Draft proposal boosts India’s chances for entry into NSG
A draft proposal for accepting new members into the Nuclear Suppliers Group may have boosted India’s chances while requiring Pakistan to take additional steps to engage in civil nuclear trade with the 48 member states. As per the draft, circulated by India’s point person, former NSG chairman Rafael Mariano Grossi, at the group’s meeting in Vienna last month, India’s commitments on nonproliferation to the NSG in 2008 that won it an exemption for civil nuclear trade will suffice for its entry into the group, people familiar with the matter said. India got an unconditional waiver from SG in 2008. India is seeking membership of the NSG on the grounds that it is already doing business with the members of the group and that it has an impeccable nonproliferation record. India had applied for NSG membership earlier this year, with Pakistan following soon thereafter. NSG, a nuclear technology control organisation formed in 1975 in response to India’s maiden nuclear tests, requires countries to sign the Non-Proliferation Treaty before applying for membership of the group. However, India remains one of only three countries, along with Israel and Pakistan, not to have signed the NPT. Under the formula described in Grossi’s note, India could theoretically claim that it has already undertaken all of the steps necessary for membership, which could then lead to a decision on membership for India, said one of the persons, who did not wish to be identified. At the meeting in Vienna, NSG discussed nine general commitments that India and other countries that have not signed the NPT would need to make in order to receive the fullest atomic trading privileges, according to Grossi’s draft. Grossi was acting on behalf of the current NSG chairman, Song Young-wan of South Korea. Grossi, an expert on nuclear issues, circulated a “revised version of a draft ‘Exchange of Notes’ for non-NPT applicants” among the NSG members. The draft proposes “one non-NPT member state should reach an understanding not to block consensus on membership for another non-NPT member state”, the person said Paul Thompson Jersey
Solar power, green corridor blip on energy radar for 2017
Green seems to be the catchword for the government heading into the next year as it gears up to achieve 175 gigawatt of clean energy by 2022 through auction of 1,000 MW of rooftop solar power, Rs 13,000 crore investment in solar parks and a Rs 21,000-crore package to boost local manufacturing of panels. By all yardsticks, 2016 remains a watershed year when solar tariff slumped to Rs 4 per unit and wind projects received a major thrust. The government is set to switch gears in 2017 to make India a hub for one of the largest installations of clean energy sources by 2022. Minister for New and Renewable Energy Piyush Goyal offered a glimpse of things to come while speaking to PTI. Scaling up of rooftop solar programme, scheme to encourage domestic manufacturing of solar panels and making wind power affordable through auction of sites all fill up a packed 2017. His ministry has in its sight Rs 1 lakh crore investment for the sector and is looking at 20 GW of power generation from non-conventional sources in 2017-18. Beginning with speeding up the tempo for solar panel installation at homes, schools and hospitals through subsidies in 2016, plans are afoot to expand the rooftop programme to government buildings by providing target-based incentives. In the November auction of 500 MW, subsidies for installation of as much as 432.7 MW of rooftop solar capacity were lapped up by 122 developers. A fresh tender for one gigawatt (1,000 MW) is now in the works. The Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government is eyeing generation of 100 GW from solar power alone by 2022. Rooftop solar capacity almost doubled to 1,000 MW in 2016 and the aim is to take this to 40 GW. Also on the table is a green corridor to transmit 2,000 MW of power from 34 solar panels across 21 states. For good measure, Goyal said, a scheme to promote domestic manufacturing of solar panels will become a reality in 2017. The Rs 21,000-crore module aims to create 5 GW of photovoltaic manufacturing capacity by 2019 and 20 GW by 2026. India’s renewable energy generation capacity stands at 45 GW. According to Goyal, wind power is up next after successful reduction in solar tariff through transparent auction of sites. A mobility scheme is on the anvil to achieve 100 per cent electric vehicle-based transportation for India by 2030, he said without giving out specifics. Early next year, the ministry will organise Global RE- Invest 2017 India-ISA Partnership, the second edition of the bi-ennial Renewable Energy Investors Meet and Expo to bring in investors. The event will build on RE-Invest 2015 and explore the advances to help meet India’s ultimate target of adding 175 GW renewable energy capacity by 2022. The ministry is keen on fostering competition among players, particularly in the wind energy space, to bring down tariff and make it a viable source of electricity for consumers. The Global Renewable Energy Investors meet is the world’s largest renewable energy investors gathering to be organised in 2017, Goyal said. He spoke of launching renewable energy fund under the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF). The ministry has been working on this USD 2-billion fund to make private players invest in the sector. In 2017-18, the government is eyeing 20,450 MW power capacity addition from renewables, including 15,000 (solar), 4,600 MW (wind), 750 MW (biomass) and 100 MW from small hydro power (of up to 25 MW). A total of 7,518 MW of grid-connected power generation capacity from renewable sources has been added this year (January to October 2016). In 2016-17, a total of 1,502 MW capacity has come on board till October-end this year, making a cumulative realisation of 28,279 MW. Now, in terms of wind power installed capacity, India is placed at the 4th rank after China, the US and Germany. As for solar power, a total of 1,750 MW capacity has been added till October-end this year, making it a cumulative 8,728 MW. After bringing solar tariff to a record low of Rs 3 per unit, the minister indicated making wind power affordable. He said, “There will be a wind auction to transparently reduce the tariff.” The government has planned solar energy from every roof in the country and there will be expansion of rooftop solar programmes next year. It has envisaged 40 GW of solar power from rooftop alone out of the total 100 GW planned to be added by 2022. This flows from the need to push rooftop solar in a big way against the backdrop of a target of 40 GW grid connected solar rooftops by 2022. So far, about 500 MW of rooftop solar has been installed and about 3,000 MW has been sanctioned for installation. All major sectors like the Railways, airport, hospitals, educational institutions, government buildings of central, state and PSUs are being targeted, besides the private sector. A massive Grid Connected Solar Rooftop Programme will be launched with 40 GW target. State Electricity Regulatory Commissions of 30 states/UTs notified regulations for net-metering and feed-in-tariff mechanism. Besides, funding of Rs 5,000 crore was approved for solar rooftops. A total sanction of USD 1,300 million has been received from the World Bank, KFW, ADB and NDB which will enable SBI, PNB, Canara Bank and IREDA to fund such projects at an interest rate of less than 10 per cent. The ministry has tied up with ISRO for geo-tagging of all the rooftop plants using ISRO’s VEDAS portal. To reduce import of solar equipment from other countries, particularly from China, the ministry is keen to encourage domestic production to meet the huge power demand. The minister said there will be focus on Make in India for solar power next year and a scheme to this effect may be launched. The government has also planned launch of founding conference of International Solar Alliance. About use of renewable in farm sector, he said, “We will focus on Prosperous Farmer — Pollution Free India. There
Panel examines direct subsidy transfer for electricity consumers; Report in a month
After cooking gas, consumers may now get direct subsidy on electricity. An expert panel comprising senior officials from states and industry is studying the matter and will present its report to the power ministry next month. The expert committee, set up by the ministry to suggest ways to increase electricity demand and consumption, is examining subsidising the target consumers in a manner similar to what has been done in the case of LPG cylinders for plugging leakages and bringing down the subsidy burden. The Niti Aayog and industry experts have been advocating the scheme to lower subsidy, prevent its misuse and strengthening power distribution utilities. The committee comprises principal energy secretaries of states like Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and energy secretaries of Tamil Nadu and Bihar, besides top officials of the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission and the Central Electricity Authority. Under the direct benefit transfer scheme for cooking fuel, LPG cylinders are sold at market rates after which bank accounts of the consumers eligible for subsidy are credited with the amount of subsidy. “Currently, subsidy is calculated as the difference between energy sold and amount collected. If the direct benefit transfer scheme is implemented, only the actual consumption, and not power pilferage and losses, will be subsidised,“ a senior official part of the committee told ET on the condition of anonymity. The committee is in the process of finalising its recommendations which will be sent to the power ministry for action, he said.State governments give subsidies to power distribution utilities for selling electricity to consumers at less than the procurement cost or for free in some cases. However, subsidy payments by states are not made regularly , adding to the financial woes of distribution utilities. “In fair business practice, state electricity regulators declare subsidy amount at the beginning of every financial year and the state governments are obligated to make quarterly payments to electricity distribution companies. But when the subsidy payment is delayed, financial conditions of discoms deteriorate,“ the official said. Chris Carpenter Womens Jersey
India traded 251,000 Renewable Energy Certificates in December, says IEX
A total of 2.51 lakh renewable energy certificates (RECs) were traded in December, power exchange IEX said. “A total of 2.51 lakh RECs were traded in the REC trading session held on 28th December, 2016 at IEX,” it said in a statement. Power distribution companies as well as open access and captive consumers are under obligation to buy RECs from renewable energy producers under RPO mandated by central/state regulatory commissions. RECs are aimed at providing an easier avenue for various entities, including power distribution companies, to meet their green energy obligations. Two power exchanges — Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) and Power Exchange India Limited (PXIL), approved by the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission — hold auction of RECs on the last Wednesday of every month. “Since the beginning of this fiscal (April-December), IEX has traded 17.85 lakh RECs,” the statement said. “On 28th December, 2016 a total of 2.51 lakh RECs were traded an increase of over 43 per cent over 17.50 lakh RECs traded in the previous month of the same fiscal,” the statement added. The purchase this month has been on account of few utilities such as BSES Rajdhani, DVC and BEST Undertaking. Further, obligated captive power and open access consumers also contributed in this trading session, it said. A total of 1,291 participants traded at IEX with 802 participants in non-solar segment and 489 participants in the solar segment. Overall, a total of 3,386 participants are registered in the REC segment at IEX. Of this, 851 are Eligible Entities (RE Generators) 2,516 are Obligated Entities (Discoms, Open Access Consumers and Captive Generators) and 19 are registered as voluntary entities. Zach Parise Authentic Jersey
102 Villages Electrified Last Week; 11,429 Villages Electrified till date under DDUGJY
102 villages have been electrified across the country during last week (from 19thto 25thDecember 2016) under Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojna (DDUGJY). Out of these electrified villages, 17 villages belong to Assam, 9to Bihar, 10 to Chhattisgarh, 29to Jharkhand, 5 to Manipur, 30to Odisha and1 each to Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.The progress of ongoing electrification process can be tracked on http://garv.gov.in/dashboard An update on ongoing electrification process: – In view of the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi’s address to nation, on Independence Day, Government of India has decided to electrify remaining 18,452 un-electrified villages within 1000 days i.e. by 01stMay, 2018. The project has been taken on mission mode and strategy for electrification consists of squeezing the implementation schedule to 12 months and also dividing village electrification process in 12 Stage milestones with defined timelines for monitoring. 11,429 villages have been electrified till date. Out of remaining 7,023 villages, 698 villages are uninhabited. 3,775 villages are to be electrified through grid, 2,502 villages to be electrified through off-grid where grid solutions are out of reach due to geographical barriers and 48 villages are to be electrified by State Government. Total 1654 villages were electrified during April 2015 to 14thAug 2015 and after taking initiative by Government of India for taking it on mission mode, 9,775 additional villages have been electrified from 15thAugust 2015 to 25thDecember, 2016. In order to expedite the progress further, a close monitoring is being done through Gram Vidyut Abhiyanta (GVA) and various actions are also being taken on regular basis like reviewing the progress on monthly basis during the RPM meeting, sharing of list of villages which are at the stage of under energization with the state DISCOM, identifying the villages where milestone progress are delayed. Jason Witten Authentic Jersey
Welcome 2017. A Sneak Peek Into The Priorities Set By Minister Piyush Goyal For The New Year
Union Minister Piyush Goyal is holding charge of four important economic ministries including Power, RE, Coal and Mines. After de-monetisation move, Goyal has also been helping the government on this front but his performance in the four sectors has clearly given him an edge over many others in the Modi government. This article give you a quick sneak peek into the priority areas set by the minister for his four ministries during 2017. Ministry Wise Priority Areas for 2017 Power: Electrification – From Villages to Households: After the remaining villages are electrified, ensuring every house is electrified Customer First: Focus on quality of power supply – Monitoring hours and quality of power supply and ensuring that consumers are empowered with information Replacement of old power capacity: Replacement of more than 25 years old power plants of NTPC to help the environment and deliver affordable power Bringing all States under the ambit of distribution reform, UDAY and focus on loss reduction Safe and clean cities: Expansion of underground power cabling programme across multiple States Empowered Farmer – Rollout of mobile operated energy efficient pumps programme across States Energy Efficient Households: Expanded rollout of energy efficient electricals from LED bulbs to efficient fans and LED tube lights New & Renewable Energy: Affordable Wind Power: Wind auctions to transparently reduce prices Electric Vehicles: Mobility scheme to achieve the vision of promoting EV based transportation for India Taking the message of clean energy across the world: Founding conference of International Solar Alliance planned Global Renewable Energy Investors Meet: World’s largest renewable energy Investors Meet “RE-Invest” to be organized Solar Energy from every Roof: Expansion of rooftop solar programmes Make In India for Solar: Domestic manufacturing scheme for solar to be launched Prosperous Farmer – Pollution Free India: Scheme for Bio-mass like rice husk utilization Renewable Energy Fund: Launch of renewable energy fund under National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) Mines: Rapid Exploration to bring back “Sone Ki Chidiya”: Rapid exploration especially in all areas including precious metals like Gold and Diamond to make India self-sufficient. This will include expanded exploration auctions and subcontracting and aero-geophysical reconnaissance. Technology for Transparency: Wide usage of systems like Satellite Surveillance System, Mining Tenement System and Online Core Business Integrated System to bring in transparency and accountability in the Mining Sector Rapid Mining Expansion to utilise wealth of India: Create jobs and wealth through rapid expansion of mining activity Sustainable Mining: Star rating of mines for their environmental performance and incentivise compliance Coal: Mine in India – Import Substitution: Remove import dependence by substituting imported coal usage with domestic coal Quality Coal: Control grade slippage through enhanced third party sampling and expanded coal washing Green Mining: Ensure mines exist in harmony with nature and communities through world class initiatives for water usage through recycling and dust control Welfare of Workers: Physical and financial safety for workmen through strict monitoring and enforcement of mine safety standards and transparent payment of dues. J.R. Sweezy Jersey
India’s Power Sector Under Minister Piyush Goyal Achieves Major Milestones During 2016
India is moving fast on the power capacity generation front and from a power deficit nation, it is presently a power surplus region. Just a day back on December 26, state-owned NTPC Ltd inked an agreement to import 160 mw to India’s strategic neighbour Nepal. With 2016 coming to an end, the Modi government has completed its half term. India’s power sector is moving well on the Government’s promise to provide 24×7 power across the country by 2019. Amidst power surpluses, major initiatives by the government have seen the power tariffs dropping substantially and any state can freely purchase power to tide away shortages through the Vidyut Pravah Mobile App. At any given time of the day, anywhere between 1500-3000 mw is available to be bought by the states at a cost ranging between Rs 1.5 to 3 a unit. Power Availability Position in India Increase in electricity generation from 967 BU in 2013-14 to 1048 BU in 2014-15 and 1107 BU in 2015-16 resulting in lowest ever energy deficit of 2.1% in 2015-16, which has further lowered to 0.7% (April-Oct, 2016) from 2.1% (2015-16). The National Peak Power Deficit is down to half at 1.6% in the same period as compared to 2015-16. Power Generation During the 12th Plan period (2012-17), a capacity addition of about 88928.2 MW against the target of 88537 MW from conventional sources have been achieved till 31st October, 2016 and about 21,128 MW against the target of 30000 MW from renewable sources have been achieved till 30th September, 2016. Due to large generation capacity addition, the electricity energy shortage in the country has reduced to 0.7% during the current year 2016-17 (up to October, 2016) from 8.7% during the year 2012-13. Adequate supply of the domestic coal to power plants has been ensured. The growth of domestic coal supply to power plants has been around 6.2% during 2015-16. Power Generation during 2016-17 (April-November, 2016) is 777.506 Billion Units, showing a growth rate of 4.99% over the same period in previous year. Coal based power generation during the current year is 595.124 BU, showing a growth rate of 5.92% over the same period in the previous year. Till September, 2016, a total of 3000 MW of inefficient thermal generating capacity has been retired. Measures initiated for reducing the generation cost of coal based power projects: Increasing supply of domestic coal; Coal usage flexibility; Rationalisation of coal linkages. During the year 2016-17, 29 thermal stations, having total installed capacity of 13440.5 MW, are likely to be commissioned, out of which 9 projects with installed capacity of 3608.5 MW have already been commissioned till 31.10.2016. In-principle has been clearance given to replace 11000 MW Thermal Power Plants, older than 25 years, with Energy Efficient Super Critical Plants in about five years, with an investment of around Rs. 50,000 crores. In Hydro power sector, 13 hydro stations, having total installed capacity of 1949 MW, are likely to be commissioned, out of which 5 projects with installed capacity of 320 MW have already been commissioned till 31.10.2016. Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) of 12 Hydroelectric Projects, with an aggregate installed capacity of 7,165 MW are under examination in CEA. The total power generated by hydro power projects in the country from 1st April, 2016 to 31st October, 2016 is 88306.78 MU (excluding power imported from Bhutan which is 4908.67 MU). Transmission During the 12th Plan period (2012-17), 1,00,468 ckm against the target of 1,07,440 ckm of transmission lines and 2,88,458 MVA against the target of 2,82,750 MVA of transformation capacity have been completed till 31st October, 2016. “24×7 Power for All”: State specific Plans for 34 States/UTs under implementation; National Energy Shortage reduces to 0.7%; 3.5% in North East National Peak Power Deficit halved at 1.6%; 0.5% in North East Free Electricity Connections to 2.5 crore (62%) BPL households released Several landmark decisions have already been taken in thermal power generation, hydel and more importantly in solar, wind and other green energy, besides strengthening of transmission and distribution, separation of feeder and metering of power to consumers. These also include not only achievements in capacity addition but also important reforms being undertaken on increasing energy efficiency of the present infrastructure and thereby reducing power losses. The government has launched a scheme by providing support from Power System Development Fund (PSDF) for operationalization of stranded gas based generation. The outlay for the support from PSDF has been fixed at Rs. 3500 crores and Rs. 4000 crores for FY 2015-16 and FY 2016-17 respectively. Power Situation of North East Regions As per information given by States / UTs to Central Electricity Authority (CEA), during the current year 2016-17 (April, 2016 to Oct., 2016), the peak power shortage in North Eastern Region (NER) has reduced to 0.5% from 8.4% during the corresponding period last year. Similarly, the energy shortage during current year has reduced to 3.5% from 6.9% during the corresponding period last year. Six thermal power units/modules aggregating to 1103.1 MW have been commissioned during the 12th Plan period in the North-Eastern States. Further, five thermal units/modules aggregating to 625.5 MW are presently under construction in the North-Eastern States for benefits during 12th Plan period and beyond. Under the ‘24×7 Power for All’ initiative, State specific Plans for 34 out of 36 States/UTs, have already been prepared and are under implementation. In these documents, an assessment of energy required to provide ‘24×7 Power for All’ for connected and unconnected consumers, adequacy of power to the State from various generating sources, inter-state transmission system, intra-state transmission system and distribution to ensure 24X7 power supply has been made. The concurrence for the signing ‘24×7 Power for All’ documents for 2 States viz., Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh is awaited. Detailed Progress under Specific Schemes Of the MoP is given as under: Rural Electrification Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY) Under DDUGJY, projects with total cost of Rs. 42392.46 Crore for 29 States/UTs have been sanctioned. Status of implementation of RE Component Cumulatively
Nagpur Metro Rail’s solar power dream hits policy hurdle
The plans of Nagpur Metro Rail Corporation Limited (NMRCL) to meet 65% of its energy needs through solar power has hit a policy hurdle. The fate of the project now depends on Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC). NMRCL’s petition will be heard by the Commission on January 17. Solarization is vital for the success of the Metro Rail project. The cost of MSEDCL power as per the Commission’s latest tariff order is Rs7.33 per unit. This is exclusive of fuel surcharge and electricity duty. On the other hand, NMRCL can get solar power at between Rs5 and Rs6 per unit. “If the electricity cost is low then the fares will be low leading to higher ridership. This will make the project viable and is therefore in public interest. Moreover, solar energy is green and will lead to lower pollution. Foreign lenders have readily granted a loan to the project because of this aspect,” a NMRCL official told TOI. NMRCL wants to go for solarization under state energy ministry’s solar roof top policy. The policy is mainly aimed at residential and commercial consumers and hence the maximum load permitted is 1MW. On the other hand, NMRCL’s solar generation capacity is 14MW and hence does not fit into the policy. NMRCL cannot go fully solar and needs MSEDCL’s power to meet the remaining 10MW load. Only the commission has the powers to consider NMRCL as a special case and grant exemption. MSEDCL though has promised not to oppose the petition. The solarization project has already been delayed due to heavy workload of the commission. “Our tender documents are ready since months. MERC did not accept our petition for two months saying that it was dealing with power tariff petitions of the power distribution companies. Now, we hope that it will decide on our matter expeditiously,” the official said. William Hayes Jersey
State sees strong demand for power in November
Power demand in Tamil Nadu had grown by over 30 per cent in November 2016 from the corresponding period last year, according to data compiled by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA). The data revealed that Tamil Nadu’s power requirement was 8,183 million units (MUs) in November 2016 as against the 8,180 MUs available. In November 2016, Tamil Nadu had a “peak demand” of 13,888 MW, which the State managed to meet. In the comparable period in 2015, the State’s power requirement was 6,273 million units and availability was 6,270 million units. In November 2015, “peak demand” was 12,154 MW, which was met, according to the CEA data. According to Elara Capital, a lower base has helped the southern States register strong growth in November 2016. “Demand in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka was up 28 per cent each in November 2016 (vis-a-vis a contraction of 4 per cent and 2 per cent respectively in November 2015). Likewise, Tamil Nadu’s demand was up 30 per cent (as against a contraction of 6 per cent in the base year),” it added. The brokerage house also pointed out that so far in FY 17, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have achieved 11 per cent growth each in power consumption, followed by Andhra Pradesh with 9 per cent. Recently, the Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission gave the green signal for TANGEDCO to procure 850 MW of power for the next year (from February 1, 2017 to May 15, 2017). Quinton Dunbar Authentic Jersey
Sri Lanka faces threat of power crisis in 2017, says electricity regulator
Sri Lanka’s electricity regulator on Tuesday informed the Power and Energy Ministry that urgent steps must be made to buy new power plants, postpone maintenance work at the available power plants and increase rooftop solar generation to avoid a power crisis in the first quarter of 2017. The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) said that a successive failure of monsoon had caused very low hydro reservoir storage, less than 500 GWh, and the Commission’s recommendations were made to mitigate the impact of power shortages during the period from January to April 2017, Xinhua reported. The PUCSL said that the full availability of Lakvijaya coal plant, the country’s only coal power plant, was a key factor in January 2017. The PUCSL suggested to looking into the possibility of shifting any maintenance at the available power plants to avoid shutting down during the critical period January to April. The Commission further suggested the state owned Ceylon Petroleum Corporation to improve the fuel quality in order to get the maximum output from the plant. It was further suggested that CPC should supply fuel as per the requirement. The Ceylon Electricity Board was also suggested to take immediate action to purchase shortage in generation from available plants and the CEB and the Sustainable Energy Authority should “expedite connection” to start commercial operations under small scale generation on Standardized Power Purchase Agreements. Erik Johnson Jersey