Shilpa Samant

Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) plans to raise ₹30,000 crore in FY25 through debt and equity. The company, which listed in November 2023, aims to fund part of this through a follow-on public offer by early next year. IREDA seeks to expand its loan book beyond ₹85,000 crore by the end of the current financial year.

The shipping industry is set to drive demand for green ammonia and methanol, derived from green hydrogen. The EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism is expected to boost offtake agreements. India's National Green Hydrogen Mission aims for global leadership, with Avaada Group committing to significant renewable energy and manufacturing capacity development.

NHPC Ltd plans to more than double its installed capacity to 15,000 MW in 4-5 years. The firm is working on hydro and solar projects totaling 10,692 MW. The company is also focusing on pumped hydro storage projects and has diversified into solar power. Government support will ease land acquisition and other project challenges.

An inter-ministerial committee will meet on October 11 to finalise the rake supply plan for coal transportation to power plants for the latter half of the financial year. The government mandated imported coal-based power plants to run till mid-October due to expected high electricity demand. Coal stock depletion and transportation issues were also noted.

The power ministry has urged states to adhere to their renewable purchase obligations, highlighting the necessity to meet renewable energy consumption targets. Non-compliance with these targets has been noted in states like Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat, urging stricter enforcement to achieve anticipated RPO targets by FY25 and FY30.

Madrid-based Zelestra aims to build 10 GW of renewable energy capacity in India by 2030, doubling its 2026 target. The company plans to invest $5 billion, focusing on complex projects including firm and dispatchable renewable energy with storage. Recent wins include a 140 MW FDRE bid.

The Centre directs imported coal-based power plants to operate at full capacity until December 31 due to rising power demand. Decisions on blending imported coal with domestic coal are now on an as-required basis. Coal stocks were affected due to seasonal drops and higher coal-based power use. Further review meeting planned for mid-November.

Indian coal-based power plants boast significantly higher coal reserves this winter compared to the last, thanks to improved planning and increased production. This surplus ensures ample base load capacity to meet the anticipated winter peak demand. Increased coal dispatches are attributed to efficient logistical arrangements between relevant ministries.

NTPC and BHEL are considering Korba, Chhattisgarh, as the location for India's first 800-MW advanced ultra-supercritical (AUSC) power plant. The estimated cost for the high-efficiency plant is ₹15,000 crore. The final decision will follow feasibility studies and approvals from relevant ministries. This indigenous technology promises higher efficiency and reduced emissions compared to existing power plants.

The Uttarakhand government is considering tariff-based competitive bidding for its proposed 1,320-MW thermal power plant, the first of its kind in the state, to attract private developers. The project, initially planned as a joint venture between Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam (UJVN) Ltd and THDC India Ltd, aims to be commissioned quickly. Although the state has significant hydro power potential, it is also focusing on thermal power to meet base load demands.