PNC: Interesting News from Power Sector A�APeriodic (A-Niyatkalik): Nov 2024 :Special issue

News Headlines:

• AI Power Sector News:
• Indore to become World's 1^st Energy Literate City
• In Dec 2023, Global Solar capacity hits 1,418 GW. During CY 23-24, 595 GW to be added
• Britain became first G7 country to end coal power as last plant closes on 1^st Oct 2024
• GOM initiated a huge plan of solarisation, Hybrid Projects, Battery & Pumped Storage Scheme in Maha (ahead of Assembly Elections)
• Recent Developments in Green H2 in India
• H2 Demd in mobility sector up in S Korea

Vijay L Sonavane

ME (Elect)

Date: 11/11/2024

All info in this PPT is collected from various open sources available on the internet & News papers. Opinions expressed/ remarks, are my own views, which are based on my LIMITED EXPOSURE. You may not agree with my opinion. I respect your views/ opinons

Evening Peak Demd met (GW) & Energy Met (MU); �IEX MCV (Market Cleared Volume) (MU) , MCP (Market Clearing Price) (PSPU)

AI Power Demd rebounds with 0.4% growth in Oct 24, driven by post-monsoon IND pick-ups (05/XI)

YOY AI Demd growth was (-) in Aug/Sept 24, compared to Aug/Sept 23

Good news is AI Demd increased by 0.4% in Oct 2024, reaching an estimated 140 BUs. This was due to a number of factors, including:

• Industrial activity: Manufacturing increased, with Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rising from 58.3 in Sept 24 to 58.6 in Oct 24. Manufacturing accounts for almost half of India's total electricity consumption.
• Festival season: Preparations for festival season contributed to increase in Demd
• Hydroelectric power: HEP Gen increased by 43% due to favorable water availability.
• Nuclear & RE: Gen from NUC &RES increased by 6% and 1%, respectively.
• Coal stock levels: Coal stock levels improved, with THM power plants holding about 35 MMT as of Oct 31.

However Peak power Demd in Oct 2024 was 219.22 GW, which was lower than the 221.53 GW in Oct 2023.

Oct 24 coal output rises 7.4%, Captive production surges 41.7% (02/XI)

• CIL Coal production rose by 7.4% to 84.45 MMT in Oct 24 as against 78.57 MMT in Oct 23, Coal ministry said
• Production from Captive & other entities rose to 16.59 MMT in Oct 24 over 11.70 MMT in Oct 23.
• Dispatches saw a boost in Oct 24 reaching 82.89 MMT compared to 79.25 MMT recorded in Oct 23.
• Coal dispatch from captive & other entities despatch also grew to 16.18 MMT in Oct 2024, compared to 11.83 MMT in Oct 2023
• In the APR-OCT 24 period, AI coal production rose by 6.1% to 537.45 MMT compared to 506.56 MMT in APR-OCT 23.
• Cumulative coal dispatch during APR-OCT 24 rose to 571.39 MMT compared to 541.51 M MT during APR-OCT 23

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GOI extends operation of imported coal-based power plants (17/X)

• GOI has extended the mandate for imported coal-based power plants to operate at full capacity until Dec 31 in anticipation of higher power Demd.
• Previously, GOI had allowed the imported coal-based plants to operate at full capacity until Oct 15.
• GOI order, dated 15/10 invoked an emergency clause available to GOI in directing Gencos, including Tata Power, Adani Power & Vedanta, to operate their imported coal fired plants at full capacity.
• Imported coal-based power plants in India have a combined capacity of nearly 16 GW.
• The mandate comes despite India's coal fired power O/P falling for a 2^nd straight month in Sept on an annual basis due to slower growth in electricity usage & a surge in solar gen.

GOI approves ASHVINI to develop NUC Power plants (20/09)

• GOI has received approval for Anushakti Vidhyut Nigam Ltd (ASHVINI), a JV between Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) & NTPC Ltd to build, own, & operate NUC power plants in India under the Atomic Energy Act.
• Additionally, GOI approved transfer of Mahi Banswara Raj Atomic Power Project (MBRAPP), comprising 4×700 MWe reactors based on pressurised heavy-water reactor technology, from NPCIL to JV company ASHVINI.
• GOI also granted exemptions allowing NPCIL to invest over Rs 5 Bn & NTPC to invest over Rs 50 Bn in a single JV or subsidiary. In addition to MBRAPP, ASHVINI shall also pursue other NUC Power Projects in different parts of India.

PM Surya Ghar Yojana (PMSGY) registers 13 Mn sign-ups, adds 1.8 GW RT solar capacity in 6 months (17/X)

• PMSGY, launched in Feb 2024, has seen over 1.8 Mn applications from H/Hs within its first six months, according to a report by the IEEFA & JMK Research
• The scheme, aimed at adding 30 GW RT solar capacity across 10 Mn H/Hs by 2027, has already resulted in 385,000 installations, contributing 1.8 GW new capacity,by mid Oct 24.
• Targeting 8-10 GW of annual installations under PMSGY will significantly aid India’s RE goal of 500 GW by 2030 .
• Over 25 financial institutions, including private & public sector Banks, NBFCs & fin-tech firms, are now offering RT solar financing.
• Greater financial incentives & easier access to capital have been key drivers of strong response to PMSGY.
• Despite the success, challenges persist, particularly state-level policy inconsistencies & technical issues with National Portal for Rooftop Solar (NPRS). “Regulatory variations across states & technical problems with the NPRS are on-going concerns

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Adani reduces power supply to Bangladesh by half over outstanding bills: Report (02/XI)

• Adani Power Jharkhand Ltd (APJL), a fully owned subsidiary of Adani Power, has halted 50%-60% of its electricity supply to Bangladesh due to unpaid bills totalling $846 Mn.
• Bangladesh reported a shortfall of more than 1,600 MW on Thursday night (31/X) after 1,496 MW Adani plant reduced supply to 700 MW (Single unit generating)
• Earlier, APJL wrote to Power Secretary asking Bangladesh Power Development Board (PDB) to clear its outstanding dues by Oct 30.
• The letter, dated Oct 27, said that if the bills are not paid, APJL shall be constrained to take remedial action under the (PPA) by suspending power supply on Oct 31.
• APJL said that PDB has neither provided a letter of credit (LC) for an amount of USD 170.03Mn from Bangladesh Krishi Bank nor cleared the outstanding amount of USD 846 Mn.
• PDB official said that they had earlier cleared a portion of previous dues, but since July, Adani has been charging more than the previous months. He said the PDB has been paying around USD 18 Mn weekly, while the charge is more than USD 22 Mn

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• “This is why the dues payments increased again,” he said, adding that they had submitted last week’s payment to Krishi Bank as well, but due to a dollar shortage, the Krishi Bank failed to open a LC against the payment.
• About the additional payment, he said, when PDB raised a question on Coal pricing in Feb 23, they signed a supplementary deal that obliged Adani to quote coal prices less than the rates charged by other coal-fired power plants
• After the tenure of the one-year supplementary deal, Adani has again started charging as per the PPA, the report said.
• According to PPA, coal prices are calculated based on the AVG price of two coal indices: Indonesian coal index & Australian Newcastle index — which increases the prices.
• Adani said that during the period of suspension of supply, APJL reserves its right to recover capacity payments under Section 13.2(1) of the PPA.
• Adani has been pressing interim Govt to pay the dues since they took charge after the ouster of then PM, Sheikh Hasina

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Bangladesh wants more electricity from Tripura. Presently Tripura supplies 50-80 MW daily (07/XI)

• Tripura State Electricity Corporation Ltd (TSECL) MD Biswajit Basu said that Bangladesh Govt has been requesting to supply at least 250 MW electricity to them, as they have a huge shortage of power to meet the growing demand of consumers.
• “Currently Tripura are supplying 50-80 MW of electricity to Bangladesh every day. GOI’s permission & clearances are vital, requiring signing of an agreement & to fulfil other formalities,” Basu told. He said that B’desh Govt almost regularly makes their payments to TSECL for the supply of electricity.
• Tripura, an electricity surplus state, had started supplying 100 MW of power to Bangladesh from the state-owned ONGC Tripura Power Company (OTPC) power plant in March 2016. The power supply sometimes increased to 160 MW.
• After the first agreement in 2016, TSECL subsequently renewed the agreement twice to continue the supply of electricity to Bangladesh
• In 2020 TSECL had supplied 40 MW electricity to Nepal but the supply has been discontinued as Nepal did not approach the Indian authorities afresh.

• NVVN is the nodal agency to supply power to B’desh from Tripura power project. Electricity is being supplied to B’desh & most of NER states from 726 MW gen capacity OTPC gas-based power plant in southern Tripura's Palatana, 65 km south of Agartala.
• OTPC, a JV of ONGC, Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services Ltd, IDFC Bank & Tripura Govt, set up the 726-MW project at Palatana in June 2013.
• OTPC's combined cycle power plant, which is the largest gas-based power plant in the NER, is meeting around 35% of the power requirement of 7 NER states, excluding Sikkim.
• The Rs 10,000 CR Palatana power plant is a unique example of the cooperation between New Delhi & Dhaka, which ensured the passage of heavy project equipment & turbines to Palatana in southern Tripura thro’ Bangladesh territory.
• Besides the Palatana power plants, Tripura has several other gas-based THM stns owned by state Govt North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO), a GOIPSU

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Kenyan court suspends $736 Mn Adani Power Line deal (26/X)

• Kenyan HC on 25/X suspended a $736 Mn deal between a state utility & India's Adani Energy Solutions to build & operate power infrastructure including trans lines
• The PPP agreement between State-owned Kenya Electrical Trans Co (KETRACO) & Adani Energy Solutions was signed earlier.
• On Oct. 11 the Energy Ministry said it would help address persistent power blackouts & support economic growth
• Kenyan HC said the Govt could not move ahead with 30-year agreement with Adani Energy Solutions until the court makes a determination on a case brought by the Law Society of Kenya challenging the deal. The Law Society has argued that the power deal is "a constitutional sham" & "tainted with secrecy.”
• The Law Society also said KETRACO & Adani Energy Solutions did not carry out meaningful public participation around the project, a requirement under Kenya's Public Private Partnerships Act of 2021, which allows PPP
• The Law Society of Kenya, along with the Kenya Human Rights Commission, has also challenged the proposed Airport deal in Court, saying it is unaffordable, threatens job losses & does not offer value for money.

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(NB: Kenyan PM Ruto met our PM in Dec 2023 during his India Visit. Our PM visited Kenya in July 24. This is just for your INFO )

Indore (India’s most Clean city) to become World's first Energy Literate City? (11/X)

• Starting Dec 1, a transformative campaign will kick off in Indore, MP, aiming to establish the city as the world’s first Energy-Literate community.
• ‘Indore Climate Mission’, will engage approx. 3.5 Mn residents in efforts to bring down carbon emissions thro’ changes in their daily activities.

Collaboration for a sustainable future:

• Indore MC is partnering with Energy Swaraj Foundation, an NGO led by Prof Chetan Singh Solanki (popularly known as Solar Man of India) from IIT Bombay. This collaboration aims to educate & empower residents to adopt more sustainable practices over the campaign’s duration.
• According to Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava, the first phase of the campaign will unfold over 100 days, focusing on training residents in energy conservation techniques.
• Prof Solanki, emphasised that even minor adjustments, such as wearing unironed clothes once a week or dedicating one day to raw food, can lead to substantial Energy savings.
• He noted that these small lifestyle shifts can contribute significantly to reducing release of CO2 & other GHG into the atmosphere.
• ‘Indore Climate Mission’ has set an ambitious target to lower the city’s monthly electricity usage by 7 to 10%. Thro’ collective efforts & commitment, Indore hopes to set a precedent for energy literacy & environmental responsibility across the globe.

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(WHY SUCH EFFORT CANNOT BE STARTED IN MAHA?. IIT MUMBAI Prof Goes to INDORE & Starts such effort in INDORE WHY NOT IN MAHA?. WE all need to think seriously & Act proactively)

Global Solar capacity hits 1,418 GW, investments reach $3.1 trillion: Report (06/XI)

• According to a recent World Solar Market report, the global solar capacity has reached a milestone of 1,418.97 GW, with investments in the solar sector totalling $3.1 trillion, highlighting a significant surge in solar energy adoption worldwide.

Key points from the report:

• Capacity growth: Global Solar capacity has grown significantly from just 1.22 GW as in 2000 to 1,418.97 GW by 2023. 2023 (a staggering 40% annual growth rate)
• Investment surge: Solar sector is leading the way in RE investments, with a projected total of $3.1 trillion by 2024.
• Driving factors: Falling solar panel costs, technological advancements, & supportive policies are key factors driving this growth.
• Asia Pacific dominance: Asia Pacific region is currently the leading investor in Solar energy.

This info is based on the "World Solar Report" released at the 7th Assembly of the International Solar Alliance. .

Solar on track for another record year: Ember report

• Global additions are set to hit about 595 GW this year (CY 2024), a jump of about 29% from CY 2023, London-based energy research firm Ember said in a new report.
• This increase comes on top of a near doubling of new installations in CY 2023, & largely matches a forecast from BloombergNEF.
• Major markets like China, India & Germany have continued to show steady growth this year, Ember said, while demand has soared from countries that previously showed little interest in solar, such as Saudi Arabia & Pakistan.
• Prices for solar modules have fallen to a record low of about $0.10/watt, according to BloombergNEF. That’s been great news for solar developers, but it means equipment manufacturers have been losing money.
• In addition to those COs’ woes, some countries are starting to have trouble digesting so much solar capacity that generates at full throttle in the middle of the day but disappears at night.
• Investing in grid infrastructure to solve those problems will be important for ensuring solar keeps growing thro’ the end of the decade, helping the world as it tries to triple RE capacity, Ember said.
• “The key will be to ensure that countries have sufficient grid capacity to transport power to where it is needed, as well as develop Battery Storage capacity to complement solar outside of the sunniest hours,” the report said.

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Yearly World Solar IC additions from 118.6 GW to 504.8 GW �(4.26 times in 6 years from 2019-2024)

Britain became first G7 country to end coal power as last plant closes (02/X)

• According to recent reports, Britain has become the first G7 country to completely end Coal power gen on Oct 1, 2024. when the UK's last coal-fired power plant, Ratcliffe-on-Soar, closed. This marked the end of 142 years of coal use in the country

Key points about this development:

• Milestone achievement:: This marks a significant step towards cleaner energy within G7 nations.
• Plant closure: Last coal plant shut down was the Ratcliffe-on-Soar power stn located in Nottinghamshire, England.
• Historical context: Britain was the birthplace of the IND Revolution & heavily relied on coal power for a long time.
• Focus on renewables: The UK is now shifting its energy focus towards RE sources like offshore wind power.

GOM has initiated plan of around 20,000 MW solarisation in Maha (09/X)

• Bhoomi Pujan ceremony for an integrated solar plant by Avaada Group took place in Butibori IND park at Nagpur on 08/X,. at an estimated budget of Rs 136.5 Bn.
• The main focus of the facility will be the entire solar value chain. This includes ingot-wafer, PV cells, & modules. Additionally, it will also manufacture batteries & electrolysers.
• Production is expected to begin in April 2025.
• GOM has initiated a plan to implement around 20,000 MW solar energy across Maha.
• Earlier, Avaada Group signed MoU with GOM to develop two innovative Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) with a combined capacity of 2,750 MW
• 1,500 MW Pawana Falyan PSP in Pune &Raigad districts, and
• 1,250 MW Kumbhavade PSP in Kolhapur & Ratnagiri districts.
• With a TTL investment of Rs 14,000 CR (5.1 CR/MW) over next 5 to 7 years, these projects (2750 MW PSP) are expected to enhance Maha’s Energy Security & promote Environmental Sustainability.

With an Aim to reach 50 % RE by 2030 in Maha, GOM signs MoUs for RE projects

• GOM has signed several MoUs for RE Gen for a total of Rs 47,500 CR
• SJVN Ltd & MahaGenco (Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd)
• REC Power Development & Consultancy Limited (RECPDCL),
• THDC India Limited (THDCIL), (Tehri HYD Power Corporation)
• HPCLRE & Green Energy (HPRGE), a subsidiary of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL), (HPRGE-HPCL) & Mahagenco.
• SJVN: For floating Solar power plant on Lower Wardha Dam in a JV with MahaGenco, with a 51:49% equity participation.
• This project will be executed in two phases: Phase 1 will involving 100 MW & Phase 2 involving 405 MW with TTL investment of Rs 30.3 Bn.
• RECPDCL: to develop 500 MW hybrid RE project with an investment of Rs 30 Bn.
• THDCIL: to develop 4250 MW RE Project in Maha, (investment: Rs 293.29 Bn
• HPRGE-HPCL to establish a green H2 & its derivative plant with a capacity of 50 KT at MahaGenco’s gas-based plant in Uran, through a JV with an investment of Rs 120 Bn.

GOM has also issued several Letters of Award (LoA) for RE projects, including:

• Avaada Energy: A LoA to develop & operate 1,138 MW of decentralized AG solar PV power projects across Maha by 2025. The projects will be developed under Mukhyamantri Saur Krushi Vahini Yojana 2.0 (MSKVY 2.0).
• Tata Power Renewable Energy: A LoA for a 400 MW wind-solar hybrid project in Maha. This is the largest RE project in the state for TPREL.
• Surana Solar: A LoA for a 54 MW solar PV project in Maha. The project is part of Mukhyamantri Saur Krushi Vahini Yojna 2.0.
• It is aimed at implementing Solar energy at AG feeder level The project will have a tariff rate of Rs 2.99 PU, with a subsidy of Rs 1.03 per MW.
• Surana Solar is expected to complete the project within 12 months from the date of the award. The power generated will be procured under a contract lasting 25 years from project’s commissioning. The estimated cost of the project is Rs 1.89 Bn.
• JSW Neo: A LoA to set up a 200-MW wind & solar hybrid power project in Maha

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JSW Energy inks 1,500 MW Energy Storage agreement with MSEDCL (14/X)

• JSW Energy PSP Two Ltd, a subsidiary of JSW Energy, has entered into an Energy Storage Facility Agreement (ESFA) with MSEDCL for a 1,500 MW/12,000 MWh Pumped Hydro Energy Storage Project.
• 40-year contract stipulates that JSW Energy will receive a fixed capacity charge of Rs 8.46 Mn/MW annually.
• Bhavali Pumped Hydro Project, located in Nashik & Thane districts, will have an 8-hour discharge capacity, with a max of 5 continuous hours of discharge.
• The project is scheduled to be commissioned within 48 months.

Torrent Power secures order for 1,500 MW PSP from MSEDCL (20/09)

• Torrent Power Ltd has received an order for a 1,500 MW HYD Pumped Storage Project (PSP) from MSEDCL. Torrent will be responsible for procuring 1500 MW/12,000 MWp of Energy Storage Capacity from the PSP.
• This capacity should be made available to MSEDCL for a scheduled discharge of eight hours a day, including a max of continuous 5 hours as per Pumped Hydro Energy Storage Facility Agreement (PHESFA). This agreement has been set for 40 years.
• According to tender, further details will be revealed after appropriate approvals from MERC.

MERC approves 5,991 MW Solar procurement to boost RE in Maha (26/09)

• MERC has approved procurement of 5,991 MW solar power by MSEDCL thro’ competitive bidding. This decision is aimed at helping Maha meet its RPO & ensure daytime power supply to farmers.
• Agreement comes under Mukhyamantri Saur Krushi Vahini Yojana 2.0 (MSKVY), which aims to solarise at least 30% of AG feeders by Dec 2025. The solar procurement will further improve quality & reliability of electricity for AG consumers & lower overall power procurement costs.
• The procurement will be managed by MSEB Solar Agro Power (MSAPL), a subsidiary of MSEB Holding Co, & split into two categories: 5,745 MW thro’ an open tender & 246 MW thro’ a cluster tender.
• MERC has set a Ceiling Tariff of Rs 3.10 PU to ensure competitive rates for developers & simultaneously controlling costs.
• MSEDCL is expected to meet increasing RPO targets, rising from 29.91% in 2024-25 to 43.33% by 2029-30, & better manage Koyna HE plant’s limited capacity for peak Demd

NTPC Green Energy, MAHAPREIT sign JV for 10 GW RE projects in Maha (27/09)

• NTPC's green energy arm, NTPC Green Energy Ltd (NGEL) has entered into a Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) with Mahatma Phule RE & Infrastructure Technology Ltd (MAHAPREIT). The pact was signed on Sept 25, 2024.
• The JVA was signed by Shri Rajiv Gupta, CEO (NGEL) & Shri Bipin Shrimali, MD (MAHAPREIT) at Mumbai in the presence of other senior officials from NGEL & MAHAPREIT. The JV Company will undertake development of 10 GW of RE Parks & Projects in Maha or in any other state of India,.
• The JV will focus on building RE parks & projects, contributing to contributing to NTPC's target of 60 GW of RE capacity by FY32.

NTPC floats tender DPR preparation of 800 MW AMBA PSP in Maha (27/08)

• NTPC has floated a tender for preparation of a detailed project report for an 800 MW Pumped Storage Project (PSP) in Amba, Maha. The last date for submission of bids is Nov 16, 2024
• The scope of work involves preparing an international standard DPR that ensures max annual power Gen at a competitive tariff. It should also consider efficient water usage and overall costs.
• DPR should encompass all necessary studies, analyses, & reports typically required by such agencies. Bidders from countries sharing a land border with India are eligible to participate in this tender.

NHPC revises MoU with Maha Govt for 7,350 MW PSPs (06/09)

• NHPC Ltd has re-entered a MoU with GOM’s Dept. of Water Resources for development of 7,350 MW RE storage systems.
• Under the agreement, NHPC will develop four major pumped storage projects (PSPs) in the state:
• Kengadi with a capacity of 1,550 MW,
• Savitri with a capacity of 2,250 MW,
• Kalu with a capacity of 1,150 MW, &
• Jalond with a capacity of 2,400 MW.
• This revision follows the issuance of a corrigendum regarding Maha’s policy for developing PSPs thro’ public-private partnerships.
• In Sept 2024, GOM signed MoU with THDC India Ltd for harnessing energy from six pumped storage projects (PSPs) in Maha. Further, Welspun has also allocated Rs 100 Bn for CM’s Solar AG Feeder Program 2.0.

Epic Energy signs agreement with Niva Ecotech for setting up 25 MW Solar Park project in Maha (09/09)

• Epic Energy Ltd has signed an agreement with Niva Ecotech Pvt Ltd for setting up a 25 MW/ 35 MWp solar park project in & around Solapur Dist in Maha.
• The project will be developed by Epic Renewable Projects Pvt Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Epic Energy. It forms part of Epic Energy’s target to set up 100 MW/140 MWp solar power projects in India by 2026.

Welspun inks MoU with GOM for 1.2 GW  pumped HYD project (09/09)

• Reportedly, Welspun New Energy Ltd has signed a MoU with Maha Govt for development of Dhamni pumped hydro project.
• Dhamni Pumped HYD project has a capacity of 1.2 GW & will require an investment of Rs 50 Bn. It will be set up in Pune & Raigad dists over next 6-7 years.

Maha DISCOM signs PPA/PSA for 6,600 MW Hybrid Solar & THM power supply by Adani Cos (16/09)

• The 6600 MW capacity has been secured thro’ a competitive bidding process initiated by MSEDCL for procurement of combined 1600 MW THM & 5000 MW solar power
• Adani Green Energy Ltd (AGEL), has signed a long-term PPA with MSEDCL, for supply of 5000 MW Solar power from the world’s largest RE park being developed at Khavda in Kutch GUJ, to Maha,
• Adani Power Ltd (APL), has signed a long-term PSA with MSEDCL for supply of 1496 MW (net) THM power to Maha state from a new 1600 MW Ultra-supercritical THM Project.
• The 5 GW Solar capacity award is the world’s largest such award since 2020, bolstering AGEL’s leadership in India & as one of the largest RE portfolio globally. Similarly, the THM capacity award is the largest in India in recent years to be awarded to private sector.

• THM capacity has been awarded to APL on Design, Build, Finance, Own and Operate (DBFOO) basis with sourcing of fuel from coal linkages allocated under GOI’s SHAKTI Policy.
• Under the terms of the Award, APL will enter into a 25-year PSA with MSEDCL for supply of 1496 MW (net of AUX consumption) on long term basis from a new THM power plant having IC of 1600 MW (2×800 MW) to be set up utilizing Ultra-Supercritical technology.
• Power supply under the proposed PSA will commence three & half years after the Appointed Date as defined thereunder in case of Unit 1 (800 MW) & 4 years in case of Unit 2 (800 MW). (May 28 & Nov 28)
• The 5K GW Solar capacity has been allocated at a flat tariff of Rs 2.70 PU for supply of power for a period of 25 years. The solar projects are expected to be connected to ISTS & shall be developed in a staggered manner over a period of 3 years from execution of PPAs with MSEDCL. (Nov 2027)
• Adani Power quoted Rs 4.08 PU to win the contracted 6600 MW
• Adani bid compares to Rs 4.36 PU quoted by 2nd lowest bidder, JSW Energy, & Rs 4.70 PU
• Adani tariff is about Rs 1 PU lower than MERC approved AVG PP cost of Rs 4.97 PU for 2024-25.

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Gensol wins ₹780 CR contract for 150 MW solar project in Maha (04/XI)

• Gensol Engineering Ltd has been awarded a significant project from a leading public sector utility in Maha.
• This contract involves development of a large-scale 150 MWac ground-mounted Solar PV power plant, valued at Rs 780 CR, set to be completed within 15 months.
• Gensol’s role will include the whole project lifecycle, from the challenging & important work of land acquisition, which highlights the project’s scale & intricacy, to the precise & detailed phases of design, engineering, procurement & logistics. The scope also includes the production, supply, inspection, installation, testing & commissioning of a 150 MWac grid-connected ground-mounted solar PV power plant, as well as the development of the related power evacuation infrastructure to the STU S/s.
• To ensure the long-term efficiency & reliability of the plant, Gensol will also provide 3 years of (O&M) services

Mahayuti used its stint in power in Maha to push corporate cronies' interests: Congress (28/X)

• Congress on Sunday (Oct 27, 2024) accused the ruling coalition Govt in Maha of “brazen manipulation” of legal processes to push corporate cronies’ interests ahead of the well-being of Maha’s people & forests.
• Congress GS in-charge (communications) Jairam Ramesh alleged that ENV clearance for ₹7,000-CR Patgaon Pumped Storage Project of Adani Green Energy Ltd was issued without holding public meetings & by selective interpretation of the rules.

Protests in Kolhapur

• Detailing the sequence, Mr. Ramesh in a post on X said that in Nov 2023 a major adviser to Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL) was appointed to an Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of the Centre that approves proposals for HEPs, like those made by AGEL.
• Soon after, in Dec 2023, the residents of more than 100 villages in Kolhapur rose up in protest against AGEL’s ₹7,000-crore Patgaon Pumped Storage Project, he said.

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MNRE invites proposals to set up R&D facilities for Green H2 (07/XI)

• MNRE has issued proposals to establish Centers of Excellence (CoEs) under the National Green H2 Mission (NGHM)’s R&D program, with a submission deadline of Dec 19, 2024.
• Selected entities will receive financial support covering up to 50% of the project cost to promote advancements in green H2 production, storage, & utilisation. These centers aim to support research, skill development, and industry collaboration within a green H2 ecosystem. They will serve as accelerators for scaling up technologies that have achieved a certain development stage.
• Eligible applicants include academic institutions, R&D centers, Govt bodies, PSUs, & private Research institutions, & INDs Intellectual property rights generated in accordance with the R&D provisions by the CoEs, will remain with the Grantee institutions. Launched in 2023 with a budget of Rs 197.44 billion, NGHM has earmarked Rs 4 Bn for research activities.
• In Oct 2024, MNRE approved three pilot projects to integrate H2 in steel production, with financial support of Rs 3.47 Bn. These projects are expected to be operational within three years.

(Sincere Request to all ENGG Colleges/Management Institutes in Maha to bid for this Program. We need to try hard & get such Programs/ schemes for Maha)

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NTPC partners with Indian Army for Solar H2 Microgrid (MG) project in Ladakh (25/X)

• NTPC, in collaboration with Indian Army, is set to establish a Solar H2-based MG at Chushul in Ladakh, to provide stable, RE power for off-grid Army locations. The MG system will generate 200 KW consistent power using H2 as an energy storage medium
• This sustainable solution will replace diesel Gens currently used in remote Army sites at an altitude of 4,400 meters, where winter temps can reach (-)30°C.
• NTPC will operate & maintain the MG system for 25 years, ensuring continuous energy supply under extreme conditions.
• The system combines RE with H2 Energy storage, ensuring a consistent power supply, even under weather extreme conditions.
• Leveraging Ladakh’s abundant solar irradiance & frigid climate, the project aims to decrease fuel logistics while increasing energy self-sufficiency in remote regions.
• In addition to MG, NTPC has initiated H2-powered bus trials in Leh & is establishing a H2 fuelling station, a solar plant, & five fuel cell buses for local routes.

India unveils CO2-to-Methanol pilot plant in Pune (17/09)

• India’s first CO₂-to-Methanol pilot plant has been unveiled. It is situated in Thermax Ltd premises in Pune. The plant has a capacity of 1.4 Tonnes/day & is a Public-Private -Partnership (PPP) between IIT Delhi & Thermax Ltd. The project is expected to cost around Rs 310 Mn. It is also supported by DST, Ministry of Science & Tech, GOI
• The plant will demonstrate & advance indigenous Carbon Capture & Utilisation (CCU) technologies. To reduce carbon footprint, the plant will focus on developing new catalysts & processes for conversion of captured CO2 to chemicals from both pre-combustion & post-combustion processes.
• Furthermore, the feasibility & commercial viability of plant will take place, which will be demonstrated thro’ coal-based THM plants. which are responsible for approx 30% of emissions.
• The observations from this project will be used to increase & scale-up commercial-scale CO₂ to chemical plants. These plants will be extremely valuable in decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors.

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Gensol Engineering & Matrix Gas consortium to develop “Green H2 valley” in Pune (21/09)

• Gensol Engineering Ltd & Matrix Gas and RE Ltd Consortium has been chosen to develop a green H2 valley in Pune, Maha.
• It will be India’s first ever green H2 valley. The project will be developed on a build-&-operate basis & is supported by DST & National Chemicals Laboratories (NCL).
• They will also provide financial help of Rs 2.5 Mn for the project. The main objective is to supply green H2 to Pune’s Specialty Chemicals sector. This project falls under the National Green H2 Mission.
• In Sept 2024, Gensol Engineering & Matrix Gas consortium bagged a contract to develop India’s first bio-H2 project.
• The project is worth Rs 1.64 Bn & once operational, is expected to produce 1 tonne H2/day from converting 25 tons of bio-waste.
• In Aug24, the consortium secured the winning bid for a 237 MW H2 electrolyser manufacturing capacity.

NTPC to produce Green H2 from world’s first plasma �Oxy-gasification plant (04/XI)

• NTPC Ltd, thro’ its R&D wing NETRA, will be setting up a green H2 production plant. The plant will utilise Plasma Oxy Gasification of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) & AG-waste technology.
• To produce green H2, plasma assisted ‘Oxy Gasification’ of MSW-RDF/AG-waste will be carried to produce ‘very high-quality synthesis gas (Syn-gas).
• From this, high purity H2 (more than 99.9%) would be separated using a configuration of ‘Gas Membrane’ & ‘pressure swing adsorption’. It is the world’s first plasma Oxy Gasification plant for green H2
• Gasification & reformation of MSW/AG-waste is the only other way to produce green H2 apart from electrolysis.
• It is estimated that the plant will produce about 1 Tonne/Day of green H2. This shall be done by gasifying about 25 Tonnes/day of MSW/AG-waste.
• Additionally, Carbon Monoxide will be extracted from the H2 recovery system & harnessed to produce electricity via a low-calorie gas engine.

Adani starts India's biggest “H2” blending in “Natural Gas” program (07/X)

• Adani Total Gas Ltd, the group's City gas JV with French energy giant TotalEnergies, has started blending 2.2-2.3 % of green H2 in piped Natural Gas supplies to H/Hs for cooking, in Shantigram area in Ahmedabad
• H2 produced thro’ clean pathways is injected into natural gas pipelines, & resulting blends are used to generate heat & power with lower emissions than using Natural gas alone.
• The firm has started producing green H2 by using RE sources like wind or Solar power, to split water into H2 & O2 thro’ a process called electrolysis.
• This H2 is blended in natural gas that is currently piped to households for cooking purposes & INDs
• Adani announced the successful commissioning of their H2 Blending System & in-situ H2 at Adani Shantigram, Ahmedabad
• This project is providing uninterrupted H2-blended Natural gas to 4,000 DOM & Comm consumers. ATGL's project is the biggest so far.
• Presently, NTPC supplies green H2 blended natural gas to households in Kawas in Surat district, Guj.
• GAIL (India) Ltd is also doing a small pilot in Indore, MP, to supply CNG that has been doped with grey H2.

• AGTL will slowly increase the green H2 blend in natural gas to 5% & ultimately to 8% (from present 2.2-2.3%) & widen supplies beyond Shantigram to other parts of Ahmedabad & eventually across other areas, where it holds a city gas license.
• By blending H2 with natural gas, there is a lowering GHG emissions, enhancing energy security, & supporting sustainable development.
• This marks "a significant step towards decarbonising India's energy landscape".
• While green H2 with nil carbon emissions is being talked about as the future fuel, its tendency to corrode pipelines & equipment limits its usage.
• Tests have established that H2 can be blended up to 10% in Natural gas without any impact on pipelines or equipment. Presently, Regulators have fixed 8% H2 blending limit
• A higher blend of up to 30% is possible with a change in Pipe material grade & wall thickness of pipelines & equipment.

IIT Indore develops a catalyst for economical production of pure H2 from methenol at LOW temp (18/x)

• IIT Indore develops a catalyst for economical production of pure H2 from methanol.
• The catalyst helps produce pure H2 from methanol at 130 degrees Celsius, compared to more than 200 degrees Celsius thro’ traditional methods. It can facilitate the production of one KG of H2 from 13 litres of Methanol.
• Catalyst is a substance that accelerates a chemical reaction or lowers the temp or pressure needed to start one, without itself being consumed during the reaction.
• H2 is seen as a big alternative to reduce dependence on fossil fuels like diesel or Petrol & the "economical & environmentally friendly" technology of producing pure H2 at low temps is suitable for I&C use.
• After being proven on real parameters, this technology has been granted a Patent & discussions are underway with IND to bring it to the market.

H2 Demd in mobility sector up 59% in South Korea (07/XI)

• Seoul: South Korea's demand for H2 in the mobility sector jumped 59% in Sept 24 from Sept 23. The combined consumption of H2 in the sector reached 6,389 Tons over the Jan-Sept 24, rising sharply from 4,016 Tons recorded in Jan-Sept 23.
• Amid the rising number of H2 buses in S Korea, opportunities for people to experience H2 products in daily life are increasing
• Since a stable supply of H2 is essential to foster the H2 Mobility IND, the Govt plans to closely monitor the market & maintain close communication with related Ministries, Regional Govts & Cos.
• Korea Petroleum Quality & Dist Authority, which is responsible for H2 supply, plans to carry out on-site inspections at H2 facilities across South Korea this month to ensure market stability, the Ministry said.
• Meanwhile, Govt will desigate 3 cities Korea's first H2-specialised complexes & support their growth into H2 IND hubs
• The designation comes after the three cities: Donghae & Samcheok of Gangwon Province & Pohang of North Gyeongsang Province -- passed preliminary feasibility surveys to carry out H2 cluster projects, Govt said.
• Donghae-Samcheok project will see the investment of 317.7 Bn Won ($231 Mn) between 2024 & 2028 in building a H2 storage shipment cluster, including space to host 63 H2-related cos in Donghae & construction of a H2 liquefaction plant in Samcheok.

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