Power News-Click: dated 20/03/2023

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All info in this PPT is collected from various open sources available on the internet. If you feel, my views are wrong, Kindly neglect them & excuse me. I sincerely respect your views. Also excuse me for Typos, if any,

Complied By

Vijay L Sonavane

ME(Elect)

Date: 20^th Mar 2023

AI power consumption grows >9% to 117.84 BU in Feb 23

• AI power consumption logged a Y-O-Y growth of over 9% to 117.84 BU in Feb 23. It stood at 108.03 BU in Feb 22, higher than the 103.25 BU in Feb 21. Consumption in Feb 20 stood at 103.81 BU.
• Experts said that power consumption & Demd would register a substantial increase in March 23 due to further improvement in economic activities & rise in temp.
• AI Peak power Demd met, which is the highest supply in a day, rose to 209.66 GW in Feb 2023. which stood at 193.58 GW in Feb 2022 & 187.97 GW in Feb 2021. Peak Demd met was 176.38 GW in the pre-pandemic Feb 2020.

CIL Coal production rises 14% during Apr22-Feb23:

• CIL produced 619.7 MMT coal during Apr 22-Feb 23 (registering a Y-O-Y growth of 14.3%), against 542 MMT coal during Apr 21-Feb22 .
• CIL's output in Feb 23 stood at 68.8 MMT (growth of 7% compared to Feb 22), the highest for the month in any year till now. CIL on an AVG produced 1.37 Lakh MT more coal per day in Feb 23
• Amid rising Demd, CIL supplied 46 MMT more coal to the power sector in 11 months of current FY at 534 MMT. This is a 9.4% growth compared to 488 MMT in APR 21-Feb 22 FY. CIL ended Feb 23 with 50 MMT coal stock at its pitheads.

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IEX trade volume falls 7% to 8,200 MU in Feb 23

• IEX achieved trading of 8200 MU TTL volume in Feb 23, including Green Power trade of 341 MU, 3.74 Lakh RECs (equivalent to 374 MU) & 1.54 ESCerts (equivalent to 154 MU).
• While the AVG daily volume traded on IEX increased in Feb '23 by 5% Y-O-Y, the overall volume declined 5% M-o-M due to lesser trading days in Feb vis-à-vis Jan.
• Sell side liquidity continued to be affected due to high input costs. DEMD for power increased due to unusually warm temp witnessed in Feb across several parts of India, AI energy met during Feb '23 stood at 118 BU, 9% higher on YoY basis.

Trade Volume in Feb:

• Day-Ahead Market (DAM): 4664 Mu in Feb 23 (4893 MU in Jan '23) due to high prices resulting from a constrained supply scenario,
• Real-Time Electricity Market (RTM) achieved 1714 MU volume during Feb 23, registering 10% YoY growth.
• Term-Ahead Market (TAM), (intra-day, contingency, daily & weekly contracts, & contracts upto 3 months) traded 954 MU during Feb 23 (increase of 81% on YoY basis & 5% on MoM basis)
• Green Market, (Green Day-Ahead (250 MU Avg: Rs 6.57 PU) & Green Term-Ahead Market (91 MU @ AVG Rs 8.22 PU), achieved 341 MU during Feb '23, down 2% on MoM basis.
• REC trading: 3.74 lac RECs were cleared in the trading session at IEX held on Wed, 22nd Feb with cleared price of Rs. 1000/REC (6.12 lac RECs in Feb 22.
• Energy Saving Certificates (ESCerts) Trading on 14th Feb 2023, after a gap of 14 months & 1.54 Lac ESCerts (equivalent to 154 MU) were traded on IEX, with 97% market share

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Hindustan Power Exchange (HPX) crosses 2.5 BU of trade

• HPX, formerly known as Pranurja Solutions Ltd, was launched as 3^rd PEX India, on 6th July 2022. HPX, (promoted by PTC India, BSE & ICICI Bank) has crossed trade milestone of 2.5 BU within 8 months of its launch.
• HPX was able to cross this landmark with a rapid increase in trade volume across contingency, weekly, monthly, & Long Duration Contracts (LDC) segments.
• HPX recently concluded monthly long-duration contracts of 453.7 MU which will be delivered in Mar & Apr 2023 & is a part of the above volume.
• HPX reached a landmark of 1 BU in 67 days. After tah it achieved daily AVG volume of 18 MU. This is the fastest increase in volume for initial few months of existence of any PEX operating in India. A large part of this volume is attributed to LDCs which were introduced on the HPX platform in Feb 23

Electronic Reverse Auction:

• HPX successfully executed the very first Electronic Reverse Auction (e-RA) contract for Indian Railways, which saw encouraging participation from Gens Since the launch, more than 25(+) e-RA tenders have been launched on HPX in just 3 weeks with the successful execution of 7 e-Ras & more are in line to be executed.
• With roughly 500 market participants now on-board, HPX has covered almost all the major players across India In the contingency segment, HPX has garnered a market share of 30% on AVG in the last 2 months.

PTC India, N-Side sign pact to develop predictive solution for Indian power market (16/03)

• Power trading solution provider PTC India on announced its collaboration with Belgium-based N-Side to work on developing a predictive solution for Indian power market.
• As part of a long-term strategy to position itself as a technology-enabled solutions provider in electricity value chain, PTC India is building a portfolio of forecasting tools across various tenors to forecast demand & prices in electricity markets.
• The new solution will be in addition to “PTC's in-house Analytics Lab” that has been set up to generate proprietary analysis & insights for its internal use as well as for its clients.
• Evolving Indian power market, in which the behaviour of market participants resulted in heightened volatility, recently has validated the need for market makers to equip themselves with tools & solutions to support their decision making.
• Rajib K Mishra, CMD (I/C), PTC India: '‘Participation in the markets of the future would require a core competency of data analytics in all aspects involving descriptive, predictive, & prescriptive analytics & PTC is well on its journey to reposition itself as a technology enabled market maker.''
• PTC India has maintained its leadership position in power trading since inception. PTC has also been mandated by GOI to trade electricity with SAARC Coutries: Bhutan, Nepal & Bangladesh.

THM plants had 33.5 MMT coal stock on 12/03, sufficient to run projects for 12 days (17/03)

• THM plants monitored by CEA had 33.5 MMT Coal stock as on 12/03, which was sufficient to run them for 12 days at 85% PLF, Parliament was informed. An unprecedented high electricity Demd during this summer, is expected to touch 229 GW in APR 23 as per MOP estimates.
• In another reply to the House, RKS stated that as on Jan 31, 2023, Coal (including lignite) based IC was 51.27% of TTL IC.
• CEA has carried out Gen expansion planning studies & published draft National Electricity Plan (NEP) in 2022 which reveals that the share of coal (including lignite) based capacity in TTL IC is likely to reduce to 38.4% by March 2027 & to around 28.7% by March 2032.
• Studies also reveal that the share of coal-based Gen is likely to reduce to 58.9% of TTL Gen mix by 2026-27 and to 49.9% by 2031-32 from 72.3 per cent as of March 2022.
• In another reply, RKS said,"At present, 211 hydro electric Plants (above 25 MW capacity), with an aggregate IC of 46,850 MW are in operation“ Besides, 41 HEPs totalling 17,804 MW are under implementation. Of these, 32 HEPs (16,568 MW) are under active construction & 9 projects (1,236 MW) are held up.

GOI reviews power situation for upcoming summer months

• MOP has devised a multi-pronged strategy to ensure adequate availability of power for upcoming summer months. Power minister RKS on 07/03 asked power Cos to ensure that there is no load-shedding during summer months. As per CEA estimates peak Demd is expected to reach 229 GW in APR/MAY.
• As part of strategy, the power utilities have been directed to undertake maintenance for THM plants well in advance so that no planned maintenance is required during crunch period.
• Directions have already been issued under Sec-11 of EA 2003 to all imported coal-based plants to run at full capacity from 16 March.
• Adequate coal stocks would be made available at THM plants. Member Rly Board assured the availability of enough rakes for transport of coal & agreed to provide 418 rakes to different subsidiaries of CIL & captive blocks, & also enhance No. of rakes in due course so that sufficient coal stock can be maintained at power plants.
• Gas-based power would be used to meet any peak demand. MOP directed NTPC to run its 5000 MW gas-based power stns during Apr-May. In addition, 4000 MW of additional gas-based power capacity would be added by other entities for availability during summer months.
• GAIL has already made arrangments for required gas supply during summer months. GAIL is in process of importing LNG for Power Gen
• All HYD plants have been instructed to operate in consultation with RLDCs/ SLDCs to optimise water utilisation, for better availability during the next month.
• An additional capacity of 2920 MW would be available thro’ new THM plants which would be commissioned by 31 March.

India’s efforts to avoid a power crisis set to boost LNG imports (11/03)

• Nearly 25 GW India’s gas-fired capacity is lying underutilized for years, as the power is too costly.
• Bringing these units back shows the extent of challenge, as India is forced to ditch concerns over high prices to meet supply shortfalls.
• GOI has asked Gas-fired power stns, to increase output to meet soaring Demd during summer months. GAIL India Ltd. will tap the seaborne market to supply NTPC (import). which has been asked by MOP to run 5 GW plants to meet peak Demd during April & May,
• NTPC will require 250 MM standard cubic meters of LNG during APR & May. NTPC will procure gas from GAIL thro’ a long-term purchase contract. GAIL will likely tap the spot LNG markets for meeting NTPC’s Demd.
• An additional 4 GW capacity run by IPPs will also be kept ready to operate if needed.
• GOI has already invoked an emergency rule forcing some THM plants running on imported coal to run at capacity.
• IEX, has opened a new window that will allow trade of high-cost electricity produced from gas, imported coal & batteries.
• India’s LNG imports declined to 14% from earlier year, during the kast 10 months ended in Jan23. due to high prices.

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MOP launches PUShP portal for High-Price DAM (11/03)

• GOI has launched a High Price Day Ahead Market & Surplus Power Portal (PUShP): an initiative to ensure greater availability of power during peak Demd summer season.
• In 2022, MOP after taking note of the fact that on some days the prices in PEXs had gone upto Rs.20 PU, had given directions to the CERC to put a price cap of Rs.12 PU on PEX, so that there is no wind-fall profiteering. The cap was imposed from 01.04.2022 in DAM & RTM, & further in all segments from 06.05.2022.
• This move rationalized the price for buyers. Because of the high prices of gas in the international market; the electricity made by using gas was expensive (more than Rs.12 PU) & this capacity could not be sold on the market. Similarly, the imported coal-based plants & the RE stored in Battery-Energy Storage Systems could not be brought into operation, as their Gen cost was high.
• This Summer, it is expected that Demd will be much higher than 2022 therefore, the gas-based plants & imported coal-based plants will need to be scheduled & that is why a separate segment has been carved out for those Gen systems where the cost of generating power: from imported gas / imported coal / RE plus storage: may cross Rs.12 PU (Limit: Rs 50 PU)
• RKS inauguarting the lauch of PushP said: CEA & Grid Controller need to ensure that prices are reasonable in HP-DAM & they must take necessary action to ensure that no power producers charge exorbitant prices much more than the cost of production.

NTPC mulls 5.4 MMT Coal Import in H1 of 2023-24 (15/03)

• NTPC plans to import 5.4 MMT coal in the H1 of FY 23-24, Power Minister RKS said in a written response to a query in RS. During current summer season, India’s peak Demd is expected to be around 229 GW. MOP has taken several measures to ensure that peak demand can be met.
• On January 9, MOP directed CPSU & State Gencos & IPPs to take necessary actions to import coal for blending at the rate of 6% by weight thro’ transparent competitive procurement in order to have sufficient stock at power plants, for smooth operations till Sept.
• On Feb 7, in a written response to a query in RS, RKS said that the gap between daily domestic coal consumption & arrival ranges from 2.65 Lakh to 0.5 Lakh Tonnes between Sept 2022 & Jan 2023.
• “If imports for blending had not been made, coal stocks in THM plants would have reduced to zero in Sept 2022. Therefore, MOP advised Central, State Gencos & IPPs on the 9 Jan to import coal thro’ a transparent competitive procurement for blending so as to have sufficient coal stocks at their power plants for smooth operations till Sept 2023,

Power demand:

• CEA expects energy demand at 142 BU in April , the highest for 2023, before tapering to 141.20 BU in May 23 & 117 BU in Nov 23 AI peak power demand is expected at 229 GW in April 23

Coal consumption:

• India’s current daily AVG coal consumption is around 2.3 MMT while coal production is about 3.3MMt/day. Coal Ministry has said that as of March 9, more than 100 MMT coal is available in india, which includes 64 MMT at mine pitheads, 6 MMT in transit at good sheds, washeries & 30MMT at Power stns

Subansiri Lower HEP expected to be completed by May 23

• NHPC Officials on 11/03 informed Arunachal Pradesh DCM Chowna Mein that, 2000 MW Subansiri Lower Hydro Electric Project (HEP), in Gerakamukh, Prpject is expected to be completed by May 2023 & 2x250 MW each will be commissioned by June 23. Remaining 6 units with a total capacity of 2000 MW power will be completed by June 2024.
• The project, which was taken over by NHPC sin 2000, is nearly completed, with 86% of overall progress made till date.
• DCM urged NHPC officials to expedite execution of the project immediately & said that the matters pertaining to Subansiri Middle HEP will be taken up in the next Cabinet Meeting, after which an MoA will be signed between GoAP & NHPC as per Cabinet decision.(??) He urged them to ensure that no further delays in the project completion is made as it causes cost escalation & more losses to the State exchequer, amounting to loss of revenue

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(Last 23 yaers the Project is still WIP. Ultimately the tariff will be very HI & Consumers may not afford it)

MOP notifies 40% Renewable Gen Obligation (RGO)

• Earlier in March, MOP amended the Tariff Policy 2016 under Electricity Act 2003 & mandated new Coal or Lignite-based THM plants to either set up RE capacity equivalent to at least 40% of THM plant's capacity or procure that much supply of Green energy under Renewable Gen obligation (RGO)
• A coal/lignite based THM gen station with COD of the project between April 1, 2023 & March 31, 2025 shall be required to comply with RGO of 40% by April 1, 2025.
• Any other coal/lignite based THM Gen station with COD of the project after April 1, 2025 shall be required to comply with RGO of 40% by the COD. Further, a captive coal/lignite-based TPS shall be exempted from requirement of RGO subject to its fulfilling RPO as notified by GOI, it stated.
• India had 122 GW RE capacity excluding large hydro (> 25 MW) as on Jan 31, 2023. This includes 63,894 MW Solar, 41,983 MW Wind energy & 10,201 MW biomass/Cogen Power

(It’s a proactive decision of GOI)

Power Demd on 13/03 up to peak May '22 level in Maha

• With temps soaring, peak Demd across Maha, including Mumbai, on 13/03 was as high as the peak Demd recorded in May 22, which crossed 28,000 MW (Mumbai: 50 Lakh Consumers & 3,300MW) With the demand rising, all Maha Discoms are in an SOS mode, trying to ensure adequate supply from all possible sources & no LS in any part of Maha.
• There was an 8% increase in Demd compared to AVG every March. There are still 2.5 months of summer ahead & temp could rise further in April & May, Mumbai is now experiencing over 39 degree Celsius max temp. In Mumbai, rise in Demd was an indicator of rising use of AC, fans.
• Peak Demd in BEST area was 780 MW, but BEST is prepared to distribute up to 900 MW, With rise in temps, BEST has appealed citizens to use energy-efficient lights, fans, ACs & appliances.
• Adani Electricity, supplies power to 31 Lakh consumers in suburbs. AEML is geared to tackle the summer heat & rising Demd. AEML will be procuring 30% power from their own Dahanu Gen, besides RE PPAs providing another 30% electricity & rest will be procured from Short, medium term PPAs & Open market sources.
• MSEDCL’s peak Demd in last summer, crossed 28,000 MW,(>2.8 CR consumers) it had to purchase electricity at exorbitant rates from PEXs (as high as Rs 12 PU) to ensure adequate power in the grid for supply. Drastic rise in peak Demd could put a huge strain on MAHA’s trans network.

Continue Tata Power purchase plan till March 2025 in Mumbai, MERC told BEST.

• MERC, by an order dt 14/03/23 allowed BEST to extend the existing PPA with TPC for next 5 years.
• Existing power tie-up of 677 MW between BEST & Tata Power is scheduled to expire on 31 March 2023.. Tata Power said in a Statement that TPC & BEST have agreed for an extension of PPA on existing terms & conditions.
• MERC ordered the extension of the PPA after BEST submitted that the existing PPA with Tata Power’s Trombay unit in Mumbai would be the cheapest option for it. This would ensure cheaper/reliable power for Mumbai consumers with added advantage of Hydro peaking power at rates which are the lowest in India & keeping in view in view of the Trans constraints.
• The 1,580 MW Trombay plant, which started operating in 1956, currently has 5 operational units, including Units 5 & 6 each of 500 MW capacity & Unit 4 (150MW) , U6 (180MW) & U8 (250 MW)
• “TPC is committed to supplying the most reliable & competitive power meeting the needs of BEST consumers, as always,” said Praveer Sinha, MD & CEO, Tata Power.

UP Power Dept employees seek CM Yogi's intervention; Power Minister warns of action (17/03)

• UP Electricity Dept’s employees, who have stopped work for 3 days since 16^th night at 2200 Hours, claimed that their strike has hit power Distribution in UP & sought CM Yogi's intervention to end the atmosphere of confrontation.
• Employees have been protesting under the banner of Vidyut Karmacharis Sanyukt Sangharsh Samiti, a Union of Electricity Dept employees. About 1 lakh employees are participating in the strike.
• Reason for strike: Some of the employees’ demands (related to selection of CMD in Power Cos & “Employees 'pay anomalies" agreed by Govt in Dec 22, have not been fulfilled by UPPCL even after 3 months.
• Govt said on 16^th evening that if strike creates problems for the public, iUP Govt will take action against the employees under ESMA & threatened to sack contractual workers who do not return to work. It also said action would be initiated under the National Security Act, if vandalism occurs during demonstrations.
• Strke’s convenor Shailendra Dubey said in that employees had to go on strike "because of the stubborn attitude" of top management of energy Cos. The strike is not our aim, an agreement was reached with the Power Minister on Dec 3, 2022, which UPPCL administration is refusing to comply with.
• Five THM power units, including Anpara, Obra, & Parichaha, have come to a halt even after Govt made employees not participating in the strike to work extra hours.

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• Mr. Dubey claimed that Govt had agreed that CMD of power Cos would be selected thro’ a committee headed by the Chief Secretary but these posts are now being filled on the basis of transfers. Some other points of the agreement yet to be fulfilled are implementation of the Power Sector Employees Protection Act, Stopping outsourcing of O&M of S/s for T&D system, Equal honorarium for different Corporations, revision of allowances & removal of salary anomalies.

Allahabad HC issues warrant against union leaders:

• A division bench of Allahabad HC comprising Justice AK Mishra & V Diwaker said, “Considering urgency involved in the matter, bailable warrants are issued to the aforesaid office bearers of the Union by Chief Judicial Magistrate, Lucknow requiring their presence before this Court at 10:00 a.m. on 20th March, 2023
• HC said, "Such act of workers violates the direction of this court for not disrupting power supply. Even national interest is compromised on account of the reduction in Gen of power in different power-Gen units in UP. Thus, prima facie, it is disobedience of this court's order dated Dec 6, 2022."
• HC has given UP Govt time till 20/03 to report compliance with action taken in the matter, "An affidavit of ACS of Power Dept concerned would be placed on record by then."
• Meanwhile, UPPCL has issued notices to 18 officials including the convenor of Vidyut Karmachari Sanyukta Sangharsh Samiti, Shailendra Dubey, in which it has asked them to call off the strike immediately, while citing the court order.

(The strike is continuing even at 1200 Noon of 19/03)

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Sterlite Power commissions Green Energy corridor project in Guj (07/03)

• Sterlite Power, a private-sector power Trans developer, has commissioned its new Green energy corridor project, Lakadia-Vadodara Trans Project Ltd (LVTPL).
• The project aims to deliver more than 5 GW power from RE-rich regions of Bhuj & Kutch in Guj to National Grid: a step towards accelerating India’s transition towards a Greener economy.
• The ISTS project is built with an investment of $244.4 Mn. It connects the S/s at Lakadia to Vadodara via a 335 km, 765 kV Double Ckt trans line.
• “With 812 towers spanning 7 GUJ Dists, this T/L corridor is also one of the largest Trans corridors built in India to date,” said Sterlite Power.” Additionally, it forms a critical part of the world’s largest 30 GW hybrid RE park coming up in Kutch.”

Sterlite Power bags Green energy Trans project in Raj (18/03)

• Sterlite Power has been awarded a green energy Trans scheme in Raj. The project was bid out using tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB) procedure. PFC Consulting provided Sterlite Power with a Letter of Intent (LoI) to construct the project on a BOOT basis (build, own, operate, transfer) for 35 years.
• Sterlite Power has been granted Trans project for evacuation of power from RE zones in the RAJ Dists of Fatehgarh (9.1 GW), Bhadla (8 GW) & Ramgarh (2.9 GW).
• The project will entail construction of a 350 Kms (765-kV) T/L from Fatehgarh III to Beawar in RAJ.
• Entire Trans system is a crucial component of MOP’s Roadmap for integrating over 500 GW of RE capacity into National grid by 2030.
• Sterlite Power is a prominent private sector Trans infrastructure developer in India & Brazil, with a portfolio of 30 finished & under-construction projects totalling 14,602 CKT Kms of T/Ls. With high-performance power conductors, EHV cables, & Optical ground wires.

GOI accepts Expert Panel Report on Smart Trans System

• MOP/GOI on 07/03 has accepted a report of a Task Force/ Expert panel, which paves the way for modern & Smart Trans system with features such as Real-time monitoring & Automated operation of grid, better Situational assessment, Capability to have increased RE share in power-mix, enhanced utilisation of Trans capacity, greater resilience against Cyber attacks as well as Natural Disasters, Centralised & data-driven Decision-making, Reduction in forced outages thro’ self-correcting systems etc.
• Task force was set up by MOP in Sept 2021 under Chairmanship of CMD POWERGRID to suggest ways for modernisation of Trans sector & making it Smart & future-ready. Other members of the task force included representatives from STUs, CEA, CTU, MeiTY (Ministry of Electronics & IT), IIT Kanpur, NSGPMU & EPTA.
• RKS directed CEA to formulate necessary Standards & Regulations for adoption of identified technological solutions & set benchmark performance levels so as to build a robust & modern AI Trans network.
• Task force has recommended Centralised remote monitoring, operation of S/s including SCADA, flexible AC Trans devices (FACTs), Dynamic Line Loading system (DLL), Wide Area Measurement System (WAMS) using PMUs & data analytics, Hybrid AC/HVDC system, predictive maintenance technique using AI/ML algorithms, HTLS conductors, process bus based protection automation & control GIS/Hybrid S/s, cyber security, Energy Storage System, drones & robots in construction/inspection of Trans assets.

• Use of Robots is expected to not only minimise human intervention & life risks/hazards but also save time while ensuring accuracy during construction & maintenance.
• Task force also recommended benchmarks for Trans network availability & voltage control based on performance of global Trans utilities. While the short-term to medium term recommendations will be implemented over 1-3 years, long-term interventions are proposed to be implemented over a period of 3-5 years.
• High Temp Low Sag (HTLS) conductors can enhance security reserves & trans capacity without impacting negotiated ROW, ideally with minor modifications in towers (mostly clamps of conductors & their mountings or tower's reinforcement)
• Though High Temp Low Sag (HTLS) conductors have high resistances but they can be operated at Hi temps. STACIR, ACSS can be operated up to 200˚C whereas existing system conductors ACSR & AAAC conductors can be operated up to 95 ˚C. Composite core HTLS Conductor shall be capable of carrying minimum specified current 1200 Amps for conductor equivalent to ACSR Zebra & 800 Amps for conductor equivalent to ACSR Panther

HTLS Smart conductors

• ACCM (Aluminium Conductor Composite Multistrand)
• ACCS (Aluminium Conductor Composite Single)
• ACCS-Sens (Aluminium Conductor Composite Single)/ Invar Core (TACIR, KTACIR, ZTACIR) ACSS (Aluminium Conductors Steel Supported)/ GAP-TYPE

Central core of HTLS conductor: A core consisting of an AL-coated Fe-Ni alloy (ACI: AL clad invar) characterized by a reduced coefficient of THM expansion that allows to keep sags similar to those of traditional conductors, even if they operate at higher temps

• Insulated Cross-Arm consists of Post & brace (Long Rod) Insulators along with Metal Fittings. The design tests, type tests, routine tests shall be applicable to insulated cross-arm & its components as per relevant IEC standard.
• Most important design elements responsible for mechanical stability of O/H line is a cross arm for power lines. They are used to fix securely the wires of O/H line.

Optical Fiber Ground Wire (OPGW) is a type of cable that is used in O/H power lines. Such cable combines the functions of grounding & communications. ‎OPGW is placed in the secure topmost position of T/L where it “shields” the all-important conductors from lightning while providing a telecommunications path for internal as well as third party communications

• OPGW cable consists of one or more AL or steel tubes containing a certain number of optical fibers & AL-coated steel wires used in the first layer of the cable & in the other layers of AL, steel, AL alloy wires or a combination of them,
• OPGW is also used for data transmission in high-level data security fields of military & aerospace applications. These are used in wirings in aircraft, hydrophones for SONARs & Seismics applications

UT Power Dept switches from Rs 161 CR profit to Rs 285 CR loss (04/02)

• CHANDIGARH: UT Electricity Department (ED) has swung from generating profit to a loss-making entity in a couple of years. From a profit of Rs 161 CR in 2020-21, the ED is staring at a loss of Rs 286 CR.
• At the beginning of 2020-21, ED had a healthy balance sheet with Rs 151 CR in revenue surplus. By the end of FY 21, it had added another around Rs 10 CR to it, taking the gains to Rs 161 CR
• But in 2021-22, though ED remained in profit, the revenue surplus sharply declined. A revenue gap of Rs 136 CR ate into the overall profit, & by the end of FY, its overall profit stood at Rs 32.48 CR
• Gap between revenue & expenditure for ED widened sharply in the outgoing FY. For the first time in many years, ED registered an overall loss, with a major gap between its expenditure & revenue. In FY 2022-23, the ED registered a loss of Rs 77.74 CR.
• For FY 2023-24 ED as per petition submitted with JERC, has kept revenue gap at Rs 286 CR. To the loss of FY 22-23 of Rs 77.74 CR, ED will add another Rs 192 CR in losses for this fiscal.

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• Even as ED was starting to slide in revenue gap, tariff was either kept unchanged or decreased in past few years The last increase in R&C tariff was in 2018-19. In 2021-22, there was a marginal reduction in power tariff.
• This year, ED in its petition with JERC, has sought an AVG increase of around 10% in the power tariff across the board.
• UT CE CB Ojha said, “ PP cost for ED has increased over the years that has resulted in the revenue gap. For instance, for 2023-24, the approved power PP cost is Rs 686 CR, but the actual cost is Rs 899 CR”
• In 2020-21, UT Admin initiated the privatisation process of electricity wing of the engineering Dept. Thereafter, the Union Cabinet gave its nod to the bid of Rs 871 CR made by a private Co, CESC
• Kolkata-based IND & services conglomerate RP-Sanjiv Goenka (RPSG) Group’s flagship Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation (CESC)’s wholly-owned subsidiary Eminent Electricity Dist (EED) had quoted the highest bid of Rs 871 CR against a reserve price of Rs 175 CR. Next highest bid of Rs 606 CR was made by Torrent Power.
• Currently, the privatisation process is entangled in legal cases. Since the start of the privatisation process, the UT administration has held back on CAPEX on the city electricity Dist infrastructure

Delhi L-G pressurised Power Dept to withdraw subsidy (14/03)

• Newly appointed DEL Power Minister Atishi said DEL Govt has no plan to put any cap on sanctioned load & that everyone will continue to get power subsidy. GOI wants to discontinue power subsidy & that is why GOI is forcing L-G VK Saxena to obstruct Subsidy scheme, by hook or by crook.”
• She alleged that L-G Office had circulated a Note illegally recommending changes in Subsidy policy:
• “Under pressure from PMO to stop power subsidy in Delhi, the L-G had instructed Power Dept to withdraw subsidy based on flawed legal advice.
• However, in a letter dated 6.01.2023, DERC had recalled its prior advice to DEL Govt on curtailing power subsidy to consumers having connections of fixed load above 5kW or 3kW. DERC carried out a detailed legal examination & placed its fresh opinion thro’ an order on Jan 6, retracting its prior ‘statutory advice’ on legal grounds.
• “After detailed examination of various legal provisions of EA 2003 & prior SC judgments, DERC concluded that it has no legal basis or jurisdiction to advise DEL Govt about withdrawal of subsidy for any category of consumers,” she said.
• Officials in Raj Niwas said the L-G had not suggested that subsidies be removed but only that they be given to those who deserve them.

(Why GOI is fighting with DEL Govt & illegally entering into the matters, which are under the jurisdiction of DEL Govt/ DERC,

It may be noted that in almost all States, the Power Subsidy is in existence)

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Adani Green's operating RE portfolio reaches record level of 8,024 MW (03/03)

• Adani Green on 02/03 said its 700-MW hybrid green energy project (world’s largest Wind–Solar Hybrid plant) has become operational, which took its total operating RE portfolio to 8,024 MW, the largest in India. It is Adani’s fourth Wind-Solar Hybrid power plant fully operational at Jaisalmer in Raj.
• The combined operational Gen capacity of this newly added hybrid power plant is 700 MW & has a PPA at Rs 3.24/kwh for 25 years. New hybrid power plant consists of 600 MW Solar & 510 MW Wind plants. This hybrid plant deploys advanced RE technologies like bifacial solar PV modules & horizontal single-axis trackers (HSAT) systems to enable max Gen from Solar energy.
• The plant is co-located & is designed to deliver CUF of minimum 50%, the highest CUF of any RE project in India.
• The plant harnesses the potential of RE by resolving intermittency of Gen & provides a more reliable solution to meet the rising power demand.
• Earlier in May 2022, Adani operationalized India's first hybrid power plant of 390 MW. This was followed by commissioning of the world's largest co-located hybrid power plant of 600 MW in Sept 2022 & third hybrid power plant of 450 MW in Dec 2022. All these hybrid Gen assets are located in Jaisalmer, RAJ.

Tata Power RE signs PPA for 510 MW Hybrid project with Tata Power DDL (11/03)

• Tata Power RE has signed an agreement with Tata Power Delhi Distribution Ltd (TPDDL) to supply electricity from its 510 MW Solar-Wind Hybrid project. It has capacity bifurcation of 170 MW Solar & 340 MW Wind power.
• Project will save an AVG of 1540 MUs of CO2 emissions annually for Tata Power-DDL, a JV between Tata Power & Govt of Delhi, that supplies electricity to a populace of over 7 Million in North Delhi.
• Located in KAR, it is one of the largest Hybrid RE projects in India & will be commissioned within 24 months from the PPA execution date.
• Ashish Khanna, CEO, said, TPREL has signed one of the largest PPAs in the country for a 510MW hybrid project, via competitive bidding, showcasing our future readiness & expertise in project execution skills."

India’s Solar Power Capacity reaches 64.38 GW, Wind crosses 42 GW Mark (15/03)

• As per MNRE data, AI Solar power IC has reached 64,381 MW as of Feb 2023. AI Wind power IC has also crossed the 42,015 MW mark, indicating significant progress in the adoption of RES & TTL AI RE IC has now crossed 122 GW. Report shows that Raj leads in TTL RE IC , followed by Guj, TN & KAR
• GOI has introduced several initiatives to promote the adoption of RE sources, including policies to:
• Encourage development of Solar Parks
• implementation of net metering for RT solar installations.
• support installation of solar panels in public buildings, AG fields & other areas
• India’s progress in RE adoption is crucial for its sustainable development & efforts to combat climate change.
• India’s growing population & energy Demds make the shift towards RE sources even more important,
• MNRE report highlights that India is moving in the right direction towards achieving its RE targets.

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Maha: Rs 75,000 CR investment for green H2, Solar, Wind Energy (11/03)

• With an aim to fulfil its commitment to reaching net-zero emissions, GOM Budget 2023 is a major move towards a carbon neutrality.
• DCM Fadnavis announced that investment of around Rs 75,000 CR is expected in green H2, green ammonia, Solar power & Wind energy sector.
• Maha would also raise Rs 5,000 CR through Green Bonds by 2024 to address the issues of climate change. Installations of RE, Green buildings, Green H2, EVs & EVcharging facilities will play a major role in it.
• An outlay of Rs 13,437 CR has been proposed for ENV-friendly development in Maha. Sum of Rs 224 CR & Rs 10,919 CR have been proposed for the ENV & Climate Change Dept and energy Dept respectively in FY 2023-24.
• MAHA has signed MoUs worth Rs 30,000 CR in Solar, Hydro & Wind energy sectors. Apparently, Maha would generate 20 cubic meters/hour green H2 by using 500 KW Solar energy at Bhusawal.
• MAHA RE IC increased by 9% in 2022-23 as compared to the previous FY. As per the “State economic Survey for FY 22-23”, Maha ranks fifth in India after Raj, Guj, TN & Kar,
• Maha’s RE IC was 11,400 MW (including 3,352 MW Solar) in 2022-23, as compared to 10,502 MW in 2021-22 & 9,846 MW in 2020-21

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Viraj Profiles along with Avaada Energy to set up 100 MW Solar plant in Maha (11/03)

• Stainless Steel maker Viraj Profiles along with Avaada Energy will set up a 100 MW Solar project in Tarapur, Maha by Feb 2024. Viraj Profiles & Avaada Energy shall set up a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to build the 100 MW captive solar plant,"
• Viraj did not disclose financial details of the project. But, according to IND estimates, an investment of about Rs 5 CR is required to set up 1 MW of Solar capacity.
• Once commissioned, the plant will generate about 207 MU Green energy/Year, which will offset approximately 182 million kilos of CO2.
• The power generated will be used for captive consumption by Viraj Profiles' Stainless steel unit in Tarapur, reducing its dependence on conventional sources by 50%.

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Guj's power O/P from RE less than 2,000 MW in Mar23 (09/03)

• In the first 6 days of March, RE Gen O/P in Guj remained at just 14% of IC. Experts say unusual weather has reduced RE Gen
• Guj has 6,835MW Wind power IC & 6,325MW Solar power IC as of Dec 31, 2022. Thus, GUVNL has TTL RE IC of 13,160MW. In April to June 22 quarter, RE Gen O/P was higher, at 4,700 MW, (PLF: 36%).
• KK Bajaj, former Member SAC,GUJ for power sector, said, "RE Gen O/P is constantly reducing in GUJ. During summer months, RE was the highest at 4,782MW, with a PLF of 36.2 %. Gradually, Gen dropped to 24.5% of capacity by the end of 2022. 'On Monday (March 6), RE Gen was just 1,701MW, for a PLF of just 12.9%.
• In the first 6 days of March, RE Gen decreased significantly. Wind & solar are the cheapest electricity sources but their lower Gen affects consumers directly, as they have to pay higher electricity prices.
• GUVNL should come out with a “white paper on PPAs signed by GUVNL with wind & solar producers”, to know how many plants have been commissioned & what is the status of remaining plants & when they are likely to supply power," Bajaj's letter said.

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SC asks UPPCL to pay tariff at old rate to Adani Green Energy (03/03)

• Hon Supreme Court has asked UP Power Corp (UPPCL) to continue paying tariff at the old rate of Rs 5.07 PU to Adani Green Energy (UP) Ltd, but make provision for the differential between the older rate & a higher rate directed by ATE. The new proposed rate is Rs 7.02 PU. SC also stayed payment of differential until final disposal of the case.
• A bench led by CJ DY Chandrachud noted that UPPCL, in its communication to Adani on 17 Feb 23 had undertaken to pay Rs 81.83 CR as per the agreed time schedule: first installment of Rs 21 Cr on 17 Feb & balance 3 equal installments in March/ Apr/ May. “In view of the commitment which was made on 17 Feb, there shall be no stay on the balance to be paid in Mar/Apr/May’ SC said.
• Adani had raised two invoices in Dec 22 against a differential amount of new rate Rs 7.02 PU & old rate Rs 5.07 PU, for the period May 19 to Oct 22 amounting to ₹81.83 CR

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JK Cement to offtake 6 MW Wind-Solar energy from CleanMax in KAR (01/03)

• JK Cement has entered into a PPA for 25 years with CleanMax Enviro Energy Solutions for 6.42 MW Wind-Solar en capacity in KAR. Tariff is 50% less than the prevalent DISCOM tariff, as stated CleanMax.
• CleanMax will supply Green energy from its wind-solar farm in Jagalur, KAR, to JK Cement’s Muddapur factory in KAR. This wind-solar capacity constitutes 4.68 MWp Solar power & 3.3 MW wind power, & is a part of a 290 MW Wind-Solar farm (comprising 145 MW wind & 210 MWp solar) developed by CleanMax in KAR
• MD J&K Cement said that over the last 3 years J&K Cement has increased Green energy share from 19% to 43%. He said that long term contact with CleanMax is for their Muddapur unit which has already achieved more than 85% Clean Erergy miix

RE NEWS in Brief:

Reliance, Tata bid for India’s $2.4 Bn Solar incentives:

• Solar module makers including Reliance IND & Tata Power are among bidders for $2.4 Bn in financial incentives that India is offering to expand Dom manufacturing & curb panel imports from dominant producer China, according to a recent Bloomberg report. Others showing interest include First Solar, JSW Energy, Avaada Group, & ReNew Energy Global.

CERC Notifies ISTS Charges Waiver for Renewable Energy Projects (11/03)

• As per the CERC Notification, ISTS charges will be waived for RE Gen Stns, Renewable Hybrid Gen stations (RHGS), & Pumped Hydro Electric Stations (PHES) that will commence commercial operation by June 30, 2025.
• This waiver will remain in effect for 25 years. ISTS waiver is among the various amendments contained in CERC (Sharing of Inter State Trans Charges & Losses) (first Amendment) 2023

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‘Subsidy for Green H2 production crucial to reduce cost’

• “GOI should introduce some subsidy for green H2 production to bring down its overall cost” according to Rahula Kashyapa, business Head - B2B, ReNew. “The cost of Green H2 is more than double of that of Grey H2 & RE costs amount to 60 to 70% cost of Green H2. Hence, introducing some form of subsidy for its production is crucial to bring down the overall cost,” he said

Green H2 Mission norms, tender by first half of 2023-24:

• GOI will notify guidelines & issue tender for incentives under the National Green H2 Mission by the first half FY 23-24. A draft for incentive schemes has been prepared & process of consultation with stakeholdrs should begin soon. H2 Mission was approved in Jan 23 with an outlay of Rs 19,744 CR & aims to lift India’s green H2 production capacity to at least 5 MT/year.

Pune-based Thermax partners with Australia’s FFI to explore Green H2:

• Thermax & Fortescue Future Industries (FFI) recently announced that they have signed a MOU to explore green H2 projects including new manufacturing facilities in India. Under this, the firms plan to explore opportunities to jointly develop fully integrated green H2 projects for C&I customers in India. Also, in addition to meeting the domestic requirements, electrolysers & subsystems could potentially be used for export internationally.

MNRE keeps ALMM in abeyance till FY24 (16/03)

• Ministry of New and Renewable Energy announced (MNRE) on March 10, 2023 said that the “Approved Models & Manufacturers of Solar PV Modules (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2019 & subsequent amendments & clarifications are in abeyance for one FY “
• As per this Rule, all solar projects that are commissioned by March 2024 will be exempted from the requirements of procuring Solar PV modules that comply with ALMM & can use imported solar Moduls/Cells.
• This new order is expected to provide relief to Solar industry as it allows developers to source imported solar cells and modules for their solar projects.
• Lack of clarity regarding ALMM has long been a concern for solar power developers as India’s own domestic manufacturing capability is considered inadequate to cater to the industry’s needs. Thus, this announcement & temporary removal of ALMM will help boost Solar capacity additions in India

Jishnu Barua becomes new Chairperson CERC (02/03)

• Mr. Jishnu Barua (1998 batch IAS Officer) has become new Chairperson of CERC. Minister of Power RKS administered the Oath of Office & Secrecy to Mr. Jishnu Barua, Chairperson, CERC, on 02/03. Mr.Barua was appointed Chairperson CERC on Feb 27, 2023.
• Mr Barua was Chief Secretary of Assam from Oct 2020 to August 2022. Prior to this, he had been ACS in Assam State looking after various Depts. from Aug 2017 to Oct 2020.
• Post-retirement, for 4 months, Mr Barua held the Charge of Chairperson of Assam Power Discom Ltd.
• Mr. Barua holds M.Phil degree in Defence & Strategic Studies, PG (History) Degree & Graduation (Philosphy) degree

No Govt Committee to probe Adani; DRI investigation in Indonesia coal import not concluded (14/03)

• GOI has not set up any committee to probe allegations a US short seller labelled against the Adani Group, but stock market regulator SEBI is investigating market allegations against the group, the LS was informed on13/03.
• A separate investigation into imports of Indonesian coal by the conglomerate hasn't reached finality, Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary said.
• LS saw several questions being put by MPs to Govt on Adani issue, which were replied through written responses by the Minister.
• In the Jan-24 report, US short seller Hindenburg Research alleged that the Adani group was "engaged in a brazen stock manipulation & accounting fraud", and used offshore shell Cos to inflate stock prices. Adani group has denied all Hindenburg allegations, calling them "malicious", "baseless" & a "calculated attack on India".
• To a separate question, Chaudhary said the 9 listed Cos of Adani group saw a 60% decline in market capitalisation from Jan 24, 2023 till Mar 1 subsequent to the publication of the Hindenburg report.

• On the allegations, Minister said SEBI, as the statutory Regulator of securities markets, is mandated to put in place Regulatory frameworks for effecting stable operations & development of securities’ markets including protection of investors. "It is, accordingly, undertaking investigation into the market allegations against Adani Group of Cos.” He, however, did not give details.
• To a separate question on investigation by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) into import of power Gen & Trans equipment by Adani, he said the probe has "concluded" & the "report has been submitted before the relevant judicial authorities". He, however, did not reveal the findings.
• On the alleged irregularities in imports of Indonesia coal by Adani group Cos, he said, "investigations by DRI have not yet (??)reached finality as info sought from exporting countries through execution of Letters Rotatory (LRs) is under litigation."
• In Jan 2020, SC paved the way for DRI to investigate allegations of overvaluation of coal imports from Indonesia by the Adani group. SC thro’ the Jan 9, 2020, order stayed an Oct 17, 2019 judgment of Bombay HC which granted relief to Adani group by quashing LRs sent to various countries including Singapore, seeking details of the group's coal imports from Indonesia.

• Chaudhary said SEBI had told SC that it was "already enquiring into the allegations made in Hindenburg report as well as the market activity immediately preceding & post publication of the report, to identify violations of SEBI Regulations including but not limited to SEBI (Prohibition of Fraudulent & Unfair Trade Practices relating to Securities Market) Regulations, 2003, SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 2015, SEBI (Foreign Portfolio Investors) Regulations, 2019, Offshore Derivative Instruments (ODI) norms, short selling norms, if any."
• SC on March 2 directed SEBI to conclude the investigations within 2 months. It also constituted Five Member Expert Committee for assessment of the extant Regulatory framework & for making recommendations to strengthen it.
• Minister said pricing of individual stocks & variations, over or undervaluation & price risks borne by investors are determined by dynamics of demand & supply. "Regulatory framework provides for surveillance mechanisms which are triggered in instances of volatility in share prices of specific Cos.“

(GOI is not ready to form JPC to enquire into the imp matter)

India has 12 of 15 most polluted cities in Central & South Asia in 2022: Report by a Swiss Firm

• 12 of the 15 most polluted cities in the Central & South Asia in 2022 are in India with Bhiwadi (RAJ) being the most polluted city in India at an annual PM2.5 levels of 92.7 μg/m3.
• India’s annual average PM2.5 level in 2022 was 53.3 μg/m3, slightly lower than the 2021 AVG of 58.1.
• Report also stated that roughly 60% of indian cities included in this report experienced annual PM2.5 levels of at least 7 times higher than WHO guideline.
• Transportation sector’s contribution to PM2.5 varies from 20 to 35% across Indian cities. Report noted that stubble (crop residue) burning is also an important challenge in a few areas, including DEL.
• In 2022, India relaxed ENV compliance rules for coal mines, which allowed for increased production in response to power outages
• Comprehensive National emission database is critical in determining sectorial emission reductions needed to meet the targeted 40% reduction in particulate concentrations by 2026 outlined in the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): the report said.
• Ability to attribute emissions to their respective sources is necessary to monitor the progress of emissions-lowering initiatives.

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Rooftop solar set to surpass coal as Australia’s largest power generator: 

• According to a recent report published by Solar consultancy firm SunWiz, Australia’s Gen capacity of small-scale solar systems has surpassed 20 GW. It said that when the 2,000-MW Liddell coal plant is closed by energy giant AGL in April, RT solar will become Australia's biggest electricity source for the first time. TTL installations will add 3,000 MW in 2023 & exceed 3,200 MW in 2024, the report said.

Europe experienced second-warmest Winter on record

• Europe is emerging from its second-warmest winter on record, European Union scientists said, as climate change continues to intensify. The AVG temp in Europe from Dec 22 to Feb 23 was 1.4 degrees Celsius above the 1991-2020 AVG for the Boreal winter season, according to data published by EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S)

Report: Plastic entering oceans could nearly triple by 2040, if left unchecked

• Plastics entering the world's oceans have surged by an "unprecedented" amount since 2005 & could nearly triple by 2040 if no further action is taken, according to the research published by 5-Gyres Institute, US organization that campaigns to reduce plastic pollution

Environmentalists sue to stop Gulf of Mexico Oil & Gas auction

• The lawsuit filed by Earth-justice, the Sierra Club & other environmental groups in a federal court in Washington, D.C., seeks to stop the U.S. Interior Department from offering up drilling rights in 73.3 Mn acres of Gulf of Mexico later this month, even though the auction is mandated by last year's landmark energy & climate law

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Denmark generates record amount of green energy in 2022 (04/02)

• Copenhagen: Solar panels & wind turbines generated a "new green record" of 21.2 TWh electricity in Denmark in 2022, more by 22% than in 2021, the Confederation of Danish Industry's (DI) Energy Department said. In 2021, 17.3 TWh were generated by Solar & Wind combined.
• Citing data from the Danish Energy Agency, DI said that wind turbines produced 19 TWh electricity in 2022 & solar PV 2.2 TWh, reports Xinhua news agency.
• "Not only do wind turbines & solar cells produce cheap & Green electricity for consumers in Denmark, they also contribute to the Green transition in Europe. It's a win-win," Ranis said. He said that Denmark exported more energy & imported less in 2022 than a year earlier.
• According to DI Energy, the industry generated enough “Green electricity" for 5.3 Mn households in 2022, up from nearly 1 Mn in 2021 "It gives hope for the future. But if we are to have enough green power to supply the increased consumption by 2030, it requires a fivefold increase of the current Gen from RE sources," Ranis said.

Thank You for your kind appriciation!!�(Contact me: vlsonavane@gmail.com/ M: 98333 62062)

“Softgrid Computers’ software, a web-desiginer IT Co. in Indore has come up with an unusual way to ensure its employees maintain

a healthy “work-life” balance, by advicing them to go to HOME, after schedule working hours!!

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Softgrid Computers moves ahead with its Green Fuel trail to reduce its Carbon footprint”

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(We need to appreciate the effort & if possible follow it at our workplaces)

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