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Spotlight on Green Energy

Carbon capture and storage highlighted for India
A recent study by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) has stated that India has a theoretical carbon storage capacity of 649 Gigatonnes (Gt).

To achieve ambitious goals of reducing carbon emissions, India is exploring various options, and one important approach can be of carbon capture and storage (CCS). It involves capturing carbon dioxide from combustion or industrial processes and storing it permanently underground.

India has four types of underground geological formations that can be utilised for carbon storage. Depleted oil and gas reservoirs can be injected with carbon dioxide to increase oil and gas recovery, a process known as Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR), while simultaneously storing some of the carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide can also be injected into coal seams to store it and extract methane, similar to natural gas, for commercial purposes, known as Enhanced Coal Bed Methane Recovery (ECBMR). Additionally, saline aquifers and basalt mineral rock formations can serve as storage sites for carbon dioxide.

National Green Hydrogen Mission sets target for India

India is making a significant push towards renewable energy and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and a key component of this transition is green hydrogen. The National Green Hydrogen Mission sets a target for India to develop a green hydrogen production capacity of at least 5 million metric tonnes (MMT) per year by 2030. This ambitious goal will lead to the addition of approximately 125 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity in the country and aid in achieving India's net-zero emissions vision.

Green hydrogen is produced through the process of electrolysis, where renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power are used to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. This method produces hydrogen without carbon emissions, making it environmentally friendly. In contrast, conventional hydrogen production methods, such as steam methane reforming, rely on fossil fuels and release carbon dioxide as a byproduct. The development of green hydrogen projects presents a significant economic opportunity, with India aiming to attract an investment of INR 8 lakh crore (approximately USD 110 billion) by 2030.

Saint-Gobain and Vibrant Energy sign deal for wind solar electricity

Saint-Gobain, a construction and industrial products company, has signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Vibrant Energy in India. Under the agreement, Vibrant Energy, a portfolio company of Macquarie Asset Management's Green Investment Group, will supply wind-solar electricity to six local sites.

The 20-year PPA is set to begin in 2024 and is expected to increase India's renewable electricity share to 65% by 2025. Vibrant Energy will provide Saint-Gobain with 189 GWh of renewable electricity annually, leading to a significant reduction of approximately 120,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year for Saint-Gobain's operations in India. The partnership supports India's renewable energy targets and Saint-Gobain's sustainability goals, aiming for 100% renewable energy usage by 2030.

Oriana Power commissions roof-top solar plant in Panipat
Oriana Power has commissioned a 2.7 MW solar project at the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) refinery in Panipat, Haryana. The project was completed in a record time of three months for Indian Synthetic Rubber Private Ltd (ISRPL), a joint venture between IOCL and Trimurti Holding Corporation.

This roof-top solar power plant is expected to help the Haryana government meet its renewable energy targets, reduce carbon footprint, and promote sustainable development in the state. The project is expected to enhance energy efficiency, create local employment opportunities, and contribute to the local economy.  

Bhopal Raja Bhoj Airport goes green 

Bhopal's Raja Bhoj Airport has become one of the airports in the country to achieve the feat of running completely on renewable energy. The airport is not just generating solar power but is also purchasing green energy from the discoms. As a result, the airport has achieved Level 2+ Carbon Accreditation of Airports Council International (ACI).

Airports are significant sources of carbon emissions due to their large energy demands. However, they are making strides in reducing their environmental impact by transitioning to green energy. In all, there are 148 operational airports in the country, including 137 airports, two water aerodromes, and nine heliports. 

Carbon-neutral airports are those that have adopted green practices on a larger scale, have purchased carbon credits, and have amenities such as wastewater recycling, solar energy, LED lighting, and more that can offset carbon emissions.

 
Major Japanese auto manufacturers to jointly develop hydrogen-powered engines

Hydrogen-powered urban train unveiled in China

Four major Japanese manufacturers, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Honda, and Yamaha have formed a research association called HySE to develop hydrogen-powered engines for small mobility vehicles. The Japanese auto majors came together after receiving approval from Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) to establish the research association.

They have also collaborated on unified standards for electric two-wheelers. Each company has a specific role, with Honda focusing on model-based development, Suzuki conducting element studies, and Yamaha and Kawasaki performing hands-on research. Yamaha will study hydrogen refueling system requirements, while Kawasaki will focus on auxiliary equipment. Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Toyota are also involved as special members. The association aims to address technical challenges and establish design standards for hydrogen-powered engines in small mobility vehicles.

China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC) unveiled its first hydrogen-powered urban train, showcasng its green and low-carbon features. Some of the train's core technology is borrowed from the Fuxing bullet train. The Fuxing, also known as "rejuvenation," is a high-speed bullet train run by China Railway Corporation.

This new urban train can reach speeds of upto 160 km/hr and has a range of 600 kms. The urban train incorporates digital and intelligent elements, including the highest level of autonomous driving technology, enabling functions such as automatic wake-up, start-stop, and return to the depot.  

Equipped with multiple intelligent detection systems and thousands of sensors, the train can self-monitor, self-diagnose, and protect its hydrogen storage and fuel cell systems for optimal safety and reliability. The train also employs 5G vehicle-to-ground communication technology for data transmission and leverages big data analysis to evaluate operational status and ensure secure driving.

Sweden project to create 'electrified highway'

Sweden is pioneering the development of electrified roads, with a project to create one of the first permanent electrified highway. The initiative is being led by Swedish transport administration, Trafikverket. The selected motorway for the project is European Route E20 which connects logistic hubs between Hallsberg and Örebro.

The charging method for the E20 electrified road has not been finalised yet, but there are three potential options: the catenary system, conductive system, and the inductive system.

The catenary system utilises overhead wires to provide electricity, primarily suitable for heavy-duty vehicles such as buses and trams. Conductive charging can accommodate both heavy-duty vehicles and private cars using a rail-based conduction system. In 2018, Trafikverket introduced the world's first charging rail for electric vehicles on public roads as a pilot project between Stockholm's Arlanda airport and a logistics area in Rosersberg. This innovative system involved milling an electrical rail into the asphalt, allowing electric trucks to lower a moving arm that receives power from the rail. Another charging option being considered is the inductive charging system, where special equipment buried underneath the road sends electricity to a coil in the electric vehicle, enabling charging of the battery.

Trafikverket has already implemented other electrified road projects, including a wireless electric road for heavy trucks and buses in Visby, an island city in Sweden. 

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