The Arvind Mayaram committee suggested that in sectors like power exchanges, petroleum & natural gas refining, there is a need for mandatory Indian ownership. These sectors are part of the nine sectors that the panel recommended for classifying as those where 'Indian ownership' and 'control' will be mandatory. It may be recalled that the central government set up the Arvind Mayaram committee to suggest measures for liberalising the country's foreign direct investment (FDI
Category: Power & New and Renewable Energy
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Karnataka ryots ask govt for subsidised solar-IP sets
Farmers in Karnataka have urged the State government to grant 75 per cent subsidy on solar-powered pumpsets for their agruculture needs. Hit by frequent and unscheduled power cuts, farmers in the state are showing interest in alternative sources of energy to power their irrigation pumpsets (IP sets).
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Govt targets TN’s hospitality sector to promote solar power
In Tamil Nadu, the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is now targeting hospitals and hospitality sectors to promote solar energy as an alternative. To demonstrate this, the Union government partnered with the United Nation Development Program (UNDP) and Global Environment Fund (GEF) to conduct programmes based on solar power for market development.
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Plea for solar energy policy in Kerala
A group of social, environmental and human rights activists, led by VR Krishna Iyer, has urged the Kerala government to formulate a ‘people’s solar energy policy’ in view of the declining power availability and rising power bill in the State. The activists – who included Sugatha Kumari, Sara Joseph, M Geethanandan, CK Janu and CR Neelakandan – pointed out that the UDF had an open-door policy for private players in the renewable energy field.
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RGPPL shuts operation in Dabhol power plant
Since June 6, the 1,967 mw-Dabhol power plant in Maharashtra has been closed owing to lack of natural gas. Ratnagiri Gas & Power (RGPPL), which owns the plant, is demanding gas linkage for the plant in order to restart generation. This is the second time the project remains shut after April 2013, Between February 21 and April 2, the plant remained closed because of a lack of gas supply.
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NHPC cautious of clearing cost escalation in projects
Media reports indicate that the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) has been cautious of clearing cost escalation for various hydel projects anticipating adverse comments from the comptroller and auditor general (CAG) of India. NHPC officials are dragging their feet in clearing cost escalations, which is a common trend in hydropower projects, fearing CAG
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MoEF proposes to set up system for granting forest approval
According to a draft policy released by the ministry of environment and forests (MoEF), a technology driven system would be set up for providing forest clearances to various projects. The draft policy pertains to the inspection, verification, monitoring and overall procedure for the grant of forest clearances. The policy includes a provision to set up an independent, remote-sensing, satellite-based monitoring system to detect encroachment and unauthorised chan
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SAIL to complete Rs 38 bn project by FY15
By 2014-15, state-run steel maker plans to complete its proposed Rs 3,800 crore environment protection-related projects at its iron ore mines, media reports indicate. The projects, which is part of the over Rs 10,000-crore modernisation and expansion programme, includes improvement in ore processing for zero discharge, minimising generation of tailings, reduction in use of water and land
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Thermal plants operated at low peak load factor
Thermal power plants in the country operated at an average peak load factor (PLF) of 69.95 percent, which is a nine-year low in 2012-13 owing to insufficient availability of coal. Given the stagnation in the production of coal and natural gas, industry observers raise doubt as to how
the raw material needs of our future power projects would be met. In 2013-14, India's power generation capacity is expe
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Govt’s new gas policy may bring an end to power woes
The Union government has taken initiative to generate power from gas-based power projects. With this, an end to the power woes is expected in the country. The government is expected to take several major administrative decisions this month, which will give a new lease of life to around 26,800 mw of stranded and ready-to-be commissioned gas-based power projects. The Cabinet Committee on Investment (CCI) is expected to give a go-ahead for according priority to gas allocation for the power sector,