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Spotlight on Green Energy

Ministry of Power notifies amendment for renewable energy promotion
The Ministry of Power (MoP) has notified the Second Amendment to Electricity (Promoting Renewable Energy through Green Energy Open Access) Rules, 2023. The amendment defines entity as any consumer with a contracted demand or sanctioned load of 100 kW or more, either through a single connection or multiple connections totaling 100 kW or more within the same electricity division of a distribution licensee, excluding captive consumers.

Captive consumers, however, are exempt from load limitations. Additionally, the eligibility for green energy open access is limited to consumers with a contracted demand or sanctioned load of 100 kW or more, either through a single connection or multiple connections totaling 100 kW or more within the same electricity division of a distribution licensee. For captive consumers availing power through green energy open access, there is no limit on the supply of power. The amendment states that additional surcharges will not be applicable to electricity produced from offshore wind projects commissioned until December 2032 and supplied to open-access consumers.

Union Minister emphasizes on the importance of alternate fuels like Green hydrogen 

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, while speaking at the ‘Green Hydrogen Conclave’, organised in Mumbai on May 25, highlighted the environmental and cost benefits of alternative fuels like bio-CNG and green hydrogen. Union Road Transport and Highways Minister said, "These fuels not only help reduce pollution but also save significantly on fuel costs."

Emphasizing India's potential, he mentioned that the country has the capacity to produce five million metric tonnes of green hydrogen annually. He urged stakeholders to make these fuels accessible at cost-effective rates while raising awareness among citizens. Union Minister also acknowledged the challenges faced by India, including the economic burden of fossil fuel imports and the pressing need to tackle air pollution.
European Commission’s climate policy chief in India
Frans Timmermans, the European Commission's climate policy chief, is on a diplomatic mission to India to discuss emission reductions, clean energy transition, environmental protection, and the upcoming UN climate change conference in Dubai.

Timmermans, who delivered a keynote speech at the Annual Session 2023 of the Confederation of Indian Industry, agreed that the historic responsibility of climate change mitigation is more on advanced economies. EU’s climate policy chief also said that the climate crisis transcends any political and economic difference that India and EU might have.

Timmermans is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with key Indian ministers, including the Ministers of Environment, Power, Coal, and Petroleum and Natural Gas, to explore cooperation opportunities in addressing climate challenges. He will also participate in high-level round table organised by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water, engaging with think tanks, civil society organisations, and business representatives.
Uber to launch Uber Green in India, to promote sustainability
Uber, the multinational ride-sharing app, is launching Uber Green in India starting in June to promote sustainability. Initially available in New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, Uber Green will allows users to book rides in all-electric vehicles with zero tailpipe emissions. The company has partnered with Lithium Urban Technologies, Everest Fleet Pvt Ltd, and Moove to introduce 25,000 electric cars across India's top seven cities over the next three years.

Uber has also collaborated with the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) to facilitate the purchase of electric and compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles. In terms of charging infrastructure, Uber has partnered with BP pulse and Jio-BP to provide global mobility solutions, and with GMR Green Energy to create customised charging facilities. These initiatives aim to promote the adoption of electric vehicles and offer convenient charging options for Uber drivers in India.

Delhi’s Hauz Khas chosen for upcoming solar powered EV charging project

The National Solar Energy Federation of India (NSEFI) has finalised the location for a solar-powered EV-charging carport project in Hauz Khas, Delhi.

Servotech Power Systems Limited will be responsible for the design, fabrication, and implementation of the carport as per the project guidelines. The carport will include DC chargers, solar panels, and AC chargers, showcasing the capabilities of solar power and EV charging. This pilot project aims to demonstrate the potential for sustainable and renewable energy solutions in India.
Adani  subsidiary commissions 130 MW wind power plant in Kutch, Gujarat

NGHC achieves financial closure for green hydrogen plant in Saudi Arabia

Adani Wind Energy Kutch Five Limited, a subsidiary of Adani Green Energy Limited, has announced the commissioning of a 130 MW Wind Power Plant in Kutch, Gujarat. The plant has a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement with Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) at a tariff of Rs. 2.83/kWh.

With this addition, Adani Green Energy's operational wind generation capacity has reached 1,101 MW, contributing to its total operational renewable generation capacity of 8,216 MW. The plant will be managed using Adani Group's Energy Network Operation Centre (ENOC) platform, ensuring efficient operations across its renewable portfolio. Adani Green Energy has committed to sustainable development and plans to achieve a target of 45 GW renewable capacity by 2030.

NEOM Green Hydrogen Co. (NGHC) has secured a financial closure on an USD 8.4 billion green hydrogen production facility in Oxagon, Saudi Arabia. The funding comes from a diverse group of 23 local, regional, and international banks and investment firms, highlighting the project's strong potential.

NGHC has also finalised agreements with Air Products for engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services, valued at USD 6.7 billion, making Air Products the primary contractor for the facility. Additionally, NGHC has secured a 30-year off-take agreement with Air Products for all the green ammonia produced at the plant. Production is set to begin by the end of 2026, generating up to 600 tonnes per day of carbon-free hydrogen in the form of green ammonia through the integration of 4GW of solar and wind energy. 

BP and Petronas in race to invest in Greenko founders’ new platform

BP is currently in competition with Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas), the Malaysian state-owned energy company, to secure a substantial minority stake worth USD 1.5-2 billion in a new platform owned by the founders of Greenko, Anil Chalamalasetty and Mahesh Kolli.
 
According to a report in the Economic Times, the discussions with both parties have progressed, and Greenko is anticipated to choose one of the two energy giants as its partner in this venture. If successfully finalised, this investment will mark the largest overseas investment to date in an Indian green ammonia and hydrogen project.

Punjab to come up with green hydrogen policy soon: Minister Aman Arora

Aman Arora, Punjab's New and Renewable Energy Sources Minister, stressed on the importance of transitioning from conventional power generation to renewable energy sources to protect the environment. The Minister was speaking at National Energy Summit organized by the Punjab Energy Development Authority (PEDA). He also said that Punjab state government aims to establish itself as a leader in non-conventional energy production in India by introducing a green hydrogen policy.

Punjab already has around 3,200 MW capacity of renewable energy projects, including 2,000 MW of solar plants, accounting for 21 percent of the state's total installed capacity. The goal is to increase the share of renewable energy to 30 percent by 2030 in alignment with the nationally determined contributions (NDC) and sustainable development goals (SDG). The state has significant potential in renewable energy, particularly through the utilisation of paddy straw, with efforts underway to convert it into a valuable asset for farmers. The Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) has allocated 43 compressed biogas (CBG) projects based on paddy straw and agricultural residue, and Asia's largest CBG plant, with a capacity of over 33 thermal design power (TDP), has been commissioned in Sangrur district.

Ecofy and Tata collaborate for India’s largest solar energy company

Ecofy, a green-only non-banking financial company (NBFC) in India, has partnered with Tata Power Solar Systems Ltd, the country's largest integrated solar energy company. The collaboration aims to finance solar solutions, including solar rooftops, EPC services, and innovative solar products, for individuals and small businesses that are embracing sustainable energy.

This partnership will contribute to the widespread adoption of clean energy and facilitate a smooth transition to solar power. Ecofy will lend to individuals and small businesses that seek to procure various state-of-the-art solar services from the nation’s leading solar energy pioneers, thereby laying the roadmap for a net zero-carbon nation. In addition, this collaboration will enable Ecofy to establish 1500+ installations and reach out to 400+ dealers, distributors, households, commercial spaces, industries in 7 states namely Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana and Goa. 
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