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Government clears eight hydropower projects on Indus in Ladakh

The government has cleared eight hydropower projects of 144 MW on the Indus river and its tributaries in Ladakh, the highest so far, sources in the Jal Shakti Ministry said on Thursday. At present, there are several small projects, with a collective capacity of 113 MW on Indus in Ladakh, and the new projects will have much more capacity than those constructed so far, a senior official added. The official said the new projects have been cleared by the Central Water Commission as well as the Indus Commissioner after a separate Union Territory of Ladakh was announced last year. These projects... Read more..

Date : Jan 8
Source: Economic Times

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan launches 'filament free state' project to bring in LED bulbs

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has launched the 'filament free state' project to bring in affordable LED bulbs in all households in Kerala. The state government is hoping to save 100-150 megawatts of power through this. The CM said the KSEB's expenses towards power purchase will also come down. "LED bulbs having three years warranty will be given to consumers at an affordable price of Rs 65 when the actual price is Rs 100. If the LED bulbs become faulty during the warranty period, it will be replaced. The price of the LED bulbs can be paid in a lump sum or in instalments along with the... Read more..

Date : Jan 8
Source: New Indian Express

Sembcorp unit bags new solar power project in India

SEMBCORP Industries' India energy arm Sembcorp Energy India Limited (SEIL) has clinched a 400 megawatt (MW) solar power project through its renewables subsidiary, Sembcorp Green Infra. The energy and utilities group announced on Friday that SEIL won the bid in a "closely-contested" auction conducted by the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI). Under the letter of award from SECI, SEIL will develop the project in the northern Indian region of Rajasthan. It is to be connected to the state's transmission utility, Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Prasaran Nigam Limited. The project's entire output... Read more..

Date : Jan 8
Source: Business Times

Tata Power bags 110 MW solar project in Kerala

Tata Power has received an order from the Kerala State Electricity Board Limited (KSEBL) to develop a 110-megawatt (MW) solar power project in the state. The company received a Letter of Award (LOA) from the KSEBL on Wednesday, Tata Power said in a statement on Thursday. Tata Power did not disclose any financial details with respect to the project. "...The company has won this capacity in a bid announced by KSEBL in September 2020," it said. The energy produced will be supplied to KSEBL under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), valid for a period of 25 years from scheduled commercial... Read more..

Date : Jan 8
Source: Economic Times

Mahindra Logistics launches electric last-mile delivery service

Mahindra Logistics Ltd (MLL), one of India's largest third-party logistics (3PL) solution providers, on Thursday launched a new service line of sustainable last-mile logistics and fulfilment for customers in e-commerce, FMCG and other markets. MLL said EDel will deploy a fleet of electric vehicles starting with three-wheeler vehicles designed for cargo applications. The fleet will be deployed in collaboration with its supply partners. EDel will initially operate across six major cities including Bengaluru, New Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad and Kolkata before expanding to a total of 14... Read more..

Date : Jan 8
Source: Economic Times

NALCO to invest Rs. 30000 crores on expansion by Financial year 2027-28: Shri Pralhad Joshi

Union Minister for Coal & Mines Shri Pralhad Joshi said that NALCO will invest around Rs. 30000 crores by financial year 2027-28 on the company’s expansion and diversification plans. Shri Joshi was addressing the 41st Foundation Day of NALCO today at the company’s headquarters in Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha. Out of this proposed investment, the company will spend over Rs. 7000 crores on the 5th stream refinery, Pottangi bauxite mines, bauxite transportation system from south block & Utkal D & E coal mines. Remaining Rs. 22000 crores will be spent on smelter and... Read more..

Date : Jan 8
Source: PIB

Rooftop solar industry seeks amendments in the Electricity (Amendment) Rules 2020

India’s rooftop solar industry is seeking the Electricity (Amendment) Rules 2020 to allow net-metering above 10 kilowatt (kW) and to remove compulsory gross metering above 10 kW. These changes would ensure the movement of high load consumers towards clean localised energy, ensuring large-scale adoption of distributed solar, according to a letter by apex solar body, the National Solar Energy Federation of India (NSEFI), sent to the renewable energy ministry on Thursday. “Although the enactment of consumer rights facilitates prosumers with the same status and rights as that of regular power... Read more..

Date : Jan 8
Source: Economic Times

Ministry of Power notifies Norms and Standards for trading of E-certificate under PAT Cycle II

The Ministry of Power, Government of India, in consultation with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has notified the price of per metric tonne of oil equivalent as INR 18402 only for the year 2018-19, vide G.S.R 779 (E) dated 14th December 2020. For the succeeding target years, the price shall be such amount as may be specified by the Central Government, by notification in the Official Gazette. Such price will come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette. The price of one metric tonne of oil equivalent discovered for the year 2018-2019 is based on the changes... Read more..

Date : Jan 7
Source: PIB

Ministry of Power notifies Norms and Standards for trading of E-certificate under PAT Cycle II

The Ministry of Power, Government of India, in consultation with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has notified the price of per metric tonne of oil equivalent as INR 18402 only for the year 2018-19, vide G.S.R 779 (E) dated 14th December 2020. For the succeeding target years, the price shall be such amount as may be specified by the Central Government, by notification in the Official Gazette. Such price will come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette. The price of one metric tonne of oil equivalent discovered for the year 2018-2019 is based on the changes... Read more..

Date : Jan 7
Source: PIB

Temasek fund backs India startup bringing AI technology to farms

CropIn, an artificial intelligence and data-based agritech startup, has raised $20 million in a funding round led by Temasek Holdings Pte-backed ABC World Asia, as the coronavirus pandemic accelerates the adoption of digital technologies in farming. The Bangalore-headquartered agricultural AI startup provides software-as-a-service, or SAAS, products to farms and development organizations globally to improve predictability, efficiency and sustainability of crops. Additional new investors in the Series C funding include Infosys Ltd. billionaire co-founder Kris Gopalakrishnan’s family office... Read more..

Date : Jan 7
Source: Livemint

Icra’s outlook for thermal power sector stays negative

Icra’s credit outlook for the renewables remain stable given the fact that renewables would make for 65-75% of the total energy basket in the next five years. thermal power sector Renewable's payment realisation from discoms under the liquidity scheme has also improved liquidity of some of the wind and solar IPPs, Girish Kumar Kadam, sector head & V-P, Icra Ratings said. Even as electricity demand across India is likely to increase in FY22, Icra’s credit outlook for the generation and distribution segments of the thermal energy sector continues to remain negative. But the transmission... Read more..

Date : Jan 7
Source: Financial Express

Target of selling 10 lakh electric 2-wheelers under FAME-II 'nowhere in sight': SMEV

With just 25,735 units of high speed electric two-wheelers sold in 2020, the ambitious target of generating a sale of 10 lakh such vehicles by March 2022 under FAME-II is nowhere in sight, the Society of Manufacturers of Electric Vehicles (SMEV) said on Wednesday. According to the SMEV, the sales of high-speed electric two-wheelers, which qualify for incentives under the government's Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles in India (FAME) II scheme, in 2020 were down 5 per cent from 27,224 units sold in 2019. "While the E2W industry has been able to weather... Read more..

Date : Jan 7
Source: Economic Times

ITC to meet all energy needs from renewable sources by 2030

Multi-business conglomerate ITC Ltd said on Wednesday it has set a target to meet 100 per cent of its purchased grid electricity requirements from renewable sources by 2030. At present, ITC meets over 40 per cent of its electrical energy requirement through renewable sources like wind, solar and biomass. "As a part of Sustainability 2.0 Vision, ITC is planning to invest further in strengthening its renewable energy portfolio in order to contribute meaningfully to the fight against climate change," it said in a statement. The current renewables portfolio of the company consists of 138... Read more..

Date : Jan 7
Source: Economic Times

West Bengal Mandates Gross Metering for Rooftop Solar Systems Above 5 kW

The West Bengal Electricity Regulatory Commission (WBERC) has issued amendments to the Cogeneration and Electricity Generation from Renewable Sources Regulations 2013. A significant amendment is the mandate of a gross metering facility for rooftop solar systems above 5 kW in capacity. In September last year, WBERC had published draft amendments to the regulations and invited feedback from stakeholders. Net metering and gross metering According to an amendment, an eligible consumer means a consumer who has installed or proposes to install a rooftop system or any other mounting structure of... Read more..

Date : Jan 6
Source: Mercom India

Share of natural gas in energy basked will be more than doubled: PM Modi

Enunciating his energy roadmap, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said the share of natural gas in India's energy basket will be more than doubled, energy sources diversified and the nation will be connected with one gas pipeline grid to help bring affordable fuel to people and industry. Inaugurating a 450-km natural gas pipeline between Kochi in Kerala to Mangaluru in Karnataka, he said India under his government is seeing unprecedented work on highways, railway, metro, air, water, digital and gas connectivity which will aid economic development. The government has an "integrated... Read more..

Date : Jan 6
Source: Economic Times

India's national street lighting programme to enable Rs 8,000 cr investment: EESL

The Street Lighting National Programme (SLNP) being implemented by state-owned Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL) will enable investments to the tune of Rs 8,000 crore over the next 4-5 years, the company said today. "EESL has an ambitious plan in the SLNP portfolio for next 4-5 years where it intends to bring investment to the tune of Rs 8,000 crore by 2024 by covering entire rural India. It is expected that more than 30 million LED streetlights would be retrofitted or installed by EESL," the company said. This was part of a statement issued by EESL -- a joint venture of PSUs under the... Read more..

Date : Jan 6
Source: Economic Times

Tata Power, SIDBI to finance MSMEs in rooftop solar segment

Tata Power on Tuesday announced a partnership with Small Industries Bank of India (SIDBI) to provide affordable financing scheme for MSME customers in the rooftop solar segment. The scheme will empower MSMEs to adopt sustainable energy for their businesses and promote greener tomorrow, said India's largest integrated power company. Easy and affordable financing has been one of the barriers for penetration of solar energy in the MSME sector. Tata Power and SIDBI will provide a financing solution without any collateral at an interest rate of less than 10 per cent. This will be complimented... Read more..

Date : Jan 6
Source: Economic Times

World's largest floating solar project to start in MP by 2023: State Govt

The world's largest floating 600 MW solar energy project to be constructed at Omkareshwar dam on Narmada river in Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh will begin power generation by year 2022-23. The estimated investment in this project stands at Rs 3,000 crore, said an official release quoting the state's new and renewable energy minister Hardeep Singh Dang on Tuesday. The International Finance Corporation, World Bank and Power Grid have granted in-principle consent for providing aid for the said project development. The primary feasibility study of the project has been completed in... Read more..

Date : Jan 6
Source: Economic Times

Tata Steel to develop GreenPro Ecolabel to help steel sector reduce carbon emission

Tata Steel has embarked on developing a GreenPro framework, GreenPro Ecolabel, to manufacture steel rebars, a first of a kind initiative in India, that would help the steel sector reduce the carbon foot print while manufacturing steel products. The steel behemoth has joined hands with the CII green business centre to develop the framework that offers the Ecolabel programme, enabling end-users to buy steel having the lowest environmental impact. Tata Steel has embarked on developing a GreenPro framework, GreenPro Ecolabel, to manufacture steel rebars, a first of a kind initiative in India,... Read more..

Date : Jan 6
Source: Financial Express

City Link launches electric cargo vehicles in Bengaluru

City Link Portal Pvt Ltd, (City Link) a leading tech-enabled within city logistics start-up, has taken delivery of its first set of electric cargo vehicles (EV) from Mahindra and Mahindra. City Link understands that it is the first company in Bengaluru to receive the 'Mahindra Treo-Zor' vehicles which will help it position itself aggressively in the rapidly expanding' last-mile delivery space, under its 'Think Green. Think EV' initiative. "The EV foray is our firm resolve to grow responsibly and continue to bring value to all our customers, vendor partners and drivers," said R Jayakumar (... Read more..

Date : Jan 6
Source: Economic Times

Tender Floated to Set Up Transmission System for the 1.5 GW Solar Park in Madhya Pradesh

The Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Limited (RUMSL) has invited bids to develop the transmission system for 1.5 GW of projects in the solar park in Madhya Pradesh. Interested bidders are expected to make an earnest money deposit (EMD) of ₹44.45 million (~$609,848). The deadline for submitting bids is February 4, 2020. The scope of work includes the design, manufacturing, procurement, subcontracting (if needed), delivery, construction, installation, and completion of the work, along with the supply of any spares, if necessary. The project and equipment must be shipped, installed, and completed within... Read more..

Date : Jan 5
Source: Mercom India

Telangana Sets Levelized Tariff of ₹3.13/kWh for KUSUM Solar Projects

The Telangana State Electricity Regulatory Commission (TSERC) has set a levelized tariff for solar projects under Component-A of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evem Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM KUSUM) program. In the order, the TSERC set a levelized tariff of ₹3.13 (~$0.043)/kWh for solar projects between 500 kW and 2 MW in size under Component-A of the PM-KUSUM program. The tariff is applicable from January 2, 2021. It arrived at the tariff based on the following parameters: Telangana KUSUMThe regulator had proposed norms for solar projects under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’... Read more..

Date : Jan 5
Source: Mercom India

Govt paving way for entry of E-20 vehicles in 5 years

The government is aiming to ensure E-20 vehicles running on fuel blended with 20% ethanol enter the market by 2025, sources said. Cabinet secretary Rajiv Gauba on Thursday took a review meeting with half a dozen ministries on the roadmap for ethanol fuelled vehicles in India, just a day after the government announced plans to accelerate ethanol production. Sources said to push the move towards production, the government has also set up a committee of three Union ministers comprising Nitin Gadkari, Dharmendra Pradhan and Piyush Goyal. Officials said while manufacturing of ethanol-fuelled... Read more..

Date : Jan 5
Source: Economic Times

Tata Motors partners with Karnataka Bank to provide financing options to buyers

Tata Motors on Monday said it has joined hands with Karnataka Bank to offer retail financing schemes to its customers. As part of the tie-up a variety of schemes are available for the customers in the 857 branches of the bank, including 199 in semi-urban and 67 in rural areas, making the vehicle buying easy and affordable nationwide, the company said in a release. Under this collaborative initiative, customers can avail themselves of loans up to 85% on the on-road price of a Tata Motors vehicle with an interest rate linked to External Benchmark Lending Rate (EBLR) which will be updated on... Read more..

Date : Jan 5
Source: Economic Times

Hyderabad startup Pure EV's AI tech to auto repair Li-Ion batteries

Pure EV, the electric vehicle vertical of Indian Institute of Technology - Hyderabad (IIT-H) incubated city startup Purenergy, has developed BaTrics Faraday, an artificial intelligence (AI)-based hardware which can automatically identify and repair defects in Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) batteries of electric vehicles. BaTrics Faraday obviates the need for a customer to visit service centres to fix their defective batteries. "Pure EV has developed AI-driven hardware which carries out the diagnosis and resolution of defects in the battery through an externally-connected device to the battery. This... Read more..

Date : Jan 5
Source: Economic Times
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