Uncertainty Preventing Investments in Hydel Projects: Power Minister Piyush Goyal

[Hindustani78]

http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/uncertainty-preventing-investments-in-hydel-projects-power-minister-piyush-goyal-747967
All India | Press Trust of India | Updated: March 19, 2015 15:01 IST

New Delhi: Uncertainties in the hydro power sector are keeping investors away from hydel projects although the country has huge potential, Power Minister Piyush Goyal told Lok Sabha today.

Many hydel power projects are facing hurdles, resulting in long delays and stoppage of works.

"There is uncertainty over hydro power projects... Investors are not ready to make investments," said Mr Goyal, who is also in charge of Coal and New and Renewable Energy Ministries.

Even though existing hydel projects are generating electricity at cheaper rates, he said many new ones are stuck and cited the examples of Subansiri (Assam) and Teesta (Sikkim) plants, among others.

"Different projects are stuck due to different reasons," he said and cited politics, environmental issues and court rulings being among the various reasons.

He assured that government would make efforts to start hydel projects once the "uncertainty" is over.

At the end of January, installed hydro power generation capacity in the country stood at nearly 41,000 MW.

Noting that the House needs to have a discussion on hydel projects in the country, Mr Goyal said many regions including North East and Uttarakhand have significant hydro potential.

To a query on Green Energy Corridor project, Mr Goyal said synchronisation of renewable power under this programme is yet to start as implementation is at different stages.

The project, being done with soft loan assistance from German lender KfW, would cover Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Jammu & Kashmir.

"Green Energy Corridor project will help in grid stability by way of evacuating renewable power from the generation points to load centres with creation of additional and adequate transmission capacity," the Power Minister said.

KfW would provide a concessional loan of 1 billion Euros, over the next six years, to augment and strengthen power transmission infrastructure for evacuating renewable energy.

Besides, Germany's GIZ has agreed to provide technical assistance of 2 million euros for forecasting, balancing, market design and network management related to grid integration of renewable power.

Mr Goyal also appreciated the Tamil Nadu government and former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, whom he addressed as 'Amma', for giving thrust to renewable energy in the state.

 

[Ind4Ever]

Implement in BJP ruled states . We need more energy !!!!

 

[Hindustani78]

Implement in BJP ruled states . We need more energy !!!!

Karnataka

 

[Ind4Ever]

Karnataka

Every where except few small states

 

[Hindustani78]

Updated: October 28, 2016 06:03 IST
http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...dy-at-kanjikode/article9279090.ece?ref=tpnews

Farm with 22MW capacity to be ready by March next year
In a major initiative aimed at addressing power deficiency in the State by tapping non-conventional energy sources, Kerala’s largest wind energy farm with initial production capacity of 22MW is getting ready at the Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (KINFRA) industrial park at Kanjikode, near here.

Implemented by private-sector energy major Noida-based Indox Wind, the farm is coming up on 27.5 acres of land leased out by the State government.

Company representatives told The Hindu that the works were fast progressing and the farm would be ready by March next year.

KSEB to buy power

The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) will buy the power generated as per the tariff fixed by the electricity regulatory commission. Eleven windmills will be installed in the initial phase at a cost of Rs.15 crore each. More windmills will be installed later. It is the first project initiated in the State by Indox Wind, which generates 1,600 MW power at present across the nation.

Company consultant Suku Nair said it was the first major power sector initiative in the State in which the State government was joining hands with a national major in the wind energy sector. The KINFRA industrial park is also becoming the first industrial park in the country to host a wind-energy farm.

More firms evince interest

Meanwhile, KSEB officials said that many companies had shown interest in starting wind farms in the eastern regions of Palakkad district as these areas had large potential to operate the farms. Units already functioning in the Walayar-Kanjikode belt and Attappady had proven to be successful.

Efforts to tap solar energy in Attappady was also giving positive results, he said.

Huge potential

A feasibility study conducted by KSEB said Attappady region had the potential to generate more than 1,000 MW of power in the non-conventional sector. The board was also considering planting of Jetropha plants in Palakkad district to generate bio-fuel.

The district panchayat has already started work on the Koodal mini-hydel project, and three more mini-hydel projects are in the offing in the district.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...l-plant-opposed/article9293525.ece?ref=tpnews
Updated: November 2, 2016 05:37 IST

Samiti claims the plant has negatively affected agricultural, horticultural crops
Vijay Kumar Hegde, president, UPCL Virodhi Horata Samiti, said on Tuesday that the Samiti was opposed to the expansion of the coal-based thermal project of Udupi Power Corporation Ltd (UPCL), located at Yellur in Udupi district from the present 1,200 MW to 2,800 MW.

Addressing presspersons here, Mr. Hegde said that the existing 1,200 MW thermal project had caused the destruction of agricultural and horticultural crops and the contamination of wells in the area. Despite several requests by the Samiti, the authorities were not ready to hold a public hearing in any village near the power project as they feared facing the wrath of the villagers. The public hearing would be held at Paniyur village on November 10. He said that when the existing problems had not been solved by the authorities, it was surprising they were going ahead with the plans of expansion.

When a Samiti delegation met the Deputy Commissioner three days ago to voice their objections and draw attention to their problems, the latter responded by asking them whether they wanted electricity.

Mr. Hegde said that while no one was opposed to development, the problems of the people had to be addressed. Already, the Nandikur Janajagriti Samiti was fighting cases against the UPCL in the Supreme Court.

The public hearings before the establishment of the 1,200 MW plant too had not been held in a transparent manner, he held.

Fly ash problems

Uday, a farmer from Yermal Tenka village, said that he had grown arecanut and coconut on 1.5 acres of land but most of his crop was destroyed by fly ash.

The release of used water from the plant had contaminated the well in his field too, he said.

Shashidhar Shetty, the former president of Yellur Gram Panchayat and president of District Congress Kisan Cell, said that water in the wells of 10 houses in Santhur village was contaminated owing to fly ash from the thermal plant.

The people of these 10 houses had to walk three kms to get cans of water supplied by the UPCL. It was not possible for senior citizens to walk the distance to get water.

“The yield of all agricultural and horticultural crops had halved in the area because of fly ash. The yield of jasmine flowers had been drastically hit. Its impact can be felt in 12 surrounding villages,” he said.

These issues had been brought to the notice of the district unit of Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) at the gram sabha held nearly six months ago, Mr. Shetty said.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
03-November, 2016 11:22 IST
MNRE issues bidding Guidelines for setting up 1000 MW Wind Power Projects connected to ISTS scheme

Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) issued Guidelines for transparent bidding process for implementation of Scheme for setting up of 1000 MW Wind Power Project connected to inter-state transmission system (ISTS).

As per Guidelines the Wind Power Projects will be selected through open and transparent competitive bidding followed by e-reverse auction and the capacity may go higher than 1000 MW, if there is demand from Buying Entities. The implementing agency SECI has already floated RfS document for selection of bidders under the Scheme.

Discoms of non-windy State and UTs and also the bulk consumers of any State/UTs who intend to buy 10 MW or more can buy wind power under the Scheme.

PTC India Ltd, trading company selected by SECI under the scheme, will sign Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with wind projects at bidded tariff and back-to-back Power Sale Agreement (PSA) with Buying Entities at a pooled price of the total bids selected. The term of PPA and PSA will be 25 years.

Bidder can bid for a minimum capacity of 50 MW and maximum up to 250 MW. The selected bidder is required to injected wind power at ISTS interconnection point. Bidder is allowed to install 5% of additional rated capacity that will compensate auxiliary consumption and system losses up to interconnection point.

Provision relating to pass through of GST impact, part commissioning, efficiency in generation, performance monitoring have also been stipulated in the guidelines.

The Guidelines are available at http://mnre.gov.in/file-manager/gri...000-MW-ISTS-connected-Wind-Power-Projects.pdf

BACKGROUND

Ministry sanctioned a Scheme for setting up of 1000 MW ISTS connected Wind Power Project on 14 June 2016.

The objective of the Scheme is to encourage competitiveness through scaling up of project sizes and introduction of efficient and transparent e-bidding and e-auctioning processes. It will also facilitate fulfilment of Non-Solar Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) requirement of non-windy states.

In order to facilitate transmission of wind power from these windy states to non-windy states provisions have been made in the Tariff Policy to waive the inter-state transmission charges and losses for wind power projects and Ministry of Power has already issued order in this regard.

RM/PS

 

[Hindustani78]

The Minister of State for Power, Coal, New and Renewable Energy and Mines (Independent Charge), Shri Piyush Goyal in a Bilateral meeting with the Swedish Minister for Policy Coordination and Energy, Mr. Ibrahim Baylan, in Stockholm, Sweden on November 02, 2016.

The Minister of State for Power, Coal, New and Renewable Energy and Mines (Independent Charge), Shri Piyush Goyal addressing at the Round Table on Smart Grid and Energy Solutions, in Stockholm, Sweden on November 03, 2016.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...kamudhi-village/article9307534.ece?ref=tpnews
Updated: November 5, 2016 05:35 IST

Two and a half months after the commissioning of Adani Group’s 648 MW solar power plant, touted to be the world’s largest at a single location at Sengapadai village in Kamudhi taluk in the district, Group Chairman Gautam Adani made a flying visit, inspecting the plant on Friday.

Mr Gautam Adani, accompanied by his wife Priti Adani, Chairperson, Adani Foundation, and Mr. Vneet S Jaain, CEO, Adani Power, flew down to the plant site in a chartered helicopter from Madurai and inspected the facilities, spending more than two hours.

The Adanis and Mr Jaain went around the plant, established by Adani Green Energy (Tamil Nadu) Limited, an Adani Group company on sprawling 2,500 acres on total outlay of Rs 2,500 crore and inspected five units – three units with 72 MW and two units with 216 MW capacities, sources said.

They landed inside the plant complex at 10 am and took off at 12 25 p.m., the sources said. This was the Chairman’s maiden visit after the plant was established and after Chief Minister Jayalalithaa commissioned the plant on September 21 through video conferencing.

The group company has started generating the maximum of more than 520 MW of power and the same was being transmitted through the 400/230/110 kv sub-station made ready by the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (Tangedco) inside the plant premises.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Finance
08-November, 2016 12:15 IST
Government of India and Asian Development Bank (ADB) sign $48 Million Loan to improve Assam’s Power Distribution System

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of India yesterday signed a $48 million loan to help Assam state continue its drive to improve access to efficient and reliable power in the national capital.


This is the second tranche loan of the $300 million multi tranche financing facility for the Assam Power Sector Investment Program that was approved by the ADB Board in July 2014. The project will help Assam to enhance capacity and efficiency of its power distribution system to improve electricity service to end users. The first tranche loan of $50 million was signed in February 2015.


“Increased access to reliable and modern power supply for remote communities can help meet growing demand. This loan will help strengthen the state’s distribution system, improve energy efficiency and reduce technical and commercial losses,” said Ms. M. Teresa Kho, Country Director of ADB's India Resident Mission, who signed the loan agreement on behalf of ADB.


“Given that a sustainable power supply is critical for facilitating growth and creating employment opportunities, this project will help Assam attract investment and tap its economic potential, in addition to reducing power outages,” said Mr. Raj Kumar, Joint Secretary (Multilateral Institutions) in the Ministry of Finance, who signed the agreement for Government of India. Ms Z. Rahman Ahmed, Secretary (Power), Govt. of Assam, signed the loan agreement on behalf of the state government along with Mr. P. Gupta, MD, Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL).

The project, which is expected to be completed by December 2019, will help APDCL add an additional substation capacity, expand and improve medium voltage network, reduce system losses by 3% and enhance energy efficiency through renovation and modernization of existing 33/11 kV substations. Part of the loan will be used to strengthen institutional capacity of APDCL through setting up independent meter testing laboratories, load dispatch centers and installing centralized uniform billing system to 1.2 million customers.


The loan of $48 million from ADB’s ordinary capital resources makes up to 80% of the total project cost of almost $60 million, with the Government of Assam providing counterpart finance of $12 million. The loan has a 25-year term, including a five-year grace period with an annual interest rate determined in accordance with ADB's LIBOR-based lending facility.



*****

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...-day-celebrated/article9317954.ece?ref=tpnews
The National Thermal Power Corporation Raising Day was celebrated at the NTPC Ramagundam on Monday with the employees and their family members participating in the walkathon (prabhat pheri), which was led by General Manager (O&M) UK Dasgupta.

At a project level function held at May Day Park on the plant premises, Dasgupta hoisted the NTPC Flag, followed by NTPC Geet sung by all. NTPC senior official also cut a cake on the occasion to celebrate the completion of 41 years of NTPC.

Addressing the gathering, he highlighted the glorious history of NTPC and its contribution in the development of the country as well as its efforts in CSR (corporate social responsibility) programmes, environment and others.

NTPC employees, CISF officers and jawans, office bearers of different unions and associations and employees were among those present on the occasion.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities...lar-power-plant/article9322097.ece?ref=tpnews
Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal on Tuesday inaugurated the State’s largest solar power plant of 100 MW, set up by Adani group at Sardargarh village in this district.

Speaking on the occasion, he said that the plant, costing Rs 640 crore, would prove to be a game changer for not only the 232 farmers who have given their land on lease for the project but would act as a perfect example for the other regions to follow.

He said that this is the country’s biggest horizontal single axis tracker plant at a single location and would be instrumental in changing the face of the state.

This developmental journey would continue unhindered and would not be allowed to be hijacked by the rowdy elements inimical to the peace and prosperity of Punjab, Mr. Badal added.

The State government is contemplating bringing approximately 25,000 acre land under the purview of solar power sector, he said.

He said that in the next 5 years all 12,000 villages of the State would be provided with sewerage facilities, solar lights and concretized streets at a cost of Rs 35,000 crore.

He also announced that the airport at Bathinda would be operationalised soon. Taking on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Congress for being out of tune with the needs and aspirations of Punjab, he said that no stone would be left unturned to ensure further progress of Punjab on all developmental parameters.

New and Renewable Energy Minister Bikram Singh Majithia said that the farmers who have given their land for the plant would get Rs 55,000 per acre per annum which would increase by 5 per cent every year.

He said that the solar power sector has attracted most investment in Punjab which is evident from the fact that in 2012 the investment was Rs 82 crore which has today risen to Rs 10,000 crore. The minister also said that Mansa, Bathinda and Muktsar are emerging as a hub of solar power. Batting for clean and green energy, Mr. Majithia said that further developing this sector would ensure healthy environment. PTI

The Adani Group said the 100 MW solar plant project at Sardargarh and Chughe Kalan villages has been commissioned almost six months ahead of schedule.

Apart from the 100 MW Solar Power Plant in Bhatinda, the company also has a 40 MW solar plant at Bitta in Gujarat and has recently unveiled a 648 MW solar power project at Ramanathapuram district in Tamil Nadu. It is the world’s largest solar power plant at a single location.

The company has also signed a JV with the Rajasthan government to develop the country’s largest solar park in the state with 10,000 MW capacity.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Science & Technology
10-November, 2016 18:44 IST
Surya Jyoti -

Photo-Voltaic (PV) Integrated Micro Solar Dome (MSD)



In order to capture day light and concentrate the same inside a dark room, particularly in urban slum or rural areas which lack electricity supply, a low cost and energy efficient Micro Solar Dome has been tested and developed.


Union Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Harsh Vardhan today visited the dwelling units of Lalbagh clusters in Azadpur area of Delhi, where the PV Integrated Micro Solar Dome (MSD) – Surya Jyoti have been installed. The minister was pleased to notice how these lamps have improved the quality of life of the inhabitants especially of the women and children. Addressing the media, Dr. Harsh Vardhan said that this will also increase the productivity of women who stay at home and are involved in small income generation activities. The Micro Solar Dome (MSD) is a clear and green energy initiative of the Department of Science and Technology. The Minister added that this project will also supplement the Green Energy initiatives.


The Micro Solar Dome (MSD) is a day and night lighting single device unique in its features, that has a transparent semi-spherical upper dome made of acrylic material which captures the sunlight and the light passes through a sun-tube having a thin layer of highly reflective coating on the inner wall of the passage. It also contains a lower dome made of acrylic. There is a shutter in the bottom of the lower dome which can be closed, if light is not required in the daytime. It is leak proof and works throughout the day and 4 hours continuously after sunset. The entire development activities were taken up by an R&D Organisation under the aegis of the Department of Science & Technology.

The potential users of this device are the 10 million off-grid households in urban and rural spaces and several folds more that do not have reliable access to electricity. When these Surya Jyoti lamps, giving an illumination equivalent of a 60W incandescent lamp, are installed in 10 million households it would lead to a saving of 1750 million units of energy. It would also lead to an Emission Reduction of about 12.5 million ton of CO2.


About 1000 Micro Solar domes now working in the slums of Delhi, Kolkata, Agartala, Guwahati, Bhopal and Bengaluru. However, demand of the product is increasing manifold as more and more people are becoming aware of the unique benefits of using the product. There are about 130 number of Surya Jyoti at Lalbag and nearby areas. The latest Surya Jyoti operates in three modes, day light without any electricity, night time with solar PV and night time with conventional grid after 17 hours of operation.


In order to cater to this ever increasing demand, an entrepreneurship development programme for manufacturing and installation of Surya Jyoti was organised during 18-22 October, 2016 in which 25 entrepreneurs and 7 voluntary organisation from 11 States of different regions were trained. The manufacturing process of the device is labour intensive and is expected to generate huge job opportunities. A monthly production of 6000 units is envisaged by December, 2016 which will go up to 20000 by March, 2017.


The Department of Science & Technology along with Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) will take it up for larger distribution in bigger areas. The Department is also training and giving licenses to young entrepreneurs to have their own start-ups. Self-help groups have also been trained to make these lamps and have been given licenses.


The PV integrated Micro Solar Dome costs about Rs. 1200 and Non-PV integrated Micro Solar Dome about Rs. 500 which would further reduce to about Rs. 900 and Rs. 400 respectively, post the scaling up of the manufacturing process.


The PV Integrated Micro Solar Dome has been included as a product for off grid solar lighting applications by Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and is eligible for subsidy at par with other solar lighting products. Attempts are being made to integrate Surya Jyoti for subsidy in rural and urban housing schemes, MP Local Area Development Schemes and corporate social responsibility activities of public sector enterprises

Solar Micro Dome “Surya Jyoti“

Surya Jyoti being used for reading

Surya Jyoti attached on a ceiling for lighting

Surya Jyoti in Operation in Delhi

Surya Jyoti installed in Tribal areas of Tripura

Surya Jyoti installed in Topsia Slum, Kolkata

 

[Hindustani78]

The Union Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Harsh Vardhan installed the Surya Jyoti (Micro Solar Dome), at Lalbagh clusters, in New Delhi on November 10, 2016.

The Union Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Harsh Vardhan installed the Surya Jyoti (Micro Solar Dome), at Lalbagh clusters, in New Delhi on November 10, 2016.

The Union Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Harsh Vardhan briefing the media after installation of the Surya Jyoti (Micro Solar Dome), at Lalbagh clusters, in New Delhi on November 10, 2016. The Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Prof. Ashutosh Sharma is also seen.

The Union Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Harsh Vardhan addressing the press conference at the installation of the Surya Jyoti (Micro Solar Dome), at Lalbagh clusters, in New Delhi on November 10, 2016. The Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Prof. Ashutosh Sharma is also seen.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...-in-maharashtra/article9331785.ece?ref=tpnews
Kothagudem MLA Jalagam Venkat Rao visited the Saoner and Gondegaon coal mines of the Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) in Maharashtra as part of a study tour on Thursday.

Mr Rao, accompanied by several officials of the Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), toured the coalmine areas in Nagpur district of Maharashtra, sources said.

The members of the team interacted with the officials of the WCL. The team is also expected to visit the eco-park situated between Saoner and Gondegaon mines in Nagpur district. The MLA’s visit assumes significance in the backdrop of the proposal to promote ‘eco-mine tourism’ project in Kothagudem.