Uncertainty Preventing Investments in Hydel Projects: Power Minister Piyush Goyal

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Power
24-October, 2017 12:06 IST
EESL achieves further reduction in smart meter price; conducts reverse auction of last week’s tender

· ITI Limited emerges as the L1 bidder with the lowest quote of Rs. 2503 per unit for 50 lakh smart meters, followed by Genus Power and KEONICS
· 8% lower price per unit achieved than previous tender
· The total procurement cost of 50 lakh smart meters has been reduced by Rs. 132 crores due to reverse auction


Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) has achieved a further price reduction in the procurement of 50 lakh smart meters, basis a reverse auction of the tender conducted last week. ITI Limited has emerged as the lowest bidder (L1 bidder) in this reverse auction, followed by Genus Power and KEONICS. ITI Limited quoted the lowest price of Rs. 2503, per single phase smart meter.


L&T had emerged as the lowest bidder in the first round of bids conducted last week, where the company had quoted Rs. 2722. Through the reverse auction, the price of the single phase smart meter has come down from Rs. 2722 to Rs. 2503 which is a reduction of 8% from the previous tender quote. The lower price discovered through reverse auction will further benefit the end consumers. Seven companies including L&T were invited for the reverse auction, as per tender terms and conditions where L&T has been outbid by ITI Limited, Genus Power and KEONICS.


As per government guidelines, EESL will invite Genus Power and KEONICS, who have emerged as the L2 and L3 bidders respectively, to match the L1 price. Should the said parties match the L1 price, EESL will split the procurement of the single phase smart meter between three parties in a ratio of 50:30:20.


The meters will be installed over a period of 3 years in a phased manner in Uttar Pradesh UP) and Haryana.


The procurement conducted by EESL, a company under the administrative control of Ministry of Power, Government of India (GoI), is the world’s largest single Smart Meter procurement. 40 lakh smart meters will be deployed in UP and the remaining 10 lakh in Haryana.



Smart meters are a part of the overall Advanced Metering Infrastructure Solutions (AMI) aimed at better demand response designed to reduce energy consumption during peak hours. The overall AMI solution will also have a system integrator who will be responsible for meter installation, data storage on cloud, preparing dashboards, etc. The bids for the system integrator is expected to open on October 31, 2017.


EESL is procuring the smart meters and services of the system integrator with 100% investment and the Utilities will make zero-investment. The repayment to EESL will be through savings resulting from enhanced billing efficiency, avoided meter reading costs, etc. It is said that the average cost of meter reading is Rs. 40 per meter, which will be completely avoided.


EESL is driven by the objective of facilitating faster adoption of future-ready technology solutions while balancing economic development and environmental sustainability. EESL is committed to enabling a complete transformation of the energy infrastructure in the country with unique solutions.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Power
25-October, 2017 17:05 IST
Dr. Fatih Birol calls on the Minister of Power and New & Renewable Energy, Shri R. K. Singh

Dr. Fatih Birol, Executive Director, International Energy Agency (IEA), called on the Union Minister of State (IC) for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Shri R.K. Singh, here today. The two dignitaries discussed the role of India on the emerging Global energy stage, the steps that the country is taking to boost clean energy dependence of its economy; and the role that India can play in reducing global carbon footprint by using the IEA platform. The four main areas of focus of IEA are energy security, economic development, environmental awareness and engagement worldwide.

During the interaction, Shri R.K. Singh noted that energy is the basic need for any economy for bringing its citizens out of poverty, generate livelihood and improve the general standards of living. India, with 1/6th of World’s population, still has very low per energy consumption and emissions intensity, when compared to the World average value. The scope of India’s Energy sector expansion is huge, Shri Singh added.

Shri Singh said that the cost of energy generated through clean energy sources such as solar and wind have drastically come down in the last 3 years and ‘Renewable Energy (RE) is the Energy of the Future’. India is taking huge strides in the RE sector and has taken a lead on the global stage by launching the International Solar alliance. IEA should encourage all its member countries to increase the share of RE in their respective energy baskets, Shri Singh added.

“India is moving to the centre of the Global Energy Stage”, said Dr. Birol sighting IEA’s flagship World Energy Outlook (WEO). Dr. Birol is responsible for the WEO publication, which is recognised as the most authoritative source for strategic analysis of global energy markets. He is also the founder and chair of the IEA Energy Business Council which provides a forum for cooperation between the energy industry and policymakers.

The Executive Director, International Energy Agency (IEA), Dr. Fatih Birol calls on Minister of State (I/C) for Power and New and Renewable Energy, Shri Raj Kumar Singh, in New Delhi on October 25, 2017.

The Executive Director, International Energy Agency (IEA), Dr. Fatih Birol calls on Minister of State (I/C) for Power and New and Renewable Energy, Shri Raj Kumar Singh, in New Delhi on October 25, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Minister of State (I/C) for Power and New and Renewable Energy, Shri Raj Kumar Singh at the 4th Foundation Day celebrations of the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), in Gurugram, Haryana on October 27, 2017.

The Minister of State (I/C) for Power and New and Renewable Energy, Shri Raj Kumar Singh being presented a set of four books on Solar Energy published by NISE, at the 4th Foundation Day celebrations of the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), in Gurugram, Haryana on October 27, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
27-October, 2017 17:03 IST
Power Minister chairs the 4thFoundation Day celebrations of National Institute of Solar Energy, Gurugram

Union Minister of State (IC) for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Shri Raj Kumar Singh, presided over the 4th Foundation Day celebrations of National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), at its campus in Gurugram, Haryana today.

While addressing scientists, research staff and other guests during the event,Shri Singh said thatNISE should aim to establish itself as the World’s leading institute in the field of solar energy through its world class R&D, Testing & Certification and Training and emerge as a ‘Centre of Excellence’. NISE should strive further and set up regional centres for research and development in solar energy, Shri Singh added.

“There is no dearth of funds for R&D activities”, Shri Singhsaid, while complimenting the scientists on the number of innovative prototype projects developed at NISE. Further, the Minister said that NISE should work quickly and patent some of the products and encouraged scientists to work out strategies for public-private collaborations to reach end-users.

Shri Singh also launched the Automation System for Customer Service Cellfor Testing Facilities at NISE. He was presented with a set of four books on Solar Energypublished by NISE.The Minister was particularly impressed with the solar powered RO water dispensing ATM, and the solar powered milk chilling unit. He urged upon NISE to work with central and state agriculture ministries, along with National Dairy Development Board to take up demonstration projects of the solar technologies developed at NISE.

Shri Singh also gave away awards to school children from Gurugram who won prizes for various competitions on Solar Energy, organized by NISE and conducted by Delhi Public School, Gurugram, held in the month of October 2017.


*****

 

[Hindustani78]

The funding will cater to solar rooftop projects for an aggregate capacity of 575 MW. | Photo Credit: M. PERIASAMY

http://www.thehindu.com/business/In...ar-projects/article19951063.ece?homepage=true

Lender had availed World Bank line of credit of $625 mn

State Bank of India (SBI) has sanctioned loans worth ₹2,317 crore to rooftop solar power projects for an aggregate capacity of 575 MW to a host of corporate entities including the Adani Group, JSW Energy, Tata Renewable Energy among others.

This follows a line of credit of $625 million availed by the lender from the World Bank for on-lending to viable grid Connected Rooftop Solar projects, SBI chairman Rajnish Kumar said, announcing the funding.

The World Bank had sanctioned the line of credit to SBI in September. This will be available for five years.

SBI has so far sanctioned 43 projects with aggregate credit facilities of ₹2,766 crore under the programme. This would add 695 MW of solar rooftop capacity to the grid, and is a significant step towards meeting the government’s target of 40GW of solar rooftop installations, the bank said.

“With this we have already sanctioned 50% of the funding,” Mr. Kumar said, adding that bad loans in the renewable energy sector was ‘close to nil’.

While SBI has availed the line of credit at cost of 90 bps above 6 month libor, it has priced the loan for its clients at 15 bps over its one year marginal cost of fund based lending rate (MCLR).

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Power
31-October, 2017 15:51 IST
Consultative Committee Attached to Ministries of Power and New & Renewable Energy Meets

The Consultative Committee attached to Ministries of Power and New & Renewable Energy met under the chairmanship of Union Minister of State (IC) for Power & New & Renewable , Shri RK Singh in Guwahati today . The Committee reviewed the functioning of NHPC Ltd and implementation of the Solar Rooftop Programme and the Solar Pumps Programme .

Before starting the proceedings , Shri R.K Singh administered the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas pledge to the Hon’ble Members and senior officers of the Ministry of Power and NHPC Ltd.

Highlighting the importance of Hydropower , Shri Singh said that for economic development not only we need power but we need clean power . The Minister further stated that Hydro projects have relatively longer useful plant life and help in providing inexpensive power in long term and is ideal for meeting peaking load and as a spinning reserve . Therefore , development of hydro power projects needs to be encouraged , the Minister added.
The Consultative Committee meeting started with a presentation on NHPC Ltd by its Chairman and Managing Director, Shri Balraj Joshi . The presentation gave an overview of areas of operation of NHPC , Portfolio of projects , performance of financial parameters, its diversification into thermal and renewables , CSR activities and the challenges ahead and the way forward.

Shri Joshi informed the Hon’ble Members that in addition to commissioning of 22 projects of 6691.2 MW ( including Joint Ventures) , NHPC is presently engaged in 25 projects involving 14000.5 MW , which are under various stages of development in Hydro, Solar & Thermal. Out of these , 3 hydro projects aggregating to a total installed capacity of 3130 MW and one solar project of 50 MW in Tamil Nadu are under construction. One hydro project of 1000 MW of JV Company i.e CVPPL has been accorded CCEA clearance & re-tendering is under finalisation. Further , 14 projects of 9167.5 MW are at various stages of clearances for their implementation. Six hydro projects of 553 MW are in the pipeline for preparation of feasibility report and another 3 hydro projects of 805 MW are on anvil. Further , NHPC is envisaging addition of 150 MW Solar Projects in association with SECI . NHPC has expanded its objective of developing renewable source of energy by commissioning 50 MW wind project in Jaisalmer , Rajasthan , Shri Joshi added.

The second half of the meeting consisted of the presentation on Implementation of the Solar Rooftop Programme and the Solar Pump Programme Wind Energy Programme by the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy . The Hon’ble Members were apprised of status of Solar Rooftop Programme including major initiatives being undertaken for development of Solar Rooftop Systems . Hon’ble Members were informed that 2363 MWp solar rooftop systems have been sanctioned and about 810 MWp aggregate capacity has been installed in the country so far . These systems have been installed in residential , industrial , commercial and institutional sectors. Based on the experience in implementing the Scheme , Hon’ble Members were also informed about proposed new Rooftop scheme , which is being contemplated by removing the existing operational difficulties.

Regarding Solar Pump Programme , the Hon’ble Members were briefed about its salient features and progress made thereof . A total 1, 80, 908 number of Solar pumps have been sanctioned and 1,35 ,545 number of solar pumps have been installed under this Programme till 30th September ,2017. The Ministry is in the process of formulating new Scheme for Solar Pumps to promote Stand-alone solar off-grid pumps with an objective to replace existing diesel pump sets . Similarly , a new Scheme for solarisation of grid connected solar pumps is also being formulated for areas where agriculture feed is separated.

All members congratulated the Government & NHPC for its overall performance. Hon’ble Members gave their valuable suggestions to further improve the performance of NHPC , CSR activities , exploring Pump Storage Hydroelectricity and strengthening of the state transmission. Some members suggested that the quality of power distribution infrastructure needs to be monitored and accountability needs to be fixed on the ground level to ensure that there is last mile coverage of beneficiaries. Regarding Solar Rooftop and Pumps programmes , Hon’ble members gave several suggestions for improving implementation of these Programmes and stated that these Programmes need to be promoted .

Responding to the suggestions and queries raised by the Consultative Committee members, Shri RK Singh assured Hon’ble Members that their valuable suggestions would be adopted by the Ministries & NHPC.

The meeting was attended by Shri Jugal Kishore Sharma, Shri Krishnan Narayanasamy Ramachandran, Shri Naranbhai Bhikhabhai Kachhadia, Shri Shailesh (Bulo Mandal) Kumar, Shri Sushil Kumar Singh and Shri Uday Pratap Singh , Shri C M Jatuwaa , Shri Konda Vishweshwar Reddy, Shri Om Prakash Yadav from Lok Sabha and Shri Mahesh Poddar , Shri Ch. Sukhram Singh Yadav , Shri K G Kenye and Shri Lal Singh Vadodia from Rajya Sabha.
The Secretary, Power, Shri AK Bhalla and Shri Anand Kumar , Secretary MNRE , the Chairman cum Managing Director & Directors of NHPC , and senior officials of Ministries of Power and New & Renewable Energy also attended the meeting.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Power
01-November, 2017 20:05 IST
Accident at NTPC, Unchahar – an update at 7.30 PM

In NTPC Unchahar, Unit No. 6 at around 1530 hrs on 01.11.2017 there was sudden abnormal sound at 20 mt. elevation and there was opening in corner no.2 from which hot flue gases and steam escaped affecting the people working around the area.

Around 80 people were rushed to NTPC hospital, most of them were discharged after giving first-aid. In the mishap 8 people succumbed to the injuries. About 10 persons with serious injuries have been referred to nearby hospitals and to Lucknow to provide immediate treatment.

An enquiry has been set up by NTPC Management to investigate the reasons for the accident. All possible measures are being taken to provide immediate relief to the families of affected people in close coordination with the district administration.

*************

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Finance
02-November, 2017 14:49 IST
FM: India has pledged unequivocal commitment for furthering the cause of New and Renewable Energy;
International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) sign Joint Financial Partnership Declaration to deepen the cooperation in support of Renewable Energy.

The International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) signed here today the Joint Financial Partnership Declaration in the august presence of the Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Shri Arun Jaitley with an objective to deepen the cooperation in support of Renewable Energy.

ISA and EBRD have joined hands for promotion of Solar Energy. From ISA’s side, Shri Upendra Tripathy, the Interim Director General ISA and on behalf of EBRD Ms. Nandita Parshad, Managing Director EBRD for Energy and Natural Resources signed the declaration. During the signing ceremony Shri Anand Kumar Secretary, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, Government of India, H.E. Mr Alexandre Ziegler, Ambassador of France to India and Sir Suma Chakrabarti, EBRD President were also present.

Speaking on the occasion, the Union Finance Minister, Shri Arun Jaitley said that India has been in the forefront of the 42 nation International Solar Alliance. He said that India under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has pledged unequivocal commitment for furthering the cause of New and Renewable Energy since the Paris COP21 UN Climate Change Conference. Shri Jaitley said that our energy requirements are huge and want to make optimal use of our New and Renewable Sources of energy. The Finance Minister congratulated both ISA and EBRD for partnering with an objective to deepen cooperation in support of renewable energy. Shri Jaitley said that ISA has taken a giant leap forward to mobilise international support for investment in Solar Sector. He added that ISA need to firm-up such financial partnership deals with more Multilateral and Bilateral Donor Agencies in order to meet its stated objectives of getting better Technology; aiding easier costing to improve affordability of Solar Energy. The Finance Minister Shri Jaitley urged both the signing parties to go in for innovation of New and Dynamic Mechanism for credit enhancement and risk mitigation in solar sector. Citing the first Financial Partnership collaboration of ISA with the World Bank, Shri Jaitley urged that more and more multilateral and development banks should come forward and join hands with ISA in help fulfilling the objectives of massive and affordable deployment of solar among 121 ISA member countries.

Earlier, Shri Upendra Tripathy, the Interim Director General ISA informed that the ISA and EBRD have agreed to strengthen cooperation in pursuit of their shared goals of mobilising green energy financing. The collaboration will provide an opportunity to EBRD to support solar energy investment in the least developed countries especially in Africa. This will also help funding of solar projects both in African and other countries. He also stated that more such financial partnership deals shall be signed by the ISA in near future to achieve its mandate in a proper and effective manner.

Speaking on the occasion, Sir Suma Chakrabarti, EBRD President stated that this is a very important agreement for the EBRD, which has always been eager to share its expertise with new partners and also to learn from them. He said that with the ISA, we share the vision of sustainable development and of green energy, which ultimately benefits the global economy.

ISA is working for deployment of over 1000 GW of solar energy and mobilising more than US$ 1000 billion into solar energy by the year 2030. Similarly the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is keenly interested to increase its green financing portfolio to 40% of its annual business. To this effect the EBRD launched Green Economy Transition Approach in 2015. Till date, the EBRD has invested more than €4 billion directly in renewable energy, supporting projects in over 20 countries and funding more than 6.5 GW of capacity.

The International Solar Alliance is an initiative jointly launched by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the President of France on 30th November 2015 at Paris, in the presence of the Secretary General of the UN, on the side lines of COP21 UN Climate Change Conference. The main objective of ISA is to undertake joint efforts required to reduce the cost of finance and the cost of technology, mobilize more than US $ 1000 billion of investments needed by 2030 for massive deployment of solar energy, and pave the way for future technologies adapted to the needs of 121 countries lying fully or partially between the Tropics. So far 43 countries have signed the Framework Agreement of the ISA, and out of which 14 have also submitted the Instrument of ratification to the depository i.e. Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. ISA will be the first international inter-governmental treaty based organization to be headquartered in India.



*****

The Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Shri Arun Jaitley witnessing the signing ceremony of a joint declaration between International Solar Alliance (ISA) and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) for deepening cooperation in support of Renewable Energy, in New Delhi on November 02, 2017. The Secretary, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, Shri Anand Kumar and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Shri Arun Jaitley witnessing the signing ceremony of a joint declaration between International Solar Alliance (ISA) and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) for deepening cooperation in support of Renewable Energy, in New Delhi on November 02, 2017. The Secretary, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, Shri Anand Kumar and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Shri Arun Jaitley addressing at the signing ceremony of a joint declaration between International Solar Alliance (ISA) and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) for deepening cooperation in support of Renewable Energy, in New Delhi on November 02, 2017. The Secretary, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, Shri Anand Kumar and other dignitaries are also seen.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Coal
07-November, 2017 15:19 IST
Coal India’s New App “Grahak Sadak Koyla Vitaran App” for the benefit of customers lifting coal through road mode.

This app is a step towards transparency in the system of loading programme and despatch.



The app also helps in logistics planning for lifting of coal in tune with the loading programmes.

The app provides date-wise, truck-wise quantity of coal delivered against the Sale Orders.

Shri Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Railways & Coal has launched ‘Grahak Sadak Koyla Vitaran App’ benefitting customers of Coal India Limited (CIL) lifting coal through road mode.

The customer friendly app, launched recently in Kolkata on CIL’s Foundation Day, helps achieve transparency in despatch operations, as a tool to monitor, whether the despatches are made on the fair principle of ‘First in First Out’ and keeps track of all the activities from issuance of Sale Order to physical delivery of coal by road.

The main benefits of the App for the customers, against the Sale Orders issued, include easy accessibility of the information at the click of the button, apart from transparency in the system of loading programme and despatch. The app also helps in logistics planning for lifting of coal in tune with the loading programmes. It further helps in improved planning of procurement, production and stock management by the customers.

The main features of the app are that it provides date-wise, truck-wise quantity of coal delivered against the Sale Orders and information related to Scheme-wise, Colliery-wise, Grade-wise, customer-wise details of Sale Orders issued during a period.

In terms of loading it provides allotment verses lifting status in details from different sources truck by truck and summary of the despatch.

Coal India is addressing its customer needs in a big way and made ‘ease of doing business’ a major consumer commitment. The launching of the app is also one of the initiatives of CIL towards achieving the much cherished goal of ‘Digital India’ and transparency.

It may be recalled that CIL in a move to rush more coal to power stations, coal supplies to plants located in shorter distances have been offered through road mode from available pithead stock. As a result, power plants located within 50 Kms to 60 Kms from the mines may take as much coal from the nearest mines as they can.

During 2016-17 despatch of coal through road mode had been about 140 Million Tonnes (MTs) out of the total despatch of 542 MTs by CIL accounting for 26%. The impetus given in the current fiscal has improved movement of coal through road considerably. As of end of October 2017 the movement of coal through road mode at a little over 93 MTs accounted for 29% of the total coal despatch of 317 MTs.The road despatch during the current fiscal till October 2017 went up by 12 MTs compared to same period last fiscal.


***

 

[Hindustani78]

http://indianexpress.com/article/in...bags-rs-350-cr-order-from-power-grid-4928451/

State-run power equipment maker BHEL on Wednesday said it has bagged an order worth Rs 350 crore for setting up two 765 kV substations in West Bengal, reports PTI.

This is the largest value 765 kV substation project order for BHEL so far, it said in a statement.

The order has been placed on BHEL by Powergrid Medinipur-Jeerat Transmission Ltd (PMJTL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Power Grid Corp. The project has to be completed on Engineering, Procurement & Construction (EPC) basis. BHEL’s scope of work in the contract envisages constructing two large sized greenfield 3,000 MVA, 765/400 kV substations, at Medinipur and Jeerat (near Kolkata).

These Electrical High Voltage (EHV) substations will play a key role in strengthening the 765 kV system in the Eastern region for delivering power to important load centres in West Bengal. The substations are slated to be commissioned within 30 months. The project shall be engineered and delivered by BHEL on total turnkey basis.

BHEL has been contributing significantly in making the 765 kV Ultra High Capacity inter-state transmission network a reality by undertaking the commissioning of 765 kV greenfield substations across the nation on turnkey basis.

These include substations at Raichur (3,000 MVA) in Karnataka, Fatehabad in Uttar Pradesh (3,000 MVA), Banaskantha (3,000 MVA) and Bhuj (4,000 MVA) in Gujarat and Ariyalur in Tamil Nadu (3,000 MVA).

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...it-the-road-in-state-soon/article20121275.ece
Renewable resources

Addressing bureaucrats, entrepreneurs, exhibitors and the stakeholders at the one-day expo, he said energy is the integral part of urbanisation, industrialisation and economic growth and to meet the growing demand for energy, renewable energy is the best.

“This is the time to work towards developing cheaper renewable technologies and Andhra Pradesh is blessed with good renewable energy potential. According to National Institute of Solar Energy, we have potential for generating 38,500 Mega Watts (MWs) solar power and 44,229 MWs of wind power. So far, we have harnessed 2,121 MWs of solar and 3,770 MWs of wind power”, the adviser said.

 

[Hindustani78]

Policy rethink?: The government also intends to incentivise generation of solar energy more than wind due to the latter’s unreliability. | Photo Credit: N_RAJESH;N_RAJESH

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...e-to-pay-wheeling-charges/article20365115.ece

Because the units have a steady revenue stream
The State government is seriously thinking of doing away with the exemption of wheeling charges for future wind power projects. The State made a significant capacity addition of 3,000-plus Megawatts (MW) in the last two years.

The Wind Power Policy (WPP) - 2015-20 envisaged complete exemption from transmission and distribution charges for wheeling of wind power for captive use or third party sale within the State.

The idea is to make the wind power producers pay the charges on the premise that the government no longer needs to forego the revenue after it became an attractive market where the upcoming projects can put up with the lack of the exemption having secured a steady revenue stream in spite of low tariffs.

The exemption is for 10 years from the date of commissioning but not for evacuating for sale outside the State.

A senior official of AP-Transco told The Hindu that: “Currently we are not charging transmission charges for wind power. In future, the government is planning to charge.”

The AP-Transco charged ₹76.6 for 1 KW per month in 2015-16, ₹91.36 in 2016-17 and ₹95.37 in 2017-18 and ₹94.44 in 2018-19, according to reliable sources.

The likely decision will not be applicable to the existing projects as the agreements cannot be tweaked during the operative periods.

The State government has the right to undertake a mid-term review of the WPP in view of any technological breakthrough or to remove any inconsistency with the Electricity Act 2003.

According to an official in the Eastern Power Distribution Company Limited, the government intended to incentivise the generation of solar energy more than wind due to the latter’s unreliability. He said even during peak wind season from September to March, there would not be more than 30 cloudy days.

 

[Hindustani78]

Innovative Staff members pouring used edible oil into the trans-esterificaton unit at the Jawaharlal Nehru National College of Engineering in Shivamogga.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/turning-used-oil-into-fresh-fuel/article20399025.ece

College students’ waste-to-fuel conversion is cost-effective

It has taken a handful of students to give the often smelly and discarded used edible oil an image makeover. Students of the Jawaharlal Nehru National College of Engineering here have not only converted used vegetable oil into biofuel, but have also been meeting the college’s partial requirement of fuel for transportation purposes. The success of the waste-to-fuel conversion may be the answer for the food and hotel industry on how to safely dispose of used vegetable oil.

Used edible oil is converted into biofuel by converting carboxylic acids in the oil into esters using acid and alcohols. The process is called trans-esterificaton.

Sreerpathi L.K., professor in mechanical engineering and coordinator of Biofuel Demonstration and Information Centre of the college, told The Hindu that one litre of used vegetable oil yields 900 ml of biofuel. The cost of producing one litre of biofuel is ₹35 while fossil diesel costs around ₹60 in the market at present.

He said at present waste oil is sourced from four local restaurants. The weekly production of biodiesel is 400 litres which partially meets the fuel needs of the college’s 30 buses. The bio-diesel made from waste edible oil is cost-effective and environment friendly and has also cleared engine performance tests, he said.

Buoyed by their success, the college plans to scale up the production.

Mr. Sreerpathi said the college would offer necessary technical assistance to youths who wish to take up production of bio-diesel from used edible oil.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Railways
14-November, 2017 16:42 IST
Railway Minister gives directions for “comprehensive training programme” for all employees of Indian Railways to boost productivity & efficiency.

This comprehensive training programme is being launched under the name “Project Saksham”.

The week-long training in skills and domain knowledge will be imparted to all the employees of Indian Railways.

The focus of all such training is to ‘make a difference’ to the job performance.

Under the direction of Minister of Railways & Coal, Shri Piyush Goyal, a comprehensive plan for imparting training to all employees of Indian Railways is being prepared with a view to upgrade skill & knowledge. This comprehensive training programme named as “Project Saksham” will help boost productivity and efficiency.

Under this plan, all employees in each zone will be put through a week’s training in skills and knowledge relevant to their work area over next one year. A communication to this effect from Chairman Railway Board, Shri Ashwani Lohani, has been sent to all General Managers of zonal railways and railways production unit.

General Managers have been advised that such priority training need should be quickly identified for each category of employees (employees can be grouped into their work areas) based on the needs of respective zone. Identification of training needs and formulation of planned training calendar will be required to be completed by December 31st, 2017, ensuring that each employee is imparted training.

It has been emphasized that while continuous learning and education/training has been an integral philosophy and approach of the Railways, there is a need to do a concentrated capsule of training for all employees in a short period of time to boost their productivity and efficiency. This training programme will fulfill this need.

With growing rail network, new trains, different high quality services designed by the railways and the promise of the government to deliver superior and safe rail services and growing expectation of our passengers and commuters for better amenities and services, it is imperative that the railway employees rise to the occasion to deliver on the promise. Employees can and do deliver only when they have the right skills, knowledge and the mindset to deliver to the new standards of excellence that the organization hold from them all. This training will help achieve these objectives.

This training shall be a five-day on the job training or as classroom training in Railway Training Centre depending on the nature of training. However, the reporting managers of all employees receiving training will be actively involved in the Pre-training and post training process to ensure that the benefits of training get reflected on the job performance and there is improvement within a short time after the training is imparted. The focus of all such training will be to ‘make a difference’ to the job performance of all departments and employees and thus Indian Railways.

The training, as per the calendar, will be completed within 9 months. General Managers have been directed to personally monitor the completion of the plans and their progress. The zone will also devise a few metrics to monitor the impact of Project Saksham.

This training will not only upgrade skill of each of the employees but also go a long-way in improving the performance of the Indian Railways.

****

The Minister of State (I/C) for Power and New and Renewable Energy, Shri Raj Kumar Singh launching the National Power Portal, in New Delhi on November 14, 2017.

The Minister of State (I/C) for Power and New and Renewable Energy, Shri Raj Kumar Singh launching the National Power Portal, in New Delhi on November 14, 2017.

The Minister of State (I/C) for Power and New and Renewable Energy, Shri Raj Kumar Singh addressing at the launch of the National Power Portal, in New Delhi on November 14, 2017.

The Minister of State (I/C) for Power and New and Renewable Energy, Shri Raj Kumar Singh launching the National Power Portal, in New Delhi on November 14, 2017.

The Minister of State (I/C) for Power and New and Renewable Energy, Shri Raj Kumar Singh launching the National Power Portal, in New Delhi on November 14, 2017.

The Minister of State (I/C) for Power and New and Renewable Energy, Shri Raj Kumar Singh addressing at the launch of the National Power Portal, in New Delhi on November 14, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Coal
15-November, 2017 17:54 IST
Coal India Limited and Railways jointly succeed in loading 250 coal rakes on 14th November, 2017 which is an all time high achievement for the month of November.

The synergetic efforts of CIL and Railways with close monitoring by the Ministries of Coal, Railways and Power have resulted in this unprecedented growth in coal off-take and improved despatch for power sector in particular.



CIL and Railways are now aiming for loading of 266 coal rakes/day.



The growth in coal despatch to power sector in the last three months came as a big help for coal based power plants despite the drop in generation from hydro, nuclear as well as imported coal based plants.


In a major achievement, the synergetic efforts of Coal India Limited (CIL) and Railways with close monitoring by the Ministries of Coal, Railways and Power have resulted in unprecedented growth in coal off-take and improved despatch of coal for power sector in particular. Strengthening coal transportation and coal production effectively, Coal India Limited loaded 250 rakes of goods train through Indian Railways system on 14 November 2017, an all time high achievement for the month of November to ensure smooth coal supply. Out of these rakes, 223 rakes were exclusively loaded for thermal power stations across the country.

Achieving a loading of 250 rakes in a day in the month of November has set a new record. This achievement has been in spite of the continuation of sporadic rains in some of the coalfields. Normally, loading at such levels is attained from late December when the onset of favourable environment helps in ramping up coal production.

CIL and Railways are now jointly working on a strategy to enhance loading target to 266 coal rakes per-day which will further help both power and non-power sector in meeting their demands for coal.

The growth in coal despatch to power sector in August, September and October of the current Fiscal has been 20%, 21% and 18% respectively as compared to the same period in the previous fiscal year. This has helped coal based power plants in meeting the spurt in demand of festive and paddy season, despite the drop in generation from hydro, nuclear as well as imported coal based plants.

CIL is poised to contribute load of 300 rakes through Indian Railways which includes about 35 rakes for coal beneficiation and coal lifted through road for loading from Goods Shed sidings of Indian Railways.

*****