|

Oklo signs LOIs with data centres to supply 750MW of low-carbon power

US-based Oklo, a developer of fast fission power plants, has secured letters of intent (LOIs) to provide up to 750 MW of low-carbon energy to two data centre providers.  Under these LOIs, Oklo will deploy its Aurora powerhouses, which offer scalable solutions of 15 MW and 50 MW units, for direct on-site or nearby power generation in select markets. Oklo’s deployment model aims to reduce reliance on traditional power grids, enhancing grid stability and potentially…

|

Odisha clears Rs 33.53 billion investment for 15 industrial projects

Ahead of the Utkarsh Odisha conclave in January, Odisha’s single window clearance authority, led by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, has approved 15 industrial projects worth Rs 33.53 billion.  Spanning sectors like chemicals, renewable energy, steel, food processing, textiles, tourism, pharmaceuticals, and cement, these projects are expected to create over 4,637 jobs across six districts, including Khurda, Cuttack, Puri, Bargarh, Jharsuguda, and Koraput. This includes Rs 1.21 billion approval to Reliance Bio Energy Limited for a…

|

Ministry of Coal launches mine opening permission module on SWCS portal

The Ministry of Coal has introduced a Mine Opening Permission module on the Single Window Clearance System (SWCS) portal to streamline and expedite the approval process for initiating coal mining operations. This digital initiative enhances transparency and efficiency by enabling online applications and real-time tracking, thereby reducing reliance on manual paperwork and minimizing delays.  The module is designed to encourage a more investment-friendly environment in the coal sector.

|

PGCIL invites bids for Andaman & Nicobar Islands HVDC link project

Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL) has issued a consultancy tender for the interconnection of Andaman & Nicobar Islands (ANI) with India’s mainland grid. The scope of work covers: Route Alignment, Detailed Survey and Soil Investigation works for the Interconnection of North, Middle & South Andaman Islands. In May 2023, a clean energy approach via an HVDC link was proposed to the Ministry of Power (MoP), which could supply sustainable power to North, Middle,…

|

India’s climate policies set to cut 4 billion tonnes of CO2 by 2030: Report

India’s climate policies are on track to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by around four billion tonnes from 2020 to 2030, leading to a 24% drop in coal-based power generation, according to a report by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW). This projection surpasses India’s COP26 commitment to reduce emissions by one billion tonnes by 2030. CEEW’s analysis reveals that policies across India’s power, residential, and transport sectors saved 440 million tonnes of CO2…

|

Battery storage critical for India’s shift from coal, renewable capacity lags behind

India’s transition to renewable energy is encountering significant obstacles, according to a new report by Zero Carbon Analytics, as the country strives to meet its ambitious target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by the early 2030s. Although renewable energy investment reached USD 12.4 billion in 2023, it is far from the USD 200 billion needed to achieve this goal. To stay on track, India needs to add 300 GW of new renewable capacity…

|

TERI unveiled policy brief for India’s green hydrogen roadmap towards decarbonization

The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) has unveiled a policy brief, Green Hydrogen – Path to Decarbonization, thoroughly analysing India’s green hydrogen initiatives.   India’s targets under the Green Hydrogen Mission include 5 million tons of green hydrogen annually by 2030, potentially increasing to 10 million tons as demand grows. The government has allocated Rs 197.44 billion for this mission, primarily funding the Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) program and pilot projects to support…

Power Sector News Roundup for November 8, 2024

Global: European clean energy stocks fall amid Trump’s victory and policy concerns Global energy efficiency improvements lag behind COP28 targets: IEA Nigeria calls for bids to develop 4 GW gas-fired power plants Ireland’s EirGrid awards contracts for renewables integration technologies RWE chooses Thyborøn Port to build Denmark’s largest offshore wind farm EDF in talks to source nuclear power for 1 GW data centre projects in France Ireland releases geophysical data ahead of 900 MW offshore…

|

Trump as US president will deepen climate crisis: Policy experts

Donald Trump’s potential return to the US presidency has prompted apprehension regarding America’s climate policy trajectory. During his first term, the United States withdrew from the Paris Climate Agreement, casting doubts on its commitment to global climate efforts.  Trump has also been critical of climate finance mechanisms, such as the Green Climate Fund, labelling them as unfavourable wealth redistribution schemes while endorsing expanded fossil fuel production. Following his re-election, Trump has promised to increase domestic…

|

Rosa Power becomes zero-debt company

Rosa Power Supply Company, a subsidiary of Reliance Power, has achieved zero-debt status after prepaying Rs 13.18 billion to Singapore-based lender Varde Partners.  The company initially paid Rs 8.33 billion in September, followed by the remaining Rs 4.85 billion to complete its debt repayment ahead of schedule. The loan, taken in 2022 for refinancing and cost reduction, has now been fully cleared. Reliance Power is concurrently enhancing its financial stability through a Rs 15.25 billion…