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Time of India
4 minutes ago
- Business
- Time of India
Centre okays ₹8,146 crore investment for 700 MW hydro project in Arunachal Pradesh
New Delhi: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs ( CCEA ) on Tuesday approved an investment of ₹8,146.21 crore for the construction of 700 megawatt (MW) Tato-II Hydro Electric Project in Shi Yomi district of Arunachal Pradesh , with an estimated completion period of 72 months. The Centre will provide ₹458.79 crore as Budgetary support for the construction of roads, bridges and associated transmission lines under enabling infrastructure, and ₹436.13 crore as central financial assistance towards the state's equity share. The project, with an installed capacity of four units of 175 MW each, will produce 2,738.06 million units (MU) of energy annually. The power generated will improve electricity supply in Arunachal Pradesh and help in balancing the national grid. The project will be implemented through a joint venture between North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO) and the Arunachal Pradesh government. Arunachal Pradesh will receive 12 per cent free power from the project and another one per cent towards the Local Area Development Fund. The initiative will involve the development of about 32.88 kilometres of roads and bridges, which will largely be available for local use. Essential infrastructure such as hospitals, schools, marketplaces and playgrounds will also be developed with a dedicated project fund of ₹20 crore. The project is expected to generate direct and indirect employment opportunities and extend benefits to local suppliers, enterprises and MSMEs. According to the government, the Tato-II project is aligned with the objectives of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan and will contribute to infrastructure development and socio-economic growth in the region.
New Indian Express
30-07-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Himachal cabinet cancels 172 stalled hydro projects
CHANDIGARH: The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet on Tuesday approved the cancellation of 172 small hydro projects, each below 5 MW capacity, under the Himachal Pradesh Energy Development Agency (HIMURJA), where construction had allegedly stalled for an extended period. The state government will re-advertise these projects, as per the decision taken at a cabinet meeting. It was also decided to apply a uniform free power royalty of 12 per cent, along with an additional one per cent for the Local Area Development Fund, for all hydro projects up to 5 MW that will be allotted in the future. The cabinet further approved the cancellation of 22 hydroelectric projects above 5 MW, previously allotted by the Directorate of Energy, where implementation agreements had not been signed. For the remaining projects, developers have been allowed time until 5 August 2025 to submit replies to the notices served. A committee will be constituted to negotiate with 14 project developers for an out-of-court settlement to refund the principal amount of the upfront premium, without interest. Amendments were also approved to the Himachal Pradesh Minor Minerals (Concession) and Minerals (Prevention of Illegal Mining, Transportation and Storage) Rules, 2015. Under the revised provisions, contractors or agencies engaged in road cutting will now be permitted to use the generated material during the de-siltation and maintenance of reservoir projects for captive purposes.
News18
30-07-2025
- Business
- News18
Himachal Cabinet cancels 172 stalled hydro projects
Agency: Shimla, Jul 30 (PTI) The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet on Wednesday allowed cancellation of 172 small hydro projects of below 5 MW capacity under Himachal Pradesh Energy Development Agency (HIMURJA), where construction work had been stalled for an extended period. The state government will re-advertise these projects, as per the decision taken at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. Also, it was decided to apply a uniform free power royalty of 12 per cent along with an additional one per cent for the Local Area Development Fund for all hydro projects up to 5 MW that will be allotted in the future. The Cabinet also gave its approval to cancel 22 hydroelectric projects above 5 MW, where implementation agreements have not been signed, previously allotted by the Directorate of Energy, a statement issued here said. A committee will be formed to negotiate with 14 project developers for an out-of-court settlement for the refund of the principal amount of upfront premium, without interest. The state cabinet has also given its approval for amendments to the existing Compassionate Employment Policy. As per the revised policy, the annual income eligibility criterion per family has been enhanced from Rs 2.50 to Rs 3 lakh. Besides, under compassionate appointments, priority will now be given to widows and parentless applicants below 45 years of age, as well as to the dependents of government officials who died while performing their duties. Additionally, in cases where vacancies under the existing five per cent quota for such appointments are unavailable, the Cabinet has permitted a one-time relaxation of this quota to ensure eligible applicants are accommodated. In another decision, the Cabinet has allowed engaging women workers in shops and commercial establishments to work in night shifts from 7 pm to 7 am to ensure gender equality. It was also decided to grant maternity benefits to every woman employee working in such establishments as prescribed under the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961. The Cabinet has decided to constitute a Cabinet Sub-Committee under the chairmanship of Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan on the development of 300 acre Medical Device Park at Nalagarh. The Sub Committee has been asked to submit its report within two months. Nod was also given to amendments to the Himachal Pradesh Minor Minerals (Concession) and Minerals (Prevention of Illegal Mining, Transportation and Storage) Rules, 2015. As per the revised provisions, contractors or agencies engaged in road cutting will now be permitted to use the generated material, during the de-siltation and maintenance of reservoir projects, for captive purposes. To facilitate the expansion of Kangra Airport, the Cabinet has granted a one-year extension, up to August 16, 2026, under Section 26 of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, for land acquisition proceedings, the statement added. PTI BPL HVA view comments First Published: July 30, 2025, 20:15 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Pumped storage policy to boost green energy investment in state
Patna: The state cabinet on Tuesday approved the Bihar Pumped Storage Promotion Policy, 2025, which marks a major milestone in Bihar's renewable energy journey, aiming to attract clean energy investments and develop long-term energy storage solutions. In comparison to other states, Bihar policy offers more investor-friendly incentives. Developers will be exempted from water cess during the initial reservoir filling. They will also receive concessions on intra-state power transmission charges. Moreover, no contribution will be required towards Local Area Development Fund, and the state will not demand any free royalty power from these projects, making Bihar one of the most attractive destinations for pumped storage investment in India. Under the new policy, the govt will facilitate early identification and allocation of non-forest land for such projects. District administrations and BIADA have been instructed to expedite proposals for land allocation. A dedicated single-window clearance system is also being developed by energy department to streamline approvals and provide timely support to investors. Private players will be encouraged to set up projects under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary said in the National Electricity Plan (NEP) 2022-32 of the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), energy storage is essential to incorporate the excess renewable energy into the grid. "Keeping in mind the resolution of net-zero carbon emission by 2070, the Bihar govt is committed to sustainable energy development," he said. The policy will help balance the intermittency of renewable resources like solar and wind. This is especially crucial for a growing economy like Bihar, where ensuring round-the-clock power supply through clean sources is key to inclusive development. Energy minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav said this policy will further position Bihar as a frontrunner in India's green energy transition. "It will unlock new avenues for investment, innovation, and employment," he said. Mahendra Kumar, the managing director of of Bihar State Power Generation Company Limited, termed the policy a game changer. "It will not only accelerate energy sector growth but also establish Bihar as a self-reliant and environmentally responsible state," he said.
Time of India
11-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Bihar solar policy beats frontrunner states in SOPs for investors
NEW DELHI: The Bihar Renewable Energy (RE) Policy 2025 has outdone frontrunner states in terms of concessions offered to investors as part of the Nitish Kumar-Led NDA government's aim to make Bihar one of the top-10 green power producers in the country by achieving 24 gigawatts capacity by April 2030. "As the free ISTS regime (inter-state transmission regime for solar power) is drawing to a close, Bihar is offering one of the most attractive policy regimes in the country. Those who invest in Bihar now will fetch maximum returns in time to come," state energy secretary Manoj Kumar Singh said. Easing land-related issues, a bane for solar developers, lies at the heart of the policy. Additionally, financial incentives by way of exemptions of taxes, duties and charges make the policy more attractive in comparison to states such as UP, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Odisha. The key financial incentives include 100% exemption of electricity duty (for 15 years), SGST and transmission and wheeling charges. Additionally, no free power or contribution to Local Area Development Fund is to be sought from projects, which will get open the whole tenure or 25 years, whichever is earlier. The land-related incentives include full waiver of stamp duty or registration fees for lease, sale or transfer. In addition, the policy provides 100% reimbursement of land conversion fees. Additionally, allotment of government land at 50% concessional rate to the first 1,000 EV charging stations or 50 MW capacity, whichever is higher, for RE-based stations. For promoting manufacturing capacity in the state, the policy offers priority allotment of government land on long-term lease, electricity duty exemption for 5 years, investment subsidy on SGST to RE equipment manufacturers and 100% exemption from custom duty for 5 years The policy covers a wide range of technologies including solar, wind, biomass, green hydrogen, geothermal, pumped hydro, and battery storage systems. It emphasises the development of large-scale solar parks, grid-connected systems and significant battery energy storage systems, including 4,500 MWh of grid-level battery storage and 1,600 MWh of pumped storage. On regulatory support and ease of doing business, the policy promises single-window clearances, deemed industry status for RE projects, relaxed norms for rooftop solar installations, energy banking as well as facilitation of green tariffs and carbon credit trading. It also includes targets for floating solar plants, elevated solar installations over ponds, agri-voltaic systems, and waste-to-energy projects. This ambitious policy is a significant step for Bihar to meet its growing energy needs, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and contribute to India's national climate targets, including achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
