|

Surge in renewables turns electricity prices negative

The surge in solar panels and wind turbines is leading to an increase in negative wholesale electricity prices. This phenomenon, occurring in regions such as southern Australia, southern California, France, and Switzerland, happens when production exceeds demand. For example, in southern Australia, negative prices have been recorded about 20 per cent of the time since last year. Southern California saw negative prices over 20 per cent of the time in the first half of 2024,…

|

Ola Electric to launch Rs 55 billion IPO on August 2, 2024

Ola Electric Mobility is set to launch its initial public offering (IPO) on August 2, 2024, aiming to raise Rs 55 billion. The IPO will consist of a fresh issue of shares worth Rs 30 billion and an offer-for-sale (OFS) of Rs 25 billion by existing shareholders. The price band for the IPO has been set at Rs 200-215 per share. Ola Electric, a subsidiary of ANI Technologies (the parent company of Ola Cabs), is…

|

1,600 tonnes of lithium reserves discovered in Karnataka

The Ministry of Science and Technology announced the discovery of 1,600 tonnes lithium reserves in Karnataka’s Mandya and Yadgiri districts. The Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD) located these resources in the Marlagalla area of Mandya through initial surveys and subsurface exploration. AMD is exploring other potential lithium sources in India, including Korba district in Chhattisgarh, mica belts in Rajasthan, Bihar, and Andhra Pradesh, and pegmatite belts in Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Karnataka. Lithium,…

|

DGTR proposes anti-dumping duty on Chinese aluminum frames to safeguard domestic solar panel industry

Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), investigative arm of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has recommended imposing an anti-dumping duty on aluminium frames for solar panels imported from China. The aluminium frames were exported to India below the normal value, resulting in dumping.  The proposed duty, which could reach up to USD 577 per tonne, is intended to protect the domestic industry from the adverse effects of cheaper imports being sold at unfairly low…

|

Key measures for energy sector in India’s Union Budget 2024

The 2024 Union Budget of India introduced significant measures to boost the energy sector, emphasising renewable energy adoption, energy transition, and infrastructure enhancement. Here are the key highlights: PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana: 10 million households will receive up to 300 units of free electricity monthly, supported by subsidies and concessional loans, with a National Online Portal for streamlined applications. Renewable Energy Funding: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has been allocated…

|

Decommissioning Coal-Based Plants in India

The proportion of installed capacity from coal/lignite has decreased from 55 per cent in 1947 to 50 per cent in 2024, but it still dominates, accounting for 50 per cent of installed capacity and 73 per cent of generation as of March 2024. Central Electricity Authority (CEA) projects coal/lignite will still comprise 32 per cent of installed capacity by 2030. Coal-based plant installations surged between 2007 and 2017, driven by high spot prices in power…

|

Indo-German Power Sector Collaboration

Germany’s Climate Strategy in the Power Sector Germany has long sought to lead international climate policy, championing the Kyoto Protocol and setting 1990 emissions targets. Despite setbacks in the 1990s and 2000s, Germany supported the European Union’s (EU) emissions trading system (ETS) and, following the Paris Agreement, the EU Green Deal for climate neutrality by 2050. Under Germany’s 2020 EU presidency, the 2030 emissions reduction target was raised to at least 55% below 1990 levels….

|

Strengthening Renewable Purchase Obligations

The Electricity Act of 2003 mandates State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERCs) to set minimum renewable energy (RE) shares for states, known as Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs), which apply to distribution companies (DISCOMs) and other obligated entities. It binds entities to purchase a certain percentage of their total electricity consumption from RE sources. Initially, RPOs were divided into solar and non-solar categories. In 2019, hydro power obligations (HPO) were introduced, and in 2022, RPOs were categorized…

|

Hydropower: Achieving Global Renewable Energy Targets

At the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Dubai, global governments pledged to triple renewable generation capacity from 3.8 TW in 2022 to 11.2 TW by 2030. This increase in variable renewables poses grid security and flexibility challenges. Hydropower, among low-carbon options, is the most versatile and cost-effective solution for grid stability. Its key strengths are flexibility and resilience, complementing variable renewables with services ranging…

|

Lessons from the Indo-Pacific for Latin America’s Energy Transition and Global Governance

The Indo-Pacific region, spanning the Indian Ocean and parts of the Pacific, has become increasingly prominent due to shifting geopolitical dynamics, particularly in trade, investment, infrastructure, and security. The Indo-Pacific’s experience with high carbon emissions and advancements in renewable energy—such as India’s 35.8% and Indonesia’s 22% share of clean energy in 2020—provides useful insights for Latin America, which faces similar energy supply and development issues. Both regions are facing transitioning to renewable energy amid large…