IREDA Chairperson Highlights India’s Green Push at World Energy Congress

The chairperson highlighted India’s ambitious target of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030, positioning it as a leader in the fight against climate change. He emphasized India’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, further solidifying its climate goals.

India and UK Strengthen Cooperation on Nuclear Safety

The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) of India and the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) of the United Kingdom have signed a bilateral arrangement to enhance cooperation in the field of nuclear safety. This agreement was signed on January 23, 2024 and February 20, 2024 through postal exchanges.

Power Generators To Sell Surplus Electricity in Market

The Ministry has observed that some power generators are not offering surplus power (beyond their contracted commitments) in the market. This leads to unused capacity at the national level, potentially impacting grid efficiency. Hence, the Ministry has clarified that generators, including those with long-term FSAs, can sell surplus power in the market as per the Electricity Act and related regulations.

March 2024 Escalation Rates For Imported Coal

The cost of imported coal has seen a slight decrease of 0.56%. However, the cost of transporting imported coal has increased by 5.19%. The cost of handling imported coal within India has also decreased by 0.61%.

Guidelines For PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana

The PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana initiative was launched in February 2024. It aims to install rooftop solar panels in one crore Indian homes. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is now seeking public feedback on draft guidelines on the scheme.

Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (Determination of Petroleum and Petroleum Products Pipeline Transportation Tariff) Second Amendment Regulations, 2024

The amendment provides that the determination of the petroleum and petroleum products pipeline transportation tariff under this regulation shall be benchmarked against the goods tariff table of the railways as applicable on the date of the coming into force of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (Determination of Petroleum and Petroleum Products Pipeline Transportation Tariff) Second Amendment Regulations, 2024 and if the goods tariff table of the railways is revised during the further extended period of transition, the Board may consider the benchmarking of the petroleum and petroleum products transportation tariff against such revision.