Latest news with #AUSC
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
India's next gen coal-fired power projects in limbo; Approvals pending over a year after Budget announcement
The 800 MW NTPC-BHEL advanced ultra super critical (AUSC) coal fired project is yet to get requisite approvals from the centre despite being announced in Budget 2024-25. According to submissions by the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) before the Parliamentary Committee on Public Undertakings (CoPU), follow-up meetings were held at NITI Aayog in August and December 2024 subsequent to the budget announcement. 'A draft Public Investment Board (PIB) note for approval was also submitted to the Power Ministry by NTPC with project details in March 2025,' MHI said. But there has been no progress since. 'The final approval from the Government is still awaited which is crucial for the project to move forward,' the Parliamentary Committee said. The AUSC project aims to replace aging subcritical coal plants with more efficient and environmentally friendly alternatives. The technology, developed jointly by BHEL , NTPC, and the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), completed its R&D phase in December 2020. According to MHI, the proposed Technology Demonstration Plant (TDP) is to be located at NTPC Korba in Chhattisgarh and implemented by NTPC BHEL Power Projects Private Limited (NBPPL). Expressing concerns over the delay, The CoPU expressed concern over the delay, calling the ministry's response 'interim' and urging the Ministry of Heavy Industries to 'vigorously follow up' with the Ministry of Power and other relevant departments to secure final approval. The committee emphasized the importance of the AUSC project in improving the efficiency and environmental performance of India's thermal power fleet, especially as over 130 GW of coal-based capacity is expected to cross 30 years of age by 2047. The report also highlighted broader issues facing BHEL, including procurement restrictions, delays in board appointments, and gender representation in the workforce. The committee reiterated its call for time-bound action and greater inter-ministerial coordination to ensure strategic projects like AUSC do not languish despite policy support.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
India's next gen coal-fired power projects in limbo; Approvals pending over a year after Budget announcement
The 800 MW NTPC-BHEL advanced ultra super critical (AUSC) coal-fired project, announced in Budget 2024-25, is awaiting final government approval despite submissions and follow-up meetings. The parliamentary committee urges swift action, emphasizing the project's importance in modernizing India's aging thermal power fleet and improving environmental performance, especially with over 130 GW of coal capacity nearing 30 years. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The 800 MW NTPC-BHEL advanced ultra super critical (AUSC) coal fired project is yet to get requisite approvals from the centre despite being announced in Budget 2024-25. According to submissions by the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) before the Parliamentary Committee on Public Undertakings (CoPU), follow-up meetings were held at NITI Aayog in August and December 2024 subsequent to the budget announcement.'A draft Public Investment Board (PIB) note for approval was also submitted to the Power Ministry by NTPC with project details in March 2025,' MHI said. But there has been no progress since.'The final approval from the Government is still awaited which is crucial for the project to move forward,' the Parliamentary Committee AUSC project aims to replace aging subcritical coal plants with more efficient and environmentally friendly alternatives. The technology, developed jointly by BHEL , NTPC, and the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), completed its R&D phase in December to MHI, the proposed Technology Demonstration Plant (TDP) is to be located at NTPC Korba in Chhattisgarh and implemented by NTPC BHEL Power Projects Private Limited (NBPPL).Expressing concerns over the delay, The CoPU expressed concern over the delay, calling the ministry's response 'interim' and urging the Ministry of Heavy Industries to 'vigorously follow up' with the Ministry of Power and other relevant departments to secure final committee emphasized the importance of the AUSC project in improving the efficiency and environmental performance of India's thermal power fleet, especially as over 130 GW of coal-based capacity is expected to cross 30 years of age by report also highlighted broader issues facing BHEL, including procurement restrictions, delays in board appointments, and gender representation in the workforce. The committee reiterated its call for time-bound action and greater inter-ministerial coordination to ensure strategic projects like AUSC do not languish despite policy support.
The Citizen
09-08-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Durban North athletes makes a splash in Namibia
DURBAN North resident Indiana de Villiers put in an exceptional performance at the recent African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Youth Games in Namibia, winning 10 medals (four gold and six silvers). This was the Grade 12 Our Lady of Fatima learner's first international gala. De Villiers' efforts helped push the country's medal tally up to 144 which included 65 golds for SA athletes across various sporting codes. Speaking on her performance in the pool, the 18-year-old said she felt an enormous sense of pride wearing the green and gold. Also read: Durban North resident reflects on Amashova victory 'Before the competition I was content with making the finals as I didn't really know what to expect as it was my first international gala. My first event at the games was the 50m butterfly which is my favourite event. I think winning that and achieving a personal best settled my nerves. 'After the race I thought 'maybe I can actually do really well here'. I'm really happy with my performances, aside from the 50m butterfly I also achieved other personal best (PB) times which I was ecstatic about. The best part for me was representing your country and standing on the podium listening to our national anthem, I just got goosebumps,' she said. In all, her four gold medals were won in the 50m butterfly, the 4×100 freestyle relay, the 4×100 medley relay gold and the 4×100 mixed relay freestyle. De Villiers, who is a member of Aqua Athletes Durban, is coached by Tracey Hemphill, who also happened to be one of the Team SA coaches at the event. Video: Durban North resident shapes bodyboarding journey 'I really enjoyed having her there with me. She gave me good peace of mind and helped me with the mental aspect of the competition. I was a bit nervous to race in such a big gala but Tracey helped me so much. It was special to share the moment with my coach,' she said. For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook , X or Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here
The Citizen
24-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Tongaat teen volleyballer claims silver medal in national debut
Tongaat teenager Shridhaan Lahldas made his national volleyball debut at the Region 5 Games, returning with silver for South Africa. The South African U19 men's volleyball team delivered a spirited performance at the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Games, held from July 4 to 13 in Namibia. South Africa progressed to the final after edging out Malawi in a tense five-set semi-final (3-2), but were ultimately outplayed by a dominant Zimbabwean side, who secured gold with a straight-sets victory (3-0). The AUSC Region 5 Games saw 10 southern African nations compete across various sporting codes, with the volleyball matches held in Windhoek. Lahldas (17), a Grade 11 pupil at Seatides Combined School and player for Anglers Volleyball Club juniors, described the tournament as a dream come true. 'There are no words to describe the feeling of representing my country for the first time,' he said. Despite falling short in the final, Lahldas said the experience was invaluable. 'Playing against different countries meant adapting to new styles and tactics. There were lots of small variables to adjust to.' He praised Zimbabwe's strength and noted South Africa had suffered several injuries ahead of the final. 'Their power hitters came at us with brutal force. They flew through the air and sped around the court, it was intense. We had some injuries but not enough time to recover on the day.' His father, Ryaan Lahldas, a former Proteas volleyball player who represented South Africa for 14 years, said the family was extremely proud of Shridhaan's achievement. 'He was bound to take up the sport, it runs in the family and is one of the main sports in Tongaat.' Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here, or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below.
The Citizen
22-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Hoërskool Marais Viljoen High School's Ashlynn Norman clinches gold medal in Namibia
Hoërskool Marais Viljoen High School's Ashlynn Norman (17) was part of South Africa's athletics team and stars that performed incredibly well at the 11th African Union Sport Council (AUSC) Region 5 Youth Games in Swakopmund, Namibia. AUSC is a specialised technical office of the African Union (AU) responsible for sports. It was established through the endorsement of the Statute of AUSC by the Assembly of African Heads of States and Governments in 2016. Part of AUSC's mandate is to co-ordinate African sports action between Member States for the promotion and development of sports and development through sport in Africa. Norman was part of 198 athletes across 13 different sporting codes who topped the medals table. She opened and closed her event with a jump of 5.38m. She reportedly showed nerves at first but went on to finish strong, clinching gold for Team SA in long jump. She also powered her team to victory in relay in the 4x100m category, earning herself a second gold medal. 'We are incredibly proud of Ashlynn Norman, who represented South Africa at the Region 5 Games in Swakopmund and walked away with not one, but two gold medals. Ashlynn is a hardworking and talented athlete, and above all, a proud learner of Marais Viljoen. Her passion is unstoppable. Congratulations, Ashlynn, you have made your school and your country proud,' said HS Viljoen in a statement. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
