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As festival season rolls around, many people are excited about purchasing an <keyword id="19906970" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="electric-vehicle" source="keywords">electric vehicle</keyword> (EV) not just for the eco-friendly benefits but also for the attractive discounts. With the growing popularity of EVs — a third of car-aspirants plan to buy an EV this year, reveals a Way2News survey — one lingering concern that might cross your mind is the risk of the car catching fire. While EV fires are rare, they can still happen under certain conditions, so it's essential to understand the risks and know how to prevent them. <h2>Why do they burn?</h2>First and foremost, EV fires are most commonly linked to the lithium-ion batteries that power these vehicles. When an EV is involved in a crash, or if its battery is physically damaged in any way, there is a risk of what is known as "<keyword id="19981370" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="thermal-runaway" source="keywords">thermal runaway</keyword>." This happens when heat inside the battery cannot dissipate quickly enough, causing the cells to overheat and, in rare cases, ignite. Thankfully, EV manufacturers extensively test vehicles to minimise this risk, and incidents are exceedingly rare. In fact, statistics show that electric car fires are significantly less frequent than fires in internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. A study from Sweden's Civil Contingencies Agency found that only 0.004% of EVs caught fire in 2022, compared to 0.08% for ICE cars. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="113816837" title="PM E-DRIVE scheme with ₹10,900 crore outlay announced for electric vehicles" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>As such, the ambient temperature can also play a significant role in the safety and performance of EV batteries. Extreme heat can be particularly dangerous, as it increases the likelihood of the battery cells overheating and entering thermal runaway, which may lead to a fire. High temperatures can accelerate the chemical reactions within lithium-ion batteries, making them more prone to malfunctions. Therefore, it is important to avoid exposing your EV to prolonged high heat, such as parking it under direct sunlight for extended periods, especially in regions where temperatures soar during the summer. Regular maintenance of the battery's cooling system is also critical, as it ensures the battery stays within a safe operating range, preventing overheating and extending the battery's lifespan <h2>Charging and flooding</h2>Another key risk comes from improper charging practices. Overcharging the battery, or using poorly regulated, non-certified charging stations, can cause the battery to overheat. It's crucial that EV owners use certified, high-quality charging stations and follow manufacturer recommendations to avoid overloading the system. Many modern EVs come with software that automatically stops charging once the battery is full, but it’s always a good idea to avoid prolonged charging beyond the battery's capacity. Water exposure can also be hazardous for EVs, particularly in flood-prone areas. While most EVs are designed to handle a fair amount of moisture, saltwater exposure, such as during coastal floods, can create serious problems. Saltwater can corrode the battery and create short circuits, which might lead to fires long after the vehicle has been submerged. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="113857238" title="Ron DeSantis said EVs could catch fire if caught up in Hurricane Helene. Experts say he&amp;#39;s right — and that you should take these steps to protect yourself." mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>In the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, for example, there were reports of submerged EVs catching fire even days after the floodwaters receded. If you live in an area prone to flooding, take extra precautions by parking your EV in a sheltered area, and if your car has been exposed to water, have it inspected immediately. <h2>Those annoying software updates are important!</h2>It’s also important to stay updated on any recalls or software updates. EVs, like any other technology, may occasionally be subject to recalls due to manufacturing defects or safety concerns. Being proactive in checking for recalls can prevent potential issues from becoming dangerous. For instance, some EV models have had recall campaigns specifically to address battery-related risks, ensuring that any faulty cells are replaced before they pose a threat. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="113315022" title="Waiting for the festive season to buy an EV? Cabinet approves PM E-Drive subsidising most EVs, sans electric cars" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Finally, while EV fires may capture attention when they happen, it’s essential to keep them in perspective. Despite the fear surrounding them, EV fires are much less common than fires in gasoline-powered cars. The data shows that EVs are about 80 times less likely to catch fire than their gasoline counterparts. When considering an EV purchase, focus on the safety features and proactive measures in place to keep you and your vehicle safe. With proper charging, regular inspections, and staying informed, you can confidently enjoy the benefits of your new EV this festive season!

Planning to purchase an EV? Here's how to ensure it never catches on fire

The Union Budget for 2024-25, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, places significant emphasis on <keyword id="19941381" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="energy-security" source="keywords">energy security</keyword> and sustainability. As per the government, the current strategy will focus on ensuring that energy resources are readily available, making energy affordable for all citizens and keeping energy costs low to prevent economic strain on consumers. Here's a breakdown of the key initiatives announced: <h2>PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana</h2>One of the standout initiatives is the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. This program aims to install <keyword id="20366573" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="rooftop-solar-plants" source="keywords">rooftop solar plants</keyword> across 1 crore households, providing up to 300 units of free electricity per month. As per the FM, the scheme has already seen significant interest, with over 1.28 crore registrations and 14 lakh applications. <h2>Pumped Storage Policy</h2>To enhance electricity storage capabilities and integrate more <keyword id="19895602" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="renewable-energy" source="keywords">renewable energy</keyword> into the grid, the government will introduce a policy promoting pumped storage projects. These projects are crucial for balancing the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources like wind and solar power. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111956035" title="Union Budget 2024: What FM Nirmala took from your pocket, what she gave you" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> <h2>Development of <keyword id="20876045" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="nuclear-energy" source="keywords">Nuclear Energy</keyword></h2>Recognising the importance of nuclear energy in India's future energy mix, the government plans to invest in new nuclear technologies. The announcement also mentioned partnering with the private sector to develop and set up Bharat <keyword id="20260886" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Small-Modular-Reactors" source="keywords">Small Modular Reactors</keyword>. Boasting up to a 300 MW capacity, Small Modular Reactors are mobile, flexible in design and require a smaller footprint. Unlike conventional nuclear reactors that need to be built on-site, SMRs can be factory-built. These advantages can add up to significant savings in cost and construction time. <h2>Advanced Ultra Super Critical Thermal Power Plants</h2>The Budget highlights the completion of indigenous technology development for Advanced Ultra Super Critical (AUSC) thermal power plants. These plants boast higher efficiency and will be established through a joint venture between the National Thermal Power Corporation and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited. The initiative includes government support for fiscal needs and aims to boost local production of high-grade steel and advanced metallurgical materials. <h2>Roadmap for Hard-to-Abate Industries</h2>A significant shift is planned for industries that are difficult to decarbonise. The government will move these industries from energy efficiency targets to emission reduction targets. This transition will be regulated through the Indian Carbon Market, replacing the current 'Perform, Achieve and Trade' mode. <h2>Support for Traditional Micro and Small Industries</h2>To promote cleaner energy usage and efficiency, the government will conduct energy audits in 60 clusters of traditional micro and small industries, including brass and ceramics. Financial support will be provided to help these industries switch to cleaner energy forms and implement energy efficiency measures. This initiative will be expanded to 100 more clusters in the next phase. As per Sameer Jain, Managing Director at Primus Partners, MSMEs consume approximately 50% of the nation's power needs while generating over 75% of greenhouse gas emissions. As a result, additional support — such as climate financing — will be crucial to ensure that the MSME sector adapts well to the green revolution, especially with how the budget has committed support to MSMEs to grow and compete globally. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111953230" title="Union Budget 2024-25: Mobile Phones to get cheaper, as FM Nirmala Sitharaman reduces basic customs duty to 15%" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> <h2><keyword id="22521154" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="climate-resilient-crops" source="keywords">Climate-Resilient Crops</keyword></h2>The government will release 109 high-yielding and climate-resilient varieties of 32 field and horticultural crops for cultivation by farmers. With the provision of research funding, including for the private sector, this move is part of a broader strategy to enhance agricultural productivity while adapting to climate change. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111957080" title="What does Union Budget 2024-2025 have in store for farmers and the agricultural sector?" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> <h2>Minerals for Green Technologies</h2>To support the growing demand for minerals used in green technologies, such as cobalt and lithium, the budget proposes exemptions from custom duties for 25 critical minerals and reduction on basic customs duty for two other essential metals. This move aims to bolster the domestic manufacturing of batteries and other components crucial for electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies. <h2>Development of Climate Taxonomy</h2>A new climate taxonomy will be developed to guide the green transition, ensuring that investments and policies are aligned with the goal of reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable practices. All in all, the Union Budget 2024-25 sets a promising course for India's energy and sustainability sector. With substantial investments and new initiatives, it aims to accelerate the transition to a greener future, and hopefully take us a step further towards India's net-zero emissions target by 2070.

Free solar electricity to mobile nuclear plants — major sustainability initiatives announced in Budget 2024!

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday announced a cut in customs duty on minerals such as lithium, copper and cobalt, which are critical for nuclear energy, renewable and other sectors, to give a fillip to the energy transition. In her budget speech in Lok Sabha, Sitharaman recalled that in the interim budget she had announced a strategy to sustain high and more resource-efficient economic growth, along with energy security in terms of availability, accessibility and affordability. "We will bring out a policy document on appropriate energy transition pathways that balances the imperatives of employment, growth and environmental sustainability," she said. Noting that minerals such as lithium, copper, cobalt and rare earth elements are critical for sectors like nuclear energy, <keyword id="19895602" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="renewable-energy" source="keywords">renewable energy</keyword>, space, defence, telecommunications, and high-tech electronics, she proposed to fully exempt customs duties on 25 critical minerals and reduce BCD (basic customs duty) on two of them. This will provide a major fillip to the processing and refining of such minerals and help secure their availability for these strategic and important sectors, she said. She stated that energy transition is critical in the fight against climate change. To support energy transition, she proposed to expand the list of exempted capital goods for use in the manufacture of solar cells and panels in the country. Further, she stated that in view of sufficient domestic manufacturing capacity of solar glass and tinned copper interconnect, I propose not to extend the exemption of customs duties provided to them. Noting that steel and copper are important raw materials and to reduce their cost of production, she proposed to remove the BCD on ferro nickel and blister copper. "I am also continuing with nil BCD on ferrous scrap and nickel cathode and concessional BCD of 2.5 per cent on copper scrap," she said. About the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, which was rolled out earlier this year, he informed the House that in line with the announcement in the interim budget, PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana has been launched to install rooftop solar plants to enable 1 crore households obtain free electricity up to 300 units every month. The scheme has generated remarkable response with more than 1.28 crore registrations and 14 lakh applications, and we will further encourage it, he stated. She further stated that a policy for promoting pumped storage projects will be brought out for electricity storage and facilitating smooth integration of the growing share of renewable energy with its variable &amp; intermittent nature in the overall energy mix. She stated that nuclear energy is expected to form a very significant part of the energy mix for Viksit Bharat. Towards that pursuit, our government will partner with the private sector for setting up Bharat Small Reactors; research &amp; development of Bharat Small Modular Reactor and research &amp; development of newer technologies for nuclear energy, she informed the House. The R&amp;D funding announced in the interim budget will be made available for this sector, she added. The development of indigenous technology for Advanced Ultra Super Critical (AUSC) <keyword id="20421620" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="thermal-power" source="keywords">thermal power</keyword> plants with much higher efficiency has been completed, she informed the House. A joint venture between NTPC and BHEL will set up a full-scale 800 MW commercial plant using AUSC technology and the government will provide the required fiscal support, she added. Moving forward, the development of indigenous capacity for the production of high-grade steel and other advanced metallurgy materials for these plants will result in strong spin-off benefits for the economy, she pointed out. A roadmap for moving the 'hard to abate' industries from 'energy efficiency' targets to 'emission targets' will be formulated, she stated adding that appropriate regulations for the transition of these industries from the current 'Perform, Achieve and Trade' mode to 'Indian Carbon Market' mode will be put in place. She further stated that an investment-grade energy audit of traditional micro and small industries in 60 clusters, including brass and ceramic, will be facilitated. Financial support will be provided for shifting them to cleaner forms of energy and implementation of energy efficiency measures. The scheme will be replicated in another 100 clusters in the next phase, she stated. Gaurav Kedia, Chairman, Indian Biogas Association said that the <keyword id="19908389" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Union-Budget" source="keywords">Union Budget</keyword> 2024 has unveiled a roadmap towards a sustainable and resilient India, with agriculture and energy security at its core. It is anticipated that these initiatives will catalyze the growth of the biogas industry, leading to increased rural employment, reduced carbon emissions, and improved soil health, he stated. SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/budget-2024-25-changes-to-tax-slabs-increased-standard-deduction-and-other-changes-to-direct-taxation/articleshow/111951205.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/budget-2024-25-changes-to-tax-slabs-increased-standard-deduction-and-other-changes-to-direct-taxation/articleshow/111951205.cms" target="_blank">Budget 2024-25 – Changes to tax slabs, increased standard deduction and other changes to direct taxation</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/expectations-from-union-budget-2024-25-how-will-this-budget-impact-you/articleshow/111946291.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/expectations-from-union-budget-2024-25-how-will-this-budget-impact-you/articleshow/111946291.cms" target="_blank">Union Budget 2024-25: How will this budget impact you?</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/budget-2024-record-allocation-of-rs-1-48-lakh-crore-for-education-employment-and-skilling/articleshow/111951228.cms">Budget 2024: Record allocation of Rs 1.48 lakh crore for education, employment and skilling!</a>

FM cuts customs duty on minerals critical for energy transition

<ul class="summary-list"><li>China is facing its worst heatwave and drought in over half a century, and it has hit the country's hydroelectric power.</li><li>The vital Yangtze River has seen some parts dry up, impacting water supply for electricity generation. </li></ul>China's most dire heatwave and drought in over half a century has dried up parts of the Yangtze River, forcing the country to burn more coal as hydroelectricity capacity declines. In the first two weeks of August, China burned 8.16 million tonnes of thermal coal per day, a 15% increase from a year ago, data from the National Development and Reform Commission compiled by <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2022/08/23/economy/china-coal-reliance-heat-wave-intl-hnk/index.html">CNN</a> shows. On August 3, thermal coal-use hit a one-day record of 8.5 million tonnes. Also this month, Sichuan Guang'an Power Generation, one of the largest coal-fired power plants in China, increased its electricity generation by 170% compared to year-ago rates.Meanwhile, China has increasingly turned to Russia for energy imports like coal, natural gas, and oil. In July, <a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/commodities/commodities-outlook-china-russia-ukraine-oil-natural-gas-coal-prices-2022-8">Chinese buyers paid Russia a combined $7.2 billion</a> for those supplies, customs data cited by Bloomberg show. That's a 53% jump compared to the same month last year.Chinese imports of Russian coal alone have surged 14% year-over-year to hit 7.4 million tons in July. Hydroelectric power is the nation's second-largest source of energy, and the dwindling water levels of the key river have impacted tens of thousands of citizens across six provinces. Industrial factories have had to close down in an effort to preserve energy supplies, according to the report. The water-rich area of Sichuan is responsible for 21% of China's hydroelectricity production, though so far in August its output has dropped by 50%, per CNN. All the while, the heatwave is forcing people to ramp up demand for electricity, exacerbating the stress on the nation's power grid.

China is burning more coal as historic heatwave cripples its hydroelectricity capacity

State-owned Oil and <keyword id="123483" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Natural-Gas-Corp">Natural Gas Corp</keyword> (<keyword id="6354737" type="DOMAIN" weightage="20" keywordseo="ONGC">ONGC</keyword>) will lose about ₹4,000 crore in revenue and start making cash losses after the government slashed the natural gas prices by a steep 26 per cent by benchmarking it against rates prevalent in gas-surplus nations. Prices of natural gas, which is used to produce fertilizer, generate electricity and gets converted into CNG for use in automobiles and piped natural gas for household cooking, was from April 1 cut to USD 2.39 per million <keyword id="709299" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="British-thermal-unit">British thermal unit</keyword> - a rate about 37% lower than the cost of production. "These rates are unsustainable for us. We have already told the government that the gas pricing should be freed. There should be complete pricing and marketing freedom," ONGC Chairman and Managing Director <keyword id="2579152" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Shashi-Shanker">Shashi Shanker</keyword> told here. The BJP-led government had in October 2014 evolved a new pricing formula using rates prevalent in gas surplus nations like the US, Canada, and Russia to determine the price in a net importing country. Prices using this formula are calculated semi-annually. Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha on March 20, 2017, had stated that the cost of production of natural gas in the prolific Krishna Godavari basin is between USD 4.99 -7.30 per mmBtu. The same for other basins is in the range of USD 3.80 -6.59 per mmBtu, he had said. For ONGC, which produces most of its 64 million standard cubic meters per day of gas from western offshore, the breakeven is around USD 3.8. "The rates are now way below cost," Shanker said. For every USD 1 dollar change, the company's revenues are impacted by Rs 4,400-4,500 crore annually. On April 1, the gas price was reduced from USD 3.23 per mmBtu to USD 2.39 - an 84 cent reduction which translates into annual Rs 4,000 crore of revenue loss. Another company official explained that gas makes up for roughly half of the company's bottomline and if the business makes losses, the company may soon start generating cash losses. The reduction on April 1 was the second in six months and took rates to the lowest since the new pricing formula came into being in 2014. The price of gas produced from difficult fields such as deepsea too has been cut to USD 5.61 from USD 8.43 per mmBtu. This would just about breakeven ONGC's new production from KG Basin. The government had in October 2014 adopted a formula that takes into account the volume-weighted annual average of the prices prevailing in Henry Hub (US), National Balancing Point (UK), Alberta (Canada) and Russia with a lag of one-quarter. Prices are set every six months -- on April 1 and October 1 each year. This formula was adopted soon after the expiry of the USD 4.2 per mmBtu rate fixed for Reliance's KG-D6 gas for five years. The rates at the first revision, using the new formula, came to USD 5.05 but in the subsequent six-monthly reviews kept falling till they touched USD 2.48 for April 2017 to September 2017 period. Subsequently, they rose to USD 3.69 in April 2019 to September 2019 before being cut by 12.5 per cent in October 2019 to USD 3.23. Sources said the government realised that the pricing arrived at using the formula was way too low to make the production of gas from difficult fields such as deepsea viable. So the government in April 2016, gave a ceiling for the gas from such fields. The ceiling in April 2016 was USD 6.61 which rose to USD 9.32 in April 2019 before being cut to USD 8.43 in October and now to USD 5.61. But this applies only for future gas production and existing deepsea finds get the lower USD 2.39 price. ONGC is India's largest integrated oil and gas company, accounting for 75 per cent of crude oil and natural gas production by volume, and 17 per cent of domestic refining capacity.

ONGC to lose ₹4,000 crore with the new gas price and bats for 'free gas prices'

Bhubaneswar, Mar 5 () National Thermal PowerCorporation (NTPC) on Thursday said it will set up two newunits at Talcher Thermal Power Station in the state with aninvestment of Rs 7,400 crore."NTPC achieved the milestone of declaration ofcommercial operation of one unit Darlipali super thermal powerstation. Next on our agenda is to set up two units of 600 MWeach at Talcher Thermal," Sanjeev Kishore, NTPC's executivedirector (Eastern Region-II), told reporters here.While the first unit of 800 MW of Darlipali project inSundargarh district commenced commercial operation on March 1,its second unit of the same capacity is expected to becomplete in the next six months, he said.The Odisha government has granted approval for settingup two new units at Talcher Thermal in coal-rich Anguldistrict, Kishore said."We are working in tandem with the state governmentfor the proposed new units at Talcher Thermal. Fifty per centof the power generated from these units will be for Odisha,"the NTPC official said.Though there are certain technical glitches, talks arein the advanced stages of sorting out the issues, he said,adding, tariff for electricity to be produced from the newunits would be fixed as per the CERC norms.NTPC Eastern Region II has an installed capacity of5,020 MW at present.He said that under the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram JyotiYojana (DDUGJY), work in 15,289 villages out of 17,136 havebeen completed.Kishore said NTPC is setting up a medical college cumhospital in Sundargarh district, while an Industrial TrainingInstitute is being constructed in Ganjam district. SKNRBT RBT

NTPC to set up 2 new units at Talcher Thermal in Odisha

New Delhi, Feb 1 () Old coal-fired power plants not meeting emission norms will be closed and their land put to alternative use, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Saturday as she provided Rs 4,400 crore in her Budget for measures to ensure clean air.
 She also announced expansion of PM KUSUM scheme for harnessing solar energy by farmers for achieving diesel-free agriculture eventually.
 Besides, the minister indicated in her Budget speech that there would be a new scheme to reduce financial stress of debt-laden power distribution firms and incentives will be provided in form of lower corporate tax for new power projects.
 "There are yet, thermal power plants that are old and their carbon emission levels are high. For such power plants, we propose that utilities running them would be advised to close them, if their emission is above the pre-set norms. The land so vacated can be put to alternative use," Sitharaman said.
 The new scheme would be implemented by environment ministry with an outlay of Rs 4,400 crore.
 "In large cities having population above one million, clean air is a matter of concern. The government proposes to encourage such states that are formulating and implementing plans for ensuring cleaner air in cities above one million. Parameters for the incentives would be notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate change. Allocation for this purpose is Rs 4,400 crore for 2020-21," she said.
 About this initiative of the government, Power Minister R K Singh told reporters that there are certain plants which either do not have space for putting emission control equipment or they simply cannot do that.
 The initiative is expected to nudge states to close all those old thermal power plants and capitalise vacated land.
 The finance minister also proposed to extend the concessional corporate tax rate of 15 per cent to new domestic companies engaged in the generation of electricity in order to attract investment in power sector.
 In September 2019, the government introduced new provision of offering a concessional corporate tax rate of 15 per cent to the newly incorporated domestic companies in the manufacturing sector which start manufacturing by March 31, 2023, for boosting the sector. Now this is extended to new power plants as well.
 "Taking electricity to every household has been a major achievement. However, the distribution sector, particularly the DISCOMS are under financial stress...Further measures to reform DISCOMs would be taken. I propose to provide about Rs 22,000 crore to power and renewable energy sector in 2020-21," she said in her Budget speech.
 The power sector is facing stress due to poor financial conditions of discoms in the country. The government launched Ujwal Discom Assurance Yojana (UDAY) in November 2015 to bring about operational and financial turnaround of debt-laden discoms.
 On this, Singh has said the ministry has a draft scheme for revival of discoms, which would be finalised and sent for Cabinet approval.
 He also said states would have to agree on loss reduction trajectory under the scheme to get financial assistance as well as funding from central PSUs PFC and REC.
 Giving a thrust to clean energy in the Budget, the finance minister also expanded the existing Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM KUSUM) scheme to provide assistance for setting up about 35 lakh solar pumps by farmers.
 "We have provided energy sovereignty through KUSUM.In the Budget speech of July 2019, I had stated that 'annadata' can be 'urjadata' too. The PM-KUSUM scheme removed farmers' dependence on diesel and kerosene and linked pump sets to solar energy," Sitharaman said.
 She proposed to expand the scheme to 20 lakh farmers for setting up stand-alone solar pumps and also help another 15 lakh farmers solarise their grid-connected pump sets.
 The scheme also enables farmers to set up solar power generation capacity and sell it to the grid.
 PM KUSUM scheme was unveiled last year with an outlay of Rs 34,422 crore.
 The scheme has three components-- 10,000 megawatts (MW) of decentralised ground mounted grid-connected renewable power plants ; installation of 17.50 lakh standalone solar powered agriculture pumps and solarisation of 10 lakh grid-connected solar powered agriculture pumps.
 The finance minister also told the House that a scheme to enable farmers to set up solar power generation capacity on their fallow/barren lands and to sell it to the grid would be operationalized under PM KUSUM.
About pre-paid smart electricity meters, she said: "The ministry intends to promote "smart" metering. I urge all the states and Union Territories to replace conventional energy meters by prepaid smart meters in the next 3 years. Also, this would give consumers the freedom to choose the supplier and rate as per their requirement."
 The government has proposed Rs 5,753 crore outlay for new and renewable energy ministry for 2020-21 as against Rs 3,891.74 crore revised estimate for 2019-20. The budget estimate was Rs 5,254.83 crore. KKS ANZ ANU
ANU

Budget's push for clean air: Old thermal power plants to shut

New Delhi, Mar 25 () State-owned NTPC on Wednesday announced completion of trial for second unit, of 660 megawatts, of its Khargone Super Thermal Power Project in Madhya Pradesh. "Second unit of 660 MW of Khargone Super Thermal Power Project has been added to installed capacity of NTPC on successful completion of trial operation," NTPC said in a BSE filing. With the addition, the total installed capacity of NTPC and NTPC group has become 50,355 MW and 58,816 MW, respectively. On January 31, NTPC announced commercial operation of the power plant's unit-1 of 660 MW with effect from February 1. ABI HRS

NTPC completes trial of Khargone Super Thermal Power Project's second unit

New Delhi, Feb 5 () The CISF has taken over the security of a Uttar Pradesh-based supercritical thermal power plant and has deployed over 300 personnel at the facility, a senior official said on Wednesday.The induction of an armed security unit of the force and a separate fire wing took place on Monday at the Neyveli Uttar Pradesh Power Ltd (NUPPL) located at Ghatampur in Kanpur."310 personnel -- 206 for security duties and 104 as part of the fire wing -- have been deployed at the power plant. The induction took place on February 3," a Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) spokesperson said.NUPPL is a joint venture between the Neyveli Lignite Corporation India Ltd (a Union government enterprise) and the Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd. It is a coal-based supercritical thermal power plant with a capacity of 1,980 MW."In the light of the increased threat perception to coal-based supercritical thermal power plants situated across the country, NUPPL is inherently vulnerable to threats from anti-nationals," the spokesperson said.The ceremonial induction of the contingent was done by CISF Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Prabodh Chandra and NUPPL CEO K Mohan Reddy.The CISF commandos, under the command of a Deputy Commandant-rank officer, will provide round-the-clock security in a quick response team (QRT) pattern as part of which they will keep vigil from vantage positions at the facility, using sophisticated assault weapons and will have vehicles for swift movement.They will ensure that terror threats to the power plant are kept at bay and thwarted, a senior official said.The special fire unit will secure the facility against any blaze-like incidents.The paramilitary force, with a strength of around 1.62 lakh personnel, is the primary federal force to provide armed security cover to vital installations in the government and private domain of the country, apart from being the national civil aviation protection force.With the latest induction, the force has 347 units to guard in the country, the spokesperson said. NES IJTIJT

UP-based thermal power plant gets CISF security and fire cover

New Delhi, Jan 31 () State-run power producer NTPC on Friday said the unit-1 of Khargone Super Thermal Power Station in Madhya Pradesh will start commercial operation from February 1.
"We wish to inform that unit-1 of 660 megawatt (mw) of Khargone Super Thermal Power Station (2x660 mw) is hereby declared on commercial operation with effect from 00:00 hrs of 01.02.2020," the PSU said in a regulatory filing.
 With this, the commercial capacity of NTPC and NTPC group will become 48,645 mw and 57,106 mw, respectively, the filing said.
 Shares of NTPC were trading at Rs 114.85 a piece on BSE, up 1.10 per cent from the previous close. SID DRR
DRR

Unit-1 of NTPC's Khargone Super Thermal Power Station to start from Feb 1

New Delhi, June 18 () India is expected to save around Rs 30,000 crore annually on import bill of thermal coal on account of commercial mining of blocks, Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi said on Thursday. He said the country still imports one-fifth of its annual coal requirements and spends precious foreign exchange on it. "Once commercial mining picks up, thermal coal being imported is likely to be substituted, saving in potential import bill of around Rs 30,000 crore per annum or nearly USD 5 billion per year," the minister said at the launch event of blocks for commercial mining here. Joshi said the opening of the coal sector to private companies is expected to generate employment for more than three lakh people. Since these coal mines are situated in the backward regions of the country, commercial coal mining is expected to contribute about Rs 20,000 crore annually to these states as revenue and strengthen the development of local economies, he said. Commercial coal mining is a step towards an open market and a more liberalised regime with greater freedom to the investors to tap the market opportunity, he said. The minister also emphasised that the welfare provisions for coal workers in the commercial mines will be at par with what Coal India (CIL) provides. "Let there be no worry that there will be different yardsticks for private and public mining," he stressed. Of the 41 blocks put on sale, 34 are fully explored, four are partly explored and three are regionally explored. Eleven of these mines are in Madhya Pradesh, followed by nine each in Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Jharkhand and three in Maharashtra. The mines includes, Bander (Maharashtra), Brahmadiha (Jharkhand), Chendipada (Odisha), Fatehpur East (Chhattisgarh), Gotitoria East (Madhya Pradhesh). All types of coal blocks are available for bidding as there are 37 non-coking, two coking and two combo mines i.e. coking plus non-coking, the coal ministry said. Similarly, choice of all categories of mines are available to opt from the basket of 26 opencast, seven underground and eight underground-cum-opencast mines, it added. Mines with varied sizes of coal reserves have been put for auction with 31 mines having up to 500 million tonnes (MT), four mines over 500 MT to up to 1,000 MT, three mines over 1,000 MT to 1,500 MT and remaining three mines having over 1,500 MT to 2,000 MT geological coal reserves. The coal ministry said that 27 mines have peak rated capacity up to five million tonnes per annum (MTPA), nine over five MTPA up to 10 MTPA and remaining five mines having more than 10 MTPA capacity. Joshi also emphasised on the massive capital expenditure and employment plan for coal bearing regions. "We propose to invest in forward and backward linkages for a vibrant coal economy," he added. To prepare the coal sector for efficient transition and orderly development, the Ministry of Coal has taken a decision to create administrative coal regulator by vesting the coal controller with certain regulatory functions. This will help boost the investor confidence, he said. The government, he said, has also set up a Project Management Unit to help the coal block allocatees to obtain approvals and permissions required from various levels of Centre expeditiously. "From being a sector grappling with corruption and scandals, to being this new-age black diamond that will fuel country's economic growth - Indian coal sector has truly come a long way," he said. The government, he said, has also taken concrete steps for coal bed methane (CBM) exploration and extraction for the first time in coal-fields of CIL. Incentive to coal gasification and liquefaction is expected to give boost and promote the practice of efficient use of clean energy, he said adding that "We have received overseas and local interest in such proposals." Besides, the coal stock at thermal power plants in the country has risen to its highest-ever level of over 50 million tonnes, sufficient for 30 days, he added. SID NAM MKJ

Commercial mining likely to save Rs 30,000 cr annually on thermal coal import bill: Pralhad Joshi

New Delhi, Mar 2 () State-owned power giant NTPC on Monday said the company - including its joint venture and arms - has achieved its annual commercial capacity addition target of 5,290 MW for 2019-20.This is also the largest ever commercial capacity addition for the group in a single year, NTPC said in a statement.The latest capacity additions are 250 MW unit of Barauni Thermal Power Station Stage-II (2 x 250 MW) and 800 MW unit of Darlipalli Super Thermal Power Station Stage-I (2 x 800 MW) with effect from March 1, 2020.In the current fiscal, NTPC has added commercial capacity at Gadarwara (800 MW), Lara (800 MW), Tanda (660 MW), Khargone (660 MW), Barauni (250 MW) and Darlipalli (800 MW) plants.These additions contribute to a total of 3,970 MW of commercial capacity addition on a standalone basis for the NTPC.Further, the plants under JVs and subsidiaries of the NTPC added 1,320 MW capacity (Meja-660 MW and Nabinagar- 660 MW) in the current fiscal, thereby taking the overall commercial capacity addition to 5,290 MW in FY 2019-20.Present installed capacity of NTPC is 58,156 MW comprising of 55 NTPC stations (24 Coal-based stations, 7 combined cycle gas/liquid fuel based stations, 2 hydro-based station, 1 wind-based station), 10 joint venture stations (9 coal-based and one gas-based) and 11 renewable energy projects. KKS BAL

NTPC achieves largest ever commercial capacity addition of 5,290 MW in 2019-20

<ul><li>2017 saw an increased growth of about 29% in solar energy than 2016 globally.</li><li>Wind energy accounted for an addition of 53 GW renewable power generating capacity.</li><li><keyword id="3658" type="COUNTRY" weightage="20" keywordseo="India">India</keyword> is also among the top countries with 19.6 GW solar energy setups installed since 2010.</li></ul>With traditional sources of energy being depleted at an alarming rate countries around the world have already started moving towards renewable sources of energy. According to a <a href="https://www.financialexpress.com/lifestyle/science/world-saw-largest-rise-in-renewable-energy-capacity-in-2017-says-report/1192552/">report</a>, <keyword id="34553" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="renewable-energy">renewable energy</keyword> in 2017 accounted for about 70% of net addition to the global <keyword id="6356959" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="power-generation">power generation</keyword> capacity. However, many sectors of the global industries still lag behind when it comes to the use of renewable energy. For example, heating, cooling and transport sectors which account for four-fifths of the global energy demand, have shown limited migration towards renewable energy in order to satisfy their requirements. 2017 saw an increased growth of about 29% in solar energy as compared to 2016. According to reports, solar energy generating capacity has reached global records. It has accounted for 98 gigawatts (GW) addition to energy generating capacity, which is more than that of <keyword id="6356966" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="coal">coal</keyword>, <keyword id="6354703" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="natural-gas">natural gas</keyword> and nuclear power combined. Wind power also accounted for an additional 52 GW renewable energy generation globally. The world also saw increased investments in the renewable energy sector which was twice more than investments in new fossil fuels and nuclear power capacity combined. Renewable energy also accounted for more than two-thirds of investments in power generation. This trend is expected to continue in the following years due to increased cost-competitiveness and share of non-renewable energy in power generation. <keyword id="1334" type="COUNTRY" weightage="20" keywordseo="China">China</keyword>, USA and <keyword id="28249" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="europe">Europe</keyword> accounted for 75% of the investments in renewable energy. The rest 25% came in from developing countries. A pledge made under the 2015 Paris climate agreement in order to limit the rise in global temperature to “well below” 2 degree Celsius above pre-industrial levels makes the challenge of cleaner energy much clearer. However, the power sector is not progressing fast enough to transmit the generated renewable energy. The report, keeping in mind the Paris agreement, said that the heating, cooling and transport sectors needs to migrate to cleaner energy, and they need to do it soon. In India, the number of installed solar thermal collectors increased by approximately 25% in 2017 as compared to 2016. And India is also <a href="https://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/solar-trends-2018-gtm-research#gs.QQSt8y8">among</a> the leading countries when it comes to solar power. The country currently <a href="https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/india-third-largest-solar-market-in-the-world-mercom-communications-118051500643_1.html">ranks third</a> on the global solar gigawatt (GW)-scale market with China topping the list. Since 2010, India grew by a compound annual growth of approximately 170% in the solar power market. The country has set a new record with the installation of 9.6 GW solar power units in 2017, which is double the 4.3 GW set-up that was installed in 2016. As of 2017, the total installed solar capacity of India was at 19.6 GW, which is about one-fifth of the planned solar capacity of 100 GW by 2022. The states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are the fastest growing in terms of solar power usage in India.

2017 saw the largest rise in renewable energy capacity: Report

India’s largest energy conglomerate <keyword id="76758" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="National-Thermal-Power-Corporation">National Thermal Power Corporation</keyword> (<keyword id="45179" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="NTPC">NTPC</keyword>) plans to take over stressed power generation assets from central as well as state sector units using a reserve of about Rs 5,000 crore. A person with knowledge of the plan told The Economic Times that currently, this Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSU) under the <keyword id="126373" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ministry-of-Power">Ministry of Power</keyword> is in talks with three such entities in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and West Bengal. 

	As per the financial daily, NTPC is proposing to create joint ventures with state governments to own such power plants, where it will take a majority stake. Earlier, the CPSU had looked at acquiring private power assets, but the plan hasn't taken off as expected.
 

	A senior NTPC official told ET, "Following slow and dismal progress of NTPC's plan to take over stressed assets from private sector entities, the company has now decided to take over assets or plants that are facing problems in the central and state sector.”
 

	The official further added, “While we are in talks with three assets at the moment, NTPC is open to taking over more if they are offered to the company. We are a cash-rich company and taking over majority stakes in these troubled power plants would not be an issue."
 

	In order to acquire trouble power plant in Madhya Pradesh, NTPC is in discussion with MP Generating Company for taking over 1,300 Mw of the Satpura thermal power plant, one of the oldest in the state, through the same joint-venture model. This thermal plant, reportedly, faces an uncertain future due to poor utilisation of fly ash.
 While in Rajasthan, the nation’s largest power company is in talks with <keyword id="1052461" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rajasthan-Rajya-Vidyut-Utpadan-Nigam">Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam</keyword> to take over its entire generation capacities, which has a capacity of about 5,000 Mw, through joint ventures. Coming to West Bengal, NTPC is set to acquire the Raghunathpur thermal plant of 2,400 Mw, which is in trouble owing to problems over land availability. And for this, it’s in discussions with <keyword id="75753" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Damodar-Valley-Corporation">Damodar Valley Corporation</keyword>. A portion of this plant is ready, but cannot commence generation due to the absence of land and water. 
	(Image: Wikimedia)

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