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The future of wind energy: Rising costs, shifting markets, and global divides

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  The entire world is grappling with geopolitical uncertainty due to the prolonged war between Russia and Ukraine, the tussle for economic power between the USA and China, and the conflict between Israel and Hamas. This is resulting in increased inflation, demand uncertainty, disrupted supply chains, and rising unemployment. Amid all this, one sector has become a core concern—electricity. The world has adopted a combination of conventional and renewable energy (RE) sources in its electricity…

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Udangudi Super Critical Thermal Power Project, Tamil Nadu

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  The 1,320 MW (2X660 MW) Udangudi power plant is under construction in the Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu. Initially undertaken by Udangudi Power Corporation Limited (UPCL), a joint venture between Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB) and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), the project was later transferred entirely to Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Limited (TANGEDCO) following BHEL’s exit. The project’s original capacity of 1,600 MW (2X800 MW) was revised to 1,320 MW. The…

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Nuclear Threats in the Russian Arctic: From Soviet Collapse to the Ukraine War

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The following speech was given by Bellona nuclear expert Dmitry Gorchakov at the Arctic Frontiers conference, which was in session in Tromsø, Norway. Nuclear activity in the Arctic region of Russia has been ongoing for over 70 years. More than 100 nuclear tests were conducted here, and more than a hundred nuclear-powered submarines, military ships, and civilian vessels were built, operated, and decommissioned here. Several nuclear power plants, dozens of military bases, and other facilities…

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India Surpasses 100 GW of Installed Solar Capacity

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India’s solar energy sector has undergone a transformative journey over the past decade, emerging as a global leader in renewable energy adoption. As of January 2025, the country’s installed solar capacity stands at an impressive 100.33 GW—a monumental leap from just 2.82 GW in 2014, reflecting a growth rate of 3,450%. With 84.10 GW of projects under implementation and 47.49 GW tendered, India is well on its way to achieving its ambitious 2030 renewable energy…

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India’s Largest 765kV Transmission Line: Warora-Kurnool Project

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  On October 19, 2023, Adani Energy Solutions Limited (AESL) commissioned India’s largest 765kV transmission line, the Warora-Kurnool Transmission Project, spanning 1,756 circuit kilometres (ckm). This infrastructure strengthens the Southern Region (SR) by linking it with the Western and Northern grids. Officially named the “Additional Inter-Regional AC Link for Import Into Southern Region (Warora-Warangal and Chilakaluripeta-Hyderabad-Kurnool 765kV Link) Project,” it extends across Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra. The project is regulated by the Central Electricity…

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Latest Regulatory Developments in Renewable Sector: February 4, 2025

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Here are the update on the latest regulatory developments in India’s renewable sector: BERC approves BSPHCL’s petition for procurement of 170 MW wind power from SJVN The Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission (BERC) has approved the petition filed by Bihar State Power Holding Company Limited (BSPHCL) for the procurement of 170 MW wind power from SJVN Limited. This power will be sourced from inter-state transmission system connected wind power projects on a long-term basis, including a…

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Latest Regulatory Developments in Distribution Sector: February 4, 2025

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Here are the latest updates on regulatory developments in India’s power distribution sector: AERC disposes of Star Cement’s petition against Assam SLDC The Assam Electricity Regulatory Commission (AERC) has disposed of the petition filed by Star Cement Limited, which sought relief against the Assam State Load Despatch Centre (SLDC). The petition contested the SLDC’s implementation of detailed operating procedures for ‘Deviation Energy Accounting and Computation of Charge for Deviation by State Entities’ and the raising…

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Latest Regulatory Developments in Transmission Sector: February 4, 2025

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Here are the latest updates on regulatory developments in India’s power transmission sector: UERC approves PTCUL’s revised DPR for 132 kV Bindal-Purkul transmission line The Uttarakhand Electricity Regulatory Commission (UERC) has approved Power Transmission Corporation of Uttarakhand Limited’s (PTCUL) petition for investment approval of the revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the construction of the 132 kV Bindal–Purkul Transmission Line, including underground cabling work between towers No. 47 and 50. The commission emphasized that the…

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Latest Regulatory Developments in Power Generation Sector: February 4, 2025

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Here are the latest updates on regulatory developments in India’s power generation sector: WBERC approves IPCL’s ARR and tariff petition for 2023-26 The West Bengal Electricity Regulatory Commission (WBERC) has approved India Power Corporation Limited’s (IPCL) petition for the determination of aggregate revenue requirement (ARR) and tariff for the 9th Control Period (2023-24 to 2025-26) under the applicable Tariff Regulations. The commission has determined the allowable net fixed charges after adjusting other incomes for Dishergarh…

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Status of FGD installation in India

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Emissions from coal-based thermal power plants (TPPs) release sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matter (PM), impacting the environment and human health. SO2 can oxidize in the atmosphere, forming sulfate (SO4) particulate matter. To address these concerns, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) revised air pollution norms on December 7, 2015. The new standards set limits for PM2.5, SOx, NOx, and mercury emissions, requiring many plants to…