Latest news with #RaviShekhar
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
DeepDive: India's green hydrogen journey starts at ₹397 per kg
Mumbai: India's recent green hydrogen price discovery through Indian Oil Corporation 's (IOCL) landmark tender has drawn mixed reactions from industry experts, reflecting both optimism about market potential and concerns over long-term competitiveness. The final price — ₹397/kg which is about $4.67/kg — discovered in the reverse auction process is being seen as a turning point for India's emerging green hydrogen sector. India's bid seen as globally competitive According to Ravi Shekhar , managing director of Eninrac Consulting, L&T's $4.67/kg green hydrogen bid is globally competitive, lower than EU imports and close to Middle East prices. 'India, led by players like L&T Energy Green Tech , is emerging as a competitive hub for green hydrogen production. With a price of $4.67/kg (₹397/kg), L&T's hydrogen offering is already aligned with global low-cost producers such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE, whose prices range between $4.50–$6.00/kg,' he said. He added that when factoring in logistics and import costs, Indian green hydrogen was cheaper than most EU imported hydrogen, which landed at ₹500/kg to ₹600/kg. This cost advantage is further reinforced by India's ultra-low solar tariffs of ₹2.5 to ₹3 per unit, among the lowest globally, which significantly reduce the cost of electrolysis-based hydrogen production. However, not all stakeholders are as optimistic. Green v/s grey Prashant Vasisht, senior vice-president and co-group head at ICRA, said that the prices discovered recently were in line with current trends and almost double the price of grey hydrogen derived from natural gas and therefore not very competitive. He said that economics and technology were yet to refine further for green hydrogen to become competitive. 'The price of green hydrogen is still some time away from attaining parity with grey hydrogen. Importantly, renewable electricity prices have to reduce substantially along with the capex of electrolysers among other things for green hydrogen to become competitive,' he said. In contrast, Nitin Yadav, head of hydrogen - India at Gentari, a clean energy company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Petronas, called the price discovery a 'significant milestone' and said that their initial assessment suggested the prices were 'quite competitive'. 'The price discovery through the IOCL tender sends a strong signal to project developers that green hydrogen has a viable business case in India. The finalisation of this tender has instilled much-needed confidence in the market and laid the groundwork for scaling the hydrogen economy,' said Yadav. He added that the price discovery should lead to an increased demand for in-situ green hydrogen projects in India. Shekhar said that between 2024 and 2027, early industrial adopters, particularly in refineries and fertilizer production will drive initial demand for green hydrogen. 'This foundational uptake will be critical for de-risking investments, with $2–3 billion expected to flow into domestic electrolyzer manufacturing. By 2030, deeper decarbonization in hard-to-abate sectors like steel and transport will take shape, positioning India to capture 5-10% of the global electrolyzer market,' he added. Impact on offtake Regarding impact on offtake, ICRA's Vasisht added that as prices were significantly higher, offtake agreements would remain limited. 'If we aim for competitive pricing, the offtake must be firm and committed for the full 25-year term,' said Gentari's Yadav. He added that there should be more competition in this sector amongst project developers, which would help the green hydrogen ecosystem as well as the consumers. On offtake, Shekhar added that the Panipat project's 25-year offtake deal at ₹397/kg with IOCL would secure price certainty and enhance project bankability, setting a credible pricing benchmark for future bids. With scale-driven efficiencies and larger capacities, prices might fall below ₹350/kg, he added.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
Schools ban plastics, urge students to adopt eco-friendly alternatives
Ranchi: Various schools across the city have strictly enforced no-plastic rules within their campuses to ensure environmental sustainability. From classrooms to canteens, plastic is now off-limits, and students are being actively encouraged to adopt eco-friendly alternatives as part of a broader mission to reduce plastic waste and instil environmentally conscious behaviour from an early age. Educational institutions are now viewing environmental education as a way towards sustainable development. Schools have not only banned plastic water bottles, pencil boxes, and carry bags, but some have gone a step further by disallowing chocolates on campus, as they often come wrapped in plastic packaging. At many schools, canteens have adopted sustainable serving practices where food is now served in paper containers or steel plates, eliminating single-use plastics altogether. Disposable plastic spoons, straws, and containers have been replaced with biodegradable or reusable alternatives. Academic coordinator at Oxford Public School, Ravi Shekhar, said, "Children are the best agents of change. When they stop bringing plastic bottles or snacks wrapped in plastic, it influences parents as well. This habit, once developed in school, will shape their outlook towards sustainability for life." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo In addition to bans, schools organise awareness campaigns, debates, poster-making competitions, and cleanliness drives through the eco club. These programmes aim to engage students and educate them about the dangers of plastic pollution, microplastics, and the importance of the 3 Rs: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Principal of Kairali School, Rajesh Pillai, said, "This is not a temporary campaign. Through the eco club, various activities are being organised from time to time. By banning plastic and encouraging alternatives, we are preparing our students not just for exams, but for a future where sustainability will be a key survival skill."
Hindustan Times
05-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Doctor shares the signs and first-aid steps for immediate care after asthma attack
If you or a loved one is experiencing an asthma attack, it can feel overwhelming. It can turn any moment into a serious medical emergency. During an attack, it's vital to follow the right steps, not just to manage the high stress of the situation, but most importantly, to reduce the life-threatening risks associated with asthma. Timely intervention can make all the difference, sometimes between life and death. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Ravi Shekhar Jha, Director of Pulmonology at Fortis Escorts Hospital, Faridabad, shared the first effective ways to address the situation. He gave a glimpse of the large number of people in India affected by asthma, making it all the more important to know first aid, as it could be either a loved one or someone stranger in need in your immediate vicinity. Dr Ravi Shekhar said, 'For over 34 million Indians with asthma, the fear of a sudden attack is a constant reality. While many live symptom-free for long periods, an asthma exacerbation, triggered by allergens, infections, or pollution, can escalate within minutes. In such moments, knowing what to do at home can mean the difference between recovery and crisis.' Dr Ravi Shekhar provided this detailed guide that covers, from identifying the early signs of when an asthma attack is about to happen to first aid steps: How to recognise the signs of an asthma attack? ALSO READ: Allergic vs non-allergic asthma types: Comparing triggers and symptoms for better management If the trigger is known—smoke, dust, pollen, or strong odors—remove the person from that environment immediately. In many urban Indian homes, incense, mosquito coils, and cooking fumes can act as potent irritants. Good ventilation matters. Homes need to be well-cleaned, as they can trigger asthma attacks, whether it's due to dust mites or poor air quality caused by rising pollution in urban areas. Managing indoor air quality is just as important. Dalila El Zein, Dyson Senior Research Engineer, shared some effective ways you can keep your indoors clean: ALSO READ: Can asthma disappear and recur? Doctor explains why this happens Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Time of India
28-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Deep Dive: Inside India's green hydrogen funding plan
Mumbai: India's ambitious National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM), with an outlay of Rs 19,744 crore, about $2.4 billion, aims to position the country as a global leader in green hydrogen production and export. However, according to experts the mission's current funding, which is 5–20 times lower than what the US, EU, and Gulf nations have pledged, might fall short when compared to aggressive plans from these regions. 'Globally, it seems that the US, EU, Gulf Nations and China are more aggressive when compared with India. The NGHM's current outlay is likely to be short by nearly 75 per cent by 2030 if India wishes to compete globally and shall struggle to match China and Gulf in terms of exports,' said Ravi Shekhar, Founder & MD, Eninrac Consulting. He added that though China has a funding allocation of $6.7 billion but their hydrogen production cost is far more competitive when compared with India. 'If we compare India's funding with respect to the other countries or regions it is about 5X lower than the US and 20X lower than Gulf nations combined. When we see China and the Gulf dominate it is due to state-backed capital and ultra-cheap renewables,' said Shekhar. According to Siddharth Shetty, analyst - hydrogen, wind at BloombergNEF (BNEF), incentives and policies offered by the central and state governments can help India bring down its green hydrogen costs, but in the absence of firm mandates for fertilizer or petroleum refineries, the country will miss its target of producing five million tonnes by 2030. He said that toward the end of 2024, BNEF tracked about $190 billion of proposed announcements across multiple states. Most of which were focused on states with a coastline as exports are likely the immediate focus. Proposed or planned green hydrogen investments (in $ billion) by state: 'Only some of the domestic green hydrogen projects are at an advanced stage and have momentum behind them. This is why we expect green hydrogen production to reach just 500,000 tonnes annually by 2030, a tenth of the target we have in place,' he added. He, however, added that the funding for India's green hydrogen programme is smaller than in many developed markets and that's naturally so, given the difference in size of these economies and their diverging priorities. 'Our analysis suggests that India will narrow the gap with China in levelized costs of producing hydrogen by the end of the decade and then be at par by 2040. These are the only two markets we see producing green hydrogen below $2/kg by 2040,' Shetty added. Minimum LCOH2 across 12 markets, 2023-2050 financing year: Note: It does not factor in subsidies; Source: BNEF Shetty, however, said that the success of a low-carbon hydrogen economy does not rely only on the size of incentives and that resource availability also plays an important role. 'The incentives offered in India do not have limitations on the final geography of use. Which means that even projects looking to export green hydrogen can also benefit from these subsidies and compete in the global market. Therefore, these subsidies have the ability to make India's cheap green hydrogen more attractive to global buyers,' he said. Globally, project cancellations are on the rise as high costs slow demand creation. About 35 projects were cancelled across the world last year, compared to just six the year before. Global investments in clean hydrogen halved in 2024 compared to the year before, he added. 'Right now, the global demand for green hydrogen is cooling down due to geopolitical uncertainty over tariffs by the US and also a slowing policy push in the EU. This can curtail the ambition of Indian green hydrogen producers planning to sell to buyers in Europe and the Far East. Despite this, India stood fourth in financing clean hydrogen projects in 2024,' Shetty added. India's renewable energy costs are among the most competitive globally, positioning the country well for green hydrogen production. However, a key bottleneck remains in the form of high electrolyzer costs, where India lags China. 'This gap limits India's ability to fully capitalize on its renewable advantage and scale up green hydrogen production at globally competitive prices,' said Shekhar. The US and the EU are offering generous incentives—ranging from $3 to $4 per kg of green hydrogen—which dramatically lower production costs and make exports viable. In contrast, India's current support mechanisms are modest, offering only around $0.3 to $0.5 per kg. 'India also lags in subsidy depth. While the US and EU offer $3–4/kg incentives, India's support stands at just $0.3–0.5/kg far too low to attract global capital or match production costs abroad. As a result, India's hydrogen cost ($1.5–2.0/kg) is nearly double that of Saudi Arabia or China ( He added that export competitiveness is also at risk as Gulf nations are signing offtake deals with EU and Asia, while Australia and Oman are moving ahead with ammonia export infrastructure leaving India behind due to underdeveloped ports and lack of binding agreements. It is reflected by the gap in investor confidence as only 5 per cent of Indian green hydrogen projects have secured financing, compared to over 60 per cent in the US and EU, he added.
Time of India
23-04-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
Schools revise timings as heatwave grips city
Ranchi | Jamshedpur: Rising temperatures have forced a few schools in Ranchi and Jamshedpur to modify their class timings, while others await govt orders. Several schools in the capital city start classes early to avoid peak heat hours. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Bishop Westcott Girls Schools (Namkum and Doranda) and Bishop Westcott Boys School Namkum have shifted from 7.30am-12.30pm to 6:30 am-11:30 am schedule. Oxford Public School and Saraswati Shishu Vidya Mandir begin classes at 7:00 am and end at 1pm instead of their regular 8am-2pm. Firayal Public School and DAV Alok will hold classes from 7am to 1pm from next Monday, an hour before their regular hours. Institutions, including Jawahar Vidya Mandir Shyamali, Delhi Public School, DAV Public School Bariatu, Surendranath Centenary School, and Cambrian Public School, are awaiting the deputy commissioner's directive on the issue. "The timing revision primarily aims to avoid peak heat hours and prevent heat-related illnesses among students. Early classes ensure a more comfortable learning environment," said Ravi Shekhar, academic coordinator, Oxford Public School. Ranchi-based Jharkhand Parents' Association president Ajay Roy said, "We requested schools to revise their timings. While some schools await the DC's order, we urge prompt action for students' welfare." Schools are adopting different strategies based on their specific needs and student demographics. In Jamshedpur, several English-medium schools, including Loyola School Jamshedpur, DBMS English High School, Vidya Bharati Chinmaya School, Carmel Junior College, Kerala Public School Kadma, and St. Mary's English School Bistupur, have revised their timings from 6:30 am-1.30 pm to 6.30 am-11:45 am. Loyola School principal Fr Vinod Fernandez said that while senior section classes were previously held until 1:30 pm, the rising temperatures prompted the shift to morning hours. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Parents' body urged the govt to issue a notification mandating morning shifts for both private and govt schools. "The education department should also direct schools to maintain adequate stocks of oral rehydration solution (ORS) packets and ice packs," said Jamshedpur Abhibhavak Sangh president Umesh Kumar. Parents expressed concern about transportation difficulties during peak heat hours. "Children travelling in overcrowded pick-up vans and auto-rickshaws face discomfort in the hot weather conditions, while those on bikes are directly exposed to the blazing sun," said Tarkeshwar Kumar, a parent. St Mary's English School principal Vernon D'Souza on Wednesday told students to stay hydrated. School spokesperson A K Pandey said they have arranged adequate water containers, ice packs, and ORS packets. District civil surgeon Dr Sahir Pall said hospitals have been directed to set up ORS corners and maintain stocks of essential medicines, ice packs, and intravenous fluids in response to the rising temperatures. The Ranchi office of the India Meteorological Department said the maximum temperature is expected to remain at 43°C til April 26. The city recorded 43°C on Tuesday, which rose to 46.2°C on Wednesday.
