OLDER COAL POWER UNITS
India's solar output grows at slowest pace in six years in first half of 2024
Solar power generation in the third-largest producer of electricity from the sun rose to 63.6 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) in the first half of 2024, the data showed, up 14.7% compared with the same period last year and 18.5% in the calendar year 2023. The world's fastest growing major economy has prioritised coal to address a surge in power demand in recent years.
India asks utilities to order $33 billion in equipment this year to boost coal power output
India's government plans a $33 billion equipment order to accelerate coal-fired power capacity additions amid soaring electricity demand. Major firms like NTPC and Adani Power are expected to lead tendering, aiming to add 31 GW in 5-6 years. The move follows record-high power demand and recent supply challenges, prompting urgent action to bolster infrastructure.
Peak power demand declines 10% to 206GW as rains hit north India
After a heatwave, heavy rain reduced power demand, with peak falling to 206 GW from 250 GW. The India Meteorological Department predicts stable temperatures amid heavy rainfall. Southern regions saw a monsoon onset, lowering consumption. Neighbouring regions contributed significantly to power supply, aided by high coal stocks at thermal plants and increased CIL supplies.
The train from Russia: How a new route can change things for India
A multimodal route that includes a railway, roadway network and seaports, the INSTC spans 7,200km (4,500 miles) from St. Petersburg to the port of Mumbai in India. The corridor is part of Russia’s push to find new transport routes in light of Western sanctions, which have forced it to shift trade flows from Europe to Asia and the Middle East.
Budget 2024: Hi-tech thermal plants may get Rs 6,000 cr viability support
Budget 2024: The Union budget for 2024-25 is expected to include a support scheme for setting up 800 MW coal-based power plants using Advanced Ultra Supercritical (AUSC) technology. The finance ministry is evaluating a proposal for ₹6,000 crore viability gap funding (VGF) and a ₹3,500 crore payment security mechanism for electric buses. The project, based on indigenous technology developed by a consortium of Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, and NTPC, is expected to cost upwards of ₹15,000 crore at completion.
AI's hunger for power can be tamed
Tech firms investing in AI must prioritize energy-efficient algorithms to combat environmental impact and rising power consumption, shifting away from current energy-intensive models towards more sustainable practices.
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Power units' imported coal blending may be cut to 4%
India is considering reducing the mandatory blend of imported coal with locally produced fuel for thermal power units from 6% to 4-5% due to higher coal stocks at plants. The advisory on coal blending, extended in March to ensure power availability during peak demand, is set to expire on June 30.
NTPC ropes in Macawber Beekay to supply green coal for power projects
State-owned power company NTPC has partnered with waste-to-energy firm Macawber Beekay to supply green coal to reduce carbon emissions while generating electricity. The company will set up three green coal manufacturing units in Noida, Bhopal, and Hubbali, treating 900 tonnes per day of municipal solid waste through torrefaction.
Japan could be energy-independent by 2060 thanks to renewables: Rystad Energy CEO
Japan imports most of its energy resources, with the Middle East, Australia and the United States being its top suppliers. The government's strategy calls for a reduction in LNG and coal to under 40% of the power generation mix by 2030 from more than 60% now. But analysts say Japan is moving slower it needs to.
Adani’s Aussie coal port gets A$500 million private credit loan
Adani Group's Australian coal port unit has secured A$500 million private credit loan from Farallon and King Street Capital Management. Banks' reluctance due to ESG concerns prompts coal companies in Australia, like Whitehaven Coal Ltd., to seek private financing.
Major world economies seek to halt new private sector coal financing
OECD plan instructs financial institutions to stop funding coal projects. Calls for financing early closure of coal plants and supporting clean energy. Policy aims to set a standard for dealing with coal infrastructure.
Green energy to drive power sector investment, coal to remain significant: Moody's
India’s power sector investments will be driven by renewable energy and transmission projects which will require an investment of $340-385 billion to meet the government's target and associated incremental transmission and storage system, Moody’s Ratings said on Thursday.
Despite record peak demand, power exchange prices remain lower than last year's peak period
The average daily price in the day-ahead market on the power exchange remained lower in May compared to peak periods last year, despite record-high peak demand. This indicates sufficient energy supply from various sources. The average price during May was ₹5.30 per unit, lower than last year's peak period of mid-August to mid-September, which was ₹7.75 per unit. Increased hydro and wind power generation have contributed to this improvement in supply. Even during days of record peak demand, prices remained relatively low on average.
NTPC Q4 Results: Net profit jumps 33% YoY to Rs 6,490 crore; dividend declared at Rs 3.25 per share
State-owned power giant NTPC on Friday posted a 33 per cent rise in its consolidated net profit to Rs 6,490.05 crore in the March 2024 quarter, mainly on the back of higher revenues. The company had reported Rs 4,871.55 crore consolidated net profit in the quarter ended March 2023, a BSE filing said.
US, Philippines to train Filipinos in nuclear power
The Philippines and the United States agreed to train Filipinos in building and operating nuclear power plants to boost the Southeast Asian country's electricity supply. Following a November nuclear cooperation agreement, the new deal will offer scholarships and exchange programs for Filipinos to study civil nuclear power and renewable energy. This initiative aims to develop a skilled workforce for clean energy infrastructure. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos is determined to adopt nuclear power, including potentially reviving a mothballed $2.2 billion plant.
Coal's share in India's power generation capacity drops below 50% for 1st time since 1960s
India's share of coal in its total power generation capacity dropped below 50% in Q1 2024, marking the first time since the 1960s. Renewable energy accounted for 71.5 percent of the 13,669 MW power generation capacity added by India in Q1 2024. This trend is well ahead of India's target of achieving 50% cumulative power generation capacity from non-fossil fuel-based sources by 2030. The decline in coal's share mirrors a global trend, with demand for coal in G7 countries hitting record lows in 2023. G7 countries pledged to phase out all unabated coal power generation by 2035.
India projects biggest power shortfall in 14 years in June
India faces severe power shortfall, deferring maintenance and restarting idle units post-hydro decline. Efforts to maximize generation ongoing to meet demand, with focus on renewables and existing plants. Grid-India projects peak night-time demand.
NTPC achieves 20 pc torrefied biomass co-firing at Tanda power plant
NTPC achieves 20% torrefied biomass co-firing at Tanda thermal plant, marking a milestone in India's power sector. Torrefied biomass, akin to coal, enables higher co-firing percentages without major modifications. NTPC aims for decarbonization, exploring biomass co-firing in existing and new coal power plants to reduce emissions and mitigate air pollution.
G7 agrees to phase out coal-fired power plants by mid-2030s
G7 agrees to phase out non-capturing coal plants by 2030s in line with COP28 and Paris Agreement. They also address global plastic pollution issues, aiming to reduce production and emissions.
India expects annual power output to grow at fastest in over a decade
India anticipates a 9.3% increase in power generation to 1,900 billion kWh by March 2025, the fastest growth since 2011/12. Factors include searing heatwaves, economic activity uptick, and projected above-average monsoon rains. Fossil fuel-fired power is expected to dominate, with coal and natural gas generation increasing.
THDC India aims to make Rs 12,000-crore coal-based thermal power project operational by September
State-owned THDC India Ltd is targeting to have its coal-based power plant up and running by September 2024, signaling its foray into the domestic thermal energy sector, as per a senior company official. The company is in the process of establishing a 1,320 megawatt (2X660 MW) Super Thermal Power Project (STPP) in Bulandshahr district, Uttar Pradesh. Currently, THDC India Ltd has a total installed power generation capacity of approximately 1,587 MW, comprising 1,424 MW from hydro sources, 113 MW from wind, and 50 MW from solar energy.
What heat waves spell for India: Impact on RBI, biz, food & GDP
Weather experts warn of increasing heat waves in India, impacting daily life, business, and economy. With hotter temperatures forecasted, power demand is expected to rise, putting pressure on power generation and potentially leading to power cuts. Heat waves can also disrupt food production, impacting prices and rural demand, affecting GDP growth.
Power plants end 2023-24 with 50.7 million tonnes of coal stock
Thermal power plants in 2024-25 began with over 50.7 million tonnes of coal stock, surpassing the previous year by 36%. This surplus aids in meeting summer demand, with forecasts predicting above-normal temperatures. The government increased its thermal power capacity target to 85 GW by 2031-32 due to rising demand.
India hydropower output records steepest fall in nearly four decades
India experienced a drastic 16.3% drop in hydroelectricity output, the steepest decline in at least 38 years, due to erratic rainfall. This led to increased reliance on coal-fired power, with renewables' share in power generation decreasing for the first time since commitments made in 2015.
NTPC logs highest-ever power generation of 422 bn units in FY24
In the fiscal year 2023-24, NTPC, India's largest power generating company, achieved a record annual electricity generation of 422 billion units, marking nearly a 6% growth compared to the previous year. The coal stations operated by NTPC recorded a plant load factor (PLF) of 77%, indicating efficient capacity utilization.
Coal PSUs must plan pithead-based thermal projects: Coal Secy
The Coal Ministry urges Coal India Ltd and NLC India Ltd to establish pithead-based thermal projects to cut transportation costs and enhance coal accessibility. This initiative aims to decrease dependency on rail and road transportation, reduce logistics expenses, and improve power generation efficiency. Collaborations for power generation ventures in Rajasthan and discussions for similar projects in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are underway.
Power units will end financial year with 45 million tonnes of fuel: Coal minister Pralhad Joshi
Coal minister Pralhad Joshi expects power plants to end the financial year with 45 million tonnes of fuel, higher than last year. The overall coal stock is projected to be 150 million tonnes by March 31, supporting the summer season demand. The government plans to end coal import by 2030.
Transition to renewable energy could save Bengal Rs 62,000cr over next decade: Study
West Bengal could save Rs 62,000 crore over a decade by transitioning from thermal power to renewable energy sources, according to a study by Climate Risk Horizons. The report suggests that the state could save up to Rs 318 crore annually by replacing higher-cost power contracts with cheaper renewable energy. The report also suggests that electrifying irrigation pumps with PV solar could save Rs 20,720 crore for rice cultivation alone.
10 per cent rise seen in Q1 power generation
Of the estimated generation, 346 billion units are expected from coal-based units, as per an assessment done by the power ministry. Domestic coal-based plants are likely to generate 328 billion units in the quarter. Domestic coal requirement for the estimated power is expected to be around 216 million tonnes in the period while blending of imported coal is likely at 13 million tonnes equivalent. Total requirement is 11% higher than Q1 of this fiscal, one of the sources said.
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