India to keep leading Sustainable Energy Agenda

by | Jan 30, 2020 | Environment, Sustainability

Decarbonization of the energy sector is gaining momentum in India, and the government is working to improve energy efficiency and promotion of alternate fuels.
Share to lead the transformation

The Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas & Steel Dhamendra Pradhan has said that India will continue to lead the global sustainable energy agenda. Delivering the key note address at the TERI’s World Sustainable Development Summit 2020 on ‘Energy Future Road Map’ here today, the Minister said “We, in India, are in the midst of a major transformative shift in our energy sector, both in scale and complexity and also the interdependence across different systems. The trajectory to end energy poverty in India, as compared to the rest of the world, is based on our special national circumstances. The right mix of enablers are being put in place to ensure that the energy transition is secure, affordable, reliable and sustainable.” He added, “to end energy poverty in the country, we will remain cognizant of the need to root economic development firmly to achieve the 2030 UN Sustainable Development Goals and commitments made at COP 21.”

Briefing about energy requirements, the Minister said “India is now the third largest energy consumer after the US and China. While our energy demand increased to 882 million tonnes of oil equivalent (Mtoe) in 2017, the per capita consumption of energy is still 30% of the global average. Our energy consumption is projected to grow at 4.2 percent per annum up to 2035. India’s share of the total global primary energy demand is set to roughly double to about 11 percent by 2040, driven by strong economic development. In India, we are finding ways to achieve the twin objectives of more energy availability and less carbon through a healthy mix of all commercially-viable energy sources.”

Pradhan added that despite our system-wide energy transition measures, crude oil would continue to play a critical role at this stage of development in meeting country’s energy requirements. He said the Government has set out a road map for reducing India’s crude oil imports by 10% by 2022. “We are in the process of developing new strategies and initiatives to achieve this target. We are working towards transformation to a gas-based economy, tapping into indigenously produced biofuels, apart from adopting renewable energy and energy efficiency measures, to achieve the much-needed carbon reductions. As part of the energy transition, decarbonization of the energy sector is picking up momentum in India” Pradhan said. The Minister also stated that government is working to improve energy efficiency and productivity, demand substitution, improving refinery processes and promotion of bio and alternate fuels.

Dharmendra Pradhan also said “the biggest game-changer in our drive to bring about greater environmental sustainability and flexibility in the energy system is through the rapid deployment of natural gas in our energy mix”. He also added “we are advancing our collaboration with countries, such as Brazil and the US, to improve blending technologies in transport sector. To reduce vehicular pollution, BS VI quality fuel, equivalent to Euro 6 standard, will be supplied in the entire country from 1 April this year. Given the abundance of biomass in the country, the use of Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) will be promoted in a big way in automotive, industrial and commercial uses in the coming years.”

The Minister further said that in the global drive to secure sustainable energy, India is defining new pathways keeping in view its unique energy needs. “India will continue to play an active role in leading the global sustainable energy agenda. Our commitment to keep carbon footprint to low levels remains unwavered as we pursue to enhance energy footprint in the country” He added.

On the occasion, Dharmendra Pradhan also released a report ‘Towards a low carbon steel sector’ – Overview of the changing market, technology and policy context for Indian steel.

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ONGC leads CSR spend among oil PSUs

ONGC leads CSR spend among oil PSUs

Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan in a written reply in the Lok Sabha has provided the corporate social responsibility (CSR) expenditure details of Oil PSUs for the last three years. ONGC continues to lead the tally with a CSR spend of Rs 615 crore in 2018–19, recording a growth of 22% in the spend when compared to the spend of Rs 503 crore in 2017–18.

Oil PSUs have been undertaking CSR interventions around their work centers, earmarking 2% of their profits for CSR projects. CSR activities are undertaken under the heads identified under Schedule VII of the Companies Act 2013 with special focus on health (nutrition, sanitation, and drinking water), education, skill development, rural development, women empowerment, environment centric initiatives and care for the elderly and differently abled persons.

The CSR expenditure made by following Oil PSUs during the last three years are given below:

All figures are in Rs crore.

The project / activities wise details of the funds allocated and spent on the development and other works in various districts of the country including in Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and on water recharge and water harvesting in Gujarat during the last 3 years are available on the respective websites of the Oil PSUs.

CSR activities are undertaken by Oil PSUs themselves or through agencies/Departments of Central/State Governments as per their approved procedures.

Power Grid, Mahindra bag top CSR awards

Power Grid, Mahindra bag top CSR awards

President Ram Nath Kovind speaking at the CSR awards ceremony.

The President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, presented the National Corporate Social Responsibility Awards (NCSRA) in New Delhi today. The NCSRA has been instituted by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs to recognize outstanding contribution in the field of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

Speaking on the occasion, the President noted that those sections of society that need the helping hand most are among the main beneficiaries of the CSR activities. He said that the corporations have, thus, made a worthy contribution towards the national goals. They are helping the nation progress towards the cherished goal of building a more equitable society. They have focused on sustainable projects creating a long-term impact.

The President said that broadly, CSR initiatives have been aligned with the national priorities such as public health, education, livelihoods, water conservation, sanitation, and natural resource management. He expressed hope that innovative solutions to persisting development challenges will emerge from the CSR activities.

The President also noted that the government is sensitive about the need to calibrate the CSR regime to make it more effective. In September, the scope of the CSR activities was widened to include more categories of research incubators. This thrust on research and development will immensely help innovators. He said that it is equally important to internalize social welfare in the corporate culture. He urged upon corporate to motivate their employees and sensitize them to this higher calling in service of the marginalized sections of society. He said that this single step will generate enough goodwill for wealth creators among ordinary people.

National CSR Awards have been instituted to recognize the Corporates whose initiatives in the area of CSR were aimed at achieving inclusive growth and sustainable development. The companies were awarded based on their strategic approach in CSR and its efforts in challenging circumstances, towards aspirational districts, difficult terrains/disturbed areas and national priority areas. Based on the submissions by the companies and reports of the independent assessment by CSR experts and the jury, 19 award winners and 19 honorable mentions across the three award categories were announced as per the list.

Winners in different categories:

S. No. Award Category Sub-category Name of Company
Corporate Award for Excellence in CSR CSR spend above INR 100 Crores Power Grid Corporation of India Limited
Corporate Award for Excellence in CSR CSR spend between INR 10 Crores 100 Crores Mahindra & Mahindra Limited
Corporate Award for Excellence in CSR CSR spend between INR 1 Crores 10 Crores Edelweiss Financial Services Limited
Corporate Award for Excellence in CSR CSR spend below INR 1 Crore Paranjape Autocast Pvt. Ltd.
CSR in Challenging Circumstances North India SRF Limited
CSR in Challenging Circumstances North-East India CRISIL Limited
CSR in Challenging Circumstances East India Bharat Financial Inclusion Limited
CSR in Challenging Circumstances West India Technip India Limited
CSR in Challenging Circumstances South India The Andhra Pradesh Mineral Development Corporation Limited
Contribution to the National Priority Areas Education Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited
Contribution to the National Priority Areas Skill Development and Livelihoods Hindalco Industries Limited
Contribution to the National Priority Areas Agriculture & Rural Development Mahindra and Mahindra Limited
Contribution to the National Priority Areas Health, Safe Drinking Water and Sanitation Mahanadi Coal Fields Limited
Contribution to the National Priority Areas Environment, Sustainable Development & Solar Energy Power Finance Corporation Limited
Contribution to the National Priority Areas Women & Child Development Indian Oil Corporation Limited
Contribution to the National Priority Areas Women & Child Development JSW Energy Limited
Contribution to the National Priority Areas Promotion of Sports Central Coalfields Limited
Contribution to the National Priority Areas Slum Area Development Equitas Holdings Limited
Contribution to the National Priority Areas Support to Differently abled Minda Corporation Limited

 

Honorable Mentions in different award categories: 

S. No. Award Category Sub-category Name of Company
Corporate Award for Excellence in CSR CSR spend above INR 100 Crores ITC Limited
Corporate Award for Excellence in CSR CSR spend above INR 100 Crores Tata Steel Limited
Corporate Award for Excellence in CSR CSR spend between INR 10 Crores 100 Crores National Aluminum Co. Limited
Corporate Award for Excellence in CSR CSR spend between INR 10 Crores 100 Crores Maruti Suzuki India Limited
Corporate Award for Excellence in CSR CSR spend between INR 1 Crores 10 Crores Tata Technologies Limited
CSR in Challenging Circumstances East India Hindustan Copper Limited
CSR in Challenging Circumstances East India Mecon Limited
CSR in Challenging Circumstances West India Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited
CSR in Challenging Circumstances South India Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited
Contribution to the National Priority Areas Education Mahindra and Mahindra Limited
Contribution to the National Priority Areas Skill Development and Livelihoods JSW Steel Limited
Contribution to the National Priority Areas Agriculture & Rural Development HDFC Bank Limited
Contribution to the National Priority Areas Health, Safe Drinking Water and Sanitation Tata Sponge Iron Limited
Contribution to the National Priority Areas Health, Safe Drinking Water and Sanitation ITC Limited
Contribution to the National Priority Areas Environment, Sustainable Development & Solar Energy Schneider Electric IT
Contribution to the National Priority Areas Women & Child Development Rail Vikas Nigam Limited
Contribution to the National Priority Areas Promotion of Sports IndusInd Bank Limited
Contribution to the National Priority Areas Promotion of Sports India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited
Contribution to the National Priority Areas Support to Differently abled Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited

 

Clean Ganga Mission holds workshop on river flow

Clean Ganga Mission holds workshop on river flow

A two-day International Workshop on Environmental Flows Assessment and Implementation for India was held in New Delhi. Indian, European and international experiences were brought together by National Mission of Clean Ganga (NMCG), along with Indo-German Cooperation.
It is increasingly recognized that the goal of attaining healthy river ecosystems can best and most sustainably be reached by integrated environmental management. The workshop includes discussions on Environmental Flows assessment and Implementation for sustainable river basin management, and various aspects of E-Flows in depth. Relevant Indian implementers and stakeholders along with national experts and International experts including those from Germany, Austria, United Kingdom, Bhutan, Poland, The Netherlands and South Africa are present during the workshop.

In order to advance the successful e-flows implementation in India, this workshop aims to bring Indian, European and international experiences together. A rich variety of cutting- edge topics and expert speakers from various backgrounds serve to promote challenges and solutions regarding e-flows assessment and implementation.

International workshop on Environmental Flows Assessment and Implementation for India was inaugurated by Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister for Jal Shakti at Delhi. The exchange of Indian, European and international experiences was brought together by National Mission of Clean Ganga (NMCG) along with the Indo-German Cooperation with its project “Support to Ganga Rejuvenation” (SGR). Shekhawat also formally released the first version of the Guidance Document on Environment flow assessment in India. The deliberations in this workshop and further research work would help in coming up with advanced version of this e-flow guidance document in future.

It is already accepted around the globe, that the demand for water is increasing due to population growth, rapid urbanization and industrialization and that rivers are a critical natural resource, crucial for human well-being. The Ganga River, for example, supports a population of more than 400 million people by providing a multitude of domestic, agricultural, industrial, and power generation uses, and it also serves for recreational, livelihood and spiritual purposes.

The Ganga provides a unique ecosystem, which is home to India’s National Aquatic animal the Gangetic Dolphin, as well as Gharials, turtles and several birds and other wild animals. Other rivers like Godavari, Krishna, Mahanadi etc. are also crucial ecosystems and sources for ecosystem services for us and we need to protect these towards sustainability and equitable water use.

Given the current scenario, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said that, “We are committed to protect these lifelines for our future generations. We have the identified aim of Aviral and Nirmal Dhara- continuous and clean flows as our tribute to Mother Ganga and we intend to extend this to all other rivers in the country.” He added further that, “Maintaining Environmental-Flows in rivers is very important not only for the country but worldwide since water has become a global challenge. We have to come together and act together to tackle this global challenge.”

“Under the Namami Gange programme, we have been quite serious about maintaining the continuous flow of Ganga. Last year, we recognized the minimum river flow to be maintained and also notified. We have started monitoring for its implementation as well.

We have made a beginning, but there’s a lot to learn from experiences of other countries where this has developed over a period of time” added Rajiv Ranjan Mishra, DG, NMCG. The international workshop aims to assist in the e-flows implementation in India by answering the following questions:

  1. What are the overall aims and targets for e-flows assessment in India?
  2. What are the short- and long-term steps to implement e-flows according to the overall aims and targets.

“We will learn from their vast experience and will also learn from the national experts present regarding the different scenarios within India,” emphasized Mishra, DG, NMCG.
In India, the European Union through the India-EU Water Partnership (IEWP) as well as the Indo-German Cooperation with its project “Support to Ganga Rejuvenation” (SGR) in order to promote cooperation in the water sector, has brought together stakeholders, such as governmental institutions, businesses and the civil society. Currently, a guidance document on the “Assessment of Environmental Flows in India” is being developed as part of the IEWP Action Plan and the draft version was launched during the workshop by the Minister, Jal Shakti.

MNRE refutes doubts on meeting 2022 RE targets

MNRE refutes doubts on meeting 2022 RE targets

Reports have appeared in a section of media, citing a CRISIL report, that India may fall short of its declared renewable energy target of 1,75,000 MW by the year 2022. The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy has refuted such claims. Full text of Ministry’s rebuttal is as below –

“In some of the recent media reports apprehensions have been raised whether India would be able to achieve 1,75,000 MW renewable power installed capacity target by the year 2022. All these have cited the CRISIL report of September 2019.

However, the doubts are ill-founded and not reflective of the status on the ground and plans ahead. By the end of September 2019, India has installed more than 82,580 MW of renewable energy capacity with around 31,150 MW of capacity under various stages of installation. Thus, by the first quarter of 2021, India would have installed more than 1,13,000 MW of renewable power capacity. This would constitute nearly 65 per cent of the targeted capacity. Besides this, around 39,000 MW of renewable power capacity is at various stages of bidding which would be installed by September 2021, taking the percentage of installed capacity to over 87 percentage of the targeted capacity. With only 23,000 MW of renewable power capacity left to bid, India is confident that the target of installing 1,75,000 MW of renewable power capacity will not only be met but exceeded.

The Ministry has worked systematically to resolve various issues that arise from time to time, putting in place facilitative and ease of doing business policies and programs for achieving the goal. Renewable power industry, developers, investors and other stakeholders have lauded Ministry’s efforts nontransparent bidding and facilitation for procurement of power at competitive rates. These initiatives have resulted in significant downward trend in solar and wind power tariffs. The wind power tariffs has fallen from Rs 4.18 per unit in 2016 to Rs 2.43 per unit during last year and even today it remains below Rs 2.75 per unit. Similarly, the solar tariffs have fallen from Rs 4.43 per unit (with VGF) to Rs 2.44per unit. The Government of India’s endeavor remain that renewable power is procured at a rate which is acceptable to distribution companies.

Since March 2014, India’s renewable power capacity has increased from 34000 MW to 82,580 MW recording 138 percent growth. Globally, India stands 5th in solar power, 4th in wind power, and 4th in total renewable power installed capacity. If large hydro included, India stands 3rd in renewable power capacity globally. India’s renewable energy program is much beyond production of electricity and covers a basket of applications including use of solar thermal energy for cooling, heating, drying and other industrial applications. Renewable energy has emerged as a true multi-benefit system, combining ecological necessities with domestic priorities, economic and job creation opportunities.

The journey for expanding the share of renewables in the energy mix has not been without continuous challenges. When the State Government of Andhra Pradesh announced intention to revisit already signed Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), the Ministry very quickly clarified that no PPAs can be revisited unless there is a clause to do so in such agreement or a case of malafide of corruption is proved beyond doubt.

The Ministry in consultation with the respective Governments is addressing the issues of allocation of land in Gujarat and revision of land facilitation charges in Rajasthan. Plan for erecting 66,500MW of additional transmission system to ensure evacuation and injection of 1,75,000 MW of power into the main grid is under implementation. The additional transmission would come by October 2021 in phases depending on location-based requirements. Also, the Ministry is in the process of developing Ultra Mega Renewable Energy Parks to overcome the problem of land allocation. These parks will have dedicated transmission. First such park is being planned in Dholera, Gujarat by SECI. These apart, the Ministry has strengthened PPA clauses for strengthening investors’ confidence. For mitigating off-takers risk and ensuring timely payments to developers, the Ministry has made letter of credit must for purchase of power by distribution companies.

The Ministry has launched three new schemes. The first is the Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSU) Scheme Phase-ll for setting up 12,000 MW grid-connected SPV Power Projects, by the Government Producers with Viability Gap Funding (VGF) support of Rs 8,580 crore for self-use or use by Government or Government entities, both Central and State Governments. The Scheme mandates use of both SPVcells and modules manufactured domestically as per specifications and testing requirements.

The second is PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evem Utthan Mahabhiyan) scheme to be implemented over next four years for de-dieselization of the farm sector and increasing farmers’ energy independence and income. Under the scheme, India has plans to provide 1.75 million stand-alone solar agriculture pumps and carry out solarization of 1 million grid connected agriculture pumps by the year 2022. Under the same scheme, Government is also encouraging farmers to set up small solar plants of the size of 500 KW to 2 MW on barren lands for their additional income. Three components combined, the scheme aims to add a solar capacity of 25,750 MW by 2022. The total central financial support provided under the scheme would be Rs 34,422 crore. The third is Roof Top Solar Phase-II program SRISTI (Sustainable Rooftop Implementation for Solar Transfiguration of India) scheme for accelerated deployment of solar roof top systems in the country. Under this scheme Central Financial Assistance for 4000 MW of small roof top capacity and incentives to Distribution Companies for 18,000 MW capacity by 2022 have been provided. These schemes will also act as catalyst for adding solar cell and module manufacturing capacity in India. Further, the Tariff Policy is being revised to ensure timely adoption of tariffs.

The CRISIL report being referred to by the media is neither factually correct nor takes into account initiatives taken by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy to facilitate accelerated development and deployment of renewable energy in the country. This report lacks in credibility in all respects as CRISIL did not even bother to consult this Ministry for its views.  The Ministry says it is not only confident of meeting 1,75,000 MW target but exceeding it by 2022.

Tata Motors launches 213-km range Tigor EV

Tata Motors launches 213-km range Tigor EV

Following the introduction of Tigor EV for Government and fleet consumers, Tata Motors today announced the launch of its extended range Tigor EV Electric Sedan, with a range of 213 km, certified by ARAI. It will be available in 3 variants – XE+, XM+ and XT+ – for both fleet and personal segment customers. The new Tigor EV will be available across 30 cities, at a starting price of Rs. 9.44 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi (after deducting Govt. subsidies). This vehicle qualifies for a FAME II incentive for eligible commercial customers.

The new extended version offers an enhanced driving range, low cost of ownership, connectivity, comfort of a sedan and zero emissions.Speaking on the launch of this new variant, Ashesh Dhar, Head – Sales, Marketing and Customer Service, Electric Vehicle Business, Tata Motors Ltd. said, “Tigor EV Extended Range model aptly addresses the requirements of longer range applications and also provides higher revenue earning potential for our commercial customers. This new version builds on the success of the award winning Tigor EV, which is already deployed with several fleets and Government customers. This launch reinforces our commitment towards sustainable mobility solutions in India.”The new Tigor EV will have two driving modes – ‘Drive’ and ‘Sport’. It will also come with features like:

Exterior Interior
Signature EV decals Classic black & grey interior
Premium front grille Immersive sound experience by Harman™
Stylish alloys Single speed transmission
Shark-fin antenna & LED high mounted stop lamp Height adjustable seat
Three elegant colours:
Pearlescent white, Egyptian blue and Roman silver
Superior seat fabric

The Battery

  • With a 21.5 kWh battery pack, the new model offers a significantly longer range
  • Battery cooling system is designed to ensure consistent performance even in extreme ambient temperature conditions
  • The car has 2 charging ports – fast charging as well as slow AC charging

Additionally, the vehicle will be equipped with dual airbags (XE+ variant with Driver Airbag only) and an anti-lock braking system as standard safety features. The vehicle also comes with an inbuilt warranty of 3 years or 1.25 lakh kms, whichever is earlier.

 

Boost for EVs: 1 charging unit per 3 sq. km in cities

Boost for EVs: 1 charging unit per 3 sq. km in cities

In a major decision to give a boost to electric vehicles in country, the government has approved amendments in Electric Vehicle Charging Guidelines and Specifications. These Revised Guidelines and Specifications for charging infrastructure shall supersede the earlier guidelines and standards issued by the Ministry of Power on 14 Dec 2018.

Speaking about the decision, Power Minister RK Singh said that revised guidelines are more consumer friendly as they incorporate a number of suggestions received from various stakeholders. “We have tried to address the concerns of EV owners in new guidelines,” he said and expressed hope that revised guidelines will encourage faster adoption of EVs in India.

In order to address the range of issues of the electric vehicle owners, a phase-wise installation of an appropriate network of charging infrastructure throughout the country has been envisaged in the guidelines ensuring that at least one charging station should be available in a grid of 3 km x 3 km in the cities and one charging station at every 25 km on both sides of highways/roads.

It has been envisaged that in the first phase (i.e. 1-3 years) all Mega Cities with population of 4 million plus as per census 2011, all existing expressways connected to these mega cities & important highways connected with each of these mega cities may be taken up for coverage, while in the second phase (3-5 years) big cities like state capitals, UT headquarters may be covered for distributed and demonstrative effect.

Further, important highways connected with each of these mega cities may also be taken up for coverage. To address the concerns in inter-city travel and long range and/or heavy duty EVs it has been provided that Fast Charging Station for long range and/or heavy duty EVs like buses/trucks etc., shall be installed at every 100 km, shall be installed one on each side of the highways/road located preferably within/alongside the Public Charging Station (PCS) mentioned above.

The above density/distance requirements shall be used by the concerned state/UT Governments/their Agencies for the land use planning for public charging stations as well as for priority in installation of distribution network including transformers/feeders etc by the DISCOMs. This shall be done in all cases including where no central/state subsidy is provided.

Assuming that most of the charging of EVs would take place at homes or at offices where the decision of using Fast or Slow chargers would rest on the consumers, it has been clarified in the guidelines that private charging at residences/offices shall be permitted and DISCOMs may facilitate the same.

As far as the Public Charging Stations (PCS) are concerned, it has already been clarified by Ministry of Power that setting up of PCS shall be a de-licensed activity and any individual/entity is free to set up public charging stations, which has also been reiterated in the guidelines, subject to the conditions as specified in the Guidelines. Further, the guidelines specifies the type of chargers of different standards (viz. CCS, CHAdeMO, Type-2 AC, Bharat AC 001) thus ensuring that the PCS owners have the freedom to install the chargers as per the market requirement. To keep the PCS technology agnostic, it has been provided that any other fast/slow/moderate charger as per approved DST/BIS standards whenever notified can also be installed at the PCS. Thus, the Guidelines provide an extensive flexibility while ensuring a democratic choice to both EV owners and PCS providers to install the type and number of chargers.

Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), a statutory body under Ministry of Power has been nominated as the Central Nodal Agency. Further a provision for State Nodal Agency for the respective states has been provided for in the Guidelines. The roles of the respective Nodal Agencies have been specified. These Nodal Agencies will act as the key facilitator in installation of Charging Infrastructure for Electric Vehicles throughout the country.

The tariff to be charged, from Public Charging Stations as well as from domestic consumers for domestic charging, by the DISCOMs and the Service Charges to be charged by these PCS from EV users have also been covered in the guidelines. It has been provided that the domestic charging shall be akin to domestic consumption of electricity and shall be charged as such.

However, in case of PCS, it has been provided that tariff for the supply of electricity to PCS shall be determined by the appropriate commission in accordance with the Tariff policy issued under section 3 of Electricity Act 2003, as amended from time to time. As far as the Service Chargers at PCS are concerned, while it has been clarified that charging of EV is a service, to ensure that the incentives (financial or otherwise) provided to PCS owners in installation of charging stations are transferred to the EV owners, it has been provided that the appropriate agency/commission shall fix the ceiling of Service Charges in such cases.

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