Efficiency Gains & Upgradation Initiatives in Power Sector
The Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy has underscored the importance of annual maintenance and periodic upkeep in ensuring the seamless operation of power plants, including thermal and hydro facilities. The Minister highlighted the continuous efforts in Renovation & Modernisation (R&M) and Upgradation as a cost-effective means of optimizing energy resources through efficiency improvements, better availability, and capacity augmentation.
PLI for High Efficiency Solar Panel Manufacturing
The event was jointly organized by the National Solar Energy Federation of India (NSEFI), Solar Power Europe, and EU India Clean Energy and Climate Partnership. The Union Minister of State for New & Renewable Energy expressed optimism about the indigenous production of solar panels during his address at the inaugural session of the 1st India Solar Manufacturing Summit held in New Delhi.
Implementation of Smart Metering To Reduce Costs
The Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) guidelines mandate the deployment of smart meters through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) on a total expenditure (TOTEX) mode, ensuring a seamless transition and operational support to Distribution Companies (DISCOMS). The incorporation of prepaid smart metering for consumers and system metering at Feeder and Distribution Transformer levels streamlines energy accounting and auditing processes.
National Repowering & Life Extension Policy for Wind Power Projects – 2023
This policy seeks to permit repowering or replacement of older generation turbines. These turbines will be replaced with newer generation turbines that are more efficient. Moreover, they also contemplate the refurbishment of wind turbines for life extension beyond design life. This shall be subject to safety and performance assessment.
Ministry of Power Revises Energy Norms for Distribution Transformers
The Ministry of Power (MoP) has issued a notification revising the Energy Performance Standards for Distribution Transformers. The notification extends the validity of energy efficiency norms of distribution transformers that are up to 200kva. These norms will now apply to these distribution transformers until 31st December, 2024.
IREDA Highlights MSME Role in Renewable Energy Sector at COP 28
At the COP 28 session titled “Pioneering Sustainability in MSMEs: Envisioning Global Growth and Local Impact,” held in Dubai the Chairman & Managing Director of the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA), emphasized the pivotal role of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the Renewable Energy sector. A press release on the COP 28 was issued on December 10, 2023.
India-US Collaboration Towards Electrification of Public Transport & Achieving Net-Zero Emissions by 2070
The Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change emphasized the critical role of decarbonizing the transport sector to reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and achieve the ambitious net-zero emissions target by 2070 set by the Government of India. Speaking at a side event on the India-US “Payment Security Mechanism (PSM)” for e-buses, the Minister highlighted the significance of transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs), particularly electric buses, to achieve these environmental goals.
Government Explores Small Nuclear Reactors for Clean Energy Transition
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are gaining attention due to their unique features such as modularity, scalability, small footprint, and enhanced safety. These characteristics make SMRs an attractive option for repurposing retiring coal-based thermal power station sites. By deploying SMRs, especially in locations unsuitable for large nuclear plants, significant amounts of low-carbon electricity can be generated.
National Conference on Energy Transition in Gandhinagar
The conference delved into the critical aspects of energy transition, focusing on scaling up renewable energy generation and consumption. The discussions addressed challenges related to grid integration, financing tools, and the development of supporting infrastructure.
Establishment of New Cattle Feed Plant
The objective of the project is to provide optimum quality cattle feed to milk producers to ensure uninterrupted supply of balanced cattle feed to the affiliated unions and to increase the milk production by providing quality cattle feed. The project also proposes to utilize the energy efficient, green technology to reduce the Carbon Foot Print.
