BIS Invests in R&D to Drive Standardisation
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has announced the sanction of 82 research and development (R&D) projects to bolster its standardisation efforts. These projects, awarded to faculty members from institutions like IITs and NITs, will focus on cutting-edge domains such as artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, medical devices, renewable energy, and sustainability.
New Vendor Rating System Introduced For Rooftop Solar Industry
The Vendor Rating Programme (VRP) will assess vendors on various parameters, including workmanship, component quality, installation practices, and safety standards. The ratings will be displayed on a national portal, enabling consumers to make informed choices when selecting vendors.
Coal Ministry Extends Timeline for Self-evaluation in Connection with Star Rating of Coal and Lignite Mines for F.Y. 2023-24
Ministry of Coal has decided to extend the deadline up to 31.07.2024 for submission of self-evaluation for star rating of Coal and Lignite mines for F.Y. 2023-24. The date has been extended from 15.07.2024 to ensure maximum participation and provide an opportunity for more mines to register and complete the self-evaluation process.
New Regulations for Fees and Charges of Regional Load Despatch Centres
The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has issued new regulations governing fees and charges levied by Regional Load Despatch Centres (RLDCs) in India. These regulations are effective from the date of publication and will apply for a control period from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2029.
CERC Seeks Public Input on Renewable Energy Tariffs
The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) is inviting comments from stakeholders on its proposal for determining generic tariffs for renewable energy projects in India. CERC proposes to determine the generic tariff for the first year of the control period, i.e. July 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025. It has therefore published a proposal to the general public.
June 2024 Escalation Rates For Imported Coal
The cost of imported coal has seen a slight increase of 1.68%. However, the cost of transporting imported coal has decreased by 4.78%. The cost of handling imported coal within India has remained unchanged,
Implementation of Awareness & Outreach Under PM Surya Ghar
This government initiative aims to incentivize rooftop solar installations in residential homes across India. The program aims to achieve 1 crore rooftop solar installations and provide free or low-cost electricity to participating households.
Deadlines Extended For Stricter Air Conditioner Energy Efficiency Standards
The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has announced an extension of the deadline for energy efficiency standards for air conditioners sold in India. The original deadline was December 31, 2024 and has now been extended to December 31, 2025. Additionally, BEE has also introduced enhanced standards for the upcoming years.
MNRE Announces Three New Operational Guidelines Providing Incentives And Component Building
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has unveiled several new operational guidelines under the PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. These include guidelines on incentives to DISCOMs, to accelerate rooftop solar installation across India. The PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana has also unveiled a component to accelerate rooftop solar deployment through incentives for Local Bodies. Additionally, the PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana has launched a Capacity Building program to empower a skilled workforce for India’s rooftop solar revolution.
Government Announces Increased Support for Biomass Pellet Production
Non-torrefied pellet manufacturing plants will now receive a significantly higher CFA of Rs. 21 lakh per MTPH or 30% of the capital cost (whichever is lower), with a maximum of Rs. 1.05 crore per project. Torrefied pellet manufacturing plants will receive the highest CFA of Rs. 42 lakh per MTPH or 30% of the capital cost (whichever is lower), with a maximum of Rs. 2.1 crore per project. Briquette manufacturing plants continue to receive a CFA of Rs. 9 lakh per Metric Ton per Hour (MTPH) capacity, with a maximum of Rs. 45 lakh per project.
