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MoP issues draft for competitive bidding on pumped storage plant projects

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The Ministry of Power (MoP) has released a draft for tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB) aimed at procuring storage capacity or stored energy from pumped storage plants (PSP). The draft outlines a single-stage, two-part bidding process, including technical and financial bidding stages, for securing storage capacity from these projects. According to the draft, for on-river pumped storage projects, operations must commence within 66 months of signing the power purchase agreement (PPA). For off-river projects, the completion…

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Chikkaballapur and Bidadi selected for EV clusters in Karnataka

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Under the revised Karnataka Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy 2023–28, the Department of Commerce and Industries has finalized Chikkaballapur, Bidadi near Bengaluru, and Hubballi-Dharwad as locations for new EV clusters, also referred to as EV Model Cities. Approximately 800 acres of land have been identified for these clusters. These EV clusters are being developed to enhance the adoption of electric vehicles in Karnataka, with locations chosen based on the level of EV penetration in nearby districts….

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NLC signs agreement for 200 MW solar power project in Telangana

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NLC India (NLCIL) has signed a power usage agreement with Telangana distribution companies to supply 200 MW of solar power at a competitive price under the central public sector undertaking scheme for 25 years. The solar project will be developed under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and technology, including single-axis trackers and domestically manufactured high-efficiency modules. The project is scheduled for commissioning by June 2025. Over its lifetime, NLCIL’s solar project is…

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Polavaram Project set for completion by March 2027 

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Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has announced that the Polavaram Project is scheduled for completion by March 2027. The Central government has approved an in-principle funding of Rs 121.57 billion for the project, with Rs 60 billion allocated for the 2024-25 fiscal year and another Rs 61.57 billion for FY26. The construction work on the spillway, gates, and connectivity is expected to be completed by May 2025. Located in Polavaram Mandalam of Eluru…

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L&T partners with C-DAC to develop local chip technology

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L&T Semiconductor Technologies has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) to collaborate on developing local chip technology and establishing a stable ecosystem in India. This partnership aims to create Make-in-India solutions for integrated circuits (ICs), system-on-chip (SoC), and electronics system design and manufacturing (ESDM), focusing on applications in automotive, industrial, and energy sectors. The MoU outlines a comprehensive framework for collaborative research, development, and training initiatives….

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Jharkhand to waive off old electricity bills for BPL families

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Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren announced the waiver of old electricity bills for families living below the poverty line. Speaking at a gathering in Dumka, Soren stated that the government would provide 200 units of free electricity and, in the first phase, waive off all past electricity dues for poor households not filing Income Tax Returns. He mentioned that the government would also consider assessing the electricity dues of middle-class families, aiming to send a…