Page 4 - India Power Production

Govt amends rules to mandate gencos to give surplus power to exchanges

The government on Friday said that the rules related to surplus power and late payment surcharge have been amended to ensure adequate supply of electricity to consumers and meet the growing demand. The Government of India has amended the Electricity (Late Payment Surcharge and Related Matters) Rules of 2022 which will enhance the reliability of power supply for all consumers, a power ministry statement said. Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy R K Singh said that a key amendment which has been made is related to surplus power which is within the declared generation capacity but not requisitioned by distribution companies. The minister said that some power generators were not offering this surplus power in the market, thus resulting in unused power capacity at the national level. To address this issue and optimize the use of available power, power generators that do not offer their surplus power will now not be eligible to claim capacity or fixed charges ...

Power consumption rises over 8% to 127.79 billion units in February

India's power consumption grew over 8 per cent to 127.79 Billion Units (BU) in February as compared to the year-ago period, according to government data. In February 2023, power consumption stood at 118.29 BU, higher than 108.03 BU recorded in the same month a year ago, the data showed. There were 29 days in February as 2024 is a leap year. Thus the growth rate of power consumption in February is slightly higher. The peak power demand met -- the highest supply in a day -- rose to 222 GW in February 2024. The peak power supply stood at 209.76 GW in February 2023 and 193.58 GW in February 2022. Experts said power consumption as well as demand improved in February as mercury remained low during the month, especially in north India. The prolonged cold wave resulted in increased use of heating equipment like heaters, blowers, and geysers leading to rise in power demand as well as consumption. The power ministry had estimated the country's electricity demand to touch 229 GW during summ

Power consumption grows 7.5% to 1354.97 bn units in FY23-24 from Apr-Jan

India's power consumption increased 7.5 per cent on-year to 1354.97 billion units (BU) in the April-January period of this financial year, indicating an uptick in economic activities across the country. Power consumption in the country has increased to 1354.97 billion units (BU) in the April-January period of this financial year, from 1259.49 BU in the April-January period of fiscal 2022-23, according to government data. It was 1505.91 BU in the entire fiscal year of 2022-23, the data showed. Experts believe the 7.5 per cent growth in power consumption in the country clearly shows a perk up in economic activities in the first 10 months of this fiscal year. They said power consumption grew in August, September and October, mainly due to humid weather conditions, and a pick-up in industrial activities ahead of the festive season. Experts are predicting a steady power consumption growth due to improvement in economic activities and cold wave conditions in February. They are of the vi

Delhi discoms, NPCL bag top rating of power distribution cos in CSRD report

On renewable energy goals, Singh said, "We have made necessary changes to make renewable energy green"

Power sector financer REC likely to lead National Rooftop Solar scheme

Sources said REC will be made the nodal agency for the scheme to spread its reach across the country and plug the inefficiencies

Semiconductor: The new driver of geopolitical balance, economic growth

Semiconductors stand as the linchpin of a modern technological landscape, with their significance across a myriad of industries, from automobiles to aerospace, defence, and healthcare

India, Russia sign deal for future units of Kudankulam power plant in TN

Jaishankar is expected to hold talks with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov on Wednesday, and the two ministers plan to discuss bilateral ties as well as the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza

Govt to focus on coal-fired power generation in 2024 for energy security

India will focus on setting up more coal-fired power projects as well as keep adding renewable generation capacity to achieve 24x7 electricity supply for all in 2024 amid economic expansion and the need to ensure energy security in these times of rising geopolitical uncertainties. In a reflection of ambitious plans, the Union power ministry has planned a whooping 91 GW of coal-based thermal power generation capacity entailing an investment of Rs 7.28 lakh crore over the next few years. Talking to PTI, Union Power and New & Renewable Energy Minister R K Singh said, "24X7 supply of power is right of the consumer. Similarly, energy security is of paramount importance for us. You have seen what happened in Europe due to the Russia-Ukraine war." At present, average power supply across India is 23.50 hours in urban areas and 22 hours in rural areas, he said. Singh also said that the coal-based thermal power capacity will insulate the country from any geopolitical disruption and ensure ..

Peak power demand likely to touch 350,670 MW mark by 2030-31: Centre

The peak electricity demand in India is expected to touch 3,50,670 MW mark by 2030-31, and the government is taking various measures to meet the increased demand, Union Minister R K Singh has said. The peak demand has gone up from 1,35,918 MW in 2013-14 to 2,43,271 MW in September 2023. This is a rise of almost 79 per cent and the demand has been met, the minister for power said on Thursday. A series of concerted measures have led to 70 per cent increase in generation capacity from 2,48,554 MW in March 2014 to 4 25,536 MW in October 2023, he said in Lok Sabha. "As per 20th Electric Power Survey (EPS) report published in November 2022, the peak electricity demand in the country in 2030-31 is expected to be 3,50,670 MW. We have taken steps to meet the increased demand for power in the country," Singh said. The minister said 27,180 MW of thermal capacity is under construction, 12,000 MW has been bid out and 19,000 MW is under clearances. The total anticipated thermal capacity additio

For us, India may become larger than China: Schneider Electric CEO

Peter Herweck, chief executive officer (CEO), spoke to Amritha Pillay about India outpacing global growth, labour-related challenges, and growth drivers

Govt to offer 26 blocks at 9th round of commercial coal mine auction on Wed

The Centre will launch the ninth round of commercial coal mines auction on Wednesday, offering as many as 26 blocks to bidders. In pursuit of ensuring energy security and driving economic development, the Ministry of Coal is set to embark on another significant stride with the launch of the 9th round of Commercial Coal Mine Auctions here on 20th December 2023, the Coal Ministry said in a statement. "Of the 26 coal mines to be auctioned, seven are fully explored, while 19 are partially explored blocks," the ministry said. These mines are in the states of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Telangana. Coal and Mines Minister Pralhad Joshi will be the chief guest and Minister of State for Railways, Coal and Mines Raosaheb Patil Danve will be the guest of honour on the occasion. Unlike previous commercial coal mine auctions, there are no restrictions on the sale or utilisation of coal. "Notably, eligibility criteria have been eliminated, removing any technical or financial ..

Average power purchase cost increases by 71 paise per unit during FY22-23

Average power purchase cost increased by 71 paise per unit during FY22-23 due to a rise in various overheads like transmission and distribution rates, Parliament was informed on Thursday. On the rise in power cost due to increased use of imported coal, Union Power Minister RK Singh, in a written reply to the Lok Sabha, said, "Average power purchase cost increased by 71 paise only between FY22 and FY23. This is because of increase in various costs including an increase in transmission and distribution costs". The minister explained that with the rise in electricity demand from July 2021 onwards, the consumption of coal in thermal power plants increased. The supply of domestic coal on a daily basis was less than consumption, which resulted in the depletion of coal stock and stocks at plants came down from 28.7 million tonnes (MT) as of June 30, 2021, to about 8.1 million tonnes (MT) as of September 30, 2021, he added. Therefore, in December 2021, the Ministry of Power advised state

India's power consumption grows nearly 9% to 1,099 bn units in April-Nov

Power consumption has increased by nearly nine per cent to 1,099.90 billion units (BU) in the country during April-November this fiscal compared to the same period a year ago, showing a surge in economic activities. The power consumption in the country was 1,010.20 BU in April-November 2022-23, higher than 916.52 BU recorded in the same period of 2021-22. Power consumption in the entire fiscal 2022-23 was 1,504.26 BU, higher than 1,374.02 BU witnessed in 2021-22 financial year. Industry experts said that around nine per cent growth in power consumption in the first eight months of this fiscal year shows buoyancy in the economy. The power ministry had estimated the country's electricity demand to touch 229 GW during summer. The demand did not reach the projected level in April-July due to unseasonal rain. The peak demand, however, touched a new high of 224.1 GW in June before dropping to 209.03 GW in July. Peak demand touched 238.82 GW in August. In September this year, it was at a

India's power consumption grows 8.5% to 119.64 bn units in November

The country's power consumption grew nearly 8.5 per cent to 119.64 billion units (BU) in November, showing a surge in electricity demand due to festivities and increased economic activities. In the year-ago period, power consumption stood at 110.25 BU, higher than 99.32 billion units recorded in November 2021, according to the government data. The peak power demand met -- the highest supply in a day -- rose to 204.60 GW in November. The peak power supply stood at 187.34 GW in November 2022 and 166.10 GW in November 2021. The power ministry had estimated the country's electricity demand to touch 229 GW during summer. The demand did not reach the projected level in April-July due to unseasonal rain. The peak supply, however, touched a new high of 224.1 GW in June before dropping to 209.03 GW in July. Peak demand touched 238.19 GW in August. In September this year, it was 240.17 GW. The peak demand was 222.16 GW in October 2023. Industry experts said power consumption was affected

New FTAs, lower cost of power, logistics to help boost exports: PHDCCI

Measures like comprehensive trade pacts, reduction in cost of capital, power, and land reforms will help boost India's exports of goods and services to USD 2 trillion by 2030, an industry chamber report said on Thursday. The PHDCCI's report also recommended schemes for 75 potential export products including marine items, iron ore, some chemicals, pharma, cotton, aluminium, and tankers to promote shipments. "The 75 products have been identified from nine most promising sectors. These products contribute around USD 222 billion, which is around 50 per cent of India's total exports. At the global level, these 75 products have significant presence in world exports, whereas India's share of these products is only 6 per cent of the total world exports," it said. The report - India's Emerging Export Dynamics: Vision USD 2 Trillion Exports by 2030. - added that India's service exports have traditionally been concentrated in North America and Europe, but growing continents like Asia, Africa,

Power plants to run at full capacity as electricity demand rises: Singh

Union Minister R K Singh on Monday asked his counterparts in states to run all power plants at full capacity to meet the peak demand against the backdrop of rising electricity consumption and coal shortage. The minister made the remarks at the inauguration of two-day National Conference of Power and New & Renewable Energy Ministers of States & UTs in the national capital. "To meet the growing demand, all states need to run all power plants and at full capacity," Singh said. He met with his counterparts in states and union territories and shared his views on steps being taken to address the growing power demand in the country, which he said is a sign of fast growth of the Indian economy. Singh further said some states do not run their power plants at peak capacity and instead seek power from the Centre's pool. If some states are not running their plants at peak demand, "we will not be able to supplement from the central pool. We have to focus on making sure that all our plants .

Power consumption grows 9.4% to 984.39 billion units in April-October

India's power consumption grew 9.4 per cent to around 984.39 billion units in the April-October period this fiscal compared to a year ago mainly due to improvement in economic activities and weather conditions. Power consumption in the April-October period in fiscal year 2022-23 was 899.95 billion units, according to power ministry data. Another indicator, peak power demand, was also higher at nearly 241 GW during the April-October period this fiscal against 215.88 GW in the same period in 2022. The country's power consumption grew nearly 22 per cent to 138.94 billion units (BU) in October, showing a surge in electricity demand due to festivities and increased economic activities. In the same month a year ago, power consumption stood at 113.94 BU, higher than 112.79 billion units recorded in October 2021, as per government data. A spokesperson of Tata Power Delhi Distribution Ltd said, "In the last couple of months, electricity consumption has gone up substantially." In October 2

India's power demand for ACs to exceed total consumption of Africa: IEA

India's demand for electricity for running household air conditioners is estimated to expand nine-fold by 2050 and will exceed total power consumption in the whole of Africa today, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said on Tuesday. In its latest World Energy Outlook, IEA said India will see the largest energy demand growth of any country or region in the world over the next three decades. It projected India's energy supply to rise from 42 exajoules (EJ) in 2022 to 53.7 EJ in 2030 and 73 EJ in 2050 under stated policies scenarios and 47.6 EJ by 2030 and 60.3 EJ by 2050 as per announced pledges. Oil demand is seen rising from 5.2 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2022 to 6.8 million bpd in 2030 and 7.8 million bpd in 2050 under stated policies scenario. Under announced pledges, this demand is seeking 6.2 million bpd in 2030 and 4.7 million bpd in 2050. IEA said over the past five decades, India witnessed over 700 heatwave events, which have claimed over 17,000 lives. Fuelled by it

Rs 20,773.7 cr cleared for transmission line to evacuate power from Ladakh

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved Rs 20,773.7 crore to set up a transmission line for evacuating power from for 13 GW renewable energy project in Ladakh. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Independence Day speech announced setting up a 7.5 GW Solar Park in Ladakh. After an extensive field survey, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) prepared a plan to set up a 13 GW Renewable Energy (RE) generation capacity along with a 12 GWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Pang, Ladakh. For evacuating this huge quantum of power, it will be necessary to create an inter-state transmission infrastructure, an official release said. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the project on Green Energy Corridor (GEC) Phase-II Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) for 13 GW Renewable Energy Project in Ladakh, it added. The transmission line for evacuating this power will pass through Himachal Pradesh and Punjab up to Kaithal in Haryana, where it will be ...

Power consumption up by 6,000 MW in Karnataka due to drought: Siddaramaiah

Blaming the previous BJP government for the current power crisis in Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said due to drought this year, consumption has gone up from 10,000 MW to 16,000 MW in October. Responding to questions on load-shedding in the state, he said the farmers are using more electricity for their pump sets in the absence of adequate rains this year. Despite being in power for five years, neither former Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy nor BJP added even one megawatt of electricity. It is our government which generated more power in the state, Siddaramaiah told reporters here. Kumaraswamy ran a Congress-JD(S) coalition government for 14 months from 2018 to 2019 before it collapsed due to the disqualification of several MLAs after they crossed over to the BJP. Subsequently, the BJP came to power, and it lost to the Congress in the Assembly elections held in May this year. Due to lack of (adequate) rains this year, farmers are using more electricity for their pump sets.