Ash Management & Handling
Effective Disposal
Almost 40 per cent of ash generated from coal-based power plants is not utilised and ends up in landfill sites as a waste product. Fly ash, which accounts for 80 per cent of the total […]
Generation
Ash Management & Handling
Diverse Applications
Effective utilTransitioning to a resource-efficient and circular economy is the key to achieving the country’s sustainable development goals. In line with this, concerted efforts have been made in the power sector to ensure effective utilisation […]
Ash Management & Handling
Specials
Major Relief: Government allows pass-through of costs incurred by TPPs for emission control equipment
In a significant policy development this month that came as a big relief to thermal power plant (TPP) owners, the government has issued a notification stating that investments in the installation of emission control technologies […]
Specials
Optimising Coal Transportation: Ministry releases methodology for linkage rationalisation for IPPs
The Ministry of Coal (MoC) has released the methodology for the rationalisation of coal linkages for independent power producers (IPPs), kicking off the process for private developers. Until now this was only available for central […]
R&M of Power Plants
R&M Interventions: New needs and requirements
The renovation and modernisation (R&M) of power plants is essential for maintaining their operational performance. Ageing infrastructure and increasing operational stress on the equipment leads to a significant deterioration in plant performance. Besides, in recent […]
Specials
Grim Outlook for Gas: Government strikes down proposal for fresh allocations
The past few years have been tough for the gas-based power generation segment and the stress seems far from over. Already struggling with low plant load factors (PLFs) and shortage of natural gas feedstock, power […]
R&M of Power Plants
New Lease of Life: Policy initiatives for R&M of thermal power plants
The renovation and modernisation (R&M) of coal-based thermal power plants (TPPs) is crucial, both from an environmental and an economic perspective. As of February 2018, there are a total of 622 coal-based power plant units […]
Specials
Precise Pricing: CIL's new pricing mechanism to limit grade slippages in coal bills
Coal India Limited (CIL) is set to implement a coal pricing mechanism based on the gross calorific value (GCV) of each coal consignment from April 1, 2018. A more transparent and reliable methodology will replace […]
Specials
Opening Up Coal: Government allows commercial mining by private players
In a major policy move, the central government has allowed commercial mining of coal by private players. So far, the private sector was allowed to mine coal only for captive use in the power, cement […]
R&M of Power Plants
Emission Control Measures: Revised plans to ensure compliance with MoEFCC norms
An important element of the renovation and maintenance strategy of thermal power plants (TPPs) is their compliance with environmental norms. Aimed at regulating the pollution by TPPs, the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change […]
Companies
HPPCL: Emerging as a key hydro player in Himachal Pradesh
The hill state of Himachal Pradesh holds 25 per cent of the total hydropower potential of the country, owing to its abundant water resources. As per estimates, the state has hydropower potential of 27,436 MW, […]
Specials
New Priorities: Impact of environmental regulations on utility businesses
Power utilities across the world have witnessed significant changes in their operations on account of various external factors, with one of the major drivers being environmental regulations. Environmental concerns of electric utility businesses have been […]
R&M of Power Plants
Optimising Water Use: Strategies for TPPs to reduce consumption and improve efficiency
The power sector is one of the largest consumers of water in the country. Power generation is expected to account for nearly 9 per cent of the country’s water consumption by 2050 (in a business-as-usual […]
R&M of Power Plants
Flexibilisation of Operations: Key drivers and challenges for TPPs
The influx of renewables poses a threat to grid stability and security owing to the intermittent nature of renewable power generation. In order to ensure grid stability, the balance between load and generation has to […]
R&M of Power Plants
Hydro R&M: Operational and economic gains for HEPs
Given the challenges associated with upcoming hydropower projects, the pace of project development has become not just slower but also costlier in recent years. In this context, renovation, modernisation, uprating and life extension (RMU&LE) of […]
Finance
Marking a First: NTPC lists $6 billion MTN on India INX
NTPC Limited, the country’s largest power generation company, listed its $6 billion (Rs 400 billion) medium-term note (MTN) programme on the India International Exchange (India INX) at the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) in Gujarat […]
Specials
In a Flux: Uncertain future for captive coal mining
One of the key comments in this year’s Economic Survey was regarding aggressive bidding in the coal block auctions. “In the case of spectrum, coal and renewables, auctions may have led to a winner’s curse, […]
Companies
NHPC Limited: Planning for 10,000 MW by 2022
With an installed hydropower capacity of 6,641 MW, NHPC is the largest hydropower generator in the country. The central sector utility accounts for nearly 15 per cent share in the country’s total installed hydropower capacity […]
Infocus
Growth Positive: Infrastructure sector to drive demand for DG sets
Despite the declining power deficit, the demand for diesel generator (DG) sets and engines is expected to stay strong, led by an increase in backup power requirements due to growing urbanisation and higher government spending […]