : Dec 27

Source: ET Energy World

Insufficient funds hit Delhi govt’s solar scheme for resident welfare association

Cooperative group housing societies in Delhi wishing to install solar panels on rooftops through the Mukhyamantri Solar Rooftop Yojana scheme are struggling to get funding or installations done free of cost, which are guaranteed by the project. Under the scheme launched in 2018, housing societies opting for the Renewable Energy Service Co (RESCO) model will get solar panels installed for free by solar developers in return for a commitment to keep them in place for 20-25 years. At the Arya Group Housing Society in Patparganj, the resident welfare association (RWA) planned to install solar... Read more..

Date : Dec 27

Source: The Indian Express

Power Exchange bets on renewable energy; to focus on revival of REC market

Power Exchange India Limited (PXIL), the power trading platform of National Stock Exchange (NSE), is putting its bets on renewable energy after its re-launch. It will focus on reviving the Renewable Energy Certificates (REC) market which has been facing tepid interest from the market. PXIL faced financial crisis in 2017 when its net worth eroded and promoters of NSE and NCDEX wanted to shut it down prior to NSE's proposed initial public offering (IPO). “Promoters have been keen that they develop different market places. The catch-22 situation was erosion of net worth and finding external... Read more..

Date : Dec 27

Source: Business Standard

Zoomcar prepares to be electric vehicle-driven by 2025, plans expansion

Sequoia Capital and Mahindra & Mahindra backed self-driving car rental Zoomcar is betting on the electric vehicle (EV) segment and plans to add 2,500-3,000 more EVs. The Bengaluru-headquartered firm currently operates a fleet of 500 EVs, which it claims is growing four times year-on-year. The company, which rents cars by the hour, day, week and month, has Mahindra E2O Plus and Tata E Tigor available on the platform for which it charges a subscription fee of Rs 15,000-20,000 per month. It is soon planning to add new Tata Nexon to its fleet of EVs. “Electric vehicles will continue to... Read more..

Date : Dec 27

Source: Business Standard

To minimise carbon footprints, Zoho sets up solar farm to power its operations

In a bid to cushion the impact of tech development on the environment and minimise its carbon footprints, Software-as-a-Services (SaaS) firm Zoho has set up a 5-megawatt on-grid solar energy farm near Trichy to power its offices and data centres. Located at the village of Abinimangalam near Trichy, while the solar plant serves local power needs of the region in an agreement between Zoho and TN’s electricity authorities, the company is then offered credits to set off against their own energy consumption. “This helps in saving approximately 7,200 tonnes per year of carbon dioxide emissions.... Read more..

Date : Dec 27

Source: ET Energy World

Electric 3-wheeler market hots up as cos look at alternate mobility

The electric three-wheeler market is suddenly red hot right now as a host of technology startups and vehicle manufacturers look to enter alternative mobility. First, Chetan Maini co-founded Sun Mobility announced its tieup with Piaggio to launch electric Ape three wheeler variants on their swappable battery architecture. Now Bengaluru-based Altigreen is all set to roll out cargo and passenger three-wheelers based on their own patented drivetrain platform through ‘multiple’ OEM partnerships. While Amitabh Saran, CEO, Altigreen Propulsion Labs is tightlipped, industry sources say tieup talks... Read more..

Date : Dec 27

Source: ET Energy World

Household electrification benefits men more than women in India: Study

As new areas gain access to basic levels of electricity, men in these households tend to dominate its use, according to a study conducted in India which suggests that men benefit more than women from such access. The study, published in the journal Nature Sustainability, highlights intra-household power dynamics as an important factor to consider for enabling more equitable energy access in developing countries. Until now, scientists believed that with better electricity access in the developing world, less time and effort was needed for tasks related to cooking, water collection, and... Read more..

Date : Dec 27

Source: Business Standard

Kia Seltos Electric Being Developed For Asian Markets

Kia Motors entered India with the Seltos compact SUV and the model has hit the jackpot with over 80,000 bookings since launch. The carmaker has its hands full with the strong domestic and export demand for the SUV and the model has helped Kia establish itself as the fifth-largest auto manufacturer in India. However, the Seltos still has a lot to offer it seems and the model will soon have an electric derivative. According to a recent report, the Kia Seltos Electric is currently under development and will make its way to the market in 2020. The Kia Seltos EV will be revealed in the coming... Read more..

Date : Dec 26

Source: NDTV Car and Bike

Renault to stop making diesel car in India as it readies for BS VI

With the country moving to BS VI fuel emission standards, French automobile maker Renault has decided to stop manufacturing diesel cars by the end of this year. The company said it does not make sense for it to sell diesel vehicles in the personal segment. It plans to launch three vehicles by 2022, including a sub-4-meter SUV in the second half of next year and an EV by 2021. The company started exporting its recently launched sub-4-meter car to South Africa, after selling over 20,000 units in India. It expects Triber sales to grow to 40,000 next year. The BS VI version of the model is... Read more..

Date : Dec 26

Source: Business Standard

Policy action needed to boost green financing: RBI

The Reserve Bank of India said that “policy action is needed” to set up an enabling framework to promote green financing in India. The development of green financing—funding of environment-friendly sustainable development— faces many challenges including false compliance claims, non-standard definitions of what constitutes green loans, and maturity mismatches between long-term green investment and relatively short-term interests of investors, the RBI said in its report. “Deepening of corporate bond market, standardisation of green investment terminology, consistent corporate reporting, and... Read more..

Date : Dec 26

Source: Financial Express

Over 1,000 experts call for global action on 'depleting' groundwater

Nearly 1,100 scientists, practitioners and experts in groundwater and related fields from 92 countries have called on the governments and nongovernmental agencies to "act now" to ensure global groundwater sustainability. In a statement, the group noted that groundwater represents 99 per cent of the Earth's freshwater. This makes it critical for supplying drinking water, ensuring food security, adapting to climate variability, supporting biodiversity, sustaining surface water bodies and meeting the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). "Unfortunately, in many regions, groundwater is... Read more..

Date : Dec 26

Source: Telegraph India

Renewable energy MoU with Saudi Arabia gets cabinet nod

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved a Memorandum of Understanding between India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Energy for cooperation in the field of renewable energy. The MoU aims at setting up a framework for cooperation between the two countries in renewable energy. This includes helping Saudi Arabia increase the efficiency of renewable energy in its national energy mix. The MoU covers development of renewable energy projects, upgrading the level of related technologies and their applications, as well as... Read more..

Date : Dec 26

Source: PV Magazine India

PM Modi launches Atal Bhujal Scheme for efficient groundwater management in 7 States

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday launched a new project for improving groundwater management in 8,350 village in seven States where groundwater levels are critically low. The Rs 6,000-crore, five-year-long project will be named after former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, whose 95th birth anniversary fell on Wednesday. These villages are in 78 districts in the States of Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. It is being designed with the principal objective of strengthening the institutional framework for participatory... Read more..

Date : Dec 26

Source: The Hindu Business Line