Hydel power generation capacity drops 9.31% in June
14-Jul-2009
India’s hydro power generation capacity has dropped 9.31% in June ’09, on account of low water availability. The country’s hydro power capacity has been pegged at 18,275 megawatts and as per estimates, is likely to go further down.
Short fall of rains this season has forced almost all hydropower plants in India to operate at less than 40% capacity.
According to industry experts, the current situation is threatening to further deteriorate the country’s power deficit in the latter part of the year.
Hydro power accounts for over one quarter of India's total power generation of 149,400 megawatts.
NTPC eyes US$500 million from JBIC as green-energy funds
3-Jul-2009
Country’s largest power utility NTPC is holding talks with Japanese funding agency Japan Bank for International Co-operation (JBIC) to raise Green Funds.
These funds would be used for NTPC’s supercritical and ultra-supercritical power projects that are based on an efficient consumption of fossil fuels. It is estimated that the loan from the Japanese finance agency could be in the range of US$500 million (about Rs 2,400 crore at current exchange rates).
The JBIC has allocated US$5 billion (about Rs 24,000 crore) for lending in two years, under its Leading Investment to Future Environment Programme. Under this, the agency would release semi-commercial loans for projects involving clean power generation, energy efficiency improvement, water and urban transportation.
Tata Power building power plant for Corus
26-Jun-2009
Tata Power has signed an MoU with Tata Steel and Corus Steel BV to build a 525 mw plant for Corus at the world's second-largest steelmaker's IJmuiden facility in the Netherlands. This power plant will use most of the excess production gases of the steel plant to produce steam and power for the steelmaker and will be ready by 2013.
The IJmuiden plant is also a green power project as the power plant will be based on production gases and will be a low carbon emitting plant.
Govt., forms VCF for Green Energy projects
23-Jun-2009
The power ministry is planning to form a Venture Capital Fund (VCF) to draw fresh players into the clean energy sector to guarantee investments. About 50% of its kitty will come from the government directly and the rest from domestic as well as global financial institutions. It is expected that with backing from a government-operated fund, these firms will find it easier to raise bank loans even in the absence of a strong balance sheet or large initial investments from promoters.
Anil Kane reelected as president of WWEA
23 Jun 2009
On the occasion of the 8th World Wind Energy Conference 2009 held on the picturesque Jeju Island, Korea, Mr. Anil Kane was reelected as president of World Wind Energy Association (WWEA) for yet another two-year term on 22nd June.
This is the third consecutive term for Mr. Kane as the president. He is the first Indian who got elected as WWEA president in November 2005.
Punjab attracts over Rs 1,450 cr investment for biomass power projects
22-Jun-2009
Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) has decided to allocate 21 out of the total 31 biomass power projects to private developers. This decision is expected to attract an investment of Rs 1,450 crore. All these power projects are scheduled to be commissioned by September 2010.
The commissioning of all these power projects is also creating direct employment for over 1,600 skilled persons and indirect employment for 5,000 persons in the state.
Additional power required for pushing renewable energy
5-Jul-2009
Extending power cuts has always been an annoying thing for people in India, especially in summer season. Experts in the power sector say that India has the potential to meet its energy needs through renewable sources like wind, biomass, hydropower, ocean and solar energies, which are abundantly available, but renewable energy contributes only about 4% of power generation in the country at present.
India has set a target of generating 10 % electricity from renewable sources by 2012, but it is unpredictable to say whether this target is achievable or not.
There are lots of hurdles in generating electricity through means of renewable energy. High cost in the case of solar energy is one such hindrance in this regard. But renewable energy has the potential to help meet a part of the persistent energy shortage, which is around 14%.
As per ADB, energy demand in Asia will be double by 2030
23-Jun-2009
As per a recently released energy policy of Asian Development Bank (ADB), energy demand in Asia will reach as much as 6,325 Million Tonne of Oil Equivalent (MTOE) by 2030 from 3,227 MTOE in 2006.
The major cause that is expected to drive this demand is the rapid economic and population growth, industrialization, urbanization, and the replacement of noncommercial biomass fuels by commercial fuels. Besides, increased economic activities, higher living standards, and greater consumption by households are also going to add to the demand.
The objective of the energy policy is to help Developing Member Countries (DMCs) provide reliable, adequate, and affordable energy for inclusive growth in a socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable way.
Use of renewable energy to be made mandatory for SEZs
16-Jun-2009
To save traditional fuel like coal and diesel, the government is now planning to formulate a regulation to make the use of renewable energy obligatory for Special Economic Zones (SEZs).
It is stated that every SEZ developer should appoint a person for production of energy through renewable sources and a target of producing 10,000 KW of renewable energy in SEZs should be kept.
RETA making steady progress
15-Jun-2009
The Renewable Energy Trust Asia (RETA), set up six months ago, has started making steady progress. The trust has initiated a number of solar, hydro and biogas projects, including a 10-mw hydro project in Karnataka, which is almost ready to be handed over to the trust. RETA is now keen on coming up with Greenfield projects and promoting them.
The trust seeks to spur growth and investment in wind, solar, small hydroelectric, biogas and biomass power generation throughout the region, promising predictable cash flow and long-term capital growth.
Norway keen on increasing renewable energy investment in India
14-Jun-2009
Norway is planning to increase its investment in India to further its ties with the country.
Norway is particularity keen to venture in the area of renewable energy, including solar and hydropower.
Solar energy is one of the areas, which Norway wants to focus on. In fact, Norway is working together with the Ministry of Renewable Energy on a huge project.
