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Indian Express
2 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
The reform India's power sector needed
In 2015, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change notified SO2 norms for coal-based thermal power plants. The establishment of flue gas desulphurisation (FGD system) for all 600-odd power plants in the country was made compulsory. The schedule for the implementation of this system was challenging. Most professionals associated with the power sector, technical experts, researchers and policymakers raised valid concerns. Since Indian coal has a low sulphur content, these experts argued that an FGD system was not necessary for most of these plants. The implementation of the system was, however, initiated in several plants. It was estimated that the capital expenditure on FGD in the old and the new plants would tax finance resources and lead to a tariff burden in the order of Rs 0.25 – 0.30 per KWhr. Power generators were worried, but more concerned were the distribution companies and consumers of power, who would have to finally bear the burden of the additional tariff. Apart from the commercial implication in terms of heavy capital expenditure and the financial burden on consumers, the issue in question was also about the technical necessity of the system in view of the very low sulphur content of Indian coal. This needed more research. A study initiated by the Ministry of Power and carried out by IIT Delhi concluded that there was a need for more comprehensive analysis of SO2 emissions and whether FGDs are necessary for all thermal power plants in the country. Niti Aayog initiated a comprehensive study, carried out by NEERI. The researchers studied all aspects of Indian coal and the extent of SO2 emissions vis-à-vis the norm. They prepared a comprehensive report and made recommendations. Their analysis suggests that 'ambient SO2 concentration in all the monitoring stations is well below the prescribed Norms of 80 micrograms per cubic meter. This is even though most of the thermal power plants have not installed FGDs'. They also recommended that, 'there is a need to revisit the stack emission norms for SO2… with the consideration of India's latitudinal position, (being) close to the equator compared to European countries, the US… who have given guidelines for SO2 emission control. India has higher and stronger solar insolation leading to high ground level heating, vertical convection, high mixing height, high ventilation.' The FGD system utilises limestone and water as its main input materials. The mining and transport of limestone to power plants leave a large carbon footprint. The atmospheric lifetime of CO2 is significantly longer than that of SO2. The revised notification does not mandate a complete withdrawal of FGD. It is now based on sound scientific studies and analysis, which have enabled 600-odd power plants of the country to be classified into three categories — those which are close to very large cities, the ones in heavily polluted areas, and others. An analysis of data collected reveals that about 78 per cent of the power plants do not require an FGD system. This means a saving of large capital expenditure, which can now be deployed for creating more power-generation capacities, primarily through the renewable route. The notification has also allayed fears of tariff burden on power consumers. In India's long-term energy transition plan, renewables will play a big role. However, the transition will need to respect energy security considerations. Domestic coal will, therefore, continue to play a meaningful role in the coming few decades. The notification not only provides relief for consumers at large, but also provides clarity on how to plan for domestic coal-based power. The writer is former power secretary, Government of India and president, India Energy Forum
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
India completes 48 GW inter-state transmission network for renewable energy
About 48 GW inter-state transmission system (ISTS) network has been installed for evacuation of solar and wind power , while 159 GW is under construction, Parliament was informed on Monday. A 340 Giga Watt (GW) Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) network has been planned to evacuate 230 GW of solar and wind power connected to ISTS, Minister of State of Power Shripad Naik said in a reply to Rajya Sabha. "As of now, out of the total planned capacity, 48 GW has been completed, 159 GW is under construction, 21 GW is under bidding, and 112 GW is under planning. "Transmission schemes are approved by the Ministry of Power or the competent authority in line with the scheduled commissioning dates of renewable energy capacities," he said. For Intra-State Transmission System (InSTS), the Minister said Green Energy Corridor (GEC)-I Scheme is under implementation in Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, and Maharashtra with a cost of ₹10,141.68 crore. The GEC-II scheme is under implementation in Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh at a cost of ₹12,031.33 crore. Further, the states have been advised to prepare respective plans for InSTS with a 10-year horizon, Naik said. On power demand, the Minister said in June the peak demand touched the level of 2,43,118 MW and peak demand met was at 2,42,493 MW having a difference of 625 MW.
Time of India
18-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Energy efficiency push: Electronic appliances to soon carry detailed labels for transparency; what it means for you
Consumers will soon be able to verify star rating claims on electronic appliances such as air-conditioners, refrigerators, televisions, and washing machines, as they will carry detailed energy efficiency labels aimed to help people make informed choices. According to people familiar with the development,the updated labels are a part of the upcoming 'Bureau of Energy Efficiency (Appliance Labelling) Regulations, 2025.' The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) under the Ministry of Power said in a notification dated 10 July, that the new labels will offer greater transparency, specifying the product's country of origin, power consumption in easy-to-understand language, a unique serial number and a QR code for traceability. Industry executives cited by ET said that current energy efficiency labels do not provide enough information and are not consumer-friendly. There have also been instances where companies were found making false claims about energy performance. The new labelling system aims to encourage consumers to pick low power-consuming models and curb misleading claims, they added. Apart from common household appliances, manufacturers will also be required to affix these new labels on deep freezers, chillers, ceiling fans, geysers, solar photovoltaic modules, and certain commercial products. The regulations will lay out the process for applying for and obtaining label authorisation, as well as compliance testing and applicable label fees, the BEE said. The rules also mandate that the new labels be prominently displayed on the product itself and at retail stores. BEE has already proposed scrapping older label design rules for certain white goods like air-conditioners, refrigerators and televisions. 'There is a revision going on regarding label design. There are altogether five notifications on that,' a government official was quoted as saying. Under BEE's existing star-rating system, appliances are rated from one star (least efficient) to five stars (most efficient). These ratings are revised every two to four years to reflect updated energy efficiency benchmarks. As per the new norms, each label must display a unique label number, equipment name, brand name, model number, energy performance parameter, label year, rated capacity, star level, validity, country of origin, and the appliance's serial number. A QR code will also be included for digital verification. ET had earlier reported that the power ministry is working on a plan to incentivise consumers to replace air-conditioners that are 10 years or older with new five-star models, offering them scrapping benefits and discounted prices to support the energy efficiency push. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
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Business Standard
18-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Star rating, QR code, origin: Labels on ACs, TVs, fridges to get a revamp
In a major step to help consumers pick genuine and energy-efficient products, new labelling norms are being introduced for appliances such as ACs, refrigerators, washing machines, TVs, ceiling fans, geysers, and solar PV modules, according to a report by The Economic Times. The labels will soon carry more detailed and user-friendly information, including the product's energy consumption, brand details, country of origin, star rating, and a QR code for traceability. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), under the Ministry of Power, issued a notification on July 10 for the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (Appliance Labelling) Regulations, 2025. These rules will replace older labelling guidelines for white goods and will also cover several commercial products. New programme to replace old ACs with energy-efficient alternatives The Ministry of Power, in coordination with the BEE, is developing a new initiative aimed at helping households replace air conditioners (ACs) older than a decade with newer, more energy-efficient alternatives. The proposed programme will likely include financial incentives to encourage the switch to five-star rated ACs, which consume much less electricity. India has seen a sharp rise in AC sales, jumping from 8.4 million units in 2021–22 to nearly 11 million in 2023–24. This reflects growing demand for cooling, especially as temperatures continue to rise. According to government estimates, buildings in India used nearly 500 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity last year, with cooling accounting for around 25 per cent of this. Most ACs over 10 years old are rated below three stars, making them significantly less efficient than current models. BEE states that replacing these with five-star rated units could help households save up to ₹6,300 annually in electricity costs while easing stress on the power grid during peak summer. Mandatory temperature limits proposed to improve energy use India is also considering setting a national temperature range for all air conditioners — including those in buildings and vehicles — to between 20 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius. This would be the first time such limits are made mandatory. The idea is to reduce power demand spikes, lower electricity bills, and improve energy use efficiency. While some ACs currently allow settings as low as 16 degrees Celsius or as high as 30 degrees Celsius, the new rule would cap those extremes. According to a 2020 BEE directive, all star-labelled ACs — whether for rooms or vehicles — must have a default setting of 24 degrees Celsius. Commercial buildings are allowed to adjust this range slightly, between 24 degrees Celsius and 25 degrees Celsius, to balance comfort and power savings.
Time of India
17-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Centre sets ball rolling for India's Automotive Mission Plan 2047
The Ministry of Heavy Industries has initiated the formulation of the Automotive Mission Plan 2047 (AMP 2047) aimed at enhancing innovation, global competitiveness, and sustainable development to establish India as a global automotive leader by 2047, according to an official statement issued on Thursday. The initiative is a strategic roadmap aligned with the 'Viksit Bharat @2047' vision, building on the achievements of previous Automotive Mission Plans, which promoted the significant growth in India's automotive sector through stakeholder collaboration, the statement explained. The inaugural meeting of the AMP 2047 Sub-Committees was held here to outline the objectives and framework. Additional Secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industries, Hanif Qureshi, said, "The vision for 2047 is not an aspiration but a strategic roadmap, backed by concrete targets for sector growth, exports, and industry advancement. We must think beyond specific technologies or companies and focus on India's global standing in 2047, aiming to increase our share in global automotive trade through innovation and quality." Representatives from various ministries, including the Ministry of Power, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, DPIIT, Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change and industry bodies such as SIAM, ACMA, and CII, FICCI, academic institutions, research think tanks and testing agencies attended the meet to start an industry-led effort to shape AMP 2047. The initiative seeks to integrate the collective vision of stakeholders, including Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), auto component manufacturers, policymakers, academia, and end users, to address challenges like technological advancements and charging infrastructure. Seven Sub-Committees, comprising experts from government, industry, and academia, will guide the development of a comprehensive plan targeting milestones for 2030, 2037, and 2047. The Ministry, under the guidance of Minister for Heavy Industries H. D. Kumaraswamy, underscores its commitment to building a self-reliant, innovative, and sustainable automotive ecosystem. Multiple Sub-Committee meetings will consolidate ideas and data for presentation to the Apex Committee, chaired by Kamran Rizvi, Secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industries, the statement added.
