Uncertainty Preventing Investments in Hydel Projects: Power Minister Piyush Goyal

Hindustani78 · Nov 16, 2017

Ministry of Power
16-November, 2017 15:30 IST
Shri R.K. Singh launches ‘Saubhagya’ Web-Portal – a Platform for Monitoring Universal Household Electrification

Saubhagya Web-portal has wider scope for ensuring transparency and accelerating household electrification in rural as well as urban areas in the country

Power Minister directs NTPC to mix Crop Residue with Coal, upto 10%, for all its Thermal Power Plants to reduce its burning and hence Air Pollution

Shri R.K. Singh, Minister of State (IC) for Power and New & Renewable Energy, launched the Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana – ‘Saubhagya’ Web Portal here today. The portal can be accessed at http://saubhagya.gov.in.

Addressing the media during the event, Shri Singh said that the Saubhagya Dashboard is a platform for monitoring household electrification progress, which would disseminate information on Household Electrification Status (State, District, village-wise), Household Progress on live basis, State-wise Target vs Achievement, Monthly Electrification Progress, etc.

The Minister said that achieving electrification of 4 crore households is a big challenge, nevertheless the Government is committed to achieve this target by December 2018, with the cooperation of all the States. This would, in turn, bring about a huge improvement in the Quality of Life of the Citizens of India. The Government is bringing a change in the Power ecosystem in the Country by pushing towards mandatory metering of all new electrical connections through pre-paid or smart meters. This would make paying of electricity bills viable for the poor, reduce power losses and increase compliance in paying electricity bills, Shri Singh said.

Talking about the Saubhagya Portal, the Minister said that through this online platform every State would feed in the current status of progress of electrification works, hence enabling the creation of a system of accountability for the State utility/ DISCOM and help in increasing their viability. Further, Seven States including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Mizoram, Nagaland, Chhattisgarh and Assam have given their requirements to the Power Ministry for funds under the Saubhagya Scheme, which would be released soon for aiding the respective electrification works, Shri Singh added.

The Saubhagya web-portal has a feature on village electrification camps and in line with that, DISCOMs will organize camps in villages/cluster of villages for facilitating on-the-spot filling up of application forms and to complete requisite documentation to expedite release of electricity connections to households, Shri Singh informed. Further, all States have been asked to announce the schedules of the village camps to be held and hence create awareness among the people about the one-stop facility for getting electricity connections.

DISCOMs/ State Power Department will also adopt the innovative mechanism through dedicated web-portal/Mobile App for collection/consolidation of data in electronic form including collection of application form for obtaining electricity connections. The details of consumers viz., Name and Mobile number/Bank account/Driving License/Voter ID etc., as available, would be collected by the DISCOMs.

On the sidelines of the Saubhagya Web portal launch, Shri Singh also informed that the Ministry has directed NTPC to mix straw/ crop residue pellets with coal, upto 10%, for power generation in all of its Thermal Power Plants. This step would reduce crop residue burning in agriculture dominated States like Punjab, Haryana etc. and hence reduce air pollution that is currently being experienced. The Minister further said that this step would give the farmers a monetary return of Rs. 5500/ tonne of crop residue and hence create a market for it. The infrastructure for sourcing the crop residue from farmers is being set up and NTPC would soon be issuing tenders in this regard. The Ministry is in talks with all State Governments to make this step mandatory for all the Thermal Power Plants in their jurisdiction, Shri Singh added.

BACKGROUND OF SAUBHAGYA SCHEME

‘Saubhagya’ scheme was launched by Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi on 25th September, 2017 with an outlay of Rs. 16,320 Crores including Budgetary Support of Rs. 12,320 Crores. Under Saubhagya scheme, all willing households in rural areas and poor families in urban areas are given free electricity connections. There are around 4 Crore un-electrified households in the country and they are targeted for providing electricity connections by December 2018.

Till recently, the focus of electrification has been on village electrification through creation of village electricity infrastructure for all households and providing free electricity connections to poor household families in rural areas. Now, Saubhagya has come into existence for providing free electricity connections to all households (both APL and poor families) in rural areas and poor families in urban areas.

Rural Electrification Corporation Limited (REC) is the Nodal Agency for the operationalization of the scheme throughout the country. Union Ministry of Power with the support of the States is taking all concerted efforts to fulfill the dream of Hon’ble Prime Minister of seeing Electrified, Bright and Vibrant India with all households having access to electricity connections.

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Hindustani78 · Dec 7, 2017

Ministry of Power
07-December, 2017 17:34 IST
Vision of the Government is ‘24x7 Power for All’ – All the States on board to achieve Target by March 2019: Shri R. K. Singh

Programmes to reduce Power Losses below 15% by March 2019 in all States on track, says Union Power Minister

Consensus among States on Ending Human Interface in billing process; Mandatory installation of Prepaid/Smart Meters to prevent corruption and increase compliance in Bill payments

States to ensure Cross Subsidization in Power Sector remains below 20%: Shri R.K. Singh

Separation of Carriage & Content in Power Distribution to be brought about through an amendment to Electricity Act

Union Minister of State (IC) for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Shri Raj Kumar Singh, chaired a Conference of Power and Energy Ministers of States/ Union Territories (UTs), held here today. A total of 17 States and 1 UT attended the Conference and deliberated on a host of issues including progress on Union Government flagship schemes at the State level and reform measures that need to be brought about at both Union and State levels to ensure 24x7 Affordable and Quality Power for All.

Addressing the media, Shri Singh clearly laid out Union Government’s Vision behind holding this Conference. The Minister made very clear that 24x7 Power is a Fundamental Right of every citizen of the country and all States will have to ensure that by March 2019. The States have arrived at consensus-based roadmap to bring down losses in State Utilities/ DISCOMS to below 15% by then and any gratuitous load shedding by them after that deadline would attract penalties. “There can be no justification to pass on the burden of our inefficiency to the consumer and this shall not be allowed post March 2019. It is for the Power Utilities to devise strategy to reduce their losses, the consumer must not be burdened with high power tariffs irrationally”, the Minister added.

During the Inaugural Session of the Conference, Shri Singh said that Power is at the core of economic growth of the country. “Without power there can be no development; We are on our way towards becoming a developed country and power reforms are top priority. Industrialization and job creation is not possible without affordable and quality power for all. We are about to add 40 million new consumers by December 2018 and expected economic growth of 8 to 9% in the next 5 years, power demand would increase manifold. Further, electricity will edge out other forms of energy in the coming future as it is more efficient and easy to transport. Electricity will take place of fossil fuels for mobility, cooking etc. and will decrease the imports of petroleum products. Becoming self-sufficient in Power is essential for our strategic autonomy on the global stage. In addition to this, renewable energy will take place of fossil fuels in the near future as storage systems become viable”, the Minister said.

Government of India is providing funds to the States under ongoing Central Government schemes of over Rs. 85000 crores, for strengthening their power infrastructure. As the Country is power surplus presently, the States are now in a position to provide 24x7 power for all, which should be a primary obligation of the State Utilities, provided that the consumer pays for the power consumed, Shri Singh said. “It has been observed that some States are not able to bill the consumers effectively and are losing about 50% of the expected recoveries. Where the consumers are billed properly, the recovery is around 95%”, the Minister added.

Proposing a slew of reforms, Shri Singh said that in order to decrease the losses of the DISCOMs and make them viable, the Union Government is proposing to do away with human interface in meter reading and billing of consumers for power consumption. Mandatory installation of prepaid meters for small consumers and smart meters for large ones, with every connection in the future in each State, would prevent corruption and increase compliance in bill payments, the Minister stated.

“This will be a pro poor step as it will give the poor consumers flexibility to recharge that prepaid meters online through mobile phones, as and when they want, with a small amount at any given point of time. This would also do away with the human element in meter reading, billing and recovery of the amount from consumer and hence the corruption involved at the lowest level.”, said Shri Singh. Giving an example of a successful implementation of prepaid meters, the Minister said that Manipur has been able to reduce its losses by over 50% by installing prepaid meter in all its urban areas.

Shri Singh emphatically stated that if losses continue, no matter how much funds are injected into the Power Utilities, the Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) would start building up again and the DISCOMs would ultimately become unviable in the near future. “This is an unacceptable situation and we have to make the losses a thing of the past”, he added. The Minister also requested all the State Energy Ministers to take continuous review of DISCOM losses with senior officials of the State electricity department and ensure that the leakages are plugged and 24x7 power for all is mandatorily ensured by all States.

Speaking about the separation of carriage and content, the Minister said that it is proposed through an amendment in the electricity act to segregate the carriage from content in the distribution sector. It is planned to introduce multiple supply licensees in the content, based on market principles, and continue with the carriage as a regulated activity. Shri Singh further said that it is also proposed to set in place special police stations and courts to settle cases in the power sector at the earliest.

Talking about the reforms in the renewable energy sector, Shri Singh said that India has pledged to achieve 175 GW of renewable energy by 2022 and 40% of installed power capacity from renewable energy by 2030 as an action plan to fight climate change. To ensure the achievement of this goal, it is mandatorily ensured by State governments that the Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs) are fulfilled, the Minister added. Shri Singh also said that the Union Government is focusing on hydropower and soon the new hydro power policy will be formulated. “Hydropower is important as balancing power and will be instrumental in decreasing our dependence upon fossil fuels in the future”, Shri Singh added.

Stating other reform measures in Power Sector planned in near future, the Minister said that the Government of India is focusing on Make in India and the future industrialization and employment generation in the country has to be indigenous. “For giving a push to Make in India and Domestic Industrialization, we have to make quality power affordable for all and all States have to ensure that the Power Purchase Agreements are honored, tariffs are sustainable and the element of cross subsidization remains below 20%”, Shri Singh said.

Further, the Minister added that, to help the poor power consumers, the government is pushing for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) of subsidy in power sector. This would make the industry more competitive and the burden of excessively high tariffs will be taken away from the consumers.

Ministers from the States of Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Manipur, Nagaland, Odisha, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and UT of Puducherry were present during the Conference with their senior officers. Other dignitaries present were Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Secretary Power, along with other senior officers of the Ministry.

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The Minister of State (I/C) for Power and New and Renewable Energy, Shri Raj Kumar Singh at the inauguration of the Conference of Power and Renewable Energy Ministers of States & UTs, in New Delhi on December 07, 2017. The Secretary, Ministry of Power, Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla is also seen.

The Minister of State (I/C) for Power and New and Renewable Energy, Shri Raj Kumar Singh addressing at the inauguration of the Conference of Power and Renewable Energy Ministers of States & UTs, in New Delhi on December 07, 2017.

Hindustani78 · Dec 8, 2017

File Photo of KTPS Unit 12 under construction in Palavacha town of Bhadradri Kothagudem district. | Photo Credit: G_N_RAO

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities...for-light-up-by-month-end/article21284832.ece

Most work on KTPS Unit 12 is already complete

The Telangana State Power Generation Corporation Ltd (TS-Genco) is gearing up to conduct the boiler light up test for the 800 MW supercritical unit under construction at the Kothagudem Thermal Power Station (KTPS) in Palvancha town by this month-end.

Work on the KTPS’s unit 12 (1X800 MW) under Stage-VII has reached the final stages, KTPS sources said.

Nearly 80 % of the work has been completed and the remaining work relating to the coal plant, crusher unit and conveyor and other main components of the plant are expected to be completed in a few weeks.

It may be noted that the unit 11 of the KTPS was commissioned in 2011 as part of the capacity addition programme raising the installed capacity of the KTPS to 1720 MW.

Top priority

The TS-Genco has accorded top priority to complete work on the KTPS’s 800 MW unit-12, which is based on super-critical technology, by the year end, synchronise the unit with the power grid and start commercial operation by early 2018.

The power utility is contemplating to retire a few of its old generating units at the KTPS complex in a phased manner by 2019 to comply with the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF)’s norms.

The early commissioning of the KTPS’s 12th unit has become paramount significance to augment the power generation and meet the burgeoning energy needs.

New generator

A generator weighing 480 tonnes is expected to arrive at the KTPS complex from the Krishnapatnam port in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh in a few days, said KTPS Chief Engineer (Electrical) Sammaiah.

The final phase of works on the supercritical unit are progressing at a brisk pace and plans are afoot to conduct the boiler light up test by this month-end, he said.

Hindustani78 · Dec 8, 2017

Ministry of Power
08-December, 2017 10:44 IST
Conference of Power and New & Renewable Energy Ministers of States and UTs Concludes

Resolution for Future Roadmap to Reform Power Sector and ensure 24x7 Power for All adopted by wide consensus among States

The Conference of Power and New & Renewable Energy Ministers of States and UTs concluded here late yesterday evening. It was chaired by the Union Minister of State (IC) for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Shri Raj Kumar Singh, and was attended by Power and Energy Ministers of States and Union Territories (UTs) of 17 States and 1 UT.

Shri Singh reviewed the presentations given by senior officers of the Ministry on various issues and had in depth deliberations with all State Ministers and their officials. Further, the Minister also directed his officers to note down suggestions from different States, which may be worked out later. Shri Singh gave repeated assurance to all the State Governments to approach his Ministry without any hesitation for any issue regarding the Power sector.

At the culmination of the Conference, a resolution was adopted by a wide consensus, salient points of which are as below:

24x7 Power for All

States resolve to:

Electrify all remaining Census inhabited un-electrified villages by December 2017.
Provide electricity connections to all willing households by December 2018.
Provide infrastructure for seamless power supply to the consumers by March, 2019.
States resolve to clear all current years Government dues of DISCOMs along with 25% of arrears so that entire old dues are paid by March, 2019.
Provide continues support to resolve Right of Way issue for seamless power transfer.
Improve quality of power supply and minimize load sheading for non-technical reasons.

Power Reforms

States resolve to:

Prepare roadmap for reduction of cross subsidies as per Tariff Policy by March 2018 and bring in Tariff reforms by simplification of Consumer Tariff categories and rationalization of Electricity Tariff.
Ensure that DISCOMs enter into PPAs and honour PPAs, particularly for wind and solar sector, where tariff has been discovered through a transparent and competitive bidding process.
Ensure compliance of RPO, including compliance through a mechanism of purchase of REC (renewable energy certificates), as per revised Tariff policy and RPO trajectory notified by Ministry of Power on 22.7.2016. States to send suggestion on the future RPO trajectory from 2019-20 to 2021-22.

Promotion of Digital Payments

States resolve to promote digital payments through various measures such as cash incentives, waiving convenience fee, consumer friendly on line payments and promotion of digital payments through various media.

Energy Conservation

States resolve to adopt ECBC 2017 for all new commercial buildings to make them energy efficient
Promote use of BEE Star Rated Energy Efficient Pumps for agricultural purpose

New and Renewable Energy

States resolve to:

Ensure forecasting and scheduling of renewable energy for large scale grid integration by utilizing services of NIWE/other agencies.
Set up necessary infrastructure for metering & communication at all substation levels for real time data generation.
Submit a trajectory for bidding for solar/wind (mark with annual plan) and participate in scheduled bidding programme.
To achieve the RPO target every year.
To promote decentralized production of power – learning from models implemented in Karnataka, Telangana, Maharashtra and Gujarat.
Submit proposals for solar parks under additional 20000 MW capacity under Solar Park scheme
Promote solar rooftops and ensure hassle free grid connectivity
Promote solar pumps to replace diesel pumps
Participate in Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (KUSUM) for setting up of 10,000 MW of Decentralized Ground Mounted Grid Connected Solar Power Plants, installation of 17.50 Lakh Stand-alone Solar Pumps and Solarisation of 10 Lakh Grid Connected Agriculture Pumps and 50 Thousand Tube-wells/Lift Irrigation Projects by Financial Year 2021-22, with the objective of providing financial and water security to farmers.
Identify at least one city for making it 100% Renewable Energy city.

During his concluding remarks, Shri Singh proposed forming of Consultative Groups of Experts to handhold State Governments in bringing efficiency through best practices in their respective Power Sectors and phase out obsolete practices and technologies. By doing this, Shri Singh emphasized that Power Sector in India would become robust and efficient and ultimately ensure Ease of Living for every citizen of the country.

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Hindustani78 · Dec 12, 2017

Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
12-December, 2017 16:08 IST

Guidelines issued for procurement of wind power through tariff based competitive bidding process

Government has issued Guidelines under Section 63 of the Electricity Act, 2003 providing a framework for procurement of wind power through a transparent process of bidding including standardisation of the process and defining of roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders. These Guidelines aim to enable the Distribution Licensees to procure wind power at competitive rates in a cost effective manner

2. The Guidelines are applicable for procurement of wind power from grid-connected Wind Power Projects (‘WPP’) having-

(a) individual size of 5 MW and above at one site with minimum bid capacity of 25 MW for intra-state projects; and

(b) individual size of 50 MW and above at one site with minimum bid capacity of 50 MW for inter-state projects.

3. Key components the Guidelines include that for compensation for grid unavailability and backing-down, robust payment security mechanism, standardisation of bidding process, risk-sharing framework between various stakeholders through provisions like change in law, force majeure, measures in case of default of procurer as also by generator, etc.

4. These Guidelines will give boost to the wind power sector as it would facilitate the windy States to go for bidding process for procurement of wind power themselves. After transition of tariff regime from feed in tariffs to bidding route, it was mainly central government bids through SECI which were helping the sector. State bids from Tamil Nadu and Gujarat had objections from the wind sector in absence of guidelines.

5. In view of very competitive tariffs of Rs. 2.64 per unit discovered through SECI’s second bid, the availability of these guidelines for states, the wind power sector is poised for a strong growth path towards achievement of 60 GW by 2022.

Hindustani78 · Dec 14, 2017

Ministry of Power
14-December, 2017 14:08 IST
President of India gives away National Energy Conservation Awards and National Painting Competition Prizes for 2017

Industry must cooperate with Government to set up Energy Banks, to meet increasing Energy demand in the Country: Shri Ram Nath Kovind

India to reduce Energy Intensity of Economic Growth by one-third by 2030, aim towards Responsible Growth: Shri R.K. Singh

India to exceed its Renewable Energy target of 175 GW, to comfortably cross 200 GW by 2022, says Power Minister

Power Ministry to call for bids of 5 GW in Offshore Wind sector by early next year

ECO-NIWAS interactive online portal launched for increasing awareness to build sustainable and energy efficient homes

Hon’ble President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, presided as the Chief Guest over the National Energy Conservation Day celebrations, held here today. The occasion was also graced by the presence of Union Minister of State (IC) for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Shri Raj Kumar Singh.

Hon’ble President of India gave away National Energy Conservation Awards to industries that have demonstrated measurable reductions in their energy use as part of the National Energy Conservation Awards Programme. During the event, a short film on the Energy Efficiency achievements in the Industry Sector was also shown. Further, Shri Kovind presented the National Painting Competition Prizes and visited the exhibition of the prize -winning paintings. This year, over 1.22 crore children, between 4th and 9th standards from across India, participated in the National Painting Competition and 322 industrial units and establishments from key sectors participated in the National Energy Conservation Awards 2017.

The Energy Conservation Day is organized on 14th December each year by Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), under Ministry of Power, with an aim to demonstrate India’s achievements in energy efficiency and conservation, while working for its ambition of holistic development as part of the nation’s overall effort towards climate change mitigation. As part of its awareness outreach, BEE recognizes and encourages endeavours of industries in reducing energy consumption by felicitating them with National Energy Conservation Awards. BEE also awards prizes to the national winners of the annual National Painting Competition on Energy Conservation.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Kovind congratulated the Prize winners from Industry, Government bodies and the school children, for their efforts towards Energy efficiency and conservation. Hon’ble President noted that the Government is committed towards sustainable growth of the economy, for which, achieving the target of 24x7 Power for All is imperative. Shri Kovind added that such a tall target can only be achieved by the cooperation of every individual in the society and not only the Government. Hon’ble President also encouraged Industry to hold hands with Government to set up Energy Banks, to meet increasing Energy demand in the country in the near future.

Emphasizing the importance of energy in a country’s economic growth, Shri R.K. Singh said that no country can progress without increase in energy consumption, more so for developing countries. India’s per capita annual energy consumption is 1100 units, which is 5 times lower than Europe and 16 times than US. Nevertheless, the Minister reiterated India’s commitment to reduce the energy intensity of its economic growth by one-third by 2030 and aim towards achieving a responsible growth profile. He added that the country is well on track to surpass its renewable energy (RE) target of 175 GW by 2022 and would comfortably cross 200 GW. Further, India’s RE capacity would be 57% of the total installed capacity by 2030, including hydropower, the Minister said.

Shri Singh also informed the gathering about the roadmap of RE released recently by the Ministry. Bids of 20GW Solar power and 9GW wind power have been opened this year. In the coming 2 years, bids for 30GW Solar and 10GW wind each year would be opened, informed the Minister. Further, Shri Singh also stated that the Ministry is already undertaking surveys for floating solar power and off-shore projects in the country. Next year, bids for 5GW offshore wind power projects are in the pipeline, the Minister informed.

Power Minister also detailed the steps taken by the Government to increase energy conservation and efficiency of the economy. These included energy efficiency labelling of 21 consumer goods by Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE); Energy Conservation Building Codes notified in 10 States and 1 Union Territory; over 300 mn LED lamps distributed; 8.5 million tonnes of oil equivalent saved in energy through Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme and 6000MW power generation capacity avoided in the 1st cycle of PAT.

On the occasion, Hon’ble President also unveiled the interactive online portal, ECO-NIWAS (Energy COnservation – New Indian Way for Affordable & Sustainable homes) for increasing awareness to build sustainable and energy efficient homes in the country.

The National Energy Conservation Awards Programme recognizes the energy efficiency achievements in 56 sub sectors across industry, establishments and institutions such as thermal power stations, office and BPO buildings, hotels, hospitals, shopping malls, zonal railways, railway workshops and stations, municipalities, State Designated Agencies and manufacturers of BEE Star labeled appliances/equipment and electricity distribution companies.

In the last 19 years (1999-2017) of the award scheme, the award participants have collectively invested over Rs. 48,000 crores in energy efficient technologies and processes, and saved nearly Rs. 38,000 crores through reduced electricity bills and avoided capacity generation. In energy terms, they have saved over 44 Billion kWh of electrical energy, 5.1 billion litres of oil, 22.6 million metric tonnes of coal and 250 billion cubic meters of gas.

Other dignitaries present at the occasion were Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Secretary Power, Shri Anand Kumar, Secretary Ministry of New & Renewable Energy and Awardees from Industry, schools and Government bodies, along with senior officers of the Ministry.

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The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind visiting a painting exhibition at the National Energy Conservation Day function, in New Delhi on December 14, 2017. The Minister of State (I/C) for Power and New and Renewable Energy, Shri Raj Kumar Singh and the Secretary, Ministry of Power, Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla are also seen.

The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind launching the Web portal on Energy Conservation in Buildings, at the National Energy Conservation Day function, in New Delhi on December 14, 2017. The Minister of State (I/C) for Power and New and Renewable Energy, Shri Raj Kumar Singh, the Secretary, Ministry of Power, Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla and other dignitaries are also seen.

he President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind presenting the National Painting Competition Prizes to the children, at the National Energy Conservation Day function, in New Delhi on December 14, 2017. The Minister of State (I/C) for Power and New and Renewable Energy, Shri Raj Kumar Singh and the Secretary, Ministry of Power, Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla are also seen.

The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind presenting the National Painting Competition Prizes to the children, at the National Energy Conservation Day function, in New Delhi on December 14, 2017. The Minister of State (I/C) for Power and New and Renewable Energy, Shri Raj Kumar Singh and the Secretary, Ministry of Power, Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla are also seen.

The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind presenting the National Energy Conservation Awards, at the National Energy Conservation Day function, in New Delhi on December 14, 2017.

The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind addressing at the National Energy Conservation Day function, in New Delhi on December 14, 2017.

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

The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind in a group photograph with the Prize Winning Children, at the National Energy Conservation Day function, in New Delhi on December 14, 2017. The Minister of State (I/C) for Power and New and Renewable Energy, Shri Raj Kumar Singh and the Secretary, Ministry of Power, Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla are also seen.

The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind in a group photograph with the National Energy Conservation awardees, at the National Energy Conservation Day function, in New Delhi on December 14, 2017. The Minister of State (I/C) for Power and New and Renewable Energy, Shri Raj Kumar Singh and the Secretary, Ministry of Power, Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla are also seen.

Hindustani78 · Dec 16, 2017

Prime Minister's Office
16-December, 2017 12:37 IST
Text of PM’s address at the ceremony to dedicate the Tuirial Hydro Electric Power Project to the Nation in Aizawl, Mizoram

Friends,

चिबई वेक उले

इन दम एम

प्रधानमंत्री के तौर पर मुझे पहली बार मिजोरम आने का अवसर मिला है। उत्तर पूर्व के राज्य, जिन्हें हम Eight Sisters कहते हैं, उनमें से यही एक राज्य था, जहां मैं प्रधानमंत्री के तौर पर अभी तक नहीं आ पाया था। इसलिए मैं सबसे पहले आपका क्षमाप्रार्थी हूं। हालांकि प्रधानमंत्री बनने से पहले मैं मिजोरम आता रहा हूं। यहां के शांत-सुंदर वातावरण से भली-भांति मैं परिचित हूं। यहां के मिलनसार लोगों के बीच मैंने बहुत अच्छा समय गुजारा है। अभी जब आपके बीच आया हूं तो वो पुरानी यादें फिर से ताजा हो जाना बहुत सुभाविक है।

My visit to your beautiful State today, brings back fond memories, of good times spent with the friendly people of Mizoram.Let me begin by wishing you, and indeed, all the people of Mizoram, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

May the New Year bring happiness and prosperity to all.

As I arrived in Aizawl a short while ago, I was thrilled to witness once again, the enchanting beauty of Mizoram: the "Land of the Hill People."

A land of peace and calm.

A people so warm and hospitable.

A State with one of the highest literacy rates in India.

उत्तर पूर्वी राज्यों में विकास को लेकर अटल जी के कार्यकाल में बहुत गंभीर प्रयास हुए थे। अटल जी कहते थे आर्थिक सुधार का एक बड़ा मकसद है क्षेत्रीय भेदभाव को पूरी तरह खत्म करना। इस दिशा में उन्होंने काफी कदम भी उठाए थे।

2014 में हमारी सरकार बनी तो एक बार फिर इस क्षेत्र को, हम सरकार की नीतियों और फैसलों में आगे लेकर आए हैं। मैंने तो एक नियम बना दिया था कि हर 15 दिन में कैबिनेट का कोई ना कोई मंत्री उत्तर पूर्व के राज्यों का दौरा जरूर करेगा। ये भी नहीं होगा कि सुबह आए, दिन में किसी event में हिस्सा लिया और शाम को वापस चला जाए। मैं चाहता था कि मंत्रिमंडल के मेरे साथी यहां रुककर, आपके बीच रहकर आपकी आवश्यकताओं को समझें, उनके मुताबिक अपने मंत्रालयों में नीतियां बनाएं।

साथियों, मुझे बताया गया है कि पिछले तीन वर्षों में मेरे साथी मंत्रियों की 150 से ज्यादा visit उत्तर पूर्व के राज्यों में हो चुकी है। हम इस विजन के साथ काम कर रहे हैं कि अपनी परेशानियां, अपनी आवश्यकताएं बताने के लिए आपको दिल्ली तक संदेश ना भिजवाना पड़े, बल्कि दिल्ली खुद आपके बीच चलकर आए।

इस पॉलिसी को हमने नाम दिया है- Ministry of DoNER At Your Door-step. मंत्रियों से अलग, Development of North East Region मंत्रालय के सचिव भी अपने अफसरों के साथ हर महीने उत्तर पूर्व के किसी ना किसी राज्य में कैंप करते हैं। सरकार के इन प्रयासों का ही नतीजा है कि उत्तर-पूर्व की योजनाओं में तेजी आई है, जो बरसों से अटके हुए प्रोजेक्ट थे, वो आज तेज गति से आगे बढ़ रहे हैं।

As a result of the efforts of the Union Government, schemes for the benefit of the North-Eastern region have been gained momentum. Projects stuck for years, are now progressing.

I just had a glimpse of the impressive exhibition set up here by Self Help Groups, comprising produce from all the eight North-Eastern States.I congratulate the members of these Self Help Groups, for their immense talent and potential. It is a potential that the Union Government is committed to hone, and develop.This is one of the key objectives of the Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana.

Self Help Groups are also benefiting through credit linkages provided by the North Eastern Development Finance Corporation, with interest subsidy being provided by the Union Government.

I am told, the Ministry for Development of the North-East Region is also supporting the activities of the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handloom Development Corporation; and the North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation.

These Public Sector Under-takings are engaged in training and hand holding artisans, weavers and farmers, for marketing and food processing.

Technologies and products developed by Institutions such as CSIR, ICAR and the IITs should be studied for possible adoption in the North-East, to enable value addition of local produce.

Friends! Today we gather here to celebrate a significant mile-stone in the history of Mizoram:

The completion and dedication of the 60 Mega-Watt Tuirial Hydro-power Project. This comes13 years after the last major central sector hydro-power project in the North-Eastern Region--the Kopili Stage-II.

Tuirial Hydro-power project is the first major Central Sector Project to be successfully commissioned in Mizoram. It is the first large hydro-power project in the State. It will produce 251 Million Units of electrical energy every year, and boost the socio-economic development of the State.

With the commissioning of this project, Mizoram becomes the third power-surplus State in the North-East, after Sikkim and Tripura.

The project was first declared and cleared by the Union Government of Prime Minister Vajpayee ji, way back in 1998, but got delayed.

The completion of this project is a reflection of our commitment to complete on-going projects and usher in a new era of development in the North Eastern region.

Besides generating electricity, the reservoir water will also open new avenues for navigation. This will provide connectivity to remote villages. The huge reservoir, spread over an area of 45 square kilometers, can also be used for development of fisheries.

This project will boost eco-tourism, and provide a source of assured drinking water supply. I am informed that the State has a hydro-power potential of 2100 Mega-Watts, of which we have so far tapped only a fraction.

I see no reason why Mizoram cannot become a net-power exporter. Our aim is not just to make the North Eastern States power surplus. We also aim to develop a state-of-art transmission system which ensures that surplus power is transferred to other power deficient parts of the country.

My Government is investing close to Rupees10,000 crores for a comprehensive improvement in the power transmission system in the North Eastern States.

साथियों, स्वतंत्रता के 70 वर्ष बाद भी हमारे देश में ऐसे 4 करोड़ घर हैं जिनमें अब तक बिजली का कनेक्शन नहीं है। आप अंदाजा लगा सकते हैं कि वो लोग किस तरह 18वीं सदी की जिंदगी जीने के लिए मजबूर हैं। यहां मिजोरम में भी हजारों घर ऐसे हैं जो अब भी अंधकार में जिन्दगी गुजार रहे हैं। ऐसे घरों में बिजली पहुँचाने के लिए सरकार ने हाल ही में ‘प्रधानमंत्री सहज बिजली- हर घर’ योजना यानी ‘सौभाग्य’ की शुरूआत की है। हमारा लक्ष्य है जल्द से जल्द देश के हर घर को बिजली कनेक्शन से जोड़ा जाए।

इस योजना पर लगभग 16 हजार करोड़ रुपये खर्च किये जायेंगे। जिन गरीबों को इस योजना के तहत बिजली कनेक्शन दिया जाएगा उनसे connection के लिए सरकार कोई पैसा नहीं वसूलेगी। हम चाहते हैं कि गरीबों की जिंदगी में उजाला आए, उनकी जिंदगी रोशन हो।

साथियों, अगर देश के बाकी हिस्सों से तुलना करें तो देखने में आता है कि उत्तर-पूर्व में नए उद्यमियों की संख्या में उतनी वृद्धि नहीं हुई, जितनी होनी चाहिए थी। इसकी एक बड़ी वजह यह थी कि नौजवानों को अपना कारोबार करने के लिए जरूरी पूँजी नहीं मिल पाती थी। नौजवानों की इसी आवश्यकता को समझते हुए सरकार ने प्रधानमंत्री मुद्रा योजना, Startup India योजना, Stand up India योजना जैसी योजनाओं की शुरूआत की। उत्तर-पूर्व को विशेष ध्यान में रखते हुए DONER मंत्रालय ने 100 करोड़ रुपए की राशि से एक Venture Capital Fund भी बनाया है। मेरा मिजोरम के नौजवानों से आग्रह है कि वो केंद्र सरकार की इन योजनाओं का ज्यादा से ज्यादा फायदा उठाएं। यहां के नौजवान Start up की दुनिया में छा जाने का हौसला रखते हैं, क्षमता रखते हैं। भारत सरकार ऐसे नौजवानों की hand-holding के लिए प्रतिबद्ध है।

We are betting on the skills and strengths of India's youth. We believe in 'empower through enterprise' - which is creating the right eco-system for innovation and enterprise to flourish so that our land is home to the next big ideas that can transform humanity.

In 2022, India will complete 75 years of independence, the next five years provide an opportunity to plan and build on our achievements, to make a quantum leap in all spheres of development.

Building a New India by 2022 requires us to work towards the twin goals of increasing economic growth as well as ensuring that the fruits of growth are shared by all. In the spirit of सबका साथ, सबका विकास, every Indian, irrespective of caste, gender, religion, class must have equal opportunities to partake in the new prosperity.

My Government believes in competitive and cooperative federalism, where there is healthy competition between States. I am convinced that States are the main drivers of change.

We have taken a number of initiatives to infuse healthy competition among States. A Committee of Chief Ministers made recommendations to rationalize Centrally Sponsored Schemes. We duly accepted the recommendations.

Despite fiscal constraints, the sharing pattern of core centrally sponsored schemes for North Eastern States has been continued at 90-10. For other schemes, it stands at 80-20.

Friends, The vision of New India can be realized only if the fruits of development reach all.

The Union Government has plans to focus on around 115 districts which are relatively backward when evaluated on various social indicators. This will also benefit the backward districts of North Eastern States including Mizoram.

Just yesterday, we approved a new Central Sector Scheme. The North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme will fill the gaps in creation of infrastructure in two sectors.

One sector is physical infrastructure relating to water supply, power, connectivity and especially projects promoting tourism.

The other is social sector projects of education and health. The new scheme has been designed after due consultations with State Governments.However, to ensure continuity, all ongoing projects under NLCPR will be provided funds for completion by March 2022.

The new Scheme will be 100 percent centrally funded as against the NLCPR, where 10 percent contribution had to come from the State Governments.

The Central Government will be providing Rupees 5300 Crore to North Eastern States under the Scheme over the next three years.

Lack of connectivity is one of the biggest hurdles in the path of development of the North Eastern Region. We aim for a Transformation by Transportation through investment in infrastructure in the region.

The Union Government has sanctioned over 3800 kilometers of National Highway with an investment of Rupees 32000 crore during last three years, out of which nearly 1200 kilometers of road has already been constructed.

The Union Government will be investing another Rupees 60,000 crore under Special Accelerated Road Development Programme in the North-East and Rs. 30,000 crore under Bharatmala in the next two to three years to build a network of high-ways and roads in the North East Region. We are committed to bring all the State Capitals of North East Region on the Rail map.

The Government of India is executing 15 New Rail Line projects of 1385 kilometers length, at a cost of over Rs.47,000 crore.

The railways reached Mizoram last year, with the inauguration of the rail line connecting Bhairabi in Mizoram with Silchar in Assam.

I had laid the foundation for a new line to take rail connectivity to Aizawl in 2014.

With the support of the State Government, we shall connect the State Capital Aizawl with broad gauge rail line.

The Union Government has been proactively following the ‘Act East Policy’. As a gate-way to South East Asia, Mizoram stands to gain immensely from this. It can emerge as a key transit point for trade with Myanmar and Bangladesh.

Various bilateral projects are at various stages of completion. Some of the major initiatives include the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project, the Rih-Tedim Road Project and Border Haats.

All these will increase the scope for economic linkages, and contribute to the overall economic growth and development of the North-Eastern Region.

Friends, The high literacy rate, scenic beauty and availability of large English speaking population in Mizoram make for a perfect blend to develop the State as a model tourist destination.

The State offers significant scope for adventure tourism, cultural tourism, eco-tourism, wild-life tourism, and community-based rural tourism. If developed well, tourism can emerge as the biggest employer in the state.The Union Government has sanctioned two tourism projects worth 194 crore rupees for Mizoram in the last 2 years, to promote eco-tourism and adventure tourism.The Central Government has already released 115 crore rupees for implementation of these projects.

The Government is also committed to provide assistance for maintenance and up-keep of various wild-life sanctuaries and national parks in Mizoram with a view to attract tourists. Let us work together to make Mizoram one of the top tourism destinations in India.

साथियों, हमारे देश का ये हिस्सा, बहुत आसानी से खुद को Carbon Negative घोषित कर सकता है। हमारे साथी भूटान ने ऐसा करके दिखाया है। राज्य सरकारों की तरफ से प्रयास बढ़े तो उत्तर-पूर्व के आठों राज्य Carbon Negative हो सकते हैं। Carbon Negative राज्यों की पहचान देश के इस क्षेत्र को पूरे विश्व मानचित्र पर एक बड़े brand के तौर पर स्थापित कर सकती है। इसी तरह जैसे सिक्कम ने खुद को 100 प्रतिशत organic State घोषित किया है, वैसे ही उत्तर पूर्व के अन्य राज्य भी इस दिशा में अपने प्रयासों को और तेज कर सकते हैं।

Organic Farming को बढ़ावा देने के लिए केंद्र सरकार ने परंपरागत कृषि विकास योजना का आरम्भ किया है।

इसके तहत सरकार देश भर में 10 हजार से ज्यादा organic clusters विकसित कर रही है। North-East में भी 100 Farmer Producers Organisations बनाए गए हैं। इनसे 50 हजार से ज्यादा किसानों को जोड़ा जा चुका है। यहां के किसान Organic Produce दिल्ली में बेच सकें, इसके लिए भी व्यवस्था की गई है।

साथियों, 2022 में हमारा देश अपनी स्वतंत्रता के 75 वर्ष का पर्व मनाएगा। मिजोरम ये संकल्प ले सकता है कि 2022 तक वो खुद को 100 प्रतिशत Organic और Carbon Negative State के तौर पर विकसित कर लेगा। मैं मिजोरम के लोगों को ये भरोसा दिलाना चाहता हूं कि इस संकल्प की सिद्धि में केंद्र सरकार हर तरह से उनके साथ खड़ी है। हम आपकी छोटी-छोटी दिक्कतों को समझ कर, उन्हें सुलझा रहे हैं। जैसे मैं आपको Bamboo का उदाहरण देना चाहता हूं।

The Bamboo which is a source of livelihood for lakhs of people of North East, has been under a very restrictive regulatory regime. You could not transport or sell the Bamboo produced in your own field without a permit. Our Government with an aim to reduce this pain, has changed the regulatory regime. Now there will be no requirement of any permit or permission for producing, transporting and selling Bamboo and its products produced by farmers in their own fields. This will benefit lakhs of farmers and will add to the efforts to double farmers’ income by 2022.

मैं मिजोरम आया हूँ और फुटबॉल की बात न करूं ऐसा हो नहीं सकता। यहां के मशहूर खिलाड़ी जेजे ललपेखलुए ने पूरे देश का ध्यान खींचा है। और मिजोरम में फुटबॉल तो जैसे घर-घर का हिस्सा है। मुझे बताया गया है कि FIFA का पायलट प्रोजेक्ट और अइज़ोल फुटबाल क्लब स्थानीय टैलेंट को और मजबूत कर रहे हैं।

जब मिजोरम ने 2014 में पहली बार संतोष ट्राफी जीती थी तो पूरे देश के फुटबॉल प्रेमियों ने मिजोरम के लिए तालियां बजाई थीं। मैं मिजोरम के लोगों को खेल की दुनिया में उनकी उपलब्धियों के लिए बहुत-बहुत बधाई देता हूँ। फुटबॉल एक ऐसी Soft-power है जिसके दम पर मिजोरम पूरी दुनिया में अपनी पहचान बना सकता है।

The soft power of football can become Mizoram’s global identity. There are many other prominent sports persons from Mizoram who have brought glory to the State and the country. These include the Olympian Archer C. Lalremsanga , boxer Ms. Jenny Lalremliani, weight lifter Ms. Lalchhahimi, and hockey player Ms. Lalruatfeli.

I am sure, Mizoram shall continue to provide sportspersons who shall excel on the world stage.

साथियों, दुनिया में कई देशों की अर्थव्यवस्थाएं सिर्फ और सिर्फ Sports के भरोसे चल रही हैं। अलग-अलग तरह के खेलों के लिए आवश्यक माहौल तैयार करके ऐसे देश दुनिया भर के लोगों को आकर्षित करते हैं। North-East में Sports की अपार क्षमता को देखते हुए ही केंद्र सरकार इस क्षेत्र में, इंफाल में Sports University की भी स्थापना कर रही है।

स्पोर्ट्स यूनिवर्सिटी बनने के बाद यहां के नौजवानों को Sports और उससे जुड़ी हर तरह की Training लेने में और आसानी हो जाएगी। हमारी तो तैयारी ये भी है कि University बनने के बाद उसके कैंपस भारत ही नहीं दुनिया के दूसरे देशों में भी खोले जाएं, ताकि यहां का खिलाड़ी दूसरे देशों में भी जाकर Sports से जुड़ी Training ले सके।

I see Aizawl wearing a colorful and festive look, and fully geared up for celebrating Christmas. I once again wish you all and the people of Mizoram a Merry Christmas.

Thank you.

इन वाया छूंगा क-लौम ए मंगछा

***

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi being received by the Governor of Mizoram, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Nirbhay Sharma and the Chief Minister of Mizoram, Shri Pu Lalthanhawla, on his arrival, at Aizawl on December 16, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi being received by the Governor of Mizoram, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Nirbhay Sharma and the Chief Minister of Mizoram, Shri Pu Lalthanhawla, on his arrival, at Aizawl on December 16, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi unveils the plaque to mark the dedication of Tuirial Hydro Electric Power Project to the Nation, at Assam Rifles Cant, Aizawl on December 16, 2017. The Governor of Mizoram, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Nirbhay Sharma, the Chief Minister of Mizoram, Shri Pu Lalthanhawla, the Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (I/C), Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh and the Minister of State (I/C) for Power and New and Renewable Energy, Shri Raj Kumar Singh are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi distributing the cheques from North-East Venture Capital Fund launched by the Ministry of DoNER to the entrepreneurs from North-East, at Assam Rifles Cant, Aizawl on December 16, 2017. The Governor of Mizoram, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Nirbhay Sharma, the Chief Minister of Mizoram, Shri Pu Lalthanhawla, the Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (I/C), Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh and the Minister of State (I/C) for Power and New and Renewable Energy, Shri Raj Kumar Singh are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the ceremony to dedicate the Tuirial Hydro Electric Power Project to the Nation, at Assam Rifles Cant, Aizawl on December 16, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressing the gathering at the ceremony to dedicate the Tuirial Hydro Electric Power Project to the Nation, at Assam Rifles Cant, Aizawl on December 16, 2017.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...t-says-modi/article21820357.ece?homepage=true

The hydropower project would produce “251 million units” of electrical energy every year and boost the economic development of the state.

Mizoram had become the third power- surplus state in the north-east after Sikkim and Tripura, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday.

He also said the central schemes for the benefit of the north-east had gained momentum and that his government was committed to developing the region.

“Today, we celebrate a significant milestone in the history of Mizoram with the completion and dedication of the 60-MW Tuirial hydropower project,” the Prime Minister said, while addressing a public meeting here after inaugurating it.

With the commissioning of the project, Mizoram became the third power-surplus state in the north-east, he added.

The hydropower project would produce “251 million units” of electrical energy every year and boost the economic development of the state, Mr. Modi said.

“The completion of this project is a reflection of our commitment to completing the ongoing projects and ushering in a new era of development in the north-east,” he added.

The Tuirial project, which was announced and cleared in 1998 by the then Atal Bihari Vajpayee government, was the first major central project to be successfully commissioned in Mizoram, the prime minister said.

Hindustani78 · Dec 20, 2017

Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
19-December, 2017 16:02 IST
Major Policy Initiatives undertaken by Government for increasing share of Renewable Energy in total installed capacity

Minister of State (IC) for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Shri Raj Kumar Singh, in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today, informed about the major policy initiatives undertaken after June 2014 for increasing the share of renewable energy in total installed capacity. These are as under: -

Announced a cumulative target of 175 GW renewable energy based electric installed capacity of 100 GW solar power installed capacity;
Issued guidelines for procurement of solar and wind power through tariff based competitive bidding process;
Declared Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) up to the year 2018-19;
Declared Renewable Generation Obligation on new coal/lignite based thermal plants;
Notified National Offshore Wind Energy Policy;
Notified policy for Repowering of Wind Power Projects;
Notified standards for deployment of solar photovoltaic systems/devices;
Issued order for waiving the Inter State Transmission System charges and losses for inter-state sale of solar and wind power for projects to be commissioned by March 2019;
Launched Atal Jyoti Yojna for Solar LED Street Lights in five States; and
Launched Surya Mitra programme for developing a cadre of trained manpower for deployment of solar energy projects.

The above initiatives resulted in significant increase in renewable energy deployment. In October 2017 the cumulative renewable power installed capacity was 60.98 GW. Of this, 26 GW renewable power installed capacity was added from April 2014 to October 2017, the Minister added.

******

Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
19-December, 2017 15:58 IST
Government takes steps to avoid holding up of Solar Panels and Accessories at Ports

Minister of State (IC) for Power and New & Renewable Energy,Shri Raj Kumar Singh, in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today, informed that the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy has received representations conveying that consignments of solar panels imported from other countries are held up at some of the ports due to Customs Classification issues resulting in disputes regarding the applicable rate of Basic Customs Duty on the imported solar panels.

As informed by the Customs Authorities, the Government has put in place remedial measures by way of permission for bonding the cargo under Section 49 of the Customs Act, so as to avoid demurrage and detention charges. Also, the solar panels are allowed the benefit of provisional release under Section 110A of the Customs Act, Shri Singh added.

******

Ministry of Power
19-December, 2017 16:21 IST
15,183 villages electrified in the country out remaining 18,452, as on 30th November, 2017: Shri R.K. Singh

Free Electricity Connections released to 44.41 lakh BPL households under DDUGJY across the country during the last 3years

Minister of State (IC) for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Shri Raj Kumar Singh, in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today, informed that as on 1st April, 2015, there were 18,452 un-electrified villages in the country and as on 30th November, 2017, 15,183 villages have been electrified and 1052 villages have been found un-inhabited. All un-electrified villages are targeted for electrification by 1st May, 2018.

Shri Singh informed that as reported by the States/UTs, 14,528 villages have been electrified during the last three years i.e. 2014-15 to 2016-17. Further, a subsidy of Rs. 15,840 crores has been released under Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY) across the country during the last three years i.e. 2014-15 to 2016-17. The Minister also stated that based on the information furnished by the States/UTs, free electricity connections to 44.41 lakh BPL households have been released under DDUGJY across the country during the last three years.

Electricity is a concurrent subject and distribution of electricity to consumers including poor villagers is primarily the responsibility of the respective State Government/ Distribution utility. In several States, such as Rajasthan, Punjab, Odisha, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh supply to BPL (Below Poverty Line) consumers is at comparatively lower tariff, the Minister stated.

*****

Hindustani78 · Dec 22, 2017

Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
21-December, 2017 16:51 IST
Ministry of New & Renewable Energy issues Concept Note on Solar PV Manufacturing Scheme

The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) has prepared a concept note on Solar PV Manufacturing Scheme to build up manufacturing capacity of solar PV modules, cells, wafers/ ingots and polysilicon in India. It is proposed to support manufacturers of solar PV cells and modules to expand and upgrade the existing facilities or to set up new manufacturing facilities to enable the domestically produced solar product to be competitive with international solar products. The objective is to eventually have the entire spectrum of manufacturing – from poly-silicon to modules.

In conjunction with the ambitious target set by the country for achieving 100 GW of solar power capacity by the year 2022, the Government desires that this be accompanied with a robust solar manufacturing capacity in the country. The objective of the Government is to reduce the dependency on foreign manufactures by making domestic manufacturers competitive with international manufacturers, through manufacture of quality solar PV equipment in the country. As a result of this, India should convert from a net importer country to a net exporter country for solar PV equipment and become a global player in solar manufacturing. An extensive manufacturing capacity would also create skilled jobs in the country.

The details of the policy are available on the website of the Ministry at http://www.mnre.gov.in. Comments on the policy are invited and the same can be sent by 31st December 2017.

***

Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
21-December, 2017 16:39 IST
Ministry Releases Concept Note on Sustainable Rooftop Implementation for Solar Transfiguration of India (SRISTI); Invites comments/views from stakeholders by 31st December

With a view to accelerate the deployment of rooftop solar power in the country, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has prepared a concept note on ‘Sustainable Rooftop Implementation for Solar Transfiguration of India (SRISTI)’.

Government has set a target of reaching 100 GW of solar power installed capacity in the country by 2022, of which 40 GW is targeted through solar rooftop.

The Ministry is implementing Grid Connected Rooftop Solar (RTS) Power Programme in which subsidy/incentives are being provided for residential, institutional, social and Government sector. States/UTs have also taken conducive policy and regulatory measures for promotion of solar rooftop.

The concept note is available at http://mnre.gov.in/file-manager/UserFiles/comments-on_RTS.pdf and Ministry has invited comments/views from stakeholders on the said concept note by 31st December, 2017.

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

Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
21-December, 2017 16:36 IST
Strict Quality Norms imposed for Solar Equipment and Components to restrict low quality Solar PV equipment in Indian market: Shri R.K. Singh

Minister of State (IC) for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Shri Raj Kumar Singh, in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today, informed that there is no formal specific information relating to any specific solar equipment or component being of low quality and sold in Indian market.

Shri Singh further informed that in order to impose strict quality norms for solar equipment and components and to restrict low quality solar PV equipment in Indian market, the Central Government, after consulting the Bureau of Indian Standards, has issued the “Solar Photovoltaics, Systems, Devices and Components Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2017” dated 5th September, 2017 for quality control of solar photovoltaic systems, devices and components.

As per the conditions given, the said order shall come into force on the expiry of one year from the date of its publication in official gazette. However, it has been decided to make the said quality control order effective from 01.04.2018 in order to ensure quality of products in the deployment target of 2018-19.

The said order provides for certain conditions regarding manufacture, storage, sale, distribution, etc of solar photovoltaic systems, devices or components, including making an application to the Bureau of Indian Standards for obtaining registration for use of the Standard Mark in respect of the Indian Standard mentioned in the said Order.

The Minister also stated that Government has incentive schemes for encouraging domestic solar manufacturing in terms of earmarking certain projects for domestic content and a capital subsidy scheme (M-SIPS) for setting up of solar manufacturing facility. However, no MoU has been signed with any country for setting up of domestic manufacturing.

Informing about the incentives given by Government for Domestic manufacturing in solar PV sector in India, Shri Singh stated that it is being supported by the Government of India through Special Incentive Package Scheme (SIPS)/ Modified Special Incentive Package Scheme (M-SIPS). The scheme, inter alia, provides for:

i. 20-25% subsidy for investments in capital expenditure for setting up of electronic manufacturing facility.

ii. Reimbursement of countervailing Duty (CVD)/ Excise Duty (wherever applicable) for capital equipment for the units outside Special Economic Zone (SEZ).

The incentives are available for several categories of electronic products and product components including Polysilicon, Ingots, Solar Photovoltaic (SPV), Cells, Modules/Panels. Units across the value chain starting from raw materials to assembly, testing, and packaging of these product categories are included.

In addition, the solar power projects being implemented under the Defence Establishments and Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) Schemes and those rooftop solar projects implemented with central financial assistance are mandated to source their requirement from domestic sources.

The Government has allowed 100 percent Foreign Direct Investment in the Renewable Energy Sector under automatic route. This was stated by Shri R.K. Singh in the written reply in Lok Sabha today.

***

Ministry of Power
21-December, 2017 16:49 IST
Flexibility in Utilization of Domestic Coal amongst Power Generating Stations to reduce the Cost of Power Generation: Shri R.K. Singh

Minister of State (IC) for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Shri Raj Kumar Singh, in a written reply to a question on coal shortage in efficient power stations, in Lok Sabha today informed that power plants get scheduled based on Merit Order Despatch. Therefore, an efficient plant is likely to be scheduled and consume coal accordingly which may sometime lead to less stock available at the plant.

The Minister stated that Government, in 2016, has introduced flexibility in utilization of domestic coal amongst power generating stations to reduce the cost of power generation. Under the scheme, the Annual Contracted Quantity (ACQ) of each individual coal linkage as per Fuel Supply Agreement is to be aggregated as consolidated ACQ for each State and Company owning Central Generating Stations instead of individual generating station. The State/Central Gencos have the flexibility to utilize their coal in most efficient and cost effective manner in their own power plants as well as by transferring coal to other State/Central Gencos Power plants for generation of cheaper power. Thus, the State/Central Genco utilize their coal as per the efficiency of their plants.

Further, as per the methodology for use of coal transferred by a State to Independent Power Producer (IPP) generating stations under flexibility in utilization of domestic coal for reducing the cost of power generation, the State can divert their coal and take equivalent power from IPP generating stations selected from the competing IPPs through an e-bidding process.

The guiding principle of the methodology is that the landed cost of power from IPP generating station at the State’s periphery should be lower than the variable cost of generation of the State generating station whose power is to be replaced by generation from IPP. The landed cost of power is inclusive of the transmission charges and transmission losses, Shri Singh informed.

The Minister explained that during the e-Bidding process for selection of IPP generating stations, a reference will be made by the State notified agency to the Ministry of Railways regarding operational feasibility of the rail transportation of coal to the IPP generating station (shortlisted after opening of the Request for Quotation (RFQ) bids). The details of the quantum of coal to be moved and the time frame during which this transportation is required would be conveyed to Traffic Transportation Directorate of Railway Board (Ministry of Railways) by the concerned State notified agency.

Based on the operational considerations, Ministry of Railways convey their consent or otherwise within 7 days of the receipt of the reference. The IPP, where the transfer of coal is not feasible as conveyed by the Railways, would not be eligible to participate in Request for Proposal (RFP) stage, Shri Singh stated.

***

Ministry of Power
21-December, 2017 16:47 IST
Over 28 crore LED bulbs distributed under UJALA Scheme till 19th December, 2017 and 52.43 crore sold by private sector till October 2017: Shri R.K. Singh

As a result of Stringent Quality Control Mechanism, the failure rate of LED bulbs under UJALA scheme is only 0.48%

Defective Bulbs are replaced free of cost to consumers by EESL

Minister of State (IC) for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Shri Raj Kumar Singh, in a written reply to a question on status of LED bulbs distributed in the country, in Lok Sabha today informed that Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a joint venture company of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) under the Ministry of Power is distributing LED bulbs under Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All (UJALA) to domestic consumers across the country. As on 19th December, 2017, more than 28 crore LED bulbs have been distributed under the scheme. In addition, other market players in the private sector have also sold 52.43 crore LED bulbs till October, 2017.

Informing about the quality benchmarks adhered to in LED bulb manufacturing, Shri Singh stated that the LED bulbs distributed under UJALA scheme undergo a 3-tier (at bidding stage, distribution stage and post distribution stage) quality control checks, to ensure that only high quality LED bulbs are distributed. As a result of stringent quality control mechanism, the failure rate of LED bulbs under UJALA scheme is only 0.48% and all the defective bulbs are replaced by EESL free of cost to consumers.

Quality standards for LED products are laid down and enforced by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). BIS has informed that M/s Nielsen had reported that a number of LED bulbs being sold were spurious. BIS has also informed that Electric Lamp and Component Manufacturers’ Association of India (ELCOMA) had complained to the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, Ministry of Commerce and Industry about the presence of poor quality lamps, both imported and local in the market. Hence, BIS has taken up the matter with MeitY for taking appropriate action under the Compulsory Registration Order (CRO), 2012, the Minister informed.

Further, MeitY has informed that the information provided by ELCOMA was not explicit. Accordingly, they have been requested to provide the details of types of LED luminaries which were not complying to CRO.

Shri Singh also informed that MeitY has notified “Electronics and IT Goods (Requirement of Compulsory Registration) Order, 2012 (CRO)”, under the provision of Compulsory Registration Scheme of BIS Act, 1986 mandating Indian Safety Standards for 30 categories of electronic products including LED products. The grant of registration under CRO is done by BIS based on the submission of test reports of the product from BIS recognized laboratory by the manufacturer. The documents are examined for their adequacy and conformance to the Indian Standards by BIS. To curb the sub-standard products and ensure the safety of consumers, MeitY carries out surveillance on the goods notified under the CRO, the Minister added.

***

Hindustani78 · Dec 22, 2017

Ministry of Power
22-December, 2017 10:49 IST
Electrification in 15,183 Villages completed; Universal Household Electrification in the country by 31st March 2019 under SAuBHaGYa scheme

27 States and 4 UTs join UDAY scheme till date

Measures to increase Transparency & Accountability like launching of URJA app, SAUBHAGYA portal, National Power Portal, MERIT portal taken in Power Sector

Over 28 crore LED Bulbs distributed under UJALA scheme and over 41 lakh LED streetlights installed across the country

In view of the growing need of the Indian Economy, Government of India has embarked upon a massive programme to provide 24x7 power across the country by 2019. After the completion of half of its term, the Government has achieved many important milestones in the Power sector. Special focus has been given to Rural Electrification, under Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY); and Urban Electrification under Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS). The schemes have been now oriented towards individual household electrification by March 2019, under SAUBHAGYA scheme.

Several landmark decisions have already been taken in thermal power generation, hydel and more importantly in solar, wind and other green energy, besides strengthening of transmission and distribution, separation of feeder and metering of power to consumers. These also include not only achievements in capacity addition but also important reforms being undertaken on increasing energy efficiency of the present infrastructure and thereby reducing power losses, including increasing accountability and transparency by launching Mobile applications and websites like URJA app, SAUBHAGYA portal, National Power Portal, MERIT portal etc.

The details of Year-long achievements for Ministry of Power are as below:

1. Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY)

Under DDUGJY, Projects with total cost of Rs. 42,565 crores have been sanctioned in 32 States/UTs.

Status of Village electrification in the Country

Cumulatively (as on 30.11.2017), electrification in 1,24,219 villages and intensive electrification in 4,68,827 villages has been completed. Free electricity connections to 277.20 Lakh BPL Households have been released.

18,452 census villages in the country (out of total inhabited villages of 5,97,644 as per Census 2011) were reported un-electrified by the States as on 1st April 2015.

As on 30.11.2017, electrification in 15,183 villages has been completed and 1,052 villages have been reported un-inhabited. Remaining 2217 villages are expected to be electrified by 1st May 2018. These 2217 villages are located in the State of Arunachal Pradesh (1069), Assam (214), Bihar (111), Chhattisgarh (176), J&K (99), Jharkhand (176), Karnataka (8), Madhya Pradesh (34), Manipur (54), Meghalaya (50), Mizoram (11), Odisha (182) and Uttarakhand (33)

Achievement during January to November 2017

· Electrification of Un-electrified villages: 3,652

· Intensive electrification of villages: 60,218

· Free electricity connections to BPL households: 24.55 Lakh

2. SAuBHaGYa: Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana

Government of India has launched a scheme called "Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (Saubhagya)" in Sep'17 to achieve universal household electrification in the country at a total cost of Rs. 16,320 crore including gross budgetary support of Rs. 12,320 crores from Government of India. The objective of the scheme is to provide last mile connectivity and electricity connections to all households in rural and urban areas. Free of cost electricity connections to all remaining un-electrified households with at least one deprivation on the basis of SECC data in rural areas and economically poor households in urban areas would be given. Others would be charged a sum of Rs. 500 per household in ten equal instalments with the bill. The households located in remote and inaccessible areas would be provided with Solar Photovoltaic (SPV) based standalone systems with LED lights, fan, power plug etc. The beneficiaries will be identified on the basis of socio economic conditions using SECC 2011 data.

It is targeted to achieve universal household electrification in the country by 31st March 2019.

The Scheme was launched in Manipur on 28th Nov 2017 and 1.75 lakh households of Manipur (1.62 lakh rural households and 0.13 lakh urban households) are proposed to be included under the Scheme.

3. Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS)

IPDS Scheme aims to provide quality and reliable 24x7 power supply in the urban area. So far, projects worth Rs. 26,910 crores covering 3,616 towns have been sanctioned by the Monitoring Committee. State utilities have awarded the works worth Rs. 23,448 crores. The IT and technical intervention envisaged in the scheme will not only ensure 24x7 power supply in urban area but will also help in improvement in billing and collection efficiency which will ultimately result in reduction in Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses. So far, under R-APDRP 1363 towns have been declared "Go-Live”, 52 towns SCADA control systems have been established, 20 SCADA towns have been completed and 20 out of 21 Data Centre have been commissioned under Part-A of the Programme. Part-B projects have been completed in 970 towns. All India Short Code ‘1912’ for consumer connect adopted in 45/57 Discoms (including private) in India.

4. Ujwal Discom Assurance Yojana (UDAY)

Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY), a scheme for financial and operational turnaround of Power Distribution Companies was formulated and launched by the Government on 20.11.2015 in consultation with various stakeholders. The scheme aims to provide permanent solution to legacy of debts of approximately Rs.4.3 lakh crores and address potential future losses. The scheme also envisages reform measures in all sectors – generation, transmission, distribution, coal, and energy efficiency. The scheme availability period has expired on 31-03-2017.

An inter-ministerial Monitoring Committee Mechanism for UDAY has been put in place to ensure a close monitoring of the performance of the participating States under UDAY. Also a web portal (www.uday.gov.in) has been created for monitoring purposes. The last meeting of the Monitoring Committee was held on 04-10-2017.

Nagaland, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Dadra & Nagar Haveli & Daman & Diu signed MoU with Government of India under UDAY Scheme on 20th Nov, 2017. With this, 27 States and 4 UTs have joined UDAY till date.

5. Transmission

The draft document prepared on “National Electricity Plan (Transmission)” covers the transmission system (transmission lines and associated substations) planning including the inter-regional transmission links for the plan period 2017-22 to meet the project peak demand of 226 GW in the 2021-22-time frame.

The Conduct Business Rules (CBR) for Competent Authority (CA) responsible for approval to build independent transmission system for connecting the Indian generating stations to neighbouring countries transmission system for supply electricity exclusively to the neighbouring countries has been issued to facilitate CBTE.

6. Thermal

To reduce the pollution caused by stubble burning, Ministry of power has issued a policy for Biomass utilization for power generation through co-firing in pulverized coal fired boilers to reduce the pollution.

7. Hydro power projects

In Hydro Power Sector, 11 hydro projects, having total installed capacity of 1305 MW, are likely to be commissioned in the year 2017-18. Out of these projects, 7 projects with installed capacity of 465 MW have already been commissioned till 30.11.2017 & balance capacity is likely to be commissioned by March’18. The Hydropower Generation for the Financial Year 2017-18 (January' 2017 to November' 2017) is 120.87 BU.

DPR of 2880 MW Dibang Multipurpose project concurred by CEA in the year 2017.

Investment approval of 60 MW Natwar Mori HEP conveyed to SJVNL.

8. Extension of waiver of ISTS Transmission Charges and Losses for Solar Projects:

As per the provisions of revised Tariff Policy 2016, the Ministry of Power has issued an Order on 30.9.2016 for applicability of waiver of inter-state transmission charges and losses on transmission of the electricity generated from solar and wind sources of energy. Such waiver was available for Wind Projects achieved COD till 31st March 2019 and for Solar Projects achieved COD till 30th June 2017.

An Amendment order has been issued on 14.6.2017 through which ISTS Transmission charges and losses waiver is available to Solar Projects which will achieve COD till 31st December 2019. This will give boost to solar and wind energy generation in the country.

9. Guidelines for Tariff Based Competitive Bidding Process for Procurement of Power from Grid Connected Solar PV Power Projects

Solar Bidding Guidelines have been issued on 03.08.2017 for long term procurement of electricity by the distribution licensees, or the Authorized Representative(s), or an Intermediary Procurer, from grid-connected Solar PV Power Projects, having size of 5 MW and above, through competitive bidding under the provisions of Section 63 of the Electricity Act, 2003.

10. Mobile applications and websites launched to ensure accountability and transparency

URJA (Urban Jyoti Abhiyan) Mobile App-

URJA App offers information on Consumer complaints redressal, Release of new service connection, Average number of interruptions faced by consumer, Average duration of interruptions faced by consumer, Number of consumers making e-payments, Energy lost / power theft i.e. AT&C loss, IT Enablement (Go-live of towns), SCADA Implementation, Urban System Strengthening, Feeder Data on National Power Portal, IPDS NIT progress, IPDS Award progress.

SAuBHaGYa Webportal

‘Saubhagya’ Web-Portal – a Platform for transparently monitoring Universal Household Electrification – was launched on 16th Nov, 2017.

National Power Portal

National Power Portal(NPP) – a Centralized Platform for Collation and Dissemination of Indian Power Sector Information – was launched on 14th Nov, 2017 and would be a single point interface for all Power Sector Apps launched previously by the Ministry.

Launch of e-Bidding portal for utilization of domestic coal in IPP Power Stations for reducing the cost of power generation

An e-bidding portal was launched on 5th July 2017 for providing e-Bidding solution to States to select Independent Power Producers (IPPs) for procurement of power by transferring their domestic coal under the scheme of flexibility in utilization of domestic coal. The e-Bidding portal has been designed to facilitate States in inviting bids for procurement of power from the prospective IPPs in transparent and fair manner. The successful bidder shall be selected through e-Reverse Bidding process. The link for portal is available on the website of Ministry of Power and PFC Consulting Ltd.

The flexibility in utilization of domestic coal scheme envisages transferring coal to more efficient IPPs generating stations, leading to lower generation costs and ultimately lesser cost of electricity for the consumers.

MERIT (Merit Order Despatch of Electricity for Rejuvenation of Income and Transparency) web portal

A Web Portal ‘MERIT’ i.e. Merit Order Despatch of Electricity for Rejuvenation of Income and Transparency was launched on 23rd June 2017 .This Mobile App and Web Portal displays the actual data of dispatched generation by the states transparently and provides opportunity to states for improving their power purchase portfolio.( http://www.meritindia.in)

11. Revised Guidelines and Model Bidding Documents for medium-term procurement of power

Revised Guidelines and Model Bidding Documents for medium-term procurement of power by Distribution Licensees through tariff based competitive bidding process was notified on 17th January, 2017. Introduction of medium-term procurement through e-bidding portal will result in greater transparency and fairness in the procurement process for ultimate benefit of the consumers.

12. National High Power Test Laboratory (NHPTL) has started its commercial testing

NHPTL a joint venture of NTPC, NHPC, POWERGRID, DVC & CPRI having a state of the art professionally managed, international class, On-Line High Power Short Circuit Test Facility has started the commercial testing at NHPTL, BINA, MP under CPRI supervision. BHEL, Bhopal make 400/11.5-11.5 kv, 120 MVA Station Transformer was tested and this is the first commercial testing carried out in NHPTL, Bina, using 400kV Grid as source for testing, under the supervision of CPRI Engineers.

13. Country’s First Phasor Measurement Unit Test Facility

CPRI has established country’s first Phasor Measurement Unit (PMU) test facility. Fluke make 6135A/PMUCAL Phasor Measurement Unit Calibration system is a automated system and traceable solution for PMU Testing and Calibration. It’s a unique facility for carrying out Validation/Evaluation of PMU both M-class and P-Class Steady state and Dynamic conditions as per relevant International standards. Phasor Measurement Units enable real-time computer control to safeguard the stability and reliability of modern power grids. New test and calibration standards for PMUs will promote consistent performance across PMU manufacturers.

14. Energy Conservation

National LED Programme

Hon’ble Prime Minister, on 5th January, 2015 launched the National LED Programme with the aim of promoting use of the most efficient lighting technology at affordable rates. This programme has two components (i) Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LED for All (UJALA) to provide LED bulbs to domestic consumers with a target to replace 77 crore incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs and (ii) Street Lighting National Programme (SLNP) to replace 1.34 crore conventional street lights with smart and energy efficient LED street lights by March, 2019.

EESL has evolved a service model to enable municipalities to replace conventional lights with LEDs at no upfront cost. The balance cost is recovered through the municipalities by monetising the energy savings. Similarly, for domestic lights, EESL service model enables domestic households to procure LED lights at an affordable price of Rs. 10/- each and the balance on easy instalment from their electricity bill.

The current progress of implementation of the National LED programme up to 18th December 2017 since its launch on 5th January 2015 is as follows:

Parameters

UJALA

SLNP

No. of LED bulbs distributed/streetlights installed

28.07 crore

41.79 lakh

Average energy saved per year

36.45 billion kWh

2.80 billion kWh

Avoided peak demand/avoided capacity

7299 MW

467 MW

GHG emission CO2 reductions per year

29.53 million t CO2

1.93 million t CO2

Standard & Labelling of Appliances

a. Launch of mandatory program for Inverter AC.

b. Revision of standards for room AC, Direct Cool refrigerators, Color TV and geysers.

c. MOU signed with CPRI to setup four testing labs for LED bulbs.

Buildings

a. Updated version of Energy Conservation Building Codes i.e. ECBC 2017 launched in June 2017.

b. ECO-NIWAS, an online tool to guide the public in incorporating energy efficiency elements in their homes, such as building materials, its design features and appliances launched.

Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) Scheme

a. PAT cycle III commenced from 1st April, 2017 with the identification of 116 more DCs in the 11 existing sectors, totalling 737 DCs.

b. Hotels under Commercial Buildings category having energy consumption of more than 1000 toe and Petrochemical units having energy consumption more than 100000 toe has been notified as new sectors under PAT scheme.

c. Online portal on E-Scerts trading infrastructure launched which has been developed by BEE in collaboration with Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC). So far more than 2.9 lakhs E-SCerts have been traded at an overall cost of Rs 18.4 crores.

Transport Sector

a. The Corporate Average Fuel Consumption Standards (CAFC) for passenger cars which was notified on April, 2015, has become effective w.e.f 1st April, 2017.

b. The fuel economy norms for Heavy duty vehicles notified on 16th August, 2017. These norms are applicable for M3 (Buses) and N3 (Trucks) category vehicles complying with BS IV norms with gross vehicle weight exceeding 12 tonnes.

c. Government plans to procure 10000 e-vehicles through demand aggregation. Bids were invited via open tender and under Phase-I, contracts have been awarded to Tata Motors Ltd. for 250 e-cars and M/s Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. for 150 e-cars which includes five years Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC).

15. International Cooperation (IC )

India announced the Activation of Association with International Energy Agency (IEA) during the meeting of Dr. Fatih Birol, Executive Director, IEA with the then Hon'ble Minister of State (IC) for Power, Coal, NRE and Mines on 30th March, 2017 in New Delhi.

An agreed Joint Work Program 2018-2020 was exchanged between the Govt. of India and the International Energy Agency on 8th November, 2017 in Paris.

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Hindustani78 · Jan 20, 2018

http://www.hindustantimes.com/india...-two-fifths/story-sfveiJMBJGqzqJxbk2SluK.html

Coal minister said the new mines are in Odisha, Jharkhand and Bihar. They are expected to operate at full capacity by 2022.
india Updated: Jan 19, 2018 21:37 IST
Reuters, New Delhi

hindustan-jharkhand-railway-station-dhanbad-dhanbad-chandan_b6874950-fd32-11e7-a1cf-7dff4aec86fa.jpg

Coal loaded goods train at Dhanbad railway station in Dhanbad. (HT File Photo)

India will allow Coal India to build 11 new coal mines, the government said, a move that could increase annual production of the world’s largest coal miner by two-fifths.

The mines, in Odisha, Jharkhand and Bihar, are expected to operate at full capacity by 2022, coal minister Piyush Goyal told reporters.

Coal India, which is 79 percent state-owned, had asked the government to grant it additional capacity.

The new mines are expected to increase Coal India’s annual production, which was 554 million tonnes in the year to March 2017, by 225 million tonnes. The company aims to ramp up production to about one billion tonnes by 2022.

The move would help all of Coal India’s seven units produce over 100 million tonnes per annum, and reduce the country’s dependence on imported fuel, Goyal said.

India imported about 190 million tonnes of coal in the year ended March 2017.

Environmentalists worry that despite India’s commitment to renewable energy, the country’s rising use of coal at a time when many Western nations are rejecting the dirty fossil fuel will hamper the global fight against climate change.

Hindustani78 · Jan 24, 2018

The Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal launching the Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana –‘Saubhagya’, in presence of the Minister of State (I/C) for Power and New and Renewable Energy, Shri Raj Kumar Singh, at a function, in Guwahati on January 23, 2018. The Power Minister of Assam, Shri Pallab Lochan Das is also seen.

Hindustani78 · Jan 31, 2018

Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
31-January, 2018 18:13 IST
Ireda and Rumsl Signs Agreement for Large-Scale Solar Parks in Madhya Pradesh

Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA) and Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Limited (RUMSL) signed an agreement today for financing the shared infrastructure of two large Solar Parks in Madhya Pradesh.

Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE), World Bank & IREDA have been able to work out a proposal to channelize US$ 100 Million for creating common infrastructure for ultra-mega solar parks in India to achieve the 100 GW solar capacity addition target by 2022, set by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Under the World Bank Line of Credit, IREDA has sanctioned its first loan of Rs. 210.62 Cr. to RUMSL to finance two such solar parks in the state of Madhya Pradesh. The agreement was signed by Shri S K Bhargava, Director (Finance), IREDA and Shri Avaneesh Shukla, Executive Engineer, RUMSL in the presence of Shri Upendra Tripathy, Interim Director General, International Solar Alliance (ISA).

The broad terms and condition of the agreement include fixed interest rate of 8.5% p.a. for entire loan tenure, moratorium from principal repayments upto 5 years and loan repayment period of upto 20 years.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri K S Popli, CMD, IREDA appreciated the initiative of MNRE, support of The World Bank and more specifically of DEA to reduce the Sovereign Guarantee fee to 0.5%. He further stated that this support from DEA will enable to expedite development of such proposals in other states also.

Shri Upendra Tripathy, Interim Director General, ISA mentioned that India being in leading position in solar technologies, there is immediate attention for the development of 121 projects of solar technologies in 121 ISA member countries by April 21,2018. He congratulated IREDA and RUMSL for achieving the feat in short time frame and also for the innovative Payment Security Mechanism which will ensure timely payment to the developer.

Shri Manu Srivastava, Principal Secretary and Managing Director, RUMSL mentioned that RUMSL, at present, is implementing two solar parks i.e. Rewa with capacity of 750 MW and Mandsaur with 250 MW capacity in the state of Madhya Pradesh. With the solar park model, Payment Security Mechanism and the Line of Credit from The World Bank, the tariff for Rewa project is discovered as low as Rs.3.30 on levelized basis. Out of the total power proposed to be generated at Rewa solar park, 24% has been agreed to be purchased by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation and balance 76% by Madhya Pradesh Power Management Company Ltd ( MPPMCL).

The Interim DG of International Solar Alliance (ISA), Shri Upendra Tripathy witnessing the signing ceremony of sub-loan agreement between Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) and Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Limited (RUMSL), in New Delhi on January 31, 2018.

Hindustani78 · Feb 2, 2018

Ministry of Coal
02-February, 2018 18:34 IST
Supply of Coal to Power Sector

Supply of coal to the Power Sector has risen to 210.3 Million Tonnes (MT) in the first six months of this fiscal against 195.2 MT during the corresponding period of 2016-17 thus recording growth of 7.74% (provisional).

As per guidelines prescribed by CEA, the thermal power stations are required to keep average coal stock for 22 days consumption for smooth operations. However, many of the thermal power stations of the country opted to consume coal from their piled up stock for power generation and restricted the intake of fresh coal supplies from Coal Companies during a major part of the last year and in the initial months of the current year. The total coal stock with the thermal power plants was 38.87 MT on 01.04.2016 and the stock reduced to 27.74 MT on 31.03.2017. At the same time, coal stock with CIL increased from 57.64 MT on 01.04.2016 to 68.42 MT on 31.03.2017.

This information was given by the Minister of Railways and Coal Shri PiyushGoyal in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

****

Ministry of Coal
02-February, 2018 18:32 IST
Supply of Coal To Thermal Power Stations

Coal supplies are made to the Power Plants in terms of the Fuel Supply Agreement executed between Power Gencos and coal companies. Moreover, the power plants can also take coal through Special Forward E-Auction Scheme where coal is offered exclusively for power plants in regulated sector. Actual supply of coal depends on programme submitted by the Power Plants, logistics and various other factors. Many of the power stations of the country opted to consume coal from their piled up coal stock for power generation and restricted coal supplies from the Coal Companies during major part of the last year and in the initial months of this fiscal. As a result, total stock with the power stations which was 38.87 Million Tonnes (MT) in the beginning of 2016-17 had reduced to about 27.74 MT by the end of 2016-17, while coal stock with CIL increased from 57.64 MT to 68.42 MT during the same period. The supply of coal to the Power Sector has risen to 210.3 MT in first six months of the fiscal against 195.2 MT during the corresponding period of 2016-17, thus recording a growth of 7.74% (provisional). Month-wise supply of coal to power plants by CIL is at Annexure-I and the month-wise coalsupply by SCCL to power plants is at Annexure-II.

The total vendible coal stock of Coal India limited as on 28.01.2018 (provisionally) is 33.5 MT. The demand of coal from CIL for thermal power plants for the first six months of 2018, calculated on the basis of existing Fuel Supply Agreements, is likely to be around 278.2 MT.

The Power Houses have the option to fulfil the gap between their requisite demand and supply by the following means:

1. Taking coal through Special Forward e-Auction conducted by CIL throughout the year.

2. Building up stock during lean period by agreeing to take more coal than their Annual Contracted Quantity, subject to availability and other terms.

3. Importing coal, by Thermal Power Plants which are designed on imported coal.

4. Using the coal produced by captive coal blocks which have been allocated by Government of India, if available.

Annexure-I

Monthwise Coal supply to Power sector during 2017 by CIL
(Provisional)
(figs in MT)

MONTH
Contracted Qty at Trigger Level
Supply
Materialization against commitment at trigger level (%)

January
38.1
36.4
96

February
38.2
33.8
88

March
38.3
36.7
96

April
34.3
31.9
93

May
34.7
33.4
96

June
34.7
32.2
93

July
30.7
31.1
101

August
30.9
31.2
101

September
31.6
32.3
102

October
33.9
37.0
109

November
36.6
38.5
105

December
36.7
38.6
105

Grand Total
418.6
413.2
99

In addition to the above supply against contracted quantity, a supply of 34.46 MT is also made to Power Sector under special forward e-auction during this period.

Annexure-II

Monthwise Coal supply to Power Sector during 2017 by SCCL
FIG IN MT

MONTH
Contracted Qty at Trigger level
SUPPLY
Materialization against commitment at trigger level (%)

January
4.01
4.975
124.06

February
3.62
4.702
129.89

March
4.01
5.362
133.72

April
3.69
4.516
122.38

May
3.81
4.332
113.70

June
3.69
4.053
109.84

July
3.81
4.104
107.72

August
3.81
3.93
103.15

September
3.69
3.955
107.18

October
3.81
4.194
110.08

November
3.69
4.677
126.75

December
3.81
4.857
127.48

Grand Total
45.45
53.657
118.06

This information was given by the Minister of Railways and Coal Shri Piyush Goyal in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

*****

Ministry of Coal
02-February, 2018 18:31 IST
Health Facilities Available to Coal Mine Workers

The focus of welfare activities of Coal India Limited (CIL) is welfare of its employees and their families. The subsidiaries are paying great attention to the welfare of their workers. Every effort is being made to improve the living conditions of coal miners. In order to create a sense of belonging and involvement in work, top priority is given by the management in the following areas:

HOUSING FACILITIES

To provide shelter is the main thrust area of the organization. CIL has achieved the goal of “Shelter for All” for workers with landmark of 100% housing satisfaction for fulfilling the basic needs of the workers.

WATER SUPPLY

One of the major welfare activities of the company is to provide clean drinking water to the employees and their families. In this direction many water supply schemes have been taken up. Supply of Water through natural resource like river, tank etc are supplemented by underground mine water after proper treatment.

EDUCATION FACILITIES

The primary responsibility of providing educational facilities lies with the State Government. However, the subsidiary companies of CIL have been providing financial assistance and infrastructure facilities to certain schools like DAV, Kendriya Vidyalaya, Delhi Public School etc and other educational institutions run by the State Government to provide quality education to the employees’ children. In addition, financial assistance and infrastructure facilities are also provided to certain privately managed schools and other educational institutions by the subsidiary coal companies functioning in and around coalfield areas.

CIL is also providing various types of scholarship, cash award and financial assistance to the children of employees.

MEDICAL FACILITIES

CIL and its subsidiaries are extending medical facilities to the employees and their families through various medical establishments from the dispensary level to the central and apex hospitals in different parts of the coalfields. Special emphasis is also given on occupational health, HIV /AIDS awareness programme.

STATUTORY WELFARE FACILITIES

In accordance with the provision of the Mines Act, 1952 and rules & regulations framed thereunder, subsidiaries of CIL are maintaining various statutory welfare facilities for the coal mines such as canteen, rest shelters and pit-head baths.

NON-STATUTORY WELFARE MEASURE

In order to supply essential commodities and consumer goods at a cheaper rate in the collieries, Central Co-operative and Primary Co-operative Stores are functioning in the coalfield areas of CIL. In addition, Co-operative Credit Societies are also functioning in the coal companies.

BANKING FACILITIES

The Management of Coal companies are providing infrastructure facilities to the various nationalized banks for opening their branches and extension counters in the coalfields for the benefit of coal workers. Workers are educated to draw their salaries from the banks and they are also encouraged to practice thrift for the benefit of their families.

HOLIDAY HOMES

Coal India Ltd. has maintained Holiday Homes in important spots across the country.

It is not mandatory for the Coal Mine Workers to undergo Medical Checkup annually. Coal mine workers have to undergo medical checkup every 5 years as per provisions of Mine’s Rule, 1955. Those who are more than 45 years old have to undergo medical checkup after every 3 years as per recommendation of 10th Conference on Safety in Mines.

Coal Mine workers and their eligible dependent family members are getting all types of medical facilities free of cost through hospitals and dispensaries owned and maintained by CIL spread across all the coalfields areas. In case of super-specialty treatment and non-availability of treatment in company hospitals, coal mine workers and their family members are referred to private hospitals empanelled by CIL.

This information was given by the Minister of Railways and Coal Shri Piyush Goyal in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

****

Ministry of Coal
02-February, 2018 18:31 IST
Supply of Coal To Non-Regulated Sector

The coal supply to Non-Regulated Sector (NRS) is through Fuel Supply Agreements (FSAs) based on their long term linkage /Letter of Assurance (LoA) as recommended by Standing Linkage Committee (Long-Term). The coal supply to the steel Public Sector Units (PSUs) is also through Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Ministry of Coal vide letter No. 23011/51/2015-CPD (Pt-I) dated 15.02.2016 issued policy guidelines for Auction of linkages of Non-Regulated Sector. In this policy, it has been stipulated that all allocations of linkages/LOAs for non-regulated sector viz. Cement, Steel/Sponge Iron, Aluminum and Others [excluding fertilizer (urea sector)], including their CPPs, shall henceforth be auction based. It is also provided that there will be no renewal of existing FSAs of non-regulated sectors [except FSAs of CPSEs and Fertilizer (urea)]. Coal India Ltd has accordingly been conducting linkage auctions under Non-Regulated Sector, including for Steel, Cement & Sponge Iron, and FSAs are signed with the successful bidders by the subsidiary coal companies of CIL. In addition to it, coal is supplied to the NRS through exclusive e-auction of coal, in which only end use consumers of NRS participate.

In the case of steel PSUs, coal supplies through MoU are made to SAIL and RINL. In 2017-18 (up to 31.12.2017), the coal supply through MoU has been 17.97 lakh tonnes.

This information was given by the Minister of Railways and Coal Shri Piyush Goyal in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

****

Hindustani78 · Feb 8, 2018

Ministry of Coal
08-February, 2018 16:17 IST
Coal India On Path Of Sustainable Production Growth And Supply to Power and Non Power Sector.

Supply of 371.8 MT of Coal to Power Sector and 103.1 MT Coal to Non-Power Sector Achieved in 2017-18 Till January,2018 Average Rake Loading To The Thermal Power Plant Increased To 226 Rake/ Day in February, 2018; AsOn Date, Coal Stock Is More Than 34 MT. SeveralStrategic Decisions Help Boost Supply ToThermal Power Stations Commissioning of Tori Shivpur Railway Line Will Give A Boost To The Development Of Mega Project Like Magadh and Amrapali CPs

Coal India Limited has supplied 371.8 MT of coal to power sector and 103.1 MT coal to non-power sector in 2017-18 till January,2018, recording a growth of 6.8% in power sector & 8.8% in non-power sector dispatch, as against 348.1 MT and 94.8 MT respectivelyin the same period last year.

Likewiseafter sustained effort all time high rake loading could be achieved i.e. more than three hundred rakes a day consistently for last fifteen days during the current month.

As a result of all this a level of 14.5 MT coal stock at power house was recorded on 5th February, 2018 as compared to 8.5 MT on 30th September, 2017.

Average rake loading to the Thermal Power Plant has also increased from a level of 209.8 rake/day in October, 2017 to 226 rake/ day in February, 2018.There has been a jump of 6.53 % in power rake loading in October’17 (from 209.3 rakes per day in Oct’16 to 223 rakes per day in Oct’17) and 13.7% increase in rake loading in February ’18. (from 199.7rakes per day in Feb’17 to 227 rakes per day in Feb’18 till 6th Feb 2018)

To boost supply to Thermal Power stations, a strategic decision has been taken to ensure coal supply from pit head to power stations located within 50 Kms. through road and the available rake from the circuit was utilised to supply distant thermal power stations. It was also decided to maximise supply to the pit head power stations through MGR route and this strategy has ensured stock level of more than twenty one days of normative stock especially in pit head power stations located in Northern Coalfields.

Coal India has huge potential to increase coal production in peak period i.e. in January, February & March of the year. In the FY 2016-17 CIL had produced 66 MT of coal during March’17 and presently CIL is poised to surpass what was produced last year in that period. Since last one month, daily production has taken over daily despatch which means coal is added to the stock everyday and as on date, coal stock is more than 34 MT.

By the end of FY- 2016-17,the subsidiary Central Coalfields LimitedCCL &Bharat Coking Coal LimitedBCCL had huge coal stock to the tune of 17.6 MT & 6.2 MT respectively. As a result, from the beginning FY-2017-18 itself, the production was curtailed in these two subsidiaries and stress was given for coal despatch. Any coal stock which is more than three month old deteriorates in quality,so as a strategy the coal production was curtailed and emphasis was given on coal despatch and coal exposure.

In CCL ,ToriShivpur railway line is to become backbone of coal evacuation from mega mines of CCL. The project was envisaged way back in 1990s but during the period 2000-2014 there was hardly any progress. The Union Minister for Railways and Coal, Shri PiyushGoyal is laying specific emphasis on monitoring this railway line and construction has picked up. The commissioning this will give a boost to the development of Mega Project like Magadh and Amrapali OCPs.

CIL has also undertaken a number of steps for improving transparency and fairness with extensive use of IT initiatives in all most all spheres of its operation thus reducing human intervention. Steps have also been taken to promote a good culture, good governancethrough well laid policy and principles to improve production, productivity, offtake. Close monitoring of project implementation and capital expenditure is being done. Opening of large projects, closure of unsafe and unviable mines and improving mine geometry is being given high priority. To prevent frequent disruption of mining operations by miscreants named FIR is being lodged and damage suits have been registered in court of law against such miscreants. This has resulted in substantial reduction in disruption of mining operations.

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