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Business Recorder
3 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
PM told: DISCOs slash losses by Rs193bn
ISLAMABAD: In a rare breakthrough for the country's beleaguered power sector, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was informed on Tuesday that power distribution companies (DISCOs) had slashed their losses by a staggering Rs193 billion – marking a game-changing improvement of Rs242 billion in their financial health. While chairing a high-level meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Energy, the prime minister described the turnaround as 'extremely encouraging,' calling it the first meaningful dent in the decades-long inefficiencies that have plagued the sector. He emphasised that the reduction in DISCOs' losses would facilitate the much-delayed privatisation of power distribution companies. The committee was briefed on key developments, including the approval of critical amendments to the National Electricity Plan – Strategic Directive 87. Privatisation of Discos: NA panel raises objection to selection criteria The Power Division officials said that under these amendments, wheeling charges were set at Rs12.55 per kilowatt, and competitive bidding prices were incorporated into the framework. Furthermore, the committee was informed that the Independent System and Market Operator (ISMO) had been officially operationalised, and market operations departments were established within the National Transmission and Dispatch Company (NTDC) and various DISCOs – signalling a shift towards a more robust, market-driven power sector. The prime minister commended Federal Minister for Power Awais Leghari, Federal Secretary Dr Muhammad Fakhar Alam, and their teams for their 'outstanding performance' amid tough reforms. He also directed that letters of appreciation be sent to the chief executive officers (CEOs) of power distribution companies that had shown remarkable progress. During the briefing, Power Division officials singled out Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) and Multan Electric Power Company (MEPCO) for their standout performance in reducing losses. However, the meeting was also informed that the mounting circular debt had reached Rs780 billion – a glaring challenge that continues to haunt the power sector. Notably, a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office did not elaborate further on what was discussed regarding the circular debt issue – leaving one of the sector's most pressing crises conspicuously unaddressed in official communication. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Mint
4 days ago
- Business
- Mint
Govt races to build transmission firms amid push to meet 2030 clean energy goal
New Delhi: The government has accelerated efforts to upgrade India's electricity transmission backbone, which had been slacking amid a growing need to integrate the country's rapidly expanding green power capacity to the grid. In the first half of 2025, more than 30 power sector firms—mostly transmission companies and infrastructure investment trusts—were incorporated, ministry of corporate affairs data show. The number of power sector enterprises established this year by the Union government jumped from two in February to 10 in June. India has made rapid progress in adding renewable power capacity—its non-fossil fuel capacity of 242.8 GW accounts for about half of the total installed capacity of 484.8 GW—but the transmission infrastructure has not kept pace. India is targeting 500 GW of clean energy capacity by 2030. A wider and robust transmission network is required also because the addition of renewable power such as solar and wind energy increases chances of grid instability and largescale power outages as these are intermittent sources of power. In 2024-25, 8,830 circuit kilometres (ckm) of transmission network was added, nearly 38% lower than the 14,203 ckm added in FY24, show data from the Central Electricity Authority (CEA). But in the first two months of this fiscal year (April-May), transmission capacity addition has gained pace—with 620 ckm of transmission lines added, up from 391 ckm in the same year-ago period. Overall, India currently has a power transmission network of 495,405 ckm, and as per the National Electricity Plan. An additional 191,000 ckm of transmission lines would be required by 2031-32. According to the National Electricity Plan for transmission released by the CEA in October, this will require a cumulative investment of ₹9.15 trillion in India's power transmission sector to ensure steady power supply as well as add battery storage capacity. The plan entails integration of 10 GW of offshore wind capacity, 47 GW of battery energy storage systems, and 30 GW of pumped storage plants. Additional transmission capacity would also cater to the needs of green hydrogen and green ammonia manufacturing hubs. As India's transmission capacity addition gains pace, the focus will shift from inter-state transmission systems to intra-state transmission systems, leading to greater role of state agencies and companies, said Alok Kumar, former secretary in the Union ministry of power. As the 100% waiver of ISTS (inter-state transmission system) charges for renewable energy ended in June, and there would be a gradual decline in the waiver, the focus would now be more on the intra-state transmission and expansion at the state-level," he said. Inter-state transmission system charges are fees payable by developers to transmit electricity from one state to another. Renewable energy projects completed by 30 June are being offered a 100% waiver in ISTS charges for 25 years. Developers who complete their projects on or before 30 June 2026 will be offered a 75% waiver for 25 years, and projects commissioned by 30 June 2028 will get a 25% waiver. Projects that remain incomplete beyond 30 June 2028 will not be offered any waiver. More power to state-run projects State-run power sector companies are allowed to spend ₹85,838 crore towards capital and operational expenditure this financial year, about 21% more than in FY25, Union Budget documents show. This includes debt and internal resources. The parent entities behind the 10 state-run power enterprises established this year include NLC India Renewables Ltd, which is the green energy arm of NLC India Ltd; NTPC Green Energy Ltd, a subsidiary of NTPC Ltd; Power Finance Corp.; Coal India Ltd; and Gail India Ltd, show data from the ministry of corporate affairs. In addition, PFC Consulting Ltd, a subsidiary of Power Finance Corp., set up multiple transmission projects, including Wagdari Transmission Ltd and Saswad Transmission Ltd. REC Power Development and Consultancy Ltd, a unit of state-owned REC Ltd, established special purpose vehicles Rajgarh Neemuch Power Transmission Ltd, Ananthapuram II Power Transmission Ltd, and Davanagere Power Transmission Ltd to step up India's power transmission capacity. Earlier this month, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved a special exemption for NLC India Ltd to invest ₹7,000 crore in NLC India Renewables Ltd. NIRL, in turn, would invest in various projects directly or through the formation of joint ventures without having to obtain approval. This investment is exempted from the 30% net worth ceiling stipulated by the Department of Public Enterprises for overall investment by central public sector companies in joint ventures and subsidiaries, allowing NLC India Ltd and NIRL greater operational and financial flexibility. The exemptions aim to support NLC India Ltd's ambitious target of developing 10.11 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 and expanding this to 32 GW by 2047. NIRL Assam Renewables Ltd and NIRL Rajasthan Renewables Ltd, which were established in May and June, respectively, are focused on solar, wind, and hybrid renewable energy projects. NTPC-Mahapreit Green Energy Ltd, established in April, will focuson the development, operation, and maintenance of renewable energy parks, including ultra mega renewable energy power parks and other renewable energy projects in Maharashtra. These will comprise solar, wind, and hybrid technologies, with or without energy storage solutions, and have a cumulative capacity of up to 10 GW. NTPC-Mahapreit is a 74:26 joint venture between NTPC Green Energy and Mahatma Phule Renewable Energy and Infrastructure Technology Ltd.
Time of India
7 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
India can charge every EV by 2032 using just 3% of its solar and wind target: Report
New Delhi: Charging every electric vehicle in India by 2032 will need only a fraction—just 3 per cent—of the country's targeted solar and wind power capacity for that year, according to a new analysis by energy think tank Ember. This finding suggests that India's clean energy push under the National Electricity Plan (NEP-14), which targets 486 GW of solar and wind by 2032, could comfortably support the country's rising EV fleet without additional strain on the grid. The study estimates that powering the entire projected EV stock in 2032 would require around 15 GW of solar and wind energy capacity. However, the report highlights that the environmental benefits of EVs will depend heavily on when and how the charging takes place. 'Today, most EV charging happens at homes in the evening and night, when fossil fuels dominate the power mix,' said Ruchita Shah, energy analyst at Ember. 'Using measures such as Time-of-Day (ToD) tariffs while expanding public charging stations , especially at workplaces and commercial hubs, will enable more daytime charging and greater use of clean energy.' Daytime charging key to clean transport While EV adoption is increasing, the report titled "From fossil to flexible: advancing India's road transport electrification" points to a mismatch between charging times and clean power availability. With coal dominating nighttime electricity generation, most private EV users end up charging during fossil-heavy hours, reducing the climate benefits of switching to electric mobility. To address this, eight states—Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu—have introduced solar-hour ToD tariffs that make power cheaper during sunlight hours, when clean energy is abundant. Public charging and state policies The report analyses policies and charging behaviour in 10 states with high EV penetration or policy visibility, including Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh. It recommends that public charging stations be deployed at commercial hubs and workplaces to encourage daytime charging and maximise renewable usage. Ember also notes that most green tariffs available for renewable electricity are limited to commercial users. Residential EV users—who currently account for most of India's charging demand—cannot access them. 'States with higher EV adoption can view the EV sector, among others, as a strategic lever to stimulate demand for clean electricity procurement,' Shah added. Data and discoms at the centre of clean charging The report stresses the need for data-driven planning. Discoms need real-time information and forecasting systems to predict EV charging demand and align it with renewable power availability. With the right policies, India can use its expanding renewable infrastructure to decarbonise road transport and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Time of India
7 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
India's EV fleet could be powered by just 3% of 2032 renewable targets: Report
A mere 3 per cent of India's targeted wind and solar capacity under the National Electricity Plan (NEP-14) could be sufficient to power the nation's entire electric vehicle (EV) fleet by 2032, given the right policy framework and robust charging infrastructure are in place, according to a report by energy think tank Ember. Ember's analysis, which utilises two EV stock projections for 2030/2032, estimates that India's EV charging demand in 2032 will likely require approximately 15 gigawatts (GW) of wind and solar equivalent capacity. This figure represents roughly 3 per cent of the 486 GW wind and solar capacity target outlined in NEP-14. Need for greater utilisation of clean energy The report highlights that most Indian states already designate solar hours as off-peak periods and offer rebates for charging EVs during these times. "Today, most EV charging happens at homes in the evening and night, when fossil fuels dominate the power mix. Implementing measures such as Time-of-Day (ToD) tariffs whilst expanding public charging stations, particularly at workplaces and commercial hubs, will facilitate more daytime charging and greater utilisation of clean energy," Ruchita Shah, Energy Analyst at Ember, said. States including Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu have already introduced solar-hour ToD tariffs for electric vehicles. The study also suggests that EV charging could serve as an additional avenue for grid flexibility, presenting a unique opportunity to support renewable energy integration. While green tariffs can enable renewable energy-based EV charging through dedicated procurement by electricity distribution companies (DISCOMs), these are currently not widely available for home charging, and associated premiums may deter price-sensitive consumers. However, achieving this clean energy synergy will necessitate significant policy adjustments and an expansion of charging infrastructure, the report noted.
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.
