We bring to you the eleventh edition of Energy Recap, an editorial newsletter by TA to track and report on major policy developments in India’s energy sector. Here are some of the key energy highlights for this week (9 – 15 Aug 2021).
At 100 GW, India hails milestone for its renewables capacity
India’s total installed renewable energy capacity (excluding large hydro) crosses the milestone of 100 GW mark. According to the Ministry of Power, India now stands at fourth position after China, USA, and Japan in terms of installed renewable energy capacity. Fifth in solar and Fourth in wind in terms of installed capacity.
The statement released from the Ministry further says, “while 100 GW has been installed, 50 GW is under installation and 27 GW is under tendering. India has also enhanced its ambition to install 450 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030.”
Source: The Print
UN climate report says it’s ‘code red for humanity’
The Intergovernmental Panel of Climate Change (IPCC) has released a 4,000-paged report sharing an alarming situation with respect to climate change. The document contains data to support what is happening to the Earth climate, and what we can expect in future. The new IPCC Climate Report has raised a lot of red flags for India. From cities to the Himalayas, the report expects a rise in extreme weather events and temperature. It also warns about sea warming in the Indian ocean and disappearing snow in the Himalayas.
We bring you some quick and key highlights of what this report means for India.
Source: Down To Earth
Droughts shrink hydropower, pose risk to the global push to clean energy
According to a study released by Reuters, severe droughts are drying up rivers and reservoirs vital for the production of zero-emissions hydropower in several countries around the globe, in some cases leading governments to rely more heavily on fossil fuels. The report further provides that, “climate-driven droughts have triggered the biggest disruptions in hydropower generation in decades in places like the western United States, China and Brazil.”
The report apprehends that these droughts could pose a threat to international ambitions to fight global warming by hindering one of the leading forms of existing clean power.
It is important to note that according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), hydropower is the world’s top source of clean energy and makes up close to 16% of international electricity generation. In India, hydropower contributes to 10% of the country’s energy mix. It is estimated that India will have an installed hydropower generation capacity of 70,000 megawatts (MW) by 2030.
Source: Reuters
Tamil Nadu cuts petrol price by Rs 3 per litre
Tamil Nadu reduced the price of petrol in the state by Rs 3 per litre with a tax cut. The state’s finance minister Palanivel Thiaga Rajan while speaking in the assembly said “I am happy to inform the House that this government has decided to reduce the effective rate of tax on petrol by ₹3 per litre and thereby provide major relief to the toiling working-class people in the state.” He also informed that the move will result in a loss of revenue of Rs. 1,160 crore a year to the exchequer.
Experts view Tamil Nadu govt’s move as likely to put pressure on other states and on the Central government to reduce taxes on fuel price given that petrol price is above ₹100 mark across several cities in the country.
According to data available from the Petroleum Ministry’s reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, the states collected a total of Rs. 2,00,493 crore in 2019-20 and Rs. 2,02, 937 in 2020-21 through sales tax/VAT on petroleum products.
Source: The Economic Times and Lok Sabha
NITI Aayog Releases Handbook to Guide EV Charging Infrastructure in India
NITI Aayog on 12th August released a handbook to guide state governments and local bodies to frame policies and norms towards setting up charging networks for electric vehicles (EV). The objective is to enhance charging infrastructure and facilitate a rapid transition to electric mobility in the country.
The Handbook provides a systematic and a holistic approach for adoptions by implementing authorities and other stakeholders involved in planning, authorisation and execution of EV charging infrastructure. It presents an overview of the technological and regulatory frameworks and governance structures needed to facilitate EV charging. It focuses on the present needs of charging infrastructure development while considering the evolving nature of the sector.
In a related development, the state-owned, Indian Oil Corporation is planning to set up electric vehicle charging points at 100 of its outlets across Maharashtra.
Source: ET Energy World
The Analysis (TA) is a research and communication group | Analyzing India’s legal, policy and political affairs. Write to us at contact@theanalysis.org.in
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