Power
Proposed Mirzapur thermal power plant does not involve forest area: Govt
The government informed Parliament that a 1600-megawatt coal-based power project in Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh involves no forest land within its site, but requires 8.35 hectares for a water pipeline and access road externally. The National Green Tribunal has raised concerns, and environmental impact assessments are being conducted.
Detailed project reports of two hydro pumped storage plants approved in record time: Power ministry
The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has approved the detailed project report of two hydro pumped storage plants in India, the 600 MW Upper Indravati in Odisha and the 2,000 MW Sharavathy in Karnataka. The CEA revised guidelines to simplify the process for preparing detailed project reports (DPRs) of PSPs and their concurrence. The ministry said the government prioritizes the development of energy storage systems, particularly PSPs, to ensure energy security.
Adani Power plans capacity expansion via inorganic route
Adani Power Ltd. (APL) is ramping up its capacity expansion efforts, targeting an increase of 4,800 MW through both inorganic acquisitions and brownfield projects, as outlined by CEO Shersingh B Khyalia. The company is advancing three major projects: two expansions in Chhattisgarh at Raipur and Raigarh, and a new 1,600 MW plant in Uttar Pradesh through its subsidiary Mirzapur Thermal Energy. APL is also seeking approval from the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) for the resolution plans of Lanco Amarkantak and Coastal Energen, which would add 3,120 MW to its portfolio.
Jindal Power, Vedanta & 4 others in race for Athena
The race to acquire Athena Demwe Power, which owns the crucial 1,750-MW Lower Demwe hydroelectric project in Arunachal Pradesh, is heating up with six major companies in contention. Vedanta, Jindal Power, a JSW Energy arm, Greenko Energies, THDC India, and Orissa Metaliks are vying for the asset through the insolvency resolution process. The project, delayed due to environmental and forest clearance issues, holds significant strategic value. Athena Demwe, which has over ₹567 crore in liabilities, has faced setbacks in the insolvency process, including a failed revival plan.
India's power consumption rises 3.5 pc to 145.40 billion units in July
India's power consumption in July increased by 3.5% to 145.40 Billion Units from the previous year, as cooling demands eased due to rainfall. The peak power demand on a single day also rose to 226.63GW from 208.95GW last July, though it remained below the 250.20GW record set in May 2024.
Adani Power to set up 1600 MW greenfield power plant in UP for Rs 14,000 crore
Adani Power embarked on building a 1600 MW ultra-supercritical thermal power plant in Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh. This initiative, led by Mirzapur Thermal Energy, represents a Rs 14,000 crore investment to double its thermal capacity to 30.67 GW by 2030. It has engaged BHEL for equipment supply and project supervision in this ambitious expansion.
India may face potential evening power shortages by 2027, warns IECC
The IECC further said that if electricity demand continues to grow at an annual rate beyond 6 per cent, India will face evening power shortages by 2027. It observed that India's electricity demand grew by 7 per cent in 2023, significantly outpacing the global average of 2.2 per cent. Between May 2019 and May 2024, India's peak electricity demand surged by 68 GW, from 182 GW to 250 GW, marking an annual growth rate of 6.5 per cent.
REC arm hands over NERGS-I Power Transmission project to Techno Electric
REC Power Development and Consultancy Limited (RECPDCL) has transferred a project-specific Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to Techno Electric & Engineering Company Limited. The SPV, named NERGS-I Power Transmission, has been created for the establishment of a 400 kV switching station at Bokajan and a new Mariani 400 kV double circuit (D/C) line at Bokajan in Assam.
UP Assembly passes anti-cheating Bill, maximum penalty life imprisonment
The Uttar Pradesh Assembly passed a Bill on Tuesday to address cheating in public examinations, imposing life imprisonment and fines up to Rs 1 crore for those involved in organized cheating rackets. The Uttar Pradesh Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024 includes a provision for life imprisonment and a fine ranging from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1 crore for anyone collaborating with solver gangs or using unfair means during exams.
Power Grid planning Rs 40,000-cr subsea interconnection with Middle East in 5 yrs
Power Grid announced plans for an undersea interconnection project with countries in the Middle East worth up to Rs 40,000 crore. It aimed to boost growth with an Rs 18,000 crore investment this fiscal year. Discussions included Oman, Saudi Arabia, and UAE. The company focused on renewable energy projects and diversifying into smart meters and data centers.
Must Watch
India's power generation capacity rose to 4.46 GW in 10 years: MoS Power
India's installed power generation capacity has grown by around 80% over the last decade, reaching 4,46,190 MW in June 2024. The installed capacity of coal-based power has increased from 1,39,663 MW in March 2014 to 2,10,969 MW in June 2024, while the installed capacity of the renewable sector has increased from 75,519 MW to 1,95,013 MW.
Coal based power capacity needs investment of Rs 6.67 lakh cr to meet demand by 2032: Power Ministry
The Power Ministry has announced a plan requiring a Rs 6.67 lakh crore investment to reach the estimated electricity demand by 2031-32. The Central Electricity Authority determined that the country needs a coal & lignite installed capacity of 283 GW. The country currently produces 217.5 GW. The Government of India aims to add at least 80 GW of coal-based capacity by 2031-32, alongside a push for non-fossil fuel-based electricity generation to reach a target of 50 per cent by 2030. Currently the figure stands at 45.5 per cent.
Govt retains 14 pc rise in capital investment of Rs 67,000 cr by 8 power PSUs in FY25
The government has announced a significant increase in capital investments by eight state-owned power companies for the upcoming fiscal year. Various companies like Power Grid Corporation, NTPC Ltd, and NHPC Ltd are set to boost their investments compared to previous years.
Budget 2024: Did you miss the 'nuclear option' in the budget?
Nirmala Sitharaman announced Bharat Small Reactors aiming for 500 GW renewable energy by 2031. These 300 MW, factory-built reactors, adding 15,700 MW, are cost-effective, safer, and generate less waste. This supports India’s clean energy push with added wind and solar, following global trends.
Budget proposes 800-MW power plant based on advanced ultra super critical tech
The Union Budget for FY25 proposes an 800-MW advanced ultra supercritical power plant via a joint venture between NTPC Ltd and Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd. The government will provide fiscal support, promoting indigenous technology and high-grade steel production, boosting thermal power capacity, and addressing equipment availability issues.
Budget 2024: Nuclear energy to drive India’s Viksit Bharat's new power mix
India’s Union Budget 2024-25 sets the stage for a sustainable energy transformation. Key initiatives include partnerships for nuclear energy advancements, the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana for household solar power, and a new Pumped Storage Policy for renewable integration. Public sector collaborations will drive advanced power plants, and a Critical Mineral Mission will secure essential resources. This comprehensive strategy aims to balance growth, employment, and environmental sustainability, ensuring a resilient energy future for Viksit Bharat.
