March 2024 Escalation Rates For Imported Coal
The cost of imported coal has seen a slight decrease of 0.56%. However, the cost of transporting imported coal has increased by 5.19%. The cost of handling imported coal within India has also decreased by 0.61%.
Guidelines For PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana
The PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana initiative was launched in February 2024. It aims to install rooftop solar panels in one crore Indian homes. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is now seeking public feedback on draft guidelines on the scheme.
Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (Determination of Petroleum and Petroleum Products Pipeline Transportation Tariff) Second Amendment Regulations, 2024
The amendment provides that the determination of the petroleum and petroleum products pipeline transportation tariff under this regulation shall be benchmarked against the goods tariff table of the railways as applicable on the date of the coming into force of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (Determination of Petroleum and Petroleum Products Pipeline Transportation Tariff) Second Amendment Regulations, 2024 and if the goods tariff table of the railways is revised during the further extended period of transition, the Board may consider the benchmarking of the petroleum and petroleum products transportation tariff against such revision.
Increased Power Generation Expected From Gas Plants
The government aims to ensure sufficient power generation to meet the anticipated demand surge. This order requires GBSs to optimize their operational capacity during the upcoming high-demand period.
CERC extends operational period of Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (Terms and Conditions for Tariff determination from Renewable Energy Sources) Regulations, 2020
The Commission hereby further extends the period of applicability of the said regulations till 30th June, 2024 or notification of the Regulations by the Commission for the next control period, whichever is earlier.
Government takes measures to operationalize Gas-based Power Plants to help meet Summer Electricity Demand
As per the arrangement, GRID-INDIA will inform the Gas-based Generating Stations in advance, of the number of days for which Gas-based power is required. Gas-Based Generating Stations holding Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with Distribution Licensees shall first offer their power to PPA holders. If the power offered is not utilised by any PPA holder, then it shall be offered in the power market. Gas-Based Generating Stations not tied to PPAs must offer their generation in the power market. A high-level committee headed by Chairperson, Central Electricity Authority has been constituted to facilitate the implementation of this direction.
NTPC launches new edition of Girl Empowerment Mission
The Mission focuses on the empowerment of girls through various interventions and aims to identify and nurture their leadership qualities, so that they can be future-ready. The workshop focuses on health, hygiene, safety, fitness, sports and yoga.
Government extends deadline for submission of R&D Proposals under National Green Hydrogen Mission
Subsequent to the issue of the guidelines, the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy issued Call for Proposals on 16th March, 2024. While the Call for Proposals is receiving encouraging response, some stakeholders have requested more time for submission of R&D proposals. In view of such requests and to allow sufficient time to the institutions for submitting good-quality proposals, the Ministry has extended the deadline for submission of proposals to 27th April, 2024.
Green Hydrogen R&D Scheme Extended for Wider Participation
The initial call for proposals, issued on March 16th, 2024, has received positive interest. To ensure wider participation and allow more time for crafting high-quality proposals, the MNRE has extended the deadline for submission to April 27, 2024.
Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (Authorizing Entities to Lay, Build, Operate or Expand Petroleum and Petroleum Products Pipelines) Amendment Regulations, 2024
The amendment has removed the requirement for the Board shall review the tariff of petroleum products once every ten years and fix for a block of five years thereafter on prospective basis.
