Rajasthan Power/Energy Sector

[engineer.akash]

Hughes Communications to offer satellite services to Rajasthan, Karnataka discoms

NEW DELHI: Hughes Communications India on Tuesday said it has bagged contracts from power distribution firms in Rajasthan and Karnataka to provide satellite services that will help reduce distribution losses.

The two contracts won by Hughes, a leading satellite broadband solutions provider, are together worth about Rs 20 crore, Hughes Communication India Ltd (HCIL) Director Shivaji Chatterjee said.

"There is a lot of losses during power distribution. The use of satellite services would help in reducing such losses," Chatterjee said.

Under the contract with Jaipur Vidyut Vitran Nigam Ltd (Jaipur Discom), Hughes would offer satellite services connecting 825 locations in Rajasthan.

The contract with five power discoms in Karnataka -- BESCOM , CESCOM , MESCOM , GESCOM and HESCOM -- would see the company deploying a network of about 713 satellite terminals, Hughes said in a statement.

Hughes has inked the agreement with the Rajasthan and Karnataka entities for periods of three years and five years, respectively.

The two projects are related to the government's Restructured Accelerated Power Development & Reforms Programme (R-APDRP).

"We expect eight to ten more states to utilise our satellite services (as part of efforts to reduce transmission and distribution losses). We expect to rake in revenues of Rs 80 to 100 crore from such projects in the next 12-18 months," Chatterjee said.

The government has initiated various measures to bring down transmission and distribution losses in the fast-growing power sector. Going by estimates, T&D losses amount to around 30 per cent of power sector output.

HCIL is a majority-owned subsidiary of US-based Hughes Network Systems LLC.

ET

[Yagya]

Rajasthan govt inks MoU for setting up 1200MW thermal plant

Rajasthan government has signed an MoU with Gujarat-based power company Siddhi EnerTech Limited for setting up a 1,200 MW coal-based super critical thermal power plant in Banswara.

The project, to be set up under the policy for promoting private investments in the power sector, will be one of the three super critical power projects to be set up in the district at a likely investment of around Rs 8,000 crore.

"It is a major initiative set to develop the tribal-dominated region in southern Rajasthan and create employment opportunities for the local youths," said Rajasthan energy minister Jitendra Singh.

As per the policy, the company will get 100% exemption on the stamp duty on paper execution and power purchase guarantee of at least 50% of the power generated in a year among other benefits which include infrastructure support and land acquisition facilitation.source

[Yagya]

Solar energy to power Raj's electricity dreams

Jaipur: Rajasthan has become the second largest solar power producer in the country after Tamil Nadu. If all goes well, Rajasthan alone will produce 1500 MW of solar power by 2013, said Jitendra Singh, minister energy and higher education, while addressing a conference on climate change and renewable energy. He said that power situation has improved in the state which is evident from the fact that there have been no power cuts during summers this year except in the villages where transmission and distribution (T&D) losses are high.

"Rajasthan will soon become self-reliant state in the field of power production. In the next five years the state will produce 20,000 to 22,000 MW of power as compared to the present installed capacity of 9200 MW. Rajasthan has immense potential for the production of solar power. By 2013 we will be producing 1500 MW of solar power in the state," said the minister.

Singh informed that the state will soon witness an investment of Rs 40,000 crore in the field of power production from renewable resources. Areas like Jaisalmer and Banswara have huge potential for solar power production. In the next few years Banswara alone will contribute 6,000 MW of power in the total power production of the state.source

[Yagya]

सुपर क्रिटिकल बिजलीघरों के कोल ब्लॉक्स की मंजूरी

जयपुर. राज्य के तीन सुपर क्रिटिकल बिजलीघरों के लिए आखिरकार केंद्र ने छत्तीसगढ़ के परसा पूर्व और कांटे बसान में कोल ब्लॉक्स को मंजूरी दे दी है। करीब दो साल से पर्यावरणीय मंजूरी के इंतजार में अटके इन कोल ब्लॉक्स से अब दो चरणों में 15-15 साल के लिए कोयला मिलेगा।

इन ब्लॉक्स से राज्य को हर साल 10 मिलियन टन कोयला मिलेगा। केंद्रीय पर्यावरण एवं वन राज्य मंत्री जयराम रमेश ने शुक्रवार को मुख्यमंत्री कार्यालय में प्रदेश के कोल ब्लॉक को पर्यावरणीय मंजूरी की घोषणा की। उन्होंने बताया कि क्षेत्र में बायोडायवर्सिटी के संभावित नुकसान को देखते हुए उन्होंने तीन बार प्रस्ताव ठुकरा दिया गया था। हसदेव अरण्य क्षेत्र में ही एक कोल ब्लॉक्स को छत्तीसगढ़ के लिए मंजूर किया गया है।

कॉल ब्लॉक्स को मंजूरी से पहले राज्य सरकार ने केंद्र की इस शर्त को स्वीकार किया है कि इन ब्लॉक्स के कोयले को सुपर क्रिटिकल यूनिट के लिए ही इस्तेमाल किया जाएगा। रमेश ने बताया कि 2013 तक 2100 मेगावॉट के सोलर प्लांट लगेंगे। पवन ऊर्जा की क्षमता को 1550 से बढ़ाकर तीन हजार मेगावाट किया जाएगा। मुख्यमंत्री गहलोत ने कहा कि केंद्र की मंजूरी मिलने के बाद इन परियोजनाओं को अब तेजी से आगे बढ़ाया जाएगा।

ब्लॉक्स को मंजूरी के पीछे ये कारण गिनाए रमेश ने: दो राज्यों के विकास से जुड़ा बेहद महत्वपूर्ण मामला होना। ये ब्लॉक्स सघन जंगल क्षेत्र से पूरी तरह सटे नहीं हैं। पर्यावरण यदि मामूली प्रभावित होता भी है तो इसकी भरपाई संभव। 11वीं पंचवर्षीय योजना में 52 हजार मेगावाट क्षमता हासिल करना।

केंद्रीय मंत्री की मुख्यमंत्री के साथ बैठक में अहम फैसले हुए। इनमें सरिस्का से पांडुपोल दर्शनार्थियों के लिए बस स्टैंड के लिए नेशनल कंजर्वेशन अथारिटी द्वारा 2 करोड़ रुपए मिलेंगे।


ताल वृक्ष से थानागाजी सड़क पर आने वाली लागत का 50 प्रतिशत (लगभग 10 करोड़ रुपए) की केंद्रीय सहायता।

सरिस्का एवं रणथंभौर टाइगर रिजर्व में जैविक दबाव से निपटने के लिए बाउंड्री वाल के लिए केंद्रीय सहायता।

मेगा सेल्टर बेल्ट हेतु ग्रीन इण्डिया मिशन के तहत केंद्रीय सहायता।

जयपुर के पास शाहपुरा में स्मिथसोनियन इंस्टीट्यूशन के सहयोग से प्रस्तावित जैव विविधता के संरक्षण के संबंध में शोध एवं अनुसंधान संस्थान की स्थापना।

बायोस्फियर रिजर्व की स्थापना (धौलपुर से झालावाड़ तक कुल 11500 वर्ग किलोमीटर क्षेत्र) के लिए केंद्रीय सहायता।

तालछापर रोड डायवर्जन के लिए 35 लाख रुपए की सहायता। प्रदेश में 27 संरक्षित क्षेत्रों के आसपास इको सेंसेटिव जोन का डिमार्केशन होगा।

छह चीते आएंगे, 11-12 जुलाई को जैसलमेर दौरा: जैसलमेर में पहले चरण में छह चीतों को बसाया जाएगा। इसमें दो नर और चार मादा होंगे। इन्हें मारारू और शाहगढ़ के बीच बसाया जाएगा। इन्हें तंजानिया, कीनिया, इथोपिया, जांबिया से लाया जाएगा। इन्हें बसाने की प्रक्रिया चार साल में पूरी होगी। इस मामले में जयराम रमेश 11-12 जुलाई को जैसलमेर का दौरा करेंगे। रमेश ने बताया कि राज्य में चीते के पुनर्वास को लेकर लंबे समय से चल रहे प्रयास अब जल्द ही मूर्त रूप लेंगे।

source

[Yagya]

Mega project to meet power needs

Jaipur: The state cabinet approved a mega power project of 2x135 megawatt (MW) capacity, on Wednesday.

The project has been proposed for Barmer under the 'Policy for Promotion of Private Sector Investment for Setting up Power Generation Projects in the State of Rajasthan'. Besides meeting the rising demand for electricity in the state, it will also draw an investment of Rs 1,000 crore to Rajasthan.

"It [this project] would bring down the static cost of establishing the 1,080 MW capacity project by the Raj West Power Ltd (RWPL) and would also bring down the existing power tariff," said a press communique. RWPL, a subsidiary of JSW Energy Limited, is currently developing 8 units of 135 MW each, at Bhadresh village in Barmer district. The new project would also be developed by JSW.

In another major decision, the Cabinet approved the draft of 'Mahatma Gandhi University of Medical Sciences and Technology, Jaipur Ordinance, 2011'. After the approval, this medical college in Jaipur would become the first private sector medical university to come up in Rajasthan.

The Cabinet also approved recommendations made by three-member ministerial sub-committee regarding remuneration and career advancement of medical teachers in the state. The proposed amendment in 'Rajasthan Rules of Business' were also accepted by the Cabinet.

Amendments proposed in Rajasthan Public Service Commission Regulations 1951, were also cleared during the meeting. According to the state government, RPSC (Limitation of Functions) (Amendment) Regulations, 2011, would draw a clear line between posts which fall under and out of the limitations of the RPSC.

Meanwhile, the Rajasthan government, through a Cabinet decision, made it mandatory for gazetted officers to declare their assets, failing which they would not be eligible for the annual salary increment. To bring transparency to the process, the Cabinet approved a proposal making DLC rates as the base rate for evaluation of the current value of immovable assets.

[Yagya]

DB Power plans plants in Maharashtra, Rajasthan

Bhaskar Group-promoted DB Power Ltd is looking to set up power plants in Maharashtra and Rajasthan, a top official of the company said.

While the timeframe for setting up these projects was not disclosed, the official said the projects will be established through subsidiaries to be held under Diliigent Power Pvt Ltd (DB Power’s holding company).

R K Gupta, CEO, Diliigent Power, said the company through its subsidiaries is in the process of setting up power projects aggregating to 6,400 megawatts. “Work on our current projects in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh is already underway. These projects would generate 1,200 mw and 1,320 mw, respectively. The balance of about 3,900 mw will be generated through projects in Maharashtra and Rajasthan,” Gupta said.

Company sources said that Chhattisgarh is very likely to see another power plant with generation capacity of 1,320 mw. According to DB Power website, power generated from all the units will be sold under the combination of long-term and short-term PPAs to state owned / private distribution companies and industrial consumers.

While the under-development 1,200 mw power plant in Chhattisgarh will be a coal-based thermal project, the Madhya Pradesh project is a 1,320 mw super critical thermal power plant.
“Both projects are in construction stage and all activities required to run the operations are in place. Coal linkages are in place for the Chhattisgarh plant and an order for boiler turbine generator (BTG) has been placed with Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd, while Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has been appointed to do the balance of plant,” said Gupta.

As for funding these developments is concerned, Diliigent Power is understood to have tied up debt from a consortium of banks, details of which have been kept under wraps. “Financial closure is already completed for Chhattisgarh and we are in the advanced stages of discussions for the MP plant,” said Gupta.

The holding company (DPPL) has also raised private equity money from Warburg Pincus, which is one of the leading global PE firms. “Warburg has invested at the holding company level. We cannot disclose any further details,” said Gupta when asked about the investment figures.

[Yagya]

राज्य का पहला सोलर पार्क बनेगा जोधपुर में

10 हजार हैक्टेयर जमीन चिह्नित की

जोधपुर। राज्य का पहला सोलर पार्क जोधपुर में विकसित किया जाएगा। इसके लिए राज्य सरकार ने तीन जोन के लिए 10 हजार हैक्टेयर जमीन चिह्नित की है। केंद्र सरकार की मिनिस्ट्री ऑफ न्यू एंड रिन्युअल एनर्जी के सचिव दीपक गुप्ता ने यह जानकारी दी है।


जोधपुर डिस्कॉम के एक बैठक में गुप्ता ने बताया कि जोधपुर, जैसलमेर, बाड़मेर व बीकानेर जिलों में 3 हजार मेगावाट से कम क्षमता वाले सोलर पार्क विकसित किए जाएंगे। राज्य में कुल 3 हजार मेगावाट सोलर पार्क विकसित करने के लिए राज्य सरकार व क्लिंटन फाउंडेशन ने 10 जनवरी 11 को एमओयू पर हस्ताक्षर किए हैं। इसके तहत पहला सोलर पार्क जोधपुर में विकसित किया जाएगा।


इसके लिए सरकार ने जोन प्रथम में 5 हजार, जोन द्वितीय व तृतीय में 2500-2500 हैक्टेयर जमीन चिह्नित की है। [B]राज्य में सोलर पॉवर प्लांट की स्थापना के लिए आवश्यक उपकरणों के उत्पादन के लिए भी इकाइयां स्थापित की जाएगी। [/B]न्यू ट्रांसमिशन सिस्टम में जलापूर्ति की जरूरत के लिए प्रारंभिक स्तर पर कार्य शुरू कर दिया है। इसके साथ ही कार्य दक्षता के विकास के लिए शोध एवं विकास हब बनाने की भी कार्यवाही भी चल रही है।

Govt allots 10,000 hectares land for Raj’s 1st solar park in city

Jodhpur: Jodhpur is all set to get the first solar power park of Rajasthan. Rajasthan government approved for around ten thousand hectares of land to be utilised in three zones for the solar park.

Secretary of Ministry of New and Renewable Resources of Energy Deepak Gupta gave the information to reporters on Monday. Gupta was in Jodhpur to attend a review meet held in Jodhpur Discom Assembly Hall on Monday.

He further said the government also plans to establish solar parks in Jaisalmer, Badmer and Bikaner. The state will get solar power plants with a total capacity of three thousand megawatts. Units for production of essential equipments for the solar power plant will also be established nearby.

A research and experiment hub will also be built to help improve the expertise of the plant and workers of the solar power plant.

[Yagya]

CLP Power to invest Rs 1,800 cr

CLP Power India Pvt Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hong Kong-based CLP Holdings Ltd, would around Rs 1,800 crore to add around 200-300 MW capacity in renewable energy in the fiscal 2011-12. The company is also evaluating options to set up a solar power plant, said a senior official from CLP Power India.

The company has produced around 150 MW power, last fiscal year, through its wind power projects existing in six states, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.


It is expected to set up facilities to produce another 200 MW power in wind energy in 2011-12, said Mahesh Makhija, director- business development (renewables), CLP Power India Pvt Ltd. It has a combined capacity of around 639 MW in wind power segment at present.

“We have some renewable energy projects in the pipeline, though details are yet to be finalised. The investment expected will be around Rs 1,200 crore to Rs 1,800 crore in 2011-12 for capacity expansion in renewable energy projects. We will be growing portfolio in one of the six states where we are currently present in,” said Makhija. Capacity enhancement would be through new projects and the investment would be from debt and equity, he added.

It is also looking at entering into solar energy segment in future. “It is just in the preliminary stage and we are monitoring the solar energy resources in Rajasthan,” said Makhija.

In March, 2011, the company has announced its plans to set up two new wind farms -- a 102.4 MW project at Jaisalmer, Rajasthan and a 50.4 MW project at Nallakonda, Andhra Pradesh. Sipla, the project in Rajasthan and Narmada, the Andhra Pradesh project, are expected to be commercially operational by March, 2012.

Sipla would sell power to Jaipur Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited (JVVNL), Jodhpur Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited (JdVVNL) and Ajmer Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited (AVVNL) under a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).

Narmada farm would be developed and constructed under a comprehensive EPC arrangement and power from the project would be sold to the state utilities - Andhra Pradesh Central Power Distribution Company Limited (APCPDCL) & Andhra Pradesh Transmission Company (APTRANSCO) under a 20-year PPA, according to company reports.

The other projects currently under construction includes 113.6 MW wind farm at Pune, Maharashtra, 26.4 MW farm at Davanagere, Karnataka and 10.4 MW farm at Belgaum, Karnataka.

CLP Power India Private Limited has been operating a 655 MW gas-based power plant in Bharuch, Gujarat, since 2002. It is constructing a 1,320 MW supercritical coal-fired power plant in Jhajjar, Haryana, expected to be commissioned by 2012. It has a portfolio of 2,614 MW that includes wind, coal and gas based generation.

[Yagya]

NPCIL seeks Rs 16,600-crore loan for Rajasthan, Gujarat projects

New Delhi: India is going ahead with its nuclear power capacity addition programme, unfazed by the nuclear disaster in Japan. Nuclear Power Corporation (NPCIL), the country’s sole nuclear utility, has approached a leading public sector lender for a Rs 16,600 crore loan to finance its projects in Rajasthan and Gujarat, sources said.

In further expansion of its generation capacities at Rawatbhata in Rajasthan and Kakrapar in Gujarat, NPCIL is putting up two 700 mw at each location. The state-owned nuclear utility is expected to spend as much as Rs 23,700 crore to complete these projects. NPCIL is using indigenously built 700 mw pressurised heavy water reactors.

“Though a small part of our energy portfolio, nuclear power is equally important. Every little bit that we generate from nuclear plants helps us save on import of fossil fuels,” Kameswara Rao, leader, energy, utilities and mining practice, PwC, said.

Although NPCIL is outside the central electricity regulatory commission’s (Cerc) jurisdiction, it is still financing these projects in the debt and equity ratio of 70 and 30, the norm set by the regulator, to keep the tariff low. These projects are scheduled for commissioning during 2015 and 2016.
“We have asked Power Finance Corporation for the loan,” an NPCIL official said.

In the light of Japan’s nuclear crisis, India’s nuclear power watchdog, atomic energy regulatory board (AERB), is conducting a comprehensive review of safety guidelines and preparedness of nuclear power plants to undertake mitigation in case of an unlikely situation.

But at the same time, it has also tried to assuage public concerns by saying that all the operating reactors in the country are designed to withstand the impact of earthquake and tsunami.

Moreover, only two units in the Tarapur atomic power station have boiler water reactors similar to Japan’s Fukushima nuclear power plant, which is in crisis after being being hit by the earthquake and tsunami , the regulator pointed out.

The department of atomic energy (DAE) has maintained that the Japan crisis should not be cause of alarm or panic. Instead, it should lead to safety enhancements at nuclear plants.

India has 4,800 mw nuclear power generation capacity in place, the bulk of which is based on small reactors in the size of 220 mw. But following the Indo-US civil nuclear deal, India has chalked out ambitious capacity addition in nuclear power generation using large-sized reactors to bridge its growing electricity shortfalls.

For example, the government has planned five nuclear parks each with 10,000 mw capacity at various locations including Jaitapur in Mahrashtra. These projects will be based on large-sized imported reactors. India plans to increase its nuclear generation capacity to 63,000 mw by 2032.

[Yagya]

Solar energy more cost-effective than thermal power

JAIPUR: The state will become self-sufficient in power by 2013, said minister for energy and higher education Jitendra Singh. He was speaking at the inaugural of two-day state-level conference on Power and Energy Systems-2011 at Rajasthan Technical University on Saturday. "Our daily power requirement is 1,300 lakh unit against a generation of 1,150 lakh unit," said the minister.

The Union government's Jawahar Solar Mission scheme will help generate 1,000 MW of electricity from solar energy and it will end power-cut in the state. In this project, the state will generate upto 1,500 MW in 2013, 3,000 MW in 2017 and 20,000 MW in 2020.

Talking about the potential of solar energy in state, he said: "A 100 sq km of land in Jaisalmer can produce one lakh MW of power in 320 sunny days." He said that there are latest technology in which solar energy can be transmitted to grid via satellite. Harnessing power from solar energy is much more cost-effective than thermal power. Generating 500 MW of solar energy requires Rs 15 to 16 crore against over Rs 30 crore from thermal energy. The minister also said that super-critical power plants will come up in Suratgarh, Chhabra and Banswara. It will bring significant improvement in the power scenario and act as a boost for industrialisation in state.

He urged the need to explore new avenues for harnessing energy as consumption will continue to rise in future. His views were echoed by vice-chancellor of RTU, RP Yadav who said, "Solar energy is gaining importance, hence more fundamental research is needed to meet the growing needs of power."

The minister has recently met Union minister for environment and forests Jairam Ramesh who assured him of granting environment clearance to mines on top priority. The state energy department has its own coal mines to meet requirements of thermal power plants. He also said that the state is offering cheapest power in India. Of 85 lakhs consumers, 55 lakhs are getting subsidised power. Farmers are getting power at Rs 0.90 per unit while BPL families at Rs 1.20 per unit.

The second day of conference will saw a series of paper presentations on power generations in state. It will conclude on Sunday.

[Yagya]

Rajasthan cabinet okays solar energy policy

JAIPUR: Rajasthan cabinet on Wednesday cleared a policy for promoting solar energy production and finalised the draft for a new policy for allotment of land on concessional rates to public, charitable and social institutions.

The cabinet meeting, chaired by chief minister Ashok Gehlot, also decided that bureaucrats will have to declare their assets which shall be uploaded on government websites.

The policy relating to land allotment on concessional rates to public, charitable and social institutions was finalised to prevent the misuse of such provision, Gehlot told reporters.

The cabinet also approved the proposal to change the name of Rajasthan Arurved University , Jodhpur, to Dr Sarvpalli Radhakrishnan Ayurved University.

[Yagya]

Ex-Im Bank to finance Indian solar projects

Export-Import Bank of the United States has agreed to help finance two new solar power projects in India. The move will not only help the development of PV on the subcontinent but also support more than 100 jobs at Infinia Corporation and First Solar’s U.S.-based production facilities.

The funding comes in the form of two direct loans. The first, totalling US$30 million, will enable Dalmia Solar Power to purchase Infinia’s PowerDish electricity system for its 10MW solar-thermal project in Rajasthan. PNC Bank in Pittsburgh is the recipient of the second loan, which will be used to purchase First Solar thin-film modules for a 15MW power plant in Gujarat.

Ex-Im Bank is the first international financing institution to support PV projects under India's National Solar Mission and the State of Gujarat's Solar Power Policy. Both the Indian and Gujarat state government are offering power price incentives to promote the growth of solar power.

"These are the kinds of cutting-edge, U.S. renewable-energy technology exports that President Obama and Ex-Im Bank have made a priority. Our financing is enabling these innovative companies to realise exciting sales opportunities in key markets and maintain jobs in their communities," Ex-Im Bank chairman and president Fred Hochberg said.

"Ex-Im Bank's support was absolutely essential for providing the long-term financing needed to move this project forward," Infinia CEO J.D. Sitton added. "Infinia is at the forefront of developing technologies here in the United States that outperform traditional solar electricity generation, and we are grateful to have Ex-Im Bank as a partner helping us to grow our American work force."

[Yagya]

Raj's power supply corps electrify 3,347 villages under RGGVY

Jaipur, Mar 31 (PTI) Power supply corporations in Rajasthan have electrified 3,347 villages out of 4,455 non- electrified villages under the Rajiv Gandhi Gramin Vidhutikaran scheme, an official said. Chairman of power supply corporations of the state, Kuldeep Ranka, said that the work for completing 15 projects sanctioned under 11th five year plan is underway. "Remaining non-electrified villages are likely be electrified by August 2011," he said. "Free power connections (domestic) have been issued to 9.21 lakh BPL families out of 10.82 lakh families so far and rest will also be issued connections under the scheme," he added.

[Yagya]

Vaish Associates advise Enercon on $198 million twin wind energy projects

China and Light Power (CLP) India, a subsidiary of CLP Hong Kong has signed a $198 million (approximately Rs. 933 crore) deal for developing two wind energy projects with domestic turbine maker Enercon (India) Limited. One is a 50.4 MW project in Anantpur, Andhra Pradesh and the other is a 102.4 MW project in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.

Vaish Associates acted as the legal advisor to Enercon (India) with a team led by Partner Martand Singh along with corporate head Vikas Keyal.

Partner Martand said, “This deal adds another feather to our strong renewable energy practice, with wind energy projects advised on, in the current financial year alone, exceeding 1200 MW. With this deal, CLP’s wind energy portfolio stands at 638.8 MW, out of which more than 500 MW has been executed or is under execution by Enercon”.

CLP was advised by their in-house counsels comprising of Sudipta Ghosh, Eshita Mohanty and Nabeel Saleem.

ET reports, CLP India plans to add around 300 MW of wind energy every year, over the next three years. It is currently executing 124 MW of wind energy capacity. The projects at Rajasthan (102.4 MW) and Andhra Pradesh (50.4 MW) are scheduled for commissioning by March 2012. It is also setting up a 1,320 MW of coal based plant at Jhajjar in Haryana, scheduled for commissioning by December.

Recently in January, Suzlon Energy Limited, world’s third largest turbine maker signed a $1.28 billion deal for 1,000 MW of wind power projects with Caparo Energy India.

[Yagya]

Plants in Raj safe, claims nat'l nuclear power corp

Jaipur: Even as call for abandoning nuclear energy is getting louder following explosions in Japan's nuclear power plants, state government, which has been vigorously pursuing nuclear power projects, is tight-lipped about the safety concerns of the nuclear power plants in Rajasthan.

Rajasthan contributes one fourth to the country's total nuclear power generation of 4,780 megawatts (mw). The state produces 1,200 mw from six units at Rajasthan Atomic Power Stations (RAPS) at Rawatbhata in Kota.

Besides, two more power units, of 700 mw-capacity each are under construction at the same site while a new nuclear power project is coming up in Banswara.

Recently, the Central government had given its nod for setting up of an atomic power project on the banks of Mahi River in the tribal Banswara district. Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) has given approval for 4 units of 700 mw each.

Despite, the renewed safety and environmental concerns about nuclear power plants, the Central government and its experts have discarded possibility of Japan-like situation.

An official statement from the NPCIL has also tried to assuage safety fears about nuclear power plants in the country. It said, "In-depth review of all such events have been done for all the plants and necessary reinforcement have been incorporated. The events in Japan will be reviewed in detail and …..any reinforcement as needed in Indian reactors will be implemented."

It further added that the Indian plants have testified their safety towards the severe earthquakes of Gujarat in Bhuj on January 26, 2001 when the Kakrapar Atomic Power Station continued to operate safely, supplying much-needed power to the region.

Similarly, during the tsunami in Tamil Nadu in 2004, Madras Atomic Power Station (MAPS) was safely shutdown without any radiological consequences. The plant was restarted in a matter of days after regulatory

[Yagya]

Nine Power projects get green nod

KOLKATA: An environment ministry panel has cleared power projects with total proposed capacity of 5,674 mw. Developers will now need clearance from the environment ministry to start work.

"The Expert Appraisal Committee has cleared about 9 projects in two successive meetings held on March 7-8 and on March 14-15. The total proposed capacity in these projects is about 5,674 mw," a senior environment ministry official told ET on condition of anonymity. The committee looks at the technical aspect of proposed power plants, and after critical evaluation recommends for either clearance or rejection of the projects. In the past, most projects cleared by the committee have also received clearance from the ministry.

The projects cleared by the panel at its first meeting were DMIC Development Corporation's 1,300 mw plant in Raigarh, Adani Power's 1,320 mw plant in Rajasthan and Indiabulls' 1,350 mw plant in Amravati, Maharashtra. Clearance was also given to ARS Metals' 120 mw captive power plant in Tamil Nadu and Raymond's 7.2 mw captive power plant in Gujarat. The second meeting saw the committee clearing projects with capacity of about 1,582 mw. These included DMIC Development Corporation's 1,300 mw plant at Guna, Adani Power's 270 mw unit in Jharkhand and a 12 mw biomass project in Chattishgarh.

[Yagya]

German government owned development bank KfW plans to lend EUR 800 million in the 2011-12 calendar year to finance various renewable energy projects in India.

Mr Oskar von Maltzan director of KfW said that "We have already financed around 1.5 billion euros in the energy sector in India. In addition to this, we plan to earmark another 800 million euros to fund the green initiatives of India this year (CY'11).”

He said that the German government is keen to promote investment in energy-efficiency and renewable energy projects in India by providing sustainable financing through various agencies.

Mr Maltzan said that "We finance those government agencies which either implement renewable energy projects or lend funds to private or public investors.”

KfW has provided funds to state-run power generating companies such as North Eastern Electric Power Corporation and NTPC for undertaking hydro and solar-based projects.

Power Finance Corp, SIDBI, the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency, REC and India Infrastructure Finance Company are some of the entities being funded by the German bank.

KfW recently signed a loan agreement of around 52 million euros with National Housing Bank (NHB) to promote energy efficiency projects in the residential space, Maltzan said.

The foreign lender has also funded Energy Efficiency Services Ltd which provides consultancy services on energy-saving appliances, buildings and turnkey projects.

Mr Maltzan said that KfW Bank is in the process of signing a EUR 200 million line of credit with IREDA next month adding that so far, it has provided 140 million euros to the state-run lender.

He said that KfW will also sign a loan agreement worth 100 million euros with NTPC for a 15 MW solar plant in Rajasthan in the next few months. In addition, it plans to lend EUR 100 million to REC to enable the company to invest in various energy-efficiency and renewable energy projects.

Furthermore, the bank is looking at funding different programs that are being implemented by NABARD and the Maharashtra State Electricity Generation Company.

(Sourced from ET)

[Yagya]

ONGC plans 100mw wind project

After diversifying into wi*nd energy two years back, country’s largest explorer ONGC will set up second wind power project in Rajasthan

The firm’s board has decided to spend Rs 818 crore and set up a 100-mw wind power project in Rajasthan, a senior ONGC official said. “ONGC will come out with global tenders for setting up the project. The project will take 18 months to take off after contracts are signed,” he added. ONGC chairman A K Hazarika confirmed the development. However, he didn’t divulge further details.

However, analysts feel that ONGC’s wind power initiative is comparatively small than the firm’s other projects and will not have much impact on its revenues.

BNP Paribas analyst Amit Shah indicated that the firm is yet to reveal a strategic and long-term plan for wind power initiative. It will not impact revenues, Shah added.

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[Yagya]

37 companies chosen for solar power projects in Rajasthan

Indian Oil Corporation, Mahindra Solar, Maharashtra Seamless, Lanco Infratech, Punj Lloyd Infrastructure, and Reliance Power's Rajasthan Sun Tenchnique are among the 37 companies selected to develop 620 MW of solar power projects under the Phase-1 of the National Solar Mission.

NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam which has been designated as a nodal agency to procure solar power from the developers under the Mission, has issued letters of intent to 37 project developers.

A senior NVVN official told Business Line that “The LoIs were issued on December 11. We have asked the project developers to sign the power purchase agreements on January 10, 2011.”

The other winners include Welspun Solar AP Pvt Ltd, CCCL Infrastructure Ltd, Oswal Woollen Mills Ltd, Godawari Power and Ispat Ltd, Corporate Ispat Alloys Ltd, Karnataka Power Corporation, KVK Energy Ventures and Azure Power.

NVVN had invited bids for developing 150 MW of solar PV projects with a capacity of 5 MW each and 470 MW of solar thermal projects with a capacity minimum of 5 MW and maximum of 100 MW each.

The companies offering the best discount on Central Electricity Regulatory Commission's notified tariff were selected. The CERC rates for 2010-11 are INR 17.91 (normal rate of depreciation)/ INR 14.96 (accelerated rate of depreciation) per unit for PV and INR 15.31 a unit for solar thermal.

In solar PV, 21 projects with a total capacity of 105 MW will be developed in Rajasthan, three projects with a total capacity of 15 MW in Andhra Pradesh, and two projects having a total capacity of 10 MW in Karnataka. While Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Orissa have got one project each having a capacity of 5 MW.

For solar thermal Rajasthan has got five projects three for 100 MW and two of 50 MW each totalling 400 MW. Andhra Pradesh has got one project for 50 MW, Gujarat one for 20 MW capacity.

According to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy guidelines the letter of intents were expected to be issued end-December, but NVVN has completed the task ahead of schedule. Appreciating the work done by NVVN, the Secretary MNRE, Mr Deepak Gupta, said that "We expect all the selected developers to sign the PPA's before completion of a year (January 11) since the Mission was launched."

[Yagya]

Suzlon bags Rs 865cr order from Hindustan Zinc

MUMBAI: The country's largest wind turbine maker Suzlon today won a Rs 865-crore order from the Vedanta Group firm Hindustan Zinc to set up wind farms in four states which will together generate 150 megawatt (MW).

The project entails setting up 150 mw capacity in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu by September, besides operating and maintaining the mills, a release issued by Suzlon from Pune said today.

First 50 MW will be completed by March and the remaining by September, the release said, adding the output will be purchased by discoms of the respective states under a long-term PPA (power purchase agreement).

The London-based USD 8 billion Vedanta Group, which is into mining and metals, already has 125 MW of installed capacity in Gujarat and Karnataka and the new project will take its total portfolio to 275 MW and help it earn more carbon credits under the clean development mechanism.