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Sustainability Outlook Headlines

India takes a step forward towards Decarbonisation and promotion of RE , Hydro PSP and BESS.

Ministry of Power has issued order today for extension of the waiver of Inter-State Transmission system (ISTS) charges on transmission of electricity generated from solar and wind sources for projects to be commissioned up to 30th June 2025. Further, the order promotes the development of solar, wind, Hydro Pumped Storage Plant (PSP) and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), trading of RE in the power exchanges and seamless transmission of RE power across the states.

The waiver of inter-state transmission charges on transmission of the electricity generated from solar and wind... Read more..

Source: PIB

US solar firm plans $300 mn investment in India: 1366 Technologies plans to invest $300 million to set up a 2-gigawatt (GW) solar wafer and cell manufacturing facility in India

1366 Technologies is scouting for an Indian partner, who will handle the part of module manufacturing
Bill Gates’ Breakthrough Energy Ventures-backed 1366 Technologies plans to invest $300 million to set up a 2-gigawatt (GW) solar wafer and cell manufacturing facility in India under the government’s production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme, said chief executive and founder Frank van Mierlo.

The US-based firm is in talks for an Indian partner, who will handle the module manufacturing part of the production chain and use the equipment to set up solar parks in India.
In a... Read more..

Source: Mint

Mukesh Ambani says no option but to make businesses green

Asia's richest man Mukesh Ambani on Monday said there is no option for businesses but to go green and every unit of Reliance Industries would have to pivot as the conglomerate moves towards net-zero.

"We have no option as a society, as a business but to really adopt a sustainable business model," he said speaking at the Qatar Economic Forum.

And embracing a model of clean energy is a pre-requisite.

Every unit making up the oil-to-telecom conglomerate Reliance would have to pivot as the conglomerate moves toward net-zero, he said.

"We at Reliance have adopted... Read more..

Source: Economic Times

High-flying battery makers have much to win and lose: S&P

S&P Global Ratings said on Monday the world's biggest battery producers globally face substantial upside and downside risks to ratings.

While their growth opportunities are significant, they will need to navigate fast-moving technology, heavy expenditure, geopolitical forces shaping trade lines and environmental strains, it said.

The demand for batteries that power light electric vehicles (including battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids) may grow as much as eight-fold by 2025 from 139 gigawatt hours in 2020.

Many countries are encouraging battery production... Read more..

Source: SP Global

Japan pledges $10 bln financial support for Asia's energy transition

Japan on Monday pledged to offer $10 billion financial aid for decarbonisation projects in Asia, such as renewable energy, energy-saving and conversion to gas-fired power generation from coal-fired power to help with an energy transition.

In a virtual meeting with ASEAN energy ministers, Japan's Minster of Economy, Trade and Industry Hiroshi Kajiyama proposed various support measures for the region, including helping each country set a realistic path towards carbon neutrality and develop a roadmap to achieve it.

"We propose the Asian Energy Transition Initiative as a package... Read more..

Source: Reuters

India set to organise two day summit on Green Hydrogen Initiatives involving BRICS nations

India is all set to host a two day summit on Green Hydrogen initiatives on 22nd June, 2021 involving the BRICS nations. The prestigious event offers a platform to share their respective Green Hydrogen initiatives and views on how to take it to the next level in their own countries. The online event will be held via a video conference and will conclude on 23rd June.

The event will be anchored by India’s largest power producer and one of the global energy majors, NTPC Ltd , a Maharatna CPSU under Ministry of Power.The virtual summit will bring the best brains, policy makers and major... Read more..

Source: PIB

50 kWp Solar roof top under the IPDS scheme of Government of India inaugurated in Solan as part of ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’

As part of the ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’, a 50 kWp Solar roof top was inaugurated in Solan, Himachal Pradesh under the Integrated power development scheme of Ministry of Power ,Government of India. The 50 kWp Solar roof top project is commissioned by Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Ltd (HPSEBL).

The project was inaugurated by Shri Sukh Ram, Hon’ble MPP & Power Minister, Himachal Pradesh and Shri PK Singh, Director- Commercial & Projects (Additional Charge), Power Finance Corporation Ltd ( PFC) who was present through a virtual platform. The inauguration ceremony was... Read more..

Source: PIB

A novel technology for coating carbon on lithium metal oxide electrode, can double battery life

Researchers have developed a non-expensive way to coat carbon on lithium metal oxide electrodes for lithium-ion batteries. The life of the lithium-ion cells prepared using these electrode materials is expected to be doubled due to protective carbon coating.

Lithium-ion batteries are the most commonly used power source for electric vehicles. However, its penetration to the daily usage against gasoline-based vehicles require drastic improvement in the lifetime and cost as well as mileage per charge. The active components of lithium-ion batteries are cathode, anode, and electrolyte.... Read more..

Source: PIB

Sea water desalination through solar thermal forward osmosis brings relief to drought prone Tamil Nadu village

Narippaiyur, a village in Ramanathapuram District, a drought prone area situated in the South-East corner of Tamil Nadu will benefit from 20,000 litres per day of fresh water produced from sea water – thanks to the solar thermal Forward Osmosis (FO) sea water desalination system installed in the place.

The customized demand driven convergent water solution through FO will supply two litres of good quality drinking water per person per day for 10,000 people in the village, successfully overcoming a major drinking water shortage in the village. The FO system facilitates high recovery... Read more..

Source: PIB

IKEA Foundation and Rockefeller Foundation join forces to set up a historic $1 billion initiative to catalyze investments in distributed renewable energy

The IKEA Foundation and The Rockefeller Foundation today announce they will join forces to set up a $1 billion global platform to fight climate change and energy poverty. The platform – launching this year – aims to reduce 1 billion tons of greenhouse gas emissions and to empower 1 billion people with distributed renewable energy (DRE). This is renewable energy generated from sources such as mini-grid and off-grid solutions, located near the point of use, rather than centralized sources like power plants. The new global platform will oversee the organizations’ combined matching funds. It... Read more..

Source: IKEA Foundation Press

Overseas participants on Indian power exchanges to rise soon

Indian power exchanges may soon host a larger number of buyers and sellers from neighbouring countries with the operationalisation of cross-border sale and purchase of electricity for which regulations have already been issued by the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) and Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has notified the procedures.

At present, the country's largest power exchange Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) has begun trading of electricity hosting participants from Nepal on its platform.

IEX head of business development, Rohit Bajaj told IANS that potential... Read more..

Source: ET Energy World

BEE to prepare action plan to meet commitments in Paris Agreement

In line with India’s nationally determined contributions (NDC) submitted under the Paris Agreement, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency is gearing up to prepare an action plan for 2021-30 to meet its NDC commitments with the support of states.

The AP State Energy Conservation Mission, the state designated agency of BEE, has come forward to support the efforts of BEE in its endeavour to have clean economic development by reducing emissions as per the international conventions like Paris Agreement.

The BEE has urged state governments to aggressively promote energy efficiency and... Read more..

Source: ET Energy World

Agreement Signed for Development of 35 MLD Sewage Treatment Plant in Maheshtala, West Bengal under Namami Gange Programme

A tripartite Concession Agreement between National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA) and M/s. Maheshtala Waste Water Management Private Limited (an SPV formed by M/s. Vishvaraj Environment Private Limited) was signed today for development of 35 MLD Sewage Treatment Plant for Maheshtala on Hybrid Annuity PPP mode. The contract was awarded at the total cost of INR 273.52 Crores. Shri Rajiv Ranjan Mishra, Director General, NMCG and Shri Ashok Kumar Singh, Executive Director Projects, NMCG graced the occasion and representatives from KMDA and the... Read more..

Source: Press Information Bureau

Govt Working On New Scheme Worth Rs 20,000 Crore To Solarise Agriculture Feeders: Union Minister R K Singh

In a big push for the adoption of solar energy in the Indian agri-economy, the government is planning to set aside Rs 20,000 crore under a new scheme to solarise agricultural feeders, reports Economic Times.

Sharing the details while speaking at Economic Times Energy Leadership Summit 2021, Union Minister for Power and Renewable Energy RK Singh said, "In the new scheme we are coming out with, which will be put before the cabinet soon, we are setting aside Rs 20,000 crore for agricultural feeders which we will solarise."

Singh added, "The cost of solarisation will be met by... Read more..

Source: Yahoo News

Petroleum Min proposes changes in law to include hydrogen in mineral oil

The petroleum ministry has proposed amendments to existing law to include cleaner sources of energy like hydrogen within the definition of 'mineral oils' for which the government gives out licence to explore and produce. Seeking stakeholder comments, the ministry said the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill 2021 proposes to amend the present Act to "create opportunities for exploration, development and production of next-generation cleaner fuels and mitigate regulatory challenges and risks."

It also proposes a new definition of 'mineral oils' by including within... Read more..

Source: Economic Times

SpiceJet unveils blueprint for sustainable aviation fuel initiative in India

In line with its ambitious target to fly 100 million domestic passengers on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blend by 2030, SpiceJet, under the aegis of World Economic Forum (WEF) is leading WEF’s initiative of ‘Clean Skies for Tomorrow’ (CST); which has now manifested in formulation of a blueprint, ‘Deploying Sustainable Aviation Fuels at Scale in India’.
This blueprint consists of the India case study on biofuel, feedstock availability, technology pathways and policy recommendations etc.

The CST coalition, led by the WEF brings top executives and public leaders in India,... Read more..

Source: ITLN

EU eyes tighter rules for 'renewable' biomass energy - draft

The European Union is considering tightening rules on whether wood-burning energy can be classed as renewable and count towards green goals, according to a draft document seen by Reuters on Wednesday.

The aim is to protect delicate ecosystems like old growth forests and stop wood fit for other purposes, like making furniture, from ending up as pellets or chips burned to produce biomass energy.

The draft European Commission proposal to update the EU rules would require biomass-fuelled power and heat plants with a capacity of 5 megawatts (MW) or above to meet sustainability... Read more..

Source: Reuters

Shri R K Singh, Minister of State for Power reviews progress of energy transition and energy efficiency measures in the context of Climate Change

Shri R.K. Singh, Minister of State ( Independent Charge) for Power , New and Renewable Energy and Minister of State Skill Development and Entrepreneurship chaired a high level meeting to review the progress of various energy efficiency programmes and the preparedness for Climate Change Actions in the country through video conferencing yesterday .

The purpose of this high level meeting was to discuss activities in the field of energy efficiency across all the sectors of the economy with the objective of reducing CO2 emissions.

Shri Singh directed to keep focus on sectors... Read more..

Source: Press Information Bureau

OLA in talks with CESL to suply electric two-wheelers

The electric vehicle arm of ride-hailing firm Ola is the latest to show interest in supplying electric scooters to state-run Convergence Energy
Services Ltd (CESL) that is running India’s biggest-ever push for green mobility, two people aware of the matter said.
Ola joins Hero Electric, Mahindra Electric Mobility and Kinetic Green Energy and Power Solutions who are also in talks with CESL to supply
electric two and three-wheelers as well as charging infrastructure, as reported by Mint earlier.
Ola is currently building a factory in Tamil Nadu’s Krishnagiri district... Read more..

Source: Mint

DHL adds Sustainable Marine Fuel option for Full-Container Load shipments

DHL Global Forwarding introduces another Sustainable Marine Fuel (SMF) service for ocean freight as part of their sustainability strategy. Following the success of the launch of a similar service for Less-than-Container Load (LCL) shipments, they are now extending the carbon reduction option to Full-Container Load (FCL) shipments. Customers can easily choose the use of sustainable biofuels e.g. via the myDHLi Quote + Book function, which also includes a carbon calculator. Offering the option of using SMF is another step towards cleaner and greener ocean freight, in line with Deutsche Post... Read more..

Source: DHL

11 thermal plants in NCR accounted for 7% of Delhi air pollution in Oct-Jan: Study

The 11 coal-fired power plants in the National Capital Region contributed just 7 per cent to Delhi's PM2.5 pollution on an average between October 2020 and January 2021, while vehicles contributed 14 per cent, according to a new study. The findings are significant considering that the Delhi government had recently moved to the Supreme Court, seeking closure of the coal-fired power plants in the vicinity of the city using outdated polluting technology.

On April 1, the Union Environment Ministry had issued a notification with amended rules allowing thermal power plants within 10... Read more..

Source: Economic Times

India extends US$ 100 million LoC to Sri Lanka for Solar Energy Projects

Sri Lankan government has taken measures to increase the contribution by renewable energy sources to the national power grid by enhancing solar power generation as per the National Policy Framework ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendor.’

India has become the first country to partner with Sri Lanka in fulfilling Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s vision to ensure that 70% of the island’s national power requirements are fulfilled by renewable energy sources by 2030, as reiterated by the President during his address at the recently concluded Sri Lanka Investment Forum.

The... Read more..

Source: Colombo Page

Assam will try to replicate Gujarat model in power sector: CM

Assam government will try to replicate the success stories of the Gujarat model in the power sector along with its state-of the art technological interventions to turn three power companies in the state to profitable ventures, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said. A delegation of the Assam Power department, led by Power Minister Bimal Bora will soon visit the western state to understand its best practices, the chief minister said while holding a virtual meeting with the Gujarat Energy Minister Saurabh Bhai Patel and senior officials of the Urja Vikas Nigam Limited on Tuesday night.... Read more..

Source: Economic Times

India's power consumption grows 9.3% in first half of June

Power consumption in the country grew by 9.3 per cent in the first half of June to 55.86 billion units (BU), indicating a slow recovery in commercial and industrial electricity demand, according to power ministry data. Power consumption was recorded at 51.10 BU in the first half of June last year (June 1 to 15), the data showed.

According to experts, the recovery in power consumption and demand was slow in the first half of June despite the low base of last year, which indicates a slow recovery in commercial and industrial demand.

In the entire June last year, power... Read more..

Source: Economic Times

India to boost ethanol production as people facing problems due to high fuel rates: Gadkari

A three day virtual Conference of BRICS Network Universities on the theme of electric mobility was inaugurated at IIT Bombay today. This conference is part of the engagements that India is hosting under the education stream during its Chairship of the 13th BRICS Summit this year. Eighteen experts from Brazil, Russia, India, China and S. Africa will talk about various aspects of electric mobility like traffic management, hydrogen technology, hybrid vehicles, lithium-ion batteries and linkage between e-mobility and livelihoods over the next three days. Over 100 students, researchers and... Read more..

Source: Press Information Bureau
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