Key Power Sector News Roundup for September 27, 2024

Marsons Secures LoI for 150 MW Solar Plant in Rajasthan  Marsons has received an LoI from Nacof Oorja to develop a 150 MW solar PV plant in Rajasthan for Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation Limited under the KUSUM Scheme Megha Engineering to Invest Rs 210 Billion in Two Hydro Projects Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Ltd (MEIL) will invest Rs 210 billion in two pumped storage hydro projects in Maharashtra, totalling 4,000 MW. The Kamod and Ghosla…

AI’s Rising Energy Demand is Reshaping the Future of Data Centers and Power Supply

At Climate Week in New York, discussions are centered on the rising energy demand driven by artificial intelligence. Last week, it was revealed that Microsoft would use electricity from the resurrected Three Mile Island nuclear plant to power its data centers. In a recent report, Bloomberg highlighted that OpenAI had approached the Biden administration regarding plans for large-scale data centers, each capable of consuming energy equivalent to that of a whole city. This trend is…

Key Power Sector News Roundup for September 26, 2024

MERC approves MSEDCL’s procurement of 5,991 MW solar power The Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) approved MSEDCL’s procurement of 5,991 MW solar power under Mukhyamantri Saur Krushi Vahini Yojana 2.0. The Rs 3.10 per kWh ceiling tariff ensures competitive pricing. This initiative aims to solarize 30% of agricultural feeders by 2025, helping meet rising renewable purchase obligation (RPO) targets and easing Koyna hydroelectric plant’s peak demand. Zelestra signs 450 MW solar power supply agreement with…

Key Power Sector News Roundup for September 25, 2024

CEA releases report on Right-of-Way width for transmission lines The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has released a report on Right-of-Way (RoW) width calculations for transmission lines using monopole towers and HTLS conductors. The report compares configurations and highlights challenges like higher costs and limited manufacturing for monopole structures. It supplements the July 2020 guidelines and was compiled by a 13-member committee. CTUIL approves Rs 4 billion transmission projects to boost infrastructure CTUIL has approved seven…

Key Power Sector News Roundup for September 24, 2024

India Finalizes National Electricity Plan for 2032 with Rs 9 Trillion Outlay India’s National Electricity Plan (2023-2032), announced by Union power minister Manohar Lal, targets a Rs 9 trillion investment to meet a 458 GW peak demand by 2032. The plan includes expanding transmission networks to 0.65 million ckm, adding 33.25 GW HVDC systems, and boosting interregional transfer capacity. Renewable energy evacuation and pumped storage projects also receive major focus. Power Minister Launches CSIRT-Power to…

Key Power Sector News Roundup for September 23, 2024

CEA Clears Two Hydro Pumped Storage Projects in Maharashtra The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has approved two hydro pumped storage projects in Maharashtra, the 1,500 MW Bhavali PSP by JSW Energy and the 1,000 MW Bhivpuri PSP by Tata Power, adding 15 GWh of storage. For FY25, 15 hydro PSPs totaling 25,500 MW are planned.   Ministry of Power Issues EV Charging Infrastructure Guidelines for 2024 The Ministry of Power has issued 2024 guidelines for EV…

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Fossil fuels to supply 40-60% of energy by 2050 despite clean energy push: McKinsey

A McKinsey report reveals that fossil fuels will continue to provide 40-60% of global energy by 2050, due to slower adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and challenges in scaling clean energy technologies. Gas will remain a key energy source, stabilizing grids as renewables, though growing, are intermittent. Despite fossil fuel consumption plateauing between 2025 and 2035, investments will persist to ensure energy reliability during the transition. Global energy demand is set to rise by up…

Key Power Sector News Roundup for September 21, 2024

NTPC Signs MoU for 25 GW Renewable Energy in RajasthanNTPC and Rajasthan’s state power utility have formed a joint venture to develop 25 GW of renewable energy projects, with a focus on green hydrogen production. This initiative will significantly boost India’s clean energy capacity. Amazon and Partners Expand EV Charging NetworkAmazon and its partners are rolling out electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Bengaluru, targeting 9,500 EVs by 2030. The charging stations will be powered by…

Key Power Sector News Roundup for September 20, 2024

Tata Group and Analog Devices Collaborate on SemiconductorsTata Group and Analog Devices have partnered to explore semiconductor manufacturing in India, focusing on applications for electric vehicles and network infrastructure.  uctor supply chain. Sunsure Energy Secures Rs 100 Billion REC FinancingSunsure Energy has secured Rs 100 billion in financing from REC to support 3 GW of solar, wind, and energy storage projects, aiming to offset 5 million tonnes of CO2 annually and aid India’s green energy…

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Natural Hydrogen: A Low-Cost, Low-Carbon Alternative for a Net-Zero Carbon Future

Most hydrogen used today is produced from fossil fuels, primarily natural gas, through processes like steam methane reforming. These processes are carbon-intensive and release large quantities of CO2, making them unsuitable for a net-zero future. Green hydrogen, produced through electrolysis powered by renewable energy, and blue hydrogen, produced with carbon capture and storage (CCS), are considered clean alternatives. However, these methods are costly, and green hydrogen faces challenges due to the intermittency of renewable energy…