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NTPC achieves world-first CO2-to-methanol synthesis at Vindhyachal plant

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NTPC has synthesised CO2 captured from flue gas with hydrogen produced from a PEM electrolyser to create methanol at its Vindhyachal plant.  NTPC Chairman Gurdeep Singh, speaking at the company’s 50th Raising Day, highlighted that both the CO2 capture plant and the CO2-to-methanol plant are the first of their kind globally, a historic advancement in sustainable fuel production. NTPC is also progressing in areas like Gen-4 ethanol, green urea, and sustainable aviation fuel. The company…

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Global shift towards sustainable energy drives $3.1 trillion investment surge

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A new report from the International Solar Alliance (ISA) highlights a global increase in sustainable energy investments, rising from $2.4 trillion in 2018 to an expected $3.1 trillion by 2024, with solar energy dominating green investments.  Solar alone now accounts for 59 per cent of these investments, primarily due to decreasing technology costs and a surge in support from the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, which has emerged as the leading investor. According to the World Solar…

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IOCL and TTD partner to establish 40 TPD biogas plant in Tirumala

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Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) has joined hands with Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) to build a 40 tonnes-per-day biogas plant in Tirumala, aiming to promote sustainable energy and effective waste management.  TTD’s Additional Executive Officer Ch. Venkaiah Chowdary laid the foundation stone for the project alongside IOCL’s Executive Director and State Head B. Anil Kumar. The biogas plant will use mixed waste, including banana leaves, food scraps, grass, dry leaves, fruits, and cow dung, to…

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NTPC’s NETRA develops indigenous catalyst for CO2 to methanol conversion

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NTPC‘s R&D division, NETRA, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP) Dehradun, has developed an indigenous catalyst for converting CO2 into methanol.  This catalyst, crucial for chemical synthesis, facilitates CO2 hydrogenation and is currently being tested in a 10 kg/day methanol pilot plant. In this process, 1 mole of CO2 and 3 moles of H2 are passed through a fixed-bed downflow reactor, producing methanol with over 99% purity. This initiative represents NTPC’s commitment…

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ARYA secures Rs 1 billion to develop CBG projects with IOCL and BPCL

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ARYA, a subsidiary of GPS Renewables, has raised Rs 1 billion in mezzanine financing as part of a Rs 2 billion funding round aimed at establishing compressed biogas (CBG) projects in collaboration with Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL). The financing was provided by InCred Opportunities Fund and Spark Capital, supporting ARYA’s mission to advance biofuel production and contribute to India’s net zero objectives. In the coming year, ARYA plans…

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AI-Powered Load Forecasting and Smart Grids: Yellakari Kesava Charyulu’s Vision for Andhra Pradesh’s Energy Future

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In this insightful interview, Yellakari Kesava Charyulu, Chief Engineer at the Andhra Pradesh State Load Dispatch Center (SLDC), discusses the challenges and opportunities that come with managing a power grid in one of India’s most dynamic states. As renewable energy plays an increasingly larger role, Mr. Charyulu explains how the SLDC is adapting to integrate intermittent power sources, manage peak demand, and adopt cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and smart grids. He also shares…

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MoP sets price benchmark for biomass pellets in NCR

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The Ministry of Power (MoP) has established a price benchmark of Rs 2.32 per 1000 kcal for biomass pellets, effective from September 1, 2023, to encourage biomass use in thermal power generation within the National Capital Region (NCR). This move supports India’s environmental and energy diversification goals.  The pricing applies to non-torrefied biomass pellets with moisture content below 14% and a gross calorific value of 2800-3400 kcal per kg, as determined by the Price Benchmarking…

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Global perspectives on rooftop solar energy: Leading economies and strategies

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The global energy transition is gaining momentum, and rooftop solar (RTS) systems are playing a significant role in addressing the world’s growing energy demand. With projections suggesting a 75% increase in global electricity demand by 2050 (IEA 2022), geopolitical disruptions, such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the COVID-19 pandemic recovery, have further underscored the need for a shift toward renewable energy (RE) sources. Solar photovoltaics (PV) in particular, including distributed solar technologies, are well-positioned to…

Key Power Sector News Roundup for September 26, 2024

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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…

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India’s Path to Net Zero: Strategy for Decarbonizing the Energy Sector

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India’s energy sector contributes significantly to its greenhouse gas emissions. In 2023, energy-related emissions accounted for about 75% of the country’s total carbon footprint. The electricity sector alone was responsible for over 40% of the total emissions, primarily due to coal-based power generation. This highlights the urgent need for a green transition in electricity production. India is already making strides, with solar and wind capacities growing, but a lot more is required to address these…