CLEAN ENERGY

"Sunshine Industry: Future of Solar PV Manufacturing" Solar remains the fastest growing renewable energy, from 1992 to 2023 the worldwide usage of Solar  photovoltaics  (PV) increased  exponentially . it evolved from a  niche market  of small-scale applications to a mainstream electricity source. The Solar watt per capita has reached to 108 watts in 2021 against 83 watts in 2019.   Solar PV technology is continuously evolving. Poly-crystalline, which was the mainstay just a few years back, is already obsolete. Currently, designs for all existing and proposed manufacturing lines are for mono passivation emitter rear contact cells (PERC). This continuous technology shift highlights the need for manufacturers to plan carefully while designing their PV lines to accommodate all future scenarios. Hence, all current mono-PERC line designs can easily upgrade to other upcoming technologies, such as Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact (TOPCon) or  Hetero  ...

  Corporate role in Energy Transition       The corporate sector can   play a significant role in the Energy transition  to meet the Paris commitment.  While traditionally viewed as a barrier to effective energy transition governance . However, in the wake of the 2015 Paris Agreement, a range of international initiatives have emerged that focus on enhancing the positive role of the Corporate private sector in energy transition governance. These developments reinforce a gradual international shift in the business community to view climate change in financial risk for corporations and for the large institutional investors who invest in them, has the potential to engage corporate law tools, such as requirements for risk disclosure, shareholder actions and the fiduciary duties of company directors.    Over the next five years, climate change is expected to have significant economic impacts on global businesses and may cost global businesses ...

  Ethanol Blending plan  should balance Energy security and Food security   It is commendable that the Government of India has recognized the importance of achieving energy security and transitioning to a low-carbon economy.    But the question is, blending of locally produced ethanol with petrol is a step in the right direction? Or will it affect the food security in the country?    The National Policy on Biofuels – 2018 (NPB–2018) is a comprehensive policy framework that provides a roadmap for the development and promotion of biofuels in India. The Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Program, Under this programme, a target was set up by the government i.e. 10% ethanol blending by 2022 and 20% blending (E20) by 2030. Further, the procurement price of ethanol by oil marketing companies (OMCs) is fixed by the government and OMCs can procure it from domestic sources.   Earlier, Ethanol is produced or procured from sugarcane-based raw materials which a...

  Energy Transition to magnify  Indian Economy  The top two imports which directly impacting on the Indian economy are Crude oil and electronic components such as semiconductor chips etc. which accounts to more than 60% of the import bill.  India is heavily dependent on crude oil imports to meet its energy requirements . India imports 86% of the country’s crude oil requirements. The Indian economy is frequently impacted both directly and indirectly by rising the oil prices. The “fuel” decision is extremely crucial because it’s the bases on which the whole economy runs India is on the cusp of making its biggest transition. The Indian government is planning a massive expansion of “Green hydrogen” production to curb its dependence on energy imports and to wean the economy off fossil fuels and also to meet climate targets. The cabinet has approved the National Green Hydrogen policy on 4th January 2023 with initial outlay for the mission is about Rs.19,744 Crore in ...

  Indian Carbon Market to create Vibrant Carbon financing platform for the Industries  Carbon Credit evolved in the Kyoto protocol in 1997 where Carbon was deemed to be traded commodity and this was reiterated during Paris Agreement in 2015. Now globally carbon is traded to get carbon credits which overall help in reducing carbon emissions worldwide. Carbon Emission reductions and removals are converted into tradable assets through a carbon market. This implies that an industrial unit that surpasses the emission criteria is eligible to receive credits. Additionally, it would allow struggling units( or more carbon emitting Units)  to purchase credits and demonstrate compliance. In simpler terms, a carbon market will create incentives to reduce emissions or improve energy efficiency. This is to meet the Net zero commitment by India  in the climate summit. The renewed focus towards controlling GHG emissions and moving towards carbon neutrality, with specific milesto...

  The Energy conservation (amendment ) bill 2022 The Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill, 2022 was introduced in Lok Sabha on August 3, 2022.  The Bill seeks to amend the Energy Conservation Act, 2001.   The Act promotes energy efficiency and conservation.  It provides for the regulation of energy consumption by equipment, appliances, buildings, and industries.  Key proposals under the Bill are:   Obligation to use non-fossil sources of energy:  The Act empowers the central government to specify energy consumption standards.  The Bill adds that the government may require the designated consumers to meet a minimum share of energy consumption from non-fossil sources.  Different consumption thresholds may be specified for different non-fossil sources and consumer categories.  Designated consumers include: (i) industries such as mining, steel, cement, textile, chemicals, and petrochemicals, (ii) transport sector including Railways, and (i...

  Green Hydrogen to steer Indian Economy Green hydrogen is critical to India’s economic development and net zero ambitions. India is planning a massive expansion of green hydrogen production to control its dependence on energy  imports and to halt the economy off fossil fuels.  The recent floods, earthquakes and erratic rainfall are evidence of the unpredictable damages to human lives, businesses, and private and public properties. India has taken an ardent strategy to move away from dependence on fossil fuels to renewable sources progressively. Economic activities adhering to cleaner sources of energy would have a positive impact on protecting the environment and minimising havoc created by climate changes. India is one of the global leader who paid attention to climate change and has taken ambitious pro-active steps. Green hydrogen is widely expected to play a major role in decarbonising heavy industries, including oil refineries, steel mills and fertiliser plants. Indi...