RENEWCONNECT - All about renewables & power sector

The Lack of Proper Coal Allocation, Ineffective Reforms in the Renewable sector mainly solar, hydro and air is taking a huge toll on Indian power need, hence new sources of energy must be explored and is the need of the hour to fuel India’s need of clean energy. Geothermal energy shows promise for India’s future energy needs if developed properly, as it is an enormous, underused heat and power resource that emits little or no greenhouse gases, and is homegrown hence making us less dependent on foreign oil. Geothermal resources range from shallow ground to hot water and rock several miles below the Earth’s surface. A Mile deep well can be drilled into the underground reservoirs to tap steam and very hot water that can be brought to the surface for use in a variety of applications. Geothermal energy can be used very effectively in both on- and off-grid developments, and is especially useful in rural electrification schemes. Geothermal power plants operated in at least 24 countries in...

Renewconnect is working on the self-sustainable methods in developing a zero emission vehicle with the following methods and technologies. We are coming up with swapping of the technologies that can be integrated into the vehicle based on the fuel or the resource availability.  All the advancements of the vehicle will be updated.  Developing a self-sustainable two-wheeler is challenging but feasible with a combination of renewable energy, energy storage, and efficiency-enhancing technologies. Here are some key strategies for building a self-sustaining two-wheeler: 1. Electric Powertrain with Regenerative Braking Electric Motor: Use a high-efficiency electric motor to reduce energy consumption. Brushless DC motors (BLDC) are commonly preferred due to their efficiency and longevity. Regenerative Braking: Incorporate regenerative braking to recapture energy during braking, which can recharge the battery and extend the vehicle's range. 2. Renewable Energy Integration Solar Panel...

Small wind turbines (SWTs) are gaining traction as a decentralized renewable energy solution, offering clean and sustainable power for residential, agricultural, and small-scale industrial applications. Their scope is expanding due to advancements in technology, supportive government policies, and increasing demand for off-grid and hybrid energy solutions. 1. Small Wind Turbines: An Overview Small wind turbines are typically defined as turbines with a capacity of up to 100 kW . They are used for distributed power generation and are particularly effective in remote locations, islands, and rural electrification programs. 2. Global Scope of Small Wind Turbines 2.1 Growth and Market Trends The global small wind turbine market was valued at around $1.2 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10-12% over the next decade. Leading markets include the United States, China, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Japan . Small wind turbines are increasingly being integrated with solar ...

a brief overview of the acts, policies, programs, institutions, and important links related to renewable energy (RE) development in India: Acts, Policies & Programmes for RE Development in India Electricity Act, 2003 – A landmark legislation that promotes competition, private sector participation, and the development of renewable energy in India's power sector. National Electricity Policy, 2005 – Provides a framework for power sector development, ensuring supply security, energy efficiency, and renewable energy promotion. Tariff Policy, 2006 – Establishes guidelines for tariff determination, ensuring viability for renewable energy projects and promoting renewable purchase obligations (RPOs). Integrated Energy Policy, 2006 – Focuses on energy security, diversification of sources, and sustainable development through renewable energy integration. Rural Electrification Policy, 2006 – Aims to provide electricity access to rural areas, promoting decentralized renewable energy so...

Introduction India has the potential to become a global manufacturing hub with the involvement of top multinational corporations. By attracting manufacturing units from China and other nations, India can significantly boost its economic growth. This dissertation explores the key factors influencing manufacturing in India, competitor analysis, industry-specific examples, and strategic measures to enhance India's competitiveness in the global market. Factors Affecting India’s Manufacturing Growth Skilled Labour India possesses a large pool of skilled labor across multiple industries, making it an attractive destination for manufacturing firms. The country has a growing workforce with expertise in engineering, IT, and industrial manufacturing. Cost of Labour Compared to China and developed nations, labor costs in India remain competitive. However, labor productivity needs improvement to match global standards. Interest Rates and Taxation High-interest rates on manufacturing units, oft...

Vertical farming is a method of growing crops in vertically stacked layers or structures. It often incorporates controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) technology to optimize plant growth, and soilless farming techniques like hydroponics, aeroponics, or aquaponics. Vertical farming is designed to use less water, space, and energy compared to traditional farming, making it more sustainable and suitable for urban areas. Why are Farmers Important but Given the Least Priority? Farmers play a critical role in ensuring food security and sustaining the economy. Despite their importance, several factors contribute to their low priority: Economic Marginalization : Farming, particularly in developing countries, often generates low income due to market inefficiencies, exploitation by intermediaries, and fluctuating crop prices. Policy Gaps : Insufficient policy support, inadequate subsidies, and lack of access to modern technology hinder farmers' productivity and well-being. Social Perceptio...

India's National Green Hydrogen Mission aims to position the country as a global hub for the production, utilization, and export of green hydrogen and its derivatives, contributing to energy self-reliance and the global clean energy transition. Source:  Ministry of New and Renewable Energy Key Objectives: Production Capacity: Achieve at least 5 million metric tonnes (MMT) of green hydrogen production per annum by 2030.  International Energy Agency Renewable Energy Expansion: Add approximately 125 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 to support green hydrogen production.  International Energy Agency Emissions Reduction: Reduce nearly 50 MMT of annual greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.  International Energy Agency Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT): The mission proposes two financial incentive mechanisms with an outlay of ₹17,490 crore up to 2029-30: Electrolyser Manufacturing Incentives: Support domestic manufacturing of electrolysers,...

 Increasing the monthly income of farmers in India requires a combination of short-term solutions, policy changes, and long-term development strategies. Here are key approaches: 1. Diversification of Crops Encourage farmers to grow high-value crops like fruits, vegetables, and spices along with traditional staples. Promote organic farming and certification for premium markets. 2. Access to Modern Farming Techniques Provide training on modern and sustainable farming techniques, such as drip irrigation, precision farming, and integrated pest management. Equip farmers with tools for soil health monitoring and water conservation. 3. Value Addition and Agro-Processing Support small-scale agro-processing units for value-added products like jams, pickles, and juices. Facilitate direct market access for processed goods through e-commerce platforms. 4. Improved Market Access Promote Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) to give farmers better bargaining power. Encourage direct farm-to-market...

 India’s Ethanol Blending Program (EBP) is a key initiative aimed at reducing dependence on imported crude oil, improving energy security, reducing vehicular emissions, and boosting the agricultural economy. Below is an overview of the program: Objective Achieve a targeted percentage of ethanol blending in petrol to reduce fossil fuel usage. Create a sustainable market for agricultural produce like sugarcane and surplus grains. Enhance economic opportunities for farmers by using by-products of sugar production. Key Milestones 2003 : Launch of the Ethanol Blending Program mandating 5% blending in petrol in select states. 2018 : Government targets set to achieve 10% ethanol blending by 2022 and 20% by 2030. 2021 : The target of 20% ethanol blending (E20) advanced to 2025 due to program success. 2022 : India achieves 10% ethanol blending milestone ahead of schedule. Sources of Ethanol Sugarcane-based ethanol : Extracted from molasses and sugar juice. Grain-based ethanol : Produced fr...

 The adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) faces several hurdles globally, including India, due to various technological, economic, infrastructural, and policy challenges. Below is an overview of the key barriers: 1. Infrastructure Challenges Insufficient Charging Network : Limited availability of charging stations hinders EV adoption, especially in rural and semi-urban areas. Grid Capacity and Reliability : In countries like India, grid infrastructure is often inadequate to support large-scale EV charging. Slow Charging Speed : Longer charging times compared to refueling traditional vehicles discourage users. 2. High Initial Costs Expensive EVs : High upfront costs of EVs compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles are a major barrier. Battery Costs : Batteries make up a significant portion of the EV cost, and while prices are declining, they remain a challenge for affordability in developing nations. 3. Limited Battery Technology and Supply Chain Range Anxiety : Limited r...

State-wise cross-subsidy surcharges (CSS) in India are determined by the respective State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERCs). These surcharges are applied to ensure the recovery of revenue that would be lost by distribution companies (DISCOMs) when high-paying consumers opt for open access. The CSS values differ significantly across states and are regularly revised. Below is a summary of recent CSS trends: Maharashtra : CSS is calculated based on consumer categories like industrial and commercial. It has specific rates for high-tension (HT) and low-tension (LT) consumers. Tamil Nadu : CSS varies by voltage level and consumer type, with higher charges generally for commercial consumers. Karnataka : The CSS is relatively competitive, supporting open access to industrial users, but varies depending on the category and voltage level. Gujarat : Known for having structured CSS charges that promote renewable energy while balancing DISCOM interests. You can refer to individual SERC web...

Introduction The transition toward Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) is critical to achieving sustainable mobility and reducing carbon emissions. This critique evaluates the proposed study on the assessment of industry readiness for manufacturing BEVs in India, emphasizing objectives, methods, potential challenges, and recommendations. It references the SAARC Energy Centre's guidelines and aligns with 2024 industry trends and priorities. Objectives of the Study Collection of Industry Insights Gather qualitative and quantitative data on India’s automotive sector preparedness for BEV manufacturing. Conduct field surveys and interviews with key stakeholders, including manufacturers, policymakers, suppliers, and consumers. Baseline Information Development Analyze the BEV production data, supply chain dynamics, and infrastructure status to establish a baseline. Examine India’s total BEV manufacturing capacity, growth trends, and alignment with global standards. Recommendations for Compet...

Introduction The Deviation Settlement Mechanism (DSM) in India addresses grid stability challenges by ensuring discipline in power scheduling and forecasting. With the increasing penetration of renewable energy sources (RES) like solar and wind, DSM policies have evolved to manage variability and intermittency. This analysis traces the history and evolution of DSM for solar and wind energy in India, highlighting regulatory frameworks, challenges, and future outlooks. Historical Context Pre-2010: Conventional Grid Management Focus on Conventional Energy:  Grid management relied on thermal and hydro power plants, which are more predictable than RES. Need for Deviation Management:  As renewable energy deployment began, the unpredictability of wind and solar generation started affecting grid stability. 2010-2014: Initial Renewable Energy Penetration Wind Energy Growth:  Wind energy capacity surged, especially in Tamil Nadu and Gujarat, causing frequency deviations in the grid...

The history of electricity distribution schemes in India by Distribution Companies (DISCOMs) reflects the evolution of the power sector to address the country's growing energy demands and ensure reliable supply. Here is an overview of DISCOM schemes, starting from earlier reforms to current programs: 1. Early Reforms (Pre-2000) Electricity distribution in India was initially handled by state electricity boards (SEBs). These boards were vertically integrated, managing generation, transmission, and distribution. However, inefficiencies like losses, theft, and inadequate infrastructure led to poor performance. Electricity (Supply) Act, 1948 : Formation of SEBs for integrated management. Challenges : High Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses and poor service delivery. 2. Unbundling and Restructuring (Post-2000) The focus shifted to unbundling SEBs into generation, transmission, and distribution entities. This era saw the rise of independent DISCOMs. Electricity Act, 200...