New Delhi: India has successfully flight-tested the second phase of its ballistic missile defence system off the Odisha coast to thwart threats from missiles with a range of 5,000 km, the defence ministry announced.

According to Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the target missile was launched from LC-IV Dharma (a launch site in Odisha) at 1620 hrs, mimicking (an) adversary ballistic missile, which was detected by weapon system radars deployed on land and sea, and activated the interceptor system.

India is pursuing its ballistic missile defence programme in two phases – the first phase has been completed while the second is underway for validating intercept systems in a new range category.

“The phase-II ‘AD endo-atmospheric missile’ was launched from LC-III at ITR, Chandipur at 1624 hrs. The flight test fully met all the trial objectives,” it said, adding that the test demonstrated indigenous capability to defend against ballistic missiles of 5000-km class,” it further said.

The performance of the missile was monitored from the flight data captured by range tracking instruments.

In April 2023, DRDO and Indian Navy carried out the maiden flight trial of sea-based endo-atmospheric interceptor missile off the coast of Odisha, displaying the country’s naval ballistic missile defence capabilities to intercept long-range missiles.

India has made significant advances in developing endo-atmospheric and exo-atmospheric intercept systems to destroy incoming hostile missiles within and outside the atmospheric limits, respectively. The two systems have been integrated for a multi-layered defence against ballistic missiles.

In November 2022, DRDO successfully tested for the first time a long-range interceptor missile, called AD-1, designed for both exo-atmospheric and endo-atmospheric interception of ballistic missiles.

New Delhi: SJVN Limited on Thursday announced it has received a Letter of Intent (LoI) from the Government of Mizoram for the allotment of the Darzo Lui Pumped Storage Project to the company through the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) route on a nomination basis.

With an installed capacity of 2400 MW, the Darzo Lui Pumped Storage Project has been proposed across the Darzo Nallah, a tributary of the Tuipui River. The estimated cost of the project upon completion is Rs 13,947.50 crores, including Interest During Construction (IDC) and financing costs at the April 2023 price level. This marks SJVN's first project in the state of Mizoram.

The Darzo Lui Pumped Storage Project is an On-stream Closed Loop Type pumped storage project. It envisages the utilization of the available gross head of upper and lower reservoirs of 770 meters. The upper reservoir is proposed on a minor stream of Hnahchanglui Nallah in the Koladyne Tuipui River near the village of South Vanlaiphai in the Hnahthial district. The lower reservoir is proposed in Darzo Nallah, around 5.5 km upstream of the confluence with the Tuipui River near Vertek village.

In addition to providing much-needed energy storage capacity, the project is expected to play a significant role in balancing grid stability and enhancing the integration of renewable energy sources. Pumped storage projects like this one are crucial for meeting peak power demands and ensuring a reliable power supply.

As per the LoI, an agreement shall be signed within three months between SJVN and the Government of Mizoram. This project aligns with SJVN's strategic vision of developing energy projects that contribute to India's renewable energy targets and sustainable development goals.

SJVN Limited, a Mini Ratna company, is a joint venture between the Government of India and the Government of Himachal Pradesh. With a diverse portfolio of hydro, thermal, wind, and solar power projects, SJVN is committed to expanding its footprint across various Indian states and abroad.

With increase in the share of RE generation, the average carbon intensity of the power grid has reduced by 9 percent in the last 10 years, said the MoS for Power

New Delhi: With increase in the share of renewable energy generation, the average carbon intensity of the power grid has reduced by 9 percent in the last 10 years, the Lok Sabha was told on Thursday. Minister of State (MoS) for Power Shripad Yesso Naik told the Lower House of Parliament in a written response, “… due to the increasing share of Renewable Energy in the Grid, the carbon intensity of the grid is reducing. There is a significant decrease of about 9 percent in the average carbon emission factor of the grid electricity in India from 2013-14 to 2022-23.”

The share of renewable energy generation in total power generation has went up from around 5 percent in 2013-14 to 12 percent in 2022-23. This had led to a progressive decline in the carbon intensity of the power grid.

Carbon emissions of India’s power grid

According to the figures shared by the minister in the Lok Sabha, carbon emissions from coal-based power generation went up from 897.28 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT) in 2018-19 to 943.04 MMT in 2022-23. During this period, coal-based power generation increased from 987.68 Billion Units (BU) to 1043.83 BU. “With the rapid expansion and growth of the Indian economy, the demand for electricity is also witnessing an unprecedented growth. The electricity demand in India has witnessed a growth of around 9 percent for the years 2021-22 and 2022-23. The total emissions have increased commensurate with the increase in generation of the electricity,” said the minister.

“To reduce the dependency on coal-based thermal power plants, the Government of India has planned to augment non-fossil fuel-based installed electricity generation capacity. India in its Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) stands committed to achieve about 50 percent cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030. At present India has already achieved 45.5 percent Installed Capacity from non-fossil fuel-based resources,” said the minister. However, even as the share of renewable energy capacity has increased significantly, the share of renewable power generation has been more or less static for the last three years at 12 percent.

Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) on Wednesday posted over 27 percent rise in consolidated net profit to Rs 96.44 crore for June quarter, mainly on the back of higher revenues

New Delhi: Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) on Wednesday posted over 27 percent rise in consolidated net profit to Rs 96.44 crore for June quarter, mainly on the back of higher revenues.

The company had reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 75.82 crore in the quarter ended on June 30, a BSE filing showed.

Total income rose to Rs 154.47 crore during the quarter from Rs 127.36 crore in the same period a year ago.

According to a company statement, during the quarter, the IEX recorded a total trading volume of 30.4 BUs (billion units), an increase from 25.1 BUs in Q1FY24, marking a growth of 21.1 percent YoY (year-on-year).

This total volume comprises electricity volume of 28.2 BUs and certificate traded volume of 2.2 BUs.

Despite increase in electricity consumption, the market clearing price in the Day Ahead Market (DAM) during the first quarter of the current financial year was Rs 5.26/unit, almost similar to the same quarter last year.

On the gas market front, the Indian Gas Exchange (IGX) traded total volumes of 11.8 million MMBtu during the first quarter of the current fiscal, registering an increase of 176 percent over the same quarter last fiscal.

Profit after tax (net profit) for the IGX increased 120 percent to Rs 7.6 crore in the quarter under review from Rs 3.4 crore a year earlier.

Adani Green Energy on Wednesday said it has operationalised a 250MW wind power generation at the world's largest 30,000 MW renewable energy plant at Khavda, Gujarat

New Delhi: Adani Green Energy on Wednesday said it has operationalised a 250MW wind power generation at the world's largest 30,000 MW renewable energy plant at Khavda, Gujarat.

With this milestone, 2,250 MW of cumulative capacity has been made operational at the Khavda plant, Adani Green Energy Ltd (AGEL) said in a statement.

The operationalisation of 250 MW wind capacity at Khavda further strengthens AGEL's leadership in India with the largest operational portfolio of 11,184 MW, the statement added.

Khavda has one of the best wind resources in India, with speeds of 8 meters per second making it an ideal location to harness wind energy.

The Khavda Renewable Energy plant is equipped with one of the world's largest and most powerful onshore wind turbine generators (WTG) of 5.2 MW capacity each.

The WTGs with high rated capacity enable optimal land use to harness higher energy yield from the same location and bring down the levelized cost of energy (LCOE).

The 5.2 MW WTGs installed at Khavda are built with superior German technology and manufactured at Adani New Industries Ltd's (ANIL) integrated manufacturing ecosystem strategically located near the Mundra port.

AGEL has transformed the Khavda barren wasteland into a hub of clean and affordable energy. The energy from the Khavda RE plant can power 16.1 million homes each year.

New Delhi: The Ministry of Coal has assured ample availability and supply of coal to the power and fertilizer sectors, as well as to the non-regulated sectors (NRS) such as steel, cement, paper, and sponge iron. In a statement released on Wednesday, the ministry stated, “In line with the guiding principles laid down by the Hon’ble Prime Minister for 'Working with the nation as a whole approach and breaking silos,' the Ministry of Coal, in coordination with the Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Power, and other relevant departments, is committed to ensuring an adequate supply of coal at notified prices for the power and fertilizer sectors. This initiative also extends to non-regulated sectors, including steel, cement, paper, and sponge iron, which are vital for the country’s economic growth.”

Coal Production Clocks 10.70% Growth Year-on-Year

For the fiscal year 2024-25, the Coal Ministry has set an ambitious coal production target of 1,080 MT. As of July 19, coal production has reached 294.20 MT, reflecting a robust growth rate of 10.70% compared to the same period last year, which was 265.77 MT. “This positive trend underscores the Ministry’s commitment to meeting the energy demands of various sectors while maintaining a focus on sustainable economic development,” said the Coal Ministry.

In terms of coal dispatch, the ministry has successfully dispatched 311.48 MT of coal until July 19, achieving a growth of 8.49% over the previous year, which was 287.12 MT. “This increase in dispatch not only supports the operational needs of key industries but also contributes to the overall stability of the energy market. The Ministry of Coal remains dedicated to ensuring that coal remains an affordable and accessible resource for all sectors of the economy, thereby reinforcing the nation’s commitment to growth and development,” the ministry added.

“By maintaining a steady and reliable supply, the Ministry aims to strengthen the country’s energy security and support key economic sectors. Through these strategic initiatives, the Ministry of Coal is poised to play a pivotal role in driving India’s economic progress, ensuring that the coal supply remains both adequate and cost-effective for reliant industries,” it added.

New Delhi: Petronet LNG Ltd, India's largest importer of liquefied natural gas (LNG), reported a remarkable 40% increase in its net profit for the first quarter of the current fiscal year, driven by a rise in gas volumes. According to the company's filing with the stock exchange, the consolidated net profit for the April-June quarter of FY2024-25 stood at Rs 1,100.76 crore, up from Rs 787.73 crore in the same period last year.

The company's revenue from operations also saw significant growth, increasing by 15% to Rs 13,415.13 crore. This impressive performance can be attributed to the higher volumes of gas handled during the quarter, reflecting the robust demand for LNG in the country.

Key Highlights:

1. Profit Growth: The 40% year-on-year increase in net profit underscores Petronet LNG's strong operational performance and effective cost management. The net profit margin improved as the company capitalized on favorable market conditions and optimized its supply chain.

2. Revenue Increase: The 15% rise in revenue from operations highlights the growing demand for LNG in India. Petronet LNG's ability to secure and deliver higher volumes of gas has been pivotal in meeting the energy needs of the country.

3. Operational Efficiency: The company's focus on enhancing operational efficiency has paid off, with significant improvements in throughput and capacity utilization at its terminals. This has enabled Petronet LNG to handle increased volumes without proportionately higher costs.

4. Market Dynamics: The global LNG market has seen fluctuations in demand and supply dynamics, influenced by geopolitical factors, energy transitions, and economic conditions. Petronet LNG's strategic positioning and long-term contracts have provided it with a competitive edge in navigating these challenges.

5. Future Outlook: Looking ahead, Petronet LNG is poised to benefit from the ongoing energy transition, as natural gas plays a crucial role in the shift towards cleaner energy sources. The company is expected to continue its growth trajectory by expanding its infrastructure, securing new supply agreements, and exploring opportunities in the emerging LNG markets.

Coal import for blending by the power sector declined 12.31% y-o-y in Q1 of FY25 even as power generation during the period went up by 11.3%

New Delhi: Coal import for blending by the power sector declined 12.31 percent year-on-year in Q1 (April-June) of FY2024-25 even as power generation during the period went up by 11.3 percent in comparison to the last year. According to figures reviewed by PSU Watch, the power sector imported 5.70 MT coal in April-June period of 2024-25 for blending as opposed to 6.50 MT in the same period a year ago. “Coal production has went up by more than 10 percent in Q1, which has ensured increased availability of coal to the power sector, bringing down imports,” said a source on the condition of anonymity.

The news is significant because the April-June period saw record-high temperatures, with June 2024 going down history as the hottest month in India on record, which, in turn, drove up power demand across the country. The total power generation in April-June period of 2024-25 was 4,20,582.12 GWH, up from 3,77,857.50 GWH recorded in the same period a year ago.

Decline in coal imports by power sector

India has the world’s fifth-largest coal reserves and is the world’s second-largest consumer of coal. With the government prioritising energy security, India is looking to mine out as much coal as required to meet the domestic demand from various sectors until the demand begins to dry out and the energy transition cycle kicks in. As a result of this policy thrust, India’s coal production has increased in the last few years, going up from 609.18 MT in 2014-15 to 997.23 MT in 2023-24. In 2024-25, India is aiming to produce 1.08 BT of coal, 874 MT out of which will be supplied to the power sector.

With India’s power demand growing exponentially, there is still a gap between coal supply and consumption in the power sector, which is being met through coal imports. However, the government has set out a target of reducing the import of all varieties of coal that can be substituted with domestic coal to zero by FY2025-26. With coal production from captive and commercial coal mines picking up pace, growing 32.70 percent in April-July period, the availability of coal is expected to improve further. “With sufficient coal available, the government is now in a comfortable place where coal can be made available for coal gasification as well after meeting the demand from the power sector. The next big challenge for us is to increase domestic coal availability for NRS (non-regulated sector) consumers,” said the government official quoted above.

A phase-down of coal will increase India’s critical mineral imports unless the country invests in tech based in domestically-available minerals, said the Economic Survey

New Delhi: Asserting that coal will continue to be the backbone of India’ energy mix for the next two decades, the Economic Survey 2024-25 said that a phase-down of coal will increase India’s critical mineral imports unless the country develops technologies that are based in domestically available minerals and that enable recycling, recovery and reuse of critical minerals. Quoting a study titled ‘Synchronizing energy transitions toward possible Net Zero for India: Affordable and clean energy for all’ conducted by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad, the survey said that a phase-down of coal will require investments in renewable energy and battery energy storage.

“Coal phase-down will be heavily dependent on the import of critical minerals required for renewable energy and battery storage unless the country invests in the development of technologies based on domestically available mineral resources and those that enable the reuse, recovery, and recycling of critical minerals,” said the survey.

Coal will continue to be backbone of India’s energy system for 2 decades

Stating that the India’s primary energy mix in 2022-23 was fossil fuel dominant, with coal, oil and natural gas comprising 84 percent of the mix, the Economic Survey 2024-25 said that coal will continue to be the backbone of India’s energy system for the next two decades. It said that renewable energy and nuclear power are expected to be the predominant sources of energy only by 2070.

“Coal is projected to continue until the next two decades as the backbone of the Indian energy system. Although technologies such as Carbon Dioxide Removal technologies (CDRs), such as Bioenergy with CO2 Capture & Storage (BECCS), and CCUS need to be explored to reduce the emissions from the use of coal. However, the energy penalty for deploying BECCS/CCUS at power plants would need a closer examination,” said the survey.

It further said the adoption of gasification technology in India can transform the coal sector and bring down the dependence on the import of natural gas, methanol, and ammonia, and will help lower emissions. “Adopting gasification technology in India can revolutionise the coal sector, reducing reliance on imports of natural gas, methanol, ammonia, and other essential products while reducing emissions,” said the survey. “ Initiatives such as extracting Coal Bed Methane (CBM) gases, exploring coal to hydrogen, Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), and coal beneficiation through washeries, etc. can mitigate emissions and enhance environmental sustainability,” said the survey.

The economic survey said that India should ensure the consistency of the e-mobility policy with the required and optimal energy mix between traditional and renewable sources and ensure grid stability for e-mobility to become widespread

New Delhi: India needs to recognise and address challenges posed by its dependence on China for critical minerals and examine the implications of phasing down coal on bank balance sheets as it accelerates its green transition, the government's Economic Survey 2023-24 tabled in Parliament on Monday said.

As part of its national plan to contribute to meeting the global goal of limiting the average temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, India has committed to reducing emissions by 45 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030, achieving 50 per cent cumulative electric installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources, and creating a carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 gigatons of CO2 equivalent through additional forest and tree cover.

The consolidated report on the state of the economy in the previous year highlighted the need to "recognize and deal with challenges posed by dependence on China for critical minerals, which are crucial raw materials needed for e-mobility and renewable energy generation."

It also emphasised the need to examine the implications of phasing down coal for balance sheets and estimate the impact of phasing out coal-fired thermal plants on the freight revenues of the Indian Railways.

Over the years, India has faced increased pressure from some developed countries to rapidly "phase down" unabated coal power at international forums, especially the annual UN climate conferences.

In Glasgow in 2022 and Dubai in 2023, India strongly defended the coal interests of the Global South, arguing that developed nations historically responsible for climate change should not hinder the development of the Global South.

India relies on coal for about 70 percent of its power generation.

The economic survey said India needs to develop or acquire storage technology at affordable costs for renewable energy in power generation, and to increase and account for the opportunity cost of land and capital being used for such energy, given that the country's "needs for land and capital far exceed their availability."

The country also needs to decide on the role and share of nuclear energy in its energy mix, it said.

"Geopolitically, the thrust on renewable energy and electric vehicles has set off a race to secure critical minerals and rare earths. China has positioned itself as an indispensable source of several of these materials.

Securing supply in crunch times is a matter of concern," the document said.

The economic survey quoted Ed Conway, author and Economics Editor of Sky News, who said that the world might need more copper in the next few decades than it has ever used since the metal was discovered. "Not just copper, but other metals will also be in short supply. The price of energy transition will be too much for most nations. It will only get worse."

According to the International Energy Agency, China commissioned as much solar PV in 2023 as the entire world did in 2022, while its wind additions also grew by 66 percent year-on-year. The government emphasised that nuclear energy is the cleanest and safest option.

"However, some nations are reluctant to consider it given that their public overestimates the probabilities of rare events, as humans tend to do. Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, and Fukushima loom large in people's minds," it said.

The economic survey said that India should ensure the consistency of the e-mobility policy with the required and optimal energy mix between traditional and renewable sources and ensure grid stability for e-mobility to become widespread.

It should also study the implications of replacing internal combustion engine vehicles with e-vehicles, particularly on the sale of petrol and diesel and the tax revenues that such sales generate for the Union and state governments.

New Delhi: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued guidelines for incentivising power distribution companies (DISCOMs) to install rooftop solar projects under the PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana in their service areas. “Under the scheme, the DISCOMs are required to implement several facilitative measures to promote rooftop solar in their respective areas, such as ensuring the availability of net meters, timely inspection and commissioning of installations, vendor registration and management, and interdepartmental convergence for solarizing government buildings,” stated the MNRE in its guidelines.

To enable DISCOMs to undertake these tasks more effectively and to create greater motivation within DISCOMs as State Implementation Agencies (SIAs) for the scheme, the PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana includes a provision to incentivize DISCOMs. This component has an outlay of Rs 4,950 crore. DISCOMs or power departments will serve as the SIAs at the state/UT level.

The total financial outlay for the 'Incentives to DISCOMs' component is Rs 4,950 crore, as stated by the MNRE. The ministry is implementing the Grid-Connected Rooftop Solar (GCRT) Phase II Programme, under which incentives to DISCOMs were provided under Component B. With the approval of PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, the Phase II programme has been subsumed under the new scheme. This scheme component will continue in alignment with Component B of the GCRT Phase II programme.

“The Incentives to DISCOMs shall provide resources for participation in IEC and branding activities, creating conducive regulatory and administrative mechanisms to ensure adherence to timelines for approvals (feasibility, commissioning, inspection, grievance redressal, etc.), achieving targets for implementation, ensuring the timely availability of net meters, saturating RTS on government buildings, utilizing incentives for RTS-dedicated activities, and incentivizing field-level staff through recognition and rewards, among other measures to be undertaken by State DISCOMs or other agencies for RTS deployment,” said the MNRE.

Criteria for DISCOMs to Seek Incentives:

DISCOMs will receive incentives based on their achievement in the installation of additional grid-connected rooftop solar capacity beyond a baseline level. The scheme also includes an indicative rewards system to recognize and motivate the field staff of DISCOMs. Specifically, the incentives are structured to reward DISCOMs with 5 percent of the applicable benchmark cost for achieving an additional capacity of 10 percent to 15 percent over the installed base and 10 percent for capacities beyond 15 percent. This progressive incentive mechanism aims to drive higher participation from DISCOMs and ensure robust growth in rooftop solar capacity.

Under PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, the government aims to install rooftop solar plants in 1 crore households by FY2026-27, with a total financial outlay of Rs 75,021 crore. The scheme is expected to add 30 GW of rooftop solar capacity across households and government buildings.

Enhanced News Article:

New Delhi: Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) announced on Monday that it will develop an agri-commodity-based processing and storage facility at the port, serving Maharashtra and other states, with an estimated investment of Rs 285 crore. The port has received approval for the project from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways.

Planned on 27 acres of land, the facility is designed to provide comprehensive services, including processing, sorting, packing, and laboratory facilities. This proposed facility will be the first of its kind in the country provided by a port, according to JNPA. The export-import-cum-domestic agricultural commodity-based processing and storage facility will cater to the needs of Maharashtra as well as other states like Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.

"Following the theme laid by the ministry about 'port-led development' and JNPA's efforts for 'Port-led industrialisation,' we are developing a domestic agricultural commodity-based processing and storage facility aimed primarily at mitigating wastage due to multiple handling and unhygienic storage, thereby extending the shelf life of various produce," said JNPA Chairman Unmesh Sharad Wagh.

This initiative aligns with JNPA's goal to create a comprehensive port ecosystem. The project, estimated at Rs 285 crore, will be executed in a public-private partnership (PPP) mode under the design-build-finance-operate-transfer (DBFOT) model, JNPA stated.

The export infrastructure will include essential facilities such as cold storage to ensure optimal temperature management, which is crucial for preserving product freshness and quality, and pre-cooling facilities to prepare perishable goods for transport and maintain their integrity throughout the journey. On the import side, the facility will offer dedicated frozen and cold storage options, along with dry warehouses, ensuring seamless handling and storage solutions for imported goods.

New Delhi: As many as 16,000 Remote Pilot Certificates (RPCs) have been issued for operating drones in the country, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol told the Rajya Sabha on Monday. The certificates have been issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)-approved Remote Pilot Training Organisations (RPTOs).

In a written reply, Minister Mohol also highlighted that 48 drone companies are currently producing DGCA type-certified Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) models in India. To date, 70 models have received type certification from the regulator, signifying compliance with the established standards and safety regulations.

"The drone industry is witnessing significant growth in India. The issuance of 16,000 Remote Pilot Certificates (RPC) by DGCA-approved RPTOs is a testament to this expansion," he said. The minister also pointed out that there are currently 116 DGCA-approved RPTOs across the country, ensuring comprehensive training and certification for drone operators.

The growth of the drone industry in India is propelled by advancements in technology, favorable regulatory frameworks, and increasing applications across various sectors, including agriculture, surveillance, logistics, and disaster management. The government's proactive approach in promoting drone usage and manufacturing is expected to further accelerate the industry's expansion, creating new opportunities and contributing to economic growth.

JSW Neo Energy has secured a contract to develop a 500 MW inter-state transmission system (ISTS) connected solar project along with 250 MW/500 MWh of energy storage systems from SECI.

New Delhi: JSW Energy announced on Monday that its subsidiary, JSW Neo Energy, has secured a contract to develop a 500 MW inter-state transmission system (ISTS) connected solar project, in addition to 250 MW/500 MWh of energy storage systems from the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI). JSW Neo has received a Letter of Award (LoA) for setting up a 500 MW ISTS-connected Solar Power Project along with 250 MW/500 MWh of Energy Storage Systems from SECI. This comes after a tariff-based Competitive Bid was invited for setting up 1,200 MW ISTS-connected Solar Power Projects alongside 600 MW / 1,200 MWh of Energy Storage Systems (Tranche XV), according to a company statement.

JSW Neo has also secured an LoA from Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd (KREDL) to establish a 300 MW solar project at Pavagada Solar Park, Karnataka, the company stated separately. Following this capacity award, the company's total locked-in generation capacity has increased to 16GW, with a locked-in energy storage capacity of 4.2 GWh. JSW Energy aims to achieve an installed generation capacity of 10 GW by FY25, up from 7.5 GW presently. The company is targeting a generation capacity of 20 GW and an energy storage capacity of 40 GWh by 2030. JSW Energy has set an ambitious target of achieving Carbon Neutrality by 2050.

Samir Chandra Saxena has assumed charge as Director (Market Operation) of Grid Controller of India Limited (Grid-India) on Saturday

New Delhi: Samir Chandra Saxena has assumed charge as Director (Market Operation) of Grid Controller of India Limited (Grid-India) on Saturday. Prior to his elevation, he was contributing as Executive Director at National Load Despatch Centre (NLDC) of Grid-India.

Saxena holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Aligarh Muslim University, MBA from IIT Delhi and a Certificate Course in Power Sector Regulation from Comillas Pontifical University, Italy. With nearly three decades of experience in power system operations, electricity market operations, and grid integration of renewables, he has significantly contributed to the field. He also represents India in the CIGRE Study Committee C5 on Electricity Markets and Regulation.

Starting his career with Power Grid in 1994, Saxena has been a key figure at Grid-India since its separation from Power Grid in 2017. His expertise has positively impacted both the power sector and the organisation.

In his new role, Saxena will oversee commercial operations, electricity market operations, open access in inter-state transmission, power exchange operations, accounting and settlement of electricity transmitted through the grid, deviation settlement, pool account operations, integration of renewable energy, REC mechanism and legal and regulatory affairs.

S Usha, Chief General Manager, has become the first-ever woman to lead the National Load Despatch Centre (NLDC), Grid-India, as its Head, upon the assumption of charge of Director (Market Operation) by SC Saxena. Usha holds a Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering from Calicut University and has over three decades of expertise in power system operations and electricity market operations across Southern and Western Regional Load Despatch Centres. As a visionary and dynamic leader, she inspires excellence and sets new benchmarks in the industry.