France's Total buys 50% stake in Adani Green's 2GW solar portfolio for $500 million.

As part of its strategy to develop renewable energies, Total is expanding its partnership with Adani Group, India's largest privately-owned energy and infrastructure conglomerate, in order to contribute to the growth of solar power generation in the country.

The Indian government has a strong policy to support the renewable energy growth. India is a founding member for International Solar Alliance and is committed to increase its capacity from 81 gigawatts (GW) in 2019 to 225 GW by 2022.

Total and Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL) will create a 50/50 joint venture into which AGEL will transfer its solar assets in operation. These projects are spread over 11 Indian states and have a cumulative capacity of over 2 GW. All the projects benefit from nearly 25-year power purchase agreements (PPA) with national and regional electricity distributors, with a fixed rate.

“Total is fully engaged in the energy transition and to supporting India, a key country in the fight against climate change, in diversifying its energy mix through partnerships in natural gas and now in solar energy," said Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman & CEO of Total. “This interest in over 2 GW of solar projects represents another big step of our investment in India's energy sector. It will support our ambition to contribute to the deployment of 25 GW of renewable capacities by 2025. We are thrilled to extend the partnership with the Adani Group to renewable energies, which will allow us to benefit from its in-depth knowledge of the Indian electricity market.”

“We are delighted to extend our long term partnership with TOTAL to our renewable energy business in AGEL. The investment reinforces the immense potential in India’s renewable energy sector, as well as Adani group commitment towards sustainable development. This is a pivotal step in our journey towards building the world’s largest solar power company by 2025 and the world’s largest renewable power company by 2030.” - Gautam Adani, Chairman, Adani Group.

This transaction has a value of approximately $500 million and is in line with the Group’s objective of double-digit returns on renewable projects. It remains subject to the approval of the relevant authorities.

Adani Green is one of the largest renewable companies in India, with a current project portfolio of 6 GW including under construction capacity. Additionally, AGEL participated, as successful bidder in SECI’s tender of manufacturing linked development project for a capacity of 8 GW and awaiting its award.

In October 2019, Total had announced that it was acquire 37.4% stake in Adani Gas for approx Rs 6000 crores.

Source - BSE.

Govt of India sanctions subsidy for 5595 electric buses in 64 cities under FAME II.

Tata Ultra Electric bus has been deployed in Lucknow, Kolkata, Guwahati, Jammu Kashmir under FAME I scheme.

The Department of Heavy Industry has approved the sanction of 5595 electric buses to 64 Cities, State Government Entities, State Transport Undertakings (STUs) for intra-city and intercity operation under FAME India scheme phase II in order to give a further push to clean mobility in public transportation.

The Department had invited the Expression of Interest (EoI) from million-plus cities, smart cities, State/UT capitals and cities from special category states for submission of proposal for deployment of electric buses on an operational cost basis.

Eight six proposals from 26 States/UTs for the deployment of 14988 e-Buses were received. After evaluation of these proposals as per EoI, on the advice of Project Implementation and Sanctioning Committee, the Government sanctioned 5095 electric buses to 64 Cities / State Transport Corporations for intra-city operation, 400 electric buses for intercity operation and 100 electric buses for last-mile connectivity to Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC).

Each selected City/STUsis required to initiate the procurement process in a time-bound manner for the deployment of sanctioned electric buses on an operational cost basis. As per EoI, buses which satisfy required localization level and technical eligibility notified under FAME India scheme phase II will be eligible for funding under FAME India scheme phase II.

Tier 1 cities like Mumbai, Hyderabad, Delhi, Hyderabad, Bangalore will receive 300 electric buses each. Surprisingly, Chennai's proposal seems to be rejected. Pune and Surat are set to get 150 electric buses each. 400 electric buses will be deployed towards intercity operations and will be handed over to State Transport Corporations. Maharashtra has received highest allocation of 775 buses followed by Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu.

These buses will run about 4 billion kilometers during their contract period and are expected to save cumulatively about 1.2 billion liters of fuel over the contract period, which will result into avoidance of 2.6 million tonnes of CO2 emission.

Complete list - https://dhi.nic.in/writereaddata/UploadFile/Press%20Release%20Final.pdf

Source - PIB.

TVS launches India's first Ethanol based Motorcycle - Apache RTR 200 Fi Ei100 at Rs 1.2 lakhs.

A #MakeInIndia products which runs on #MakeInIndia fuel.

TVS Motor Company, a reputed manufacturer of two-wheelers and three-wheelers in the world have created a benchmark in the industry by launching India’s first Ethanol based motorcycle – TVS Apache RTR 200 Fi E100. The motorcycle was launched by Shri. Nitin Jairam Gadkari, Hon’ble Minister for Road Transport and Highways of India & Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Shri. Amitabh Kant, CEO of NITI Aayog, and Shri. Venu Srinivasan, Chairman, TVS Motor Company.

TVS Motor Company first showcased the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V Ethanol concept in Auto Expo 2018 held in Delhi. TVS Apache is the flagship brand of TVS Motor Company with over 3.5 million happy customers across the globe.

Commenting on this launch, Shri. Venu Srinivasan, Chairman, TVS Motor Company, said, “We are delighted to launch the TVS Apache RTR 200 Fi E100 in the presence of Hon’ble Minister for Road Transport & Highways of India; & Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Shri. Nitin Jairam Gadkari who has created a roadmap for the implementation of future mobility in the country.”

Shri. Srinivasan further added, “Today, the two-wheeler industry is looking at green and sustainable future mobility solutions spanning across electric, hybrid and alternate fuels. TVS Motor Company believes that Ethanol-based products are an important option for our customers. This is due to the easy compatibility in the transition to Ethanol and its sustained positive impact on the environment without compromising on performance and total cost of ownership. TVS Apache RTR 200 Fi E100 is a breakthrough in the two-wheeler space that will set the trend for a green future in India.”

Ethanol will be domestically produced by the farmers of this country. It is cost-effective, import free and environmentally sustainable fuel.

Ethanol is domestically produced from renewable plant sources. It is non-toxic, biodegradable, as well as safe to handle, store and transport. An oxygenated fuel that contains 35% oxygen, Ethanol reduces nitrogen oxide emissions from combustion. Apart from this, Ethanol also helps reduce carbon monoxide emissions, particulate matter, and sulphur-di-oxide. Use of Ethanol as a fuel will also reduce dependence on the import of petroleum and increase energy security.

The TVS Apache RTR 200 Fi E100 sports a vibrant interplay of green graphics seamlessly woven with the ‘Ethanol’ logo. It is equipped with a Twin-Spray-Twin-Port EFI technology. This ensures better drivability, faster throttle response and reduction in emission levels. It delivers better usable power under varied ambient conditions. This motorcycle boasts of impressive peak power of 21 PS @ 8500 rpm with a torque of 18.1 Nm @ 7000 rpm and has an ascending top speed of 129 kmph.

Promising consistent performance coupled with a sustainable green solution, the TVS Apache RTR 200 Fi E100 is a winner for both the rider and the environment. This special edition would be available in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka at an attractive price of Rs. 1,20,000.

- Press Release.

Shapoorji Pallonji's renewable energy arm Sterling and Wilson Solar Ltd ranked World's Largest Solar EPC Service Provider: IHS Markit.

Sterling and Wilson Solar Limited, a Shapoorji Pallonji group company, has been ranked as the world's largest Solar EPC service provider by IHS Markit in its recently announced Solar EPC and O&M Provider Tracker Q1 2019 report. The ranking is basis the annual installations of utility-scale PV systems of more than five MWp in the year 2018. As the largest global Solar EPC solutions provider, Sterling and Wilson Solar had a global market share of 4.6% in the year 2018 - a number more than double that of the 2nd largest company globally - according to IHS Markit. The company was also ranked as the largest Solar EPC solutions provider in India with a market share of 16.6%, 3 times the size of its closest competitor.

Declining costs, advancing technology trends and favorable regulatory environments across the world are some of the factors driving the growth of solar energy globally. Sterling and Wilson Solar has built more than 6 GWp of solar plants across the globe and the recognition as the world's largest solar EPC provider is a significant milestone in its trajectory.

With a strength of 1179 employees across the world including 138 in design and engineering, Sterling and Wilson Solar has been executing projects globally. Today, it has over 6062.83 MWp of solar EPC projects as part of its portfolio in different stages of implementation (commissioned and contracted). This impressive global portfolio also includes a 1,177 MWp single location Solar PV plant in Abu Dhabi - one of the world' s largest such Solar PV plants.

Sterling and Wilson Solar is present in 26 countries today, with operations in India, South East Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, the Americas, and Australia. The company has been strategically focusing on markets that have conducive solar power policies and investing resources in geographies that have long-term solar opportunities in utility-scale solar power projects and rooftop solar projects.

In the year 2018, according to IHS Markit, the company was also the largest solar EPC solutions provider in Africa and the Middle East with a market share of 36.6% and 40.4% respectively. Today, Sterling and Wilson Solar is expanding its global presence through strategic acquisitions in its target markets. The company recently acquired a 76% equity interest in GCO Electricals Pty Limited, an electrical contracting company based in Australia with expertise in the execution of solar power projects in the region. 

The company provides EPC services primarily for utility-scale solar power projects with a focus on project design and engineering and manage all aspects of project execution from conceptualizing to commissioning. As the global solar market is likely to grow substantially in the years to come, Sterling and Wilson Solar has positioned itself well to be at the forefront of this tremendous opportunity.

Source: Press Release/PTI.

Morocco to inaugurate Africa's Largest Seawater Desalination Plant by 2021.

Desalination Plant in Sorek, Israel.

India has a coastline of 7500km and yet it struggles to provide unlimited water to its citizens, farmers and industries. In the words of Socialist Dr. Lohia, 'India's Shakti (here women) are capable to solve innumerable problems of themselves and Bharat Bhoomi in whole but first, we need to provide them with toilets and water'. India's newly formed Jal Shakti Ministry has released the target to provide potable tap water to every household by 2024. 

Despite having such a huge coastline and massive rivers like Ganga, Godavari and Brahmaputra, we Indians suffer due to lackluster planning and low investments in Water Technology. Israel, the land with no river provides 24x7 potable water to its citizens and farmers, thanks to the adoption of scientific Sea Water Desalination technology. 

It's not that desalination tech is something new to India. Reliance Industries produces desalinated water for its Jamnagar refinery and even provides additional water to Jamnagar Municipal Corp at a fee. Chennai drinks desalinated water from one of its desalinated plants on East Coast Road. In fact, Indian companies like VA TECH WABAG, Essel Infraprojects and L&T have been awarded works to set up desalination plants in abroad and India. City nations like Singapore, Qatar, Kuwait are using Desalination for decades. Recently, Morocco has awarded a contract to a Spanish firm to build 'Africa's Largest Seawater Desalination Plant' in the city of Adagir.

In 2017, Spain's Abengoa signed contracts to develop a desalination and irrigation project in the Agadir region. The project, valued €309 million, involves the construction of a desalination plant with a 275,000 m3 total production capacity of desalinated water per day which will be the largest plant designed for drinking water and irrigation. The contract also provides for the possible capacity expansion to up to 450,000 m3/day.

The project involves increasing plant capacity to 150,000 m3/d of drinking water. And the second project calls for the additional production of 125,000 m3/d of irrigation water as well as the construction of the corresponding irrigation network for a total of 13,600 ha. Project operations can be powered on renewable power with a focus to meet the demand for water for domestic use in addition to irrigation water needs in the area of Agadir.

Farmers have also contributed MAD 10,000 (1 MAD - INR 7.24) to the financing of the station. The government has promised them desalinated water for irrigation at a low price of MAD 5 per cubic meters in exchange for the investment in construction.

As of now, the world's largest sea water desalination plant is located in Saudi Arabia. The Ras Al Khair plant has a desalination capacity of 1,036,000 m3/day.

Piramal and CPPIB to launch India's maiden Renewable Energy focused InvIT.

CPPIB has committed $360 million while Piramal will provide $90 million

Piramal Enterprises Limited (“PEL”) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (“CPPIB”), a Canadian pension fund, to co-sponsor a renewable energy-focused Infrastructure Investment Trust (“InvIT”). With an initial corpus of US$ 600 million, and the option to scale further, the InvIT would seek to acquire up to 1.5-2GW of stable and cash generating renewables assets on a hold-to-maturity basis, with a firm focus on diversification of both asset type as well as off-taker profile.

"Piramal is pleased to partner with CPPIB on the launch of the first ever InvIT in India, focused on renewables. The foundation of this partnership is based on a shared ethos and values that leverage CPPIB’s global track record of value creation in the infrastructure space with PEL’s long term strategy and goodwill in India. We are enthusiastic about the opportunity as it is truly scalable and continue to remain committed to creating value for our shareholders." - Ajay Piramal, Chairman, Piramal Group.

Mumbai based Piramal Enterprises Limited (PEL) is one of India’s large diversified companies, with a presence in Financial Services, Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare Insights & Analytics with a consolidated revenue of over US$1.9 billion in FY2019, with ~40% of revenues generated from outside India.

Headquartered in Toronto, with offices in Hong Kong, London, Luxembourg, Mumbai, New York City, São Paulo, and Sydney, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board is governed and managed independently of the Canada Pension Plan and at arm's length from governments. In mid-2018, CPPIB announced that it would foray in Green Bonds.

Both PEL and CPPIB will act as Co-Sponsors of the proposed InvIT and hold up to 75% of the units (with CPPIB committing US$360m and holding up to 60%; PEL committing US$90m and holding 15% ) and seek to raise capital from other like-minded investors for the remaining 25%. In the interim and prior to its launch, PEL and CPPIB will jointly warehouse seed assets for the proposed InvIT. PEL would act as the sole Investment Manager as well as Project Manager for the proposed InvIT.

The renewable energy sector is at an inflection point and is witnessing significant consolidation, the pace of which is likely to increase in the near future.  The timing of the issue is therefore opportune for aggregating assets in this sector given that the existing players are willing sellers in light of a constrained capital market environment - both debt and equity. This is the first truly neutral ‘white-label’ InvIT – led by a fiduciary and supported by patient capital with a strong record of corporate governance. Renewable InvITs can serve as a strong catalyst for the Green Energy sector as a whole.

BHEL and LIBCOIN to Build India’s First Lithium Ion Giga Factory.

Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) and Libcoin are in dialogue to form a world class consortium to initially build 1GWh lithium ion battery plant in India. Its capacity will be scaled up to 30GWh in due course. With this, India has finally taken steps into its energy security and clean energy commitment to the world.

BHEL will be sending a team of senior officers for the study of the facilities, R&D infrastructure and other techno-commercial issues soon. Based upon the evaluation and recommendations of the team, further process towards the formation of Joint Venture will be carried forward.

This project will bring energy independence by replacing oil imports with abundant renewable. This project also includes “Made by India, for India”, with focus on core-cost components manufactured domestically. It will also create an integrated manufacturing ecosystem resulting in self-reliance and lower cost.

A holistic view of the supply chain in combination with cutting edge digital technologies to replace high CAPEX and high OPEX processes will be the highlight of this project in India. 

Various Indian cities including Delhi have been struggling to cut down their pollution level for the last several years and electric transportation has been considered as one of the viable approaches to cut down emission. The number of electric cars in the world already hit million-mark last year and the International Energy Agency has projected almost 140 million electric cars globally by 2030, if countries meet Paris climate accord targets, in which India has already committed to actively participate.

Source: PIB.

Philippines based Atlantic Gulf and Pacific company bags 9 licenses in 10th City Gas Distribution bidding.

Atlantic Gulf & Pacific Company of Manila (AG&P), a leading global gas logistics company, has emerged as a dominant LNG player in South India, securing nine licenses in the 10th round auction of City Gas Distribution (CGD) concessions by the Petroleum & Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB). AGP will provide piped gas in 9 districts of South India and will establish more than 1000 CNG stations.

AG&P is only one of two foreign companies to secure the coveted agreements to deliver natural gas directly to the residential, commercial, industrial and transport sectors in some of India’s most densely populated states. AG&P’s 25-year exclusive rights cover natural gas pipelines to residential users, supply for commercial establishments and CNG stations for cars, buses and trucks in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Rajasthan.

The districts are home to the automobile, chemical, fertilizer, glass, steel, ceramics, food and pharmaceutical industries as well as major commercial centres. AG&P will build compressed natural gas stations, supported by steel pipelines and delivery of LNG by truck. Through its CGD networks, AG&P will bring significant foreign direct investment and generate direct and indirect employment across the country. The construction and operation of AG&P’s CGD networks will create thousands of local jobs. Like all AG&P employees, these workers will be trained to the highest international standards of safety and technical excellence.

The cheaper supplies of natural gas will be made available by the Honourable Government of India for domestic and vehicular needs. The commercial and industrial sector needs will be secured through uninterrupted imported LNG supplies, channelled through commissioned and upcoming LNG terminals.

“AG&P Group, a 119-year young multinational, with operation headquarters in Manila, Philippines has arrived in the Indian sub-continent with a vision of supporting the growth and development of India’s ever-growing energy needs and to touch the lives of millions of people. As a global player, we understand and value the responsibility and commitment entrusted to us for shouldering the infrastructure development to meet these energy needs with international best practices in safety, technology, conserving the environment, efficient and cost-effective energy solutions,” - Mr. PPG Sarma, Managing Director, City Gas Distribution & Logistics.

List of cities/districts

Andhra Pradesh: Anantapur, Cuddapah, Nellore, Chittoor.

Karnataka: Kolar, Bagalkot, Kopal, Raichur, Chikmaggaluru, Hassan, Kodagu, Gulbarga, Vijaypura, Mysure, Mandya, Chamarajnagar, Uttara Kannada, Haveri, Shivamogga.

Tamil Nadu: Vellore, Ramanathapuram, Kanchipuram.

Kerala: Alapuzzha, Trivandrum, Kollam

Rajasthan (North West India): Barmer, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur.

Once operational, AG&P’s CGD networks will accelerate industrialization, drive further economic development and overall, improve the quality of life of millions of Indians, while helping lay the foundations for the delivery of India’s goal of a clean energy future. 10th CGD bidding will bring clean cooking fuel and cheap CNG in 50 districts of India which would further enhance safe cooking and viable transportation.

- Press Release.

GAIL, BHEL sign pact for development of Solar based power projects.

State-owned Gas utility GAIL India Limited has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bharat Heavy Industries Limited in New Delhi for cooperation in the development of solar-based power projects.

GAIL shall be the project developer and BHEL shall act as an Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Project Management Contractor. BHEL shall also provide Operation and Maintenance services during the initial period upon becoming successful bidder. This development will help both the companies to leverage their competitive strengths to build a substantial portfolio in solar power projects in line with INDC targets of Government of India. The MOU aims at building a closer strategic partnership between the two Maharatna PSUs for jointly pursuing commercial solar power projects through participation in Tariff / Viability Gap Funding (VGF) based competitive bidding process.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Manoj Jain, Director (Business Development) stated “GAIL is a proud member of India’s clean energy infrastructure and is always committed to incorporate initiatives for sustainable development of the nation. We are happy to enter into this strategic relationship with BHEL, a pioneer in India’s Engineering sector. The skills and strengths of both the companies would create a synergy for achieving the objective of MoU."

GAIL (India) Limited is India’s leading natural gas company with diversified interests across the natural gas value chain of trading, transmission, LPG production & transmission, LNG regasification, petrochemicals, city gas, E&P, etc. It owns and operates a network of around 11,400 km of high pressure trunk pipelines. It is working concurrently on multiple pipeline projects, aggregating over 5400 kms at an investment of about Rs. 24,000 crores, to operate over 16,000 kms by 2021. GAIL commands 75% market share in gas transmission and has a Gas trading share of over 50% in India. 

GAIL also has a formidable market share in City Gas Distribution and is currently operating in 38 cities/Geographical Areas directly and through its eight Joint ventures/ subsidiaries. In the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) market, GAIL has one of the largest portfolios in the world. GAIL has hired its first LNG vessel “Meridian Spirit" on time charter basis to transport US volumes to India. GAIL is also expanding its presence in renewable energy like solar and wind. In fact, it has India‘s second-largest rooftop solar PV power plant at its Petrochemical Complex at Pata, Uttar Pradesh. It has an overseas presence through offices and subsidiaries in the US, Singapore and Myanmar.

BHEL is one of the few companies in the world, and only company in India, having capability to manufacture the entire range of Power plant equipment and has proven turnkey abilities for executing Power projects from concept to commissioning in the field of Thermal, Gas, Hydro and Nuclear. BHEL has also been in the field of design, engineering, manufacturing, installation and commissioning of solar power plants over three decades and has a portfolio of more than 700 MW. BHEL is the only company in India having manufacturing capability of almost entire range for Solar equipment i.e. Solar Cells, Solar Modules, SCADA, Inverters, Power Transformers, Switchgear and Modules Mounting Structures with tracking system. BHEL has a dedicated R&D centre for Solar PV at ASSCP, Gurgaon to develop high-efficiency Solar Cells and process optimization.

Source - Press Release.

ReNew Power raises $375 million via Green Bond issue.

India's largest renewable Independent Power Producer, ReNew Power has announced that it has successfully concluded a green bond issue of US$ 375 million. The five-year non-call two notes were offered at a yield of 6.67% per annum. The bond offer has been rated as BB by Fitch Ratings.

The capital raised through the green bond issue will be utilized for refinancing of outstanding external commercial borrowings and as Capex in eligible green projects. Barclays (B&D), Goldman Sachs, HSBC, J.P. Morgan and YES Bank were the book runners for the green bond issue. The USD denominated bonds received excellent response and were fully subscribed by leading fund managers/asset managers, banks and pension/life funds from across the U.S., Europe and Asia. The issue was opened for subscription on March 05, 2019 and closed on the same day.

The renewables market in India is firmly established and is growing rapidly. ReNew Power is India's largest IPP with more than 7000 MW of commissioned and under construction wind and solar projects. Our history of financial prudence, investing in high quality assets and creating value for all our stakeholders has enabled us to regularly raise funds to fuel our rapid growth. Renew Power's Green Bond offering has received an enthusiastic response, especially when the renewables sector is facing challenges in raising capital.

Commenting on the issue, Kailash Vaswani, Deputy CFO, ReNew Power Limited, said, "The Bond issue was in line with our strategy of diversifying debt sources. The issuance enabled us to fix our interest rate risk and achieve a lower pricing than existing borrowing costs. The international bond investors have seen us deliver on committed performance and hence have come forward to invest in our new issuance."

As of February 2019, ReNew had a total capacity of over 7 GW of wind and solar power assets across the country, including commissioned and under development projects. It develops, builds, owns and operates utility scale wind and solar energy projects as well as distributed solar energy projects that generate energy for commercial and industrial customers.

- Chaitanya Kulkarni.

National Mineral Exploration Policy 2019 to give fillip to Metals and Mining industry in India.

Over the years the dynamics of the mineral sector have undergone sea change thereby creating new demands and imperatives. There is a compelling need to provide an impetus to exploration activity in the country. This has prompted the Government to carry out a comprehensive review of its exploration policy and strategy. The Government of India allowed 100% FDI in the mining sector for the growth of Metals and Mining industry.

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the National Mineral Exploration Policy (NMEP). National Mineral Policy 2019 replaces the extant National Mineral Policy 2008 which was announced in the year 2008. The NMEP primarily aims at accelerating the exploration activity in the country through enhanced participation of the private sector. There is a need for comprehensive mineral exploration of the country to uncover its full mineral potential so as to put the nation's mineral resources (non-fuel and non-coal) to best use and thereby maximize sectoral contribution to the Indian economy. 

The policy emphasizes on making available baseline geoscientific data of world standards in the public domain, quality research in a public-private partnership, special initiatives for the search of deep-seated and concealed deposits, quick aero geophysical surveys of the country, and creation of a dedicated geoscience database etc.

The National Mineral Exploration Policy has the following main features for facilitating exploration in the country:- 

• The Ministry of Mines will carry out auctioning of identified exploration blocks for exploration by the private sector on revenue sharing basis in case their exploration leads to auctionable resources. The revenue will be borne by the successful bidder of those auctionable blocks. 

• If the explorer agencies do not discover any auctionable resources, their exploration expenditure will be reimbursed on a normative cost basis. 

• Creation of baseline geoscientific data as a public good for open dissemination free of charge. 

• The government will carry out a National Aerogeophysical Program for acquiring state-of-the-art baseline data for targeting concealed mineral deposits. 

• A National Geoscientific Data Repository is proposed to be set up to collate all baseline and mineral exploration information generated by various central & state government agencies and also mineral concession holders and to maintain these on the geospatial database.

• Government proposes to establish a not-for-profit autonomous institution that will be known as the National Centre for Mineral Targeting (NCMT) in collaboration with scientific and research bodies, universities and industry for scientific and technological research to address the mineral exploration challenges in the country. 

• Provisions for inviting private investment in exploration through attractive revenue sharing models. 

• On the lines of UNCOVER project of Australia, the government intends to launch a special initiative to probe deep-seated/ concealed minerals deposits in the country in collaboration with National Geophysical Research Institute and the proposed NCMT and Geoscience Australia.

In order to implement the recommendations of the NMEP, initially, an amount of about Rs.2116 crore over 5 years would be required over and above the annual plan budget of the Geological Survey of India under the Ministry of Mines. The NMEP will benefit the entire mineral sector across the country. 

The major impact of NMEP are:- 

1) The pre-competitive baseline geoscientific data will be created as a public good and will be fully available for open dissemination free of charge. This is expected to benefit public and private exploration agencies. 

2) The collaboration with scientific and research bodies, universities and industry for the scientific and technological development necessary for exploration in a public-private partnership. 

3) The government will launch a special initiative to probe deep-seated/concealed mineral deposits in the country. Characterizing India's geological cover, investigating India's lithospheric architecture, resolving 4D geodynamic and metallogenic evolution, and detecting and characterizing the distal footprints of ore deposits, would be the main components of this initiative. 

4) A National Aerogeophysical Mapping program will be launched to map the entire country with low altitude and close space flight to delineate the deep-seated and concealed mineral deposits. 

5) The government will engage private agencies for carrying out exploration in identified blocks/areas with the right to certain share in the revenue accruing to the State government through auction. 

6) Public expenditure on regional and detailed exploration will be prioritized and subject to periodical review based on assessment of criticality and strategic interests.

Among the changes introduced in the National Mineral Policy, 2019 include the focus on #MakeInIndia initiative and Gender sensitivity in terms of the vision.  In so far as the regulation in Minerals is concerned, E-Governance, IT enabled systems, awareness and Information campaigns have been incorporated.  Regarding the role of state in mineral development online public portal with provision for generating triggers at higher level in the event of delay of clearances has been put in place.  NMP 2019 aims to attract private investment through incentives while the efforts would be made to maintain a database of mineral resources and tenements under mining tenement systems.   

The new policy focusses on use coastal waterways and inland shipping for evacuation and transportation of minerals and encourages dedicated mineral corridors to facilitate the transportation of minerals.  The utilization of the district mineral fund for equitable development of project affected persons and areas. NMP 2019 proposes a long term export import policy for the mineral sector to provide stability and as an incentive for investing in large scale commercial mining activity.

The 2019 Policy also introduces the concept of Inter-Generational Equity that deals with the well-being not only of the present generation but also of the generations to come and also proposes to constitute an inter-ministerial body to institutionalize the mechanism for ensuring sustainable development in mining.

Source - IBEF and PIB.

5 GigaWatts of clean power: SECI invites global bid for World's Largest Solar Plant in Ladakh region

The vast wasteland of Ladakh has attracted travellers from far away for its sizzling winters and summer bike rides. Often, referred to as the 'roof of the world',  the scenic Ladakh region of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir could soon host the world’s largest single-location PV plant.

All I see turns to brown

As the sun burns the ground

And my eyes fill with sand

As I scan this wasted land.

- Kashmir by Led Zeppelin.

The race to build World's largest solar plant between China, Saudi Arabia and India has heated up. According to the industry reports, China’s Datong Solar Power Project, with a projected capacity of 3 GW has the potential to become the world’s biggest single-location solar PV project, once completed. Similarly, Saudi Arabia's massive 200GW solar plant in its deserts has been currently put on hold by the King. India has taken a giant leap in Solar power generation after 2014 under the leadership of PM Modi. Solar Energy Corporation of India has invited Request for Selection bid for the 7500MW solar plant in Kargil and Leh region has heated up the race for building World's largest Solar Power Plant.

SECI, a Government of India enterprise under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is promoting the projects in Jammu and Kashmir state on a scale matching the grandeur of their locations. A 5,000 MW (megawatt) for the Ladakh unit and a 2,500 MW Kargil unit is planned to be completed by 2023 at an estimated investment of Rs 45,000 crore. 

This matches India's commitment at COP21 and as a lead founder of the International Solar Alliance. The World's Largest Solar Plant at Ladakh will save 12,750 tonnes of carbon emission a year, remove dependence on diesel generators and create a livelihood for the local population that remains cut off for 6-8 months.

The Ladakh project will be located at Hanle-Khaldo in Nyoma, a strategically important area 254km from Leh. The Kargil project will be built at Suru in Zanskar, 254km from the district HQ. Power from the Ladakh project will flow to Kaithal in Haryana, for which a900-km line will be laid mostly along Leh-Manali road. The Kargil project will hook up with the grid at New Wanpoh near Srinagar.

The Times of India quoted SK Mishra, Director of Power Systems, Solar Electrification Corporation of India, "The Leh and Kargil administration have designated 25,000 and 12,500 acres of non-grazing land, respectively, at prices remunerative for the hill councils, which will also earn rental of around Rs1,200 per hectare, per annum, with 3% annual escalation".

Tender Details as on SECI website - 

http://seci.co.in/web-data/docs/tenders/RfS_7500%20MW%20in%20Leh%20&%20Kargil.pdf

- Chaitanya Kulkarni.

#TheBlindList: 12 Degree Celsius in Indian Summer - Backpacking Kodaikanal

Jungles of Kodaikanal

Frustrated from the urban life and rattled with constant corporate pressure, the crowd in local trains and air pollution, I badly was looking for a much-needed summer break. After researching about backpacking hostels and escape, I zeroed down my backpacking choice on a quiet hill station in the Western Ghats – Kodaikanal.

Two days later, I landed in Madurai from Mumbai to have holy blessings of Meenakshi Amma to start with my backpacking journey. Madurai and hostel were spectacular especially when you meet fellow travellers like Balaji, Mani and Tamilseran. Time flys by very quickly when you discuss about Rajni Sir's movies and complicated Tamil Nadu politics. Initially, I had planned to visit Rameswaram and Shri Ram Sethu but I had to cancel due to the unforeseen bus strike. Backpackers travellers like me always prefer to stay in dorms as we get a company of other travellers and the stay is pocket-friendly if you are planning a long stay. To be frank, since every part of my backpacking trip was unplanned, my budget for 10 days trip was just Rs 6000 bucks. Seem crazy, but I enjoyed well within my budget. 

Balaji told me to visit Kodaikanal, a hill station in the state of Tamil Nadu. I checked all the details on Instagram and the place looked brilliant. There are buses every 30 mins from Arapalayam Bus stand in Madurai to Kodaikanal.

The Road untravelled.

Kodaikanal is 70 km in the west to Madurai. TNSTC bus will costs around Rs 50. Kodaikanal is located at 2200 metres above sea level. The road to the top is scenic but with lots of turns. The temperature changes rapidly after gaining some height. My bus reached at 4.30 in the evening. It was windy at 14 degrees and the worst part is I was wearing half pants. Clearly, I hadn't planned well on Kodaikanal. Papa Johns pizza brought some heat to my body. I had booked Vedanta Wake Up Lagoon for 2 days. It is located on observatory road and is just 200 metres away from Kodaikanal lake.

Lost in shadows on Deodhar.

Kodaikanal is known as the queen of hills. Crystal clear lake, the air we breathe and the chill in the environment seem right. But, to my surprise, it is not. Kodaikanal is believed to be poisoned with a dark history. Here's the story, Unilever came and left the land in contamination. They set up a thermometer factory where the workers handled toxic mercury. While closing its factory, the sold the toxic materials to the local shrubbery. Unilever is accused by the local activists of dumping toxic mercury in the open forest. The mercury contamination quickly spread across the city and forest. In 2001, the Department of Atomic Research conducted a study and found that the mercury in air and water was 100 times more than average. A very long-term exposure to mercury is dangerous to the human body. The mercury pollution level would have been low by now (Sigh!) as there are global chains, hotels and govt organisation running their business here as usual. All is now well :)

I had a cycle ride around the Kodaikanal lake. The night temperature at Kodaikanal dropped so low that my whole body was shivering. As everything was unplanned, I purchased a sweater from the local street shop. 12 degrees celsius in June is unbelievable for South Bombay wala like me. A bottle of whiskey, which is considered as premium liquor in Tamil Nadu helped me sit in half pants in the terrace. I was alone in the 4-floor hostel as it was off season. Spent some spooky nights but it did help me to have a much-needed peace of mind. 

The sun was up at 5am in the morning. There is plenty much to see in Kodaikanal. The best part of this town is the unusual chill and clouds. Local sightseeing costs around Rs. 300 by bus. Pine forest and Guna caves are the highlights of the trip. Guna caves are named after Guna/ Gumnaam movie. The caves are barricaded by the government as several people have their lives adventuring here. Chocolates, herbal products and windcheaters are widely sold in the town.

That's me after a cycle ride across Kodaikanal lake.

The deep evergreen jungles of Kodaikanal reminded me of Jungle book story. I even spotted a rear Giant Red Squirrel and some deers. It was my first backpacking trip which made me #SayYesToTheWorld . Travel brings power and love back to your life. A trip unplanned plans out to be the best.

What next? I have now shortlisted 6 locations across India namely Barmer, Chitkul, Puri, Tawang, Ladakh and Nainital and would like to decide where to go next 48 hours prior to the trip. With flights, trains and buses plying round the clock anywhere in India, one should always have #TheBlindList ready. Only those who dare, truly live!

- Chaitanya Kulkarni

Tata Power and HPCL join hands to set up EV charging station.

We could soon witness a shift from diesel guzzling cars to quiet and clean electric vehicles. To encourage this shift, the government has ended a permit system for the adoption of electric vehicles. There are subsidies under FAME policy too. The electric charging station is a vital infrastructure for the adoption of electric vehicles. Soon, you could charge your electric vehicle at your nearest HPCL outlet. We just hope that these are fast chargers.

Tata Power, India’s largest integrated power utility and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), a Navratna Oil & Gas Public Sector Undertaking, announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) recently for setting up commercial-scale charging stations for Electric Vehicles at the HPCL retail outlets and other locations across India. Electric car evangelists believe that this is a landmark MoU for India's electric mobility future.

Tata Power and HPCL, through this new landmark MoU, have agreed to collaborate in planning, development and operation of charging infrastructure for electric vehicles (e-cars, e-rickshaws, e-bikes, e-buses, etc) at suitable locations across India. Both entities also intend to additionally explore areas of opportunities & collaboration in related fields like Renewable Energy.

“We are delighted to announce our partnership with HPCL. It is a significant move towards expanding our services to our customers beyond conventional boundaries.  By servicing electric vehicles through the proposed charging stations across India, Tata Power will be playing a crucial role in enabling a stronger penetration of EVs in the country, thus fulfilling our commitment to power India’s future in an environmentally sustainable way.” - Mr. Praveer Sinha, CEO & Managing Director, Tata Power.

Tata Power has been the front runner to propagate the change towards sustainable energy. We aim to continuously grow our EV charging infrastructure footprints by installing charging stations at strategic locations. Tata Power's association with HPCL will help us to scale our EV infrastructure at the national level as well as provide our customers with world-class services.

"At HPCL, we are a firm believer in business diversification and being future ready. A major impediment to electric vehicles adoption is the range anxiety which needs to be addressed through establishment of nationwide charging infrastructure. We believe that a robust network of charging stations is very critical for market acceptability of EVs which will also ensure last mile connectivity and thereby facilitate widespread adoption of EVs. Tata Power with its focussed approach towards sustainable and clean energy and wider outreach across the power value chain, provides an excellent opportunity for an integrated Oil and Gas company like HPCL to collaborate for promoting the e-mobility initiative. We intend to leverage on our vast marketing infrastructure network in the form of Retail Outlets and other locations for setting up of electric vehicle charging stations on pan India basis”. - Mr. Rajnish Mehta, Executive Director, Corporate Strategy Planning and Business Development, HPCL.

Numaligarh Refinery sets up bio-ethanol plant with Finnish, Dutch firms

State-run PSU Numaligarh Refinery Limited has taken a giant step forward by establishing a joint venture, Assam Bio-Refinery Pvt. Limited (ABRPL) with equity participation of M/s Chempolis Oy of Finland and M/s Fortum 3 B.V. of Netherland to build and operate the first of its kind Bio-Refinery in India which would generate renewable green fuel-bioethanol, other valuable chemicals and green power from bamboo biomass.

The joint venture company incorporated on 04th June 2018 has 3 partners with major equity holding of 50% by NRL, 28% by Fortum 3.B.V. Netherland and 22% by Chempolis Oy, Finland.

“NRL’s new venture shall produce 62 million litres of bio-ethanol by using around 0.5 million MT bamboo per annum which is going to be a game changer in terms of additional revenue generation for the bamboo farmers through sustainable cultivation, extraction and transportation of bamboo. It is indeed a historic moment for India’s North East to garner first major foreign direct investment for setting up its first bamboo based Biorefinery” said Mr S.K. Barua, Managing Director, NRL

Bioethanol shall be produced from bamboo as feedstock by using pioneering 3G Formicobio technology by a Finnish technology provider M/s Chempolis Oy with other valuable chemicals and bio-coal. Bio-coal will be used for the production of steam and green power to the bio-refinery.

According to a statement from NRL, the company is implementing India’s first bio-refinery in Assam at an estimated cost of Rs 950 crore which would produce bio-ethanol with co-production of furfural and acetic acid from the locally available non-food biomass feedstock. Bamboo is one of the major non-food biomass resources available abundantly in North East India and is among the fastest growing plants. 49,000 tonnes of BioEthanol produced annually would primarily be used to blend NRL petrol as mandated by the National Policy on Biofuel, with the surplus to be sold to other oil marketing companies. The company added that NRL has already inked MoUs with Nagaland Bamboo Development Agency (NBDA) and Arunachal Pradesh Bamboo Resources Development Agency (APBRDA) last year for sourcing of bamboo for the Bio-Refinery.

The government of India recently stepped up its support for the production of bio-ethanol, most prominently by means of the new bio-ethanol policy for mandatory blending of Ethanol with gasoline up to 10%. The new bio-ethanol policy aims to spur investments for setting up projects with a total production capacity of 1 billion litres of fuel ethanol every year. The policy is also aimed at cutting down the country’s significant energy import dependence as well as meet Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) committed to the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.

This project has a clear role in the fight against climate change. It can also have a big positive impact on local communities. It will provide employment opportunities for thousands of people and in the long run, it will help local communities from Assam and Arunachal Pradesh to become self-sustainable and enhance their living standards.

– Chaitanya Kulkarni

Also published on CSRBulletin.com

BHEL bags contract for Nepal’s largest hydroelectric power project

State-run PSU Bharat Heavy Electric Limited has bagged an order to build the largest hydro electric power project in neighbouring Nepal. This prestigious order is a testimony to BHEL’s proven technological prowess in executing power projects of this magnitude. The order will also provide a fillip to the company’s focus on globalization as a driver for growth.

BHEL bag 900 MW hydro electric power project in Sankhuwasaba, Nepal

Amidst stiff international competition, BHEL has secured a prestigious order for executing 900 MW Arun-3 Hydroelectric Project from SJVN Arun-3 Power Development Company (SAPDC), Nepal. Notably, once completed, this will be the largest Hydropower project in Nepal. Located in the Sankhuwasabha district, this project will substantially enhance Nepal’s present installed power capacity and will contribute significantly to Nepal’s vision of utilising its vast Hydro potential for accelerated economic development.

The total contract value of Arun 3 project is pegged at Rs 536 crores. The order envisages design, engineering, manufacturing, supply, erection and commissioning of Electro-Mechanical equipment involving the supply of four Vertical Francis Turbines and Generator sets, each rated 225 MW.

The cumulative installed capacity of power plants overseas with BHEL supplied equipment stands at close to 11 GW. Continuing its focus on globalization, BHEL has achieved consistent growth in its exports.

Recently, BHEL also secured maiden export orders from Benin, Togo, Chile and Estonia, expanding its global footprints to 83 countries across all the six continents. A major highlight of recent past was the receipt of an export order valued at US$1.5 billion for setting up 1320 MW (2x660 MW) Maitree Super Thermal Power Project in Bangladesh. BHEL is currently executing hydro projects of over 2,700 MW capacity in the country and 2,940 MW in Bhutan which are under various stages of implementation, demonstrating our commitment to promote clean and renewable energy in India and in subcontinent around India.

Arun 3 mega hydro power plant has to be constructed within 5 years.

As per the tender contract, the Turbines, Generators, Generator Transformers, Control System, Bus ducts and other associated equipment will be manufactured at BHEL’s manufacturing units in Bhopal, Bangalore, Rudrapur, Jhansi etc. Erection and Commissioning will be undertaken by BHEL’s Power Sector Northern Region and 400 KV GIS will be executed by Transmission Business Group, Noida. The construction period of the project is 60 months from the date of awarding the contract.

BHEL has so far bagged orders for more than 500 hydroelectric generating sets cumulatively of various ratings in India and abroad, with a capacity of more than 30,000 MW. Out of these, equipment for about 6,600 MW generating capacity is for overseas projects. BHEL’s hydro plants are successfully and efficiently performing in India and across the world, including at Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Bhutan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Nepal, Rwanda, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Thailand and Vietnam.

Hydro power projects like these would help Nepal – the land of rivers become a power surplus state. India and Nepal mutually signed power trade agreements in October 2014. The agreement aims to enhance friendly relations and mutual trust between Nepal and India through increased cooperation in the field of transmission interconnection, grid connectivity and power trade. It facilitates government, public and private enterprises in planning and construction of interconnection facilities and power trade.

- Chaitanya Kulkarni