CERC Notifies Escalation Rates for March 2025 in Line with Ministry of Power Guidelines
The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has announced the monthly escalation rates applicable for March 2025. These rates pertain to the payment calculations for procurement of power by distribution licensees under long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).
CERC Announces Monthly Escalation Rates for Power Procurement Payments in February 2025
The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has issued a notification detailing the monthly escalation rates applicable for February 2025 for the purpose of payments related to the procurement of power by distribution licensees. These escalation rates are used to adjust the payment amounts in power purchase agreements to account for fluctuations in the costs of key components, such as imported coal and its transportation and handling.
Advice On FGD Technology Selection For Thermal Power Plants
The advisory provides an overview of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) regulations on emissions and water consumption, and offers guidance on choosing appropriate FGD technologies.
India Achieves Record Coal Production and Dispatch in December 2024
Between April 1 and December 31, 2024, total coal production from captive and commercial mines reached 131.05 million tons (MT), reflecting a 34.20% increase from 97.665 MT during the same period last year. December 2024 alone saw coal production surge to 18.40 MT, with a daily average production of 0.594 MT, a 30.75% increase compared to December 2023’s daily average of 0.445 MT.
India Steps Up Coal Production and Promotes Domestic Manufacturing
The Indian government has taken several significant steps to boost domestic coal production and reduce reliance on imports. While Rajasthan does not have substantial coal deposits, the government’s focus is on increasing overall domestic production and ensuring energy security for the nation.
India’s Commitment to Sustainable Mining Practices
The adoption of advanced mining technologies like surface mining, continuous mining, and highwall/longwall mining has minimized environmental impact and improved efficiency. By increasing the use of First Mile Connectivity (FMC) projects, the government aims to reduce the reliance on road transportation, thereby reducing carbon emissions and air pollution.
Offshore Areas Operating Right Rules, 2024
Offshore areas will only be available for grant of operating rights after being notified in the Official Gazette by the administering authority. The government, government companies, or corporations have the priority to obtain operating rights for reserved offshore areas.
Advisory On Timely Import Of Coal For Maximizing Production In Coal Mines Extended Once Again
Maintaining adequate coal reserves at Domestic Coal-Based power plants (DCBs) is crucial for uninterrupted power supply during the monsoon months. The revised advisory aims to achieve this by encouraging continued coal imports for blending with a revised blending requirement of 4%.
Ministry of Coal Advocates Clean Coal Technologies to Drive Sustainable Energy Transition
To spearhead the transition towards cleaner coal technologies, the Government has launched several initiatives, notably the Coal Gasification Mission. To facilitate these initiatives, a financial assistance scheme has been proposed to promote Coal/Lignite Gasification Projects by Government PSUs and the Private Sector, with an allocation of ₹8500 crores earmarked for incentives. This scheme seeks to demonstrate the viability of gasification projects, accelerate downstream product markets, and create additional value chains in the economy.
MoP Advises GENCOs On Timely Import Of Coal For Maximizing Production In Coal Mines
The Ministry of Power (MoP) has extended its prior advisory on blending of imported coal at 6% by weight from March 2024 to June 2024. GENCOs must ensure that their imported coal contracts continue coal supplies till June 2024. They are also encouraged to continuously monitor their coal stock positions and opt for blending in accordance with their requirements.
