tamperfinderIn January 2024, India’s electricity consumption surged to 133.85 billion units, marking a notable 6% increase compared to the same period in 2023. During peak hours, the demand peaked at an impressive 222.32 Gigawatts, underscoring the nation’s growing need for energy. As India continues its developmental journey, the electricity demand escalates steadily. In response to this challenge, the Indian government has initiated a series of policy reforms to bolster electricity production. Here are some key initiatives:
1. Draft Renewable Energy Tariff Regulations, 2024
The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has recently unveiled the Draft Renewable Energy Tariff Regulations for 2024. Addressing the complex issue of tariff determination for diverse renewable energy sources in India, the draft emphasizes CERC’s pivotal role. This encompasses tariff establishment for various projects including small hydro, biomass utilizing the Rankine cycle, non-fossil fuel co-generation, biogas power, gasifier-based biomass power, and municipal solid waste-based power projects.
2. Distribution Perspective Plan 2030: Seeking Stakeholder Input
The Central Electricity Authority is seeking input from stakeholders to shape the Distribution Perspective Plan for 2030. This comprehensive initiative encompasses the strategic planning and design of substations, feeders, capacitor banks, distribution transformers, low-tension feeders, and more. Furthermore, it aims to optimize the operation and management of distribution sectors by various Discoms.
3. Introducing the Green Hydrogen Pilot Scheme
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has unveiled comprehensive guidelines to integrate green hydrogen into the transportation sector. This initiative will empower the industry to harness diverse renewable sources and advanced electrolysis processes to produce hydrogen economically. With a budget of 5.56 Billion INR allocated until 2025-26, the project’s primary objective is to advance technologies for buses, trucks, and other four-wheelers. This entails the development of fuel cells, internal combustion ion engines, and the establishment of hydrogen refuelling stations to drive innovation and adoption in the sector.”
4. State Update: Rajasthan Raises Net Metering Capacity for Roof Solar Projects
Electricity is a concurrent subject in India. ie, both the state governments and the Union Government of India can formulate policies in this sector. Recently, the state of Rajasthan has made a significant adjustment, elevating the net metering capacity for roof solar projects to 1 MW. This decision, facilitated by the Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission (RERC), marks an increase from the previous limit of 500 KW. The regulatory amendment encompasses the metering of renewables and billing regulations, reflecting a proactive approach towards sustainable energy practices.
Earlier this year, Tamil Nadu made a significant move by restructuring the state-owned Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (TANGEDCO), paving the way for more focused development in renewable energy. The establishment of TN Green Energy Corporation Ltd underscores the state’s commitment to sustainable energy practices. However, challenges loom over TANGEDCO as it grapples with a critical revenue shortage, exacerbated by delayed funds from the government for subsidized and free electricity programs. This financial strain places an additional burden on the distribution company, raising concerns about its operational sustainability. The impact of these developments on TANGEDCO’s workforce and overall stability remains uncertain. Such financial constraints often lead to privatization attempts, raising questions about the future trajectory of the company and the welfare of its employees.
5. The Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council
The Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Leh (LAHDC) finds itself at the nexus of a rapidly evolving landscape. Ladakh, a region once secluded from the world, has now emerged as a focal point of transition, particularly since its doors were opened to mass tourism in the mid-1970s. As this ancient land grapples with the complexities of modernization, one pressing concern stands out: energy demand. Ladakh’s thirst for energy continues to escalate, prompting proactive measures from the Government of India.
In response to this burgeoning need, the government has greenlit phase 2 of the green energy corridor, a vital initiative aimed at fortifying Ladakh’s energy infrastructure. This ambitious project entails the integration of 13GW renewable energy projects into Ladakh’s grid. Central to this endeavour is the enhancement of Ladakh’s transmission system, facilitating the seamless incorporation of renewable energy sources. Key components of this initiative include the installation of HVDC lines and HT lines, heralding a new era of sustainable energy transmission for Ladakh.
Tata Power Company Limited, a prominent player in the private sector, is poised to embark on a transformative venture: the installation of 2800MW pumped storage projects. This ambitious initiative comes with a substantial investment of 150 billion INR and is projected to be operational by the fiscal year 2028-29.
Simultaneously, the government has given its nod for the establishment of a cutting-edge 3 x 800 MW Ultra Super Critical Thermal Power Plant at Talabira, in collaboration with NLCIL. Notably, NLCIL has secured rights to the Talabira coal mines, boasting reserves totalling 553 million tonnes (MT) with a peak-rated capacity of 23 MT. Additionally, in the subsequent phase of the project, an 800MW power plant is envisioned, solidifying its status as the premier green field pithead thermal power station in India upon its completion.
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