Kundankulam N-Plant starts generating power...

 

The Kundankulam Nuclear Power Plant at Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu has started generating power from its Unit 1 and produced around 160 MW of Power on October 22, 2013.

Unit 1 having capacity of 1000 MW is a new type of reactor built in Russia called Voda Voda Energo Reactor (VVER). It became critical in the midnight of July 13 and since then, various tests and procedures have been conducted to resolve problems with the valves.

It is the first pressurized water reactor belonging to light water reactor category in the country. Russian authorities claim they have such reactors functioning in Ukraine, China and a few other nations. In Ukraine alone, there are six units of 1,000MW capacity at Zaporizhzhia, which are similar to that of the Kudankulam unit.

As said by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), currently out of the 1000 MW capacity of this Unit, 160 MW is connected to the grid which will be increased after checking the generators and conducting other tests.  The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) has given its nod for 500MW and more power will be connected to the grid after the tests.

The significant synchronization process came as Prime Minister wound up his visit to Moscow after talks about possible future agreements for the supply of two more Russian reactors for the Kudankulam plant. While agreements have been signed for two 1,000MW units, talks are on with Russia to clinch a deal for two more 1,000MW units. When commissioned, the nuclear power plant would be the biggest in India in terms of capacity.

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More literature on this...

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/energy/power/kudankulam-nuclear-plant-starts-generating-power-connected-to-southern-grid/articleshow/24521878.cms

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Phase 2 of National Solar Mission having planned installations of 750 MW may be launched soon...

 

Ministry of New & Renewable Energy is planning to launch Phase 2, Batch I of the National Solar Mission (NSM) which aims development of around 750 MW of Solar PV Projects.

Under the NSM Phase 2, Batch I, the Government is considering to provide Viability Gap Funding (VGF) maximum upto 30% of the Project Cost or INR 2.5 Crs/ MW whichever is lower.

Some of the major aspects of this program as per the draft guidelines issued MNRE are as below:

Capacity: total 750 MW

PPA Process: The allocation process, signing of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and handing out of VGF will all be handled by the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI).

Tariff:

• Projects not availing Accelerated Depreciation: Rs. 5.45 /kWh
• ­Projects not availing Accelerated Depreciation: Rs. 4.95 /kWh

Viability Gap Funding

• Over and above the tariff, Viability Gap Funding (VGF) will be provided with an upper limit of 30% of the project cost or INR 25m/MW.
• The exact quantum of VGF will be determined by a reverse bidding mechanism.
• Developers would not be able to take advantages of REC Mechanism.
• Viability Gap Funding (VGF) will be provided with an upper limit of 30% of the project cost for a maximum capacity of 100 MW.
• The VGF amount will be handed over in three installments:
• ­ 1^st Installment (25% of total VGF): After the delivery of at least 50% of the equipment
• ­ 2^nd Installment(50% of total VGF): Commissioning of the project
• ­ 3^rd Installment (25% of total VGF): After one year of commissioning.
• SECI can claim assets equal to the VGF amount if the plant remains inactive or if any assets are sold.
• If the plant fails to generate any power continuously for one year during the course of the PPA period or the project is dismantled or its assets sold, SECI will have the right to claim assets equal to the value of VGF granted.

Key Concerns

• Low tariff and uncertainty over VGF due to reverse bidding process will adversely affect the profitability of the Projects.
• A firm mechanism to ensure that there is a match between states willing to buy power at the pre-determined prices and developers’ preference of location for the projects
• No clarity on how the SECI will ensure the off-take of the power to states across the country that might be willing to buy the power.

As said by the MNRE, the bidding documents are all ready and waiting for the Cabinet approval for the disbursement of grant.

According to sources, the program is supposed to be launched in the next 10 days.

 

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More literature on this...

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2013/10/india-may-announce-first-national-solar-auction-since-2011-for-750-mw?cmpid=rss

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NHPC to join hands with private companies for development of hydro projects; planning to diversify into thermal,solar & Wind...

 

National Hydro Power Corporation is planning to join hands with private sector companies for the development of hydro power projects in the country and has held preliminary discussions with various independent power producers.

NHPC would be looking to partner with private players to develop green field hydro power projects where construction is yet to start. The plan also comes against the backdrop of many private players finding it difficult to move ahead with hydro projects.
      
Expression of Interest with detailed guidelines have been floated with regard to proposed partnerships with private entities.
      
Projects will be taken up only when promoters of private sector projects are willing to offer majority stake to NHPC. However, the planned 51% stake stipulation could be diluted since in certain projects, the respective state government itself would be holding at least 26% stake.
      
NHPC is also considering to diversify into thermal, solar and wind energy projects.

As part of diversification, the company would develop a 1,320 MW thermal power project along with Chhattisgarh Government in that state. It is also planning to develop grid connected 50 MW wind and 100 MW solar power projects.

Currently NHPC has an installed power generation capacity of 5,702 MW.

 

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More literature on this...

http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/nhpc-plans-joint-ventures-with-private-players-for-hydel-projects-113100100229_1.html

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Nashik Industrial bodies to move to high court against the recent tariff hike of 25% by MSEDCL...

 

Industrial Corporation of Nashik are planning to move to High Court against the recent power tariff hike of up to 25% by the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) and to launch launch awareness drives against the hike among farmers, consumers, traders and entrepreneurs.

The decisions were taken during a joint meeting of office-bearers of Nashik Industries & Manufacturers' Association (NIMA), Ambad Industries and Manufacturers' Association (AIMA), Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MACCIA) and Nashik Industrial Cooperative Estate ( NICE).

According to the NIMA president, the MSEDCL has hiked power tariff in the range of 14-25% without taking industrial associations and consumer forums in confidence. This sudden power hike has been imposed on farmers, consumers and industrialists.

Hence, all the industrial associations across the state have decided to move to HC against the hike.

The written petitions are to be filed in Mumbai, Nagpur and Aurangabad benches of the HC by the electric panel of experts of all the industrial associations.

Currently the effective power tariff for industries in Maharashtra is Rs 10.05 per unit, which is higher than any other state in the country. Power tariff is Rs 3.3 per unit in Goa, Rs 5.75 per unit in Karnataka, Rs 6.5 per unit in Andhra Pradesh, Rs 5.75 per unit in Gujarat, Rs 5.25 per unit in Chhattisgarh and Rs 6.75 per unit in Madhya Pradesh.

 

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More literature on this...

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nashik/Industrial-bodies-to-move-HC-against-power-tariff-hike/articleshow/23330584.cms

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DoD appoints five merchant bankers for Rs. 7,700 Crore Stake sale program of Power grid...

 

For the proposed stake sale of Power Grid Corporation of India, the Department of Disinvestment (DoD) appointed five merchant bankers – Citigroup Global Markets, ICICI Securities, Kotak Investment Banking, SBI Capital Markets and UBS Securities.

The merchant bankers will aide the government in Rs. 7,700 Crore stake sale program.

According to sources, nine bankers, including Axis Capital, Barclays Capital, HSBC Securities and IDBI Capital, had shown interest early last week and submitted their bids for the proposal.

The Government intends to dilute 4% (18.51 crore shares) of its existing equity paid-up capital and, in addition, issue fresh shares representing 13% of the pre-issue equity (60.18 crore shares) in the state-owned electric utilities company, which could help the government fetch R7,725 crore at the current market price.

 

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More literature on this...

http://www.financialexpress.com/news/power-grid-stake-sale-dod-names-5-bankers/1176458

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CLP India adopted an innovative pooled financing structure for the wind projects...

 

CLP India has signed a new Pooled Financing Structure for its wind assets with the syndicate of three banks, Standard Chartered Bank, IDBI Bank & IDFC to mitigate risks and ensure security to lenders.

As per the company, the pooled financing will help secure CLP India's current and future assets and mitigate the inherent risk arising out of the unpredictable nature of wind projects' output.

This new, innovative approach to financing the wind projects will strengthen the competitiveness and business performance in the Indian market and will aid the growth the company has planned for the future,

The company was so far following the project financing structure of financing where the cash flow is restricted to a specific project only.

As said by the company, Wind projects will be moved to the pool as and when they get commissioned. The standardization of documentation as a result of this approach, will lead to quicker financial closures that will enhance overall efficiency and effectiveness of the financing process.

CLP India expects to add 250 MW - 300 MW of wind projects every year. CLP India, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hong Kong-listed CLP Group owns 3,000 MW power projects in the country.

 

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More literature on this...

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/energy/power/clp-india-signs-new-pooled-financing-structure-with-banks-for-wind-farms/articleshow/23312321.cms

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WAAREE receives 25 MW Solar PV Project from roha in rajasthan...

 

According to sources, one of India’s leading innovative solar solution companies, Waaree Energies Ltd has successfully acquired a turnkey order of a 25 MW Power Plant  from the Roha group which includes  the Designing of the plant, its technical and Engineering ground work, Installation process and Commissioning of the project.

The Roha group is one of the world's renowned manufacturing companies for Synthetic Colours and is also a prominent supplier of Natural Colours, specializing in the Food, Cosmetics & Pharmaceutical industries for the past thirty years.

This plant will be set up at the solar park in the state of Rajasthan and is targeted to be commissioned by December 2013.

Mr. Hitesh Doshi, CMD, Waaree group commented, “The fact that we are expanding our services in one of the biggest states of India is a huge achievement for the entire Waaree group. We are delighted and excited to work on this crucial Roha group project. With our existing expertise in the solar industry, we are geared to use innovative technology and manpower to execute the project on time and deliver the best to our customers.”

WAAREE Energies Ltd is a fast growing, innovative and dynamic manufacturer of solar PV panels. It designs, manufactures, erects, commissions and provides technical and maintenance support to a wide variety of Solar products, Systems and EPC. With 100 MW manufacturing capacity per year and a rich experience in the solar industry, the company also owns Solar PV plants and has recently diversified into Solar Thermal too.

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More literature on this...

http://eqmaglive.com/EQ-ARTICLE-22499-Waaree-Energies-bags-a-turnkey-order-of-a-25.html#.UklBe9Ji350

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Rajasthan issues RfP for 50 MW Solar PV Plants having capacity of 1 MW each...

 

The Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation Limited (RRECL) has released an RfP for the selection of 50 Solar PV plants of 1 MW (AC) to be connected on 11 kV level at 33/11 kV Discom’s substation in the state.

Some of the highlights of the RfP are

• PPA duration – 25 Years
• Selection process – Tariff based Competitive bidding (L1 process)
• Last date of submission of electronic bid – October 26, 2013
• PPAs signing date: February 28, 2014
• Distribution of projects – The 50 projects will distributed among the 3 Discoms in the state – 20 projects in Jaipur Discom, 14 projects in Ajmer Discom and 16 Projects in Jodhpur Discom.
• Bidders shall be selected for each Discoms separately. However, tariff to be awarded for a Zone (Discom) shall not exceed by more than 10% of the Zone (Discom) having lowest tariff.
• Commissioning deadline – Within 12 months of signing the PPA.
• The names of the 33/11 kV Sub-stations for each Discoms/Zone for which bidders may bid is available in the bid document.
• The plant has to generate minimum energy corresponding to a CUF of 12% during first year and 16% during remaining years.

The bid documents can be downloaded from this link.

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UERC issued APPC Order for the FY14 at Rs. 2.72 per unit...

 

The Uttarakhand Electricity Regulatory Commission (UERC) has issued the Average Power Purchase Cost (APPC) for the Financial Year 2014 at Rs. 2.72 per unit.

The definition adopted by UERC for the APPC is as follows:

“weighted average pooled price at which the distribution licensee has purchased the electricity including the cost of self generation, if any, in the previous year from all the energy suppliers long-term and short-term, but excluding those based on renewable energy sources, as the case may be.”

The power purchase data of FY13 has been considered while arriving at APPC for FY14.

Based on power purchase expenses of FY13 furnished by UPCL to UERC, an APPC rate of Rs.2.72 per unit has been finalized. 

The soft copy of the APPC Order by APPC can be download from this link.

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India & US clinched a first commercial agreement on civil nuclear power co-operation...

 

India and United States have clinched a first commercial agreement on the civilian nuclear power co-operation after the landmark civil nuclear deal five years before.

Later in a joint statement, the two leaders noted that with government-to-government procedures agreed, commercial negotiations between India's nuclear operator Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL) and US firm Westinghouse are proceeding.

A fact sheet issued by the White House said this agreement should facilitate progress toward licensing the AP-1000 nuclear reactor technology in India.

Noting that the Indian government is planning to develop commercial nuclear power sites in Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh using US nuclear technology, it said both governments also decided to complete discussions on the Administrative Arrangements at an early date.

The two leaders urged NPCIL and US companies Westinghouse and General Electric-Hitachi to expedite the necessary work to establish nuclear power plants in Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh.

The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the Indian Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) intend to sign a memorandum of understanding for the exchange of technical information in nuclear safety matters, the fact sheet said.

This arrangement should solidify close cooperation between the regulators, it noted.

 

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More literature on this...

http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2013-09-28/news/42481705_1_npcil-nuclear-power-corporation-nuclear-liability-law

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