India

Fueled by rapid economic growth, a growing population with greater access to goods and services and higher electrification rates, Indian energy demand is projected to rise at over 5% a year over the next 25 years, based upon expectations of 8-10% growth in GDP#.

Rooftop solar projects are a known phenomenon nowadays. From governments to citizens everybody agrees that the combination of one infinite resource (solar energy) and a finite resource (land) can produce beneficial results. However what is socially desirable is not always economically achievable.

Over the years, the Indian power sector has had its own share of ups and downs. The Electricity Act 2003 was a watershed event, giving a much needed boost to the sector's economic viability.

Small solar lighting devices are becoming increasingly popular among

Himal Power Limited is giving away $2 million (about Rs 160 million) to

The Nepalese authorities' inordinate delay in resolving the pending issue of funding for the Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project (MPP) has resulted in a decade long wait for the formation of a mutually agreeable detailed project report (DPR).  8During the recently convened Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) meeting, it was pointed out that Nepal is yet to furnish a detailed action plan to undertake identified field works of joint observation at the Pancheshwar and Rupaligad sites, along with necessary investigations for the proposed re-regulating dam at the alternative dam site of Rupaligad.  8With no definite work plan or rough estimation of associated cost estimates in sight, the decision making process regarding funding has stalled. Moreover, the Terms of Reference (TOR) for establishment of the Pancheshwar Development Authority (PDA), whose responsibility includes finalization of project funding details, is still awaiting approval from the Indian government.  8That apart, India is still to agree to single stage development of the 5,600 MW project and pay extra-cost towards irrigation, as requested by Nepal.  8For reference purposes, the Pancheshwar (MPP) is proposed on river Mahakali, which forms the international boundary between India and Nepal. The project envisages a 315 metre high dam across the river Mahakali (known as Sarda in India) at about 2.5 Km. downstream of the confluence of river Sarju and Mahakali.  

China insists its hydropower project on Brahmaputra river in Tibet is "not big" enough to affect water flow to India.

One of India’s largest business organizations wants to reduce India’s rising power rates by lessening the tax burden of power producers.

The government moves to ensure the supply of uranium for India’s nuclear power plants.

India has signed three loan agreements totalling $350 million with ADB to improve the power distribution system in Assam, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.

The Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission (RERC) has refused to grant a transmission license to Enercon India Infrastructure Limited (EIIL), contending that the infrastructure company is neither a generating nor transmission company nor does it have a sanction from the state government for laying down any transmission lines in the state.  8EIIL had filed an application, during November 2010, for grant of license for the license for the transmission system associated with evacuation of power from wind farms of Enercon India Limited (EIL), located at Bhu, and those of Vish Wind Infrastructure Limited (VWIL), located at Sipla, Kinoi, Rajgarh, Nawagaon and Kushalgarh.  8It may be mentioned that as per the electricity (removal of difficulties) fifth order of the central government of 2005, no license is required for a generating company for establishment, operation or maintenance of dedicated transmission lines. EIIL is neither a generating or transmission company.  8In order to strengthen its case, the applicant contended that for grant of license, the commission has to only see that requirements for grant of license are fulfilled and nothing else. Further, EIIL argued that decision as regards tariff determination could be taken when the licensee approaches RERC for investment approval or tariff determination.  8However, RERC disagreed on both accounts asserting that EIIL's application seeking license is "obviously devoid of any basis or justification".

The Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council (EAC) wants the Centre to unveil new package of incentives-linked electricity reforms for the States. 8The EAC has contended that it is pertinent that the Government of India come out with a clear incentive linked plan to persuade the States to reform their electricity utilities. 8In its report titled ‘Review of the Economy 2011-12' released on February 22, the council has pointed out that the power sector deficits have shown a substantial increase due to the non-revision of tariffs and also partly because the States have not disbursed subsidies due to power utilities. 8Recently, Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan have increased tariffs sharply, but the problem of losses continues to be a concern. Some estimates have put the losses at over 1 percent of GDP. 8Pertinently, electricity tariffs are also overdue for resetting in many States and there has been a sharp increase in the fuel component of electricity generation. Thus, on the energy price front it is only reasonable to expect further upward price adjustments, the council has said. 8On the positive side, the EAC has noted that the electricity generation sector has performed well in the current financial year. 8Electricity generation has grown rapidly, averaging 9.4 percent in the first nine months of the year on account of more capacity coming on line, better fuel availability with nuclear power plants and improved hydro-resource position. 8However, generation growth in January (4.1 percent) and the first week of February 2012 has been slower on account of fuel-related reasons, especially in gas based plants and for the year as a whole will be less than in the first nine months. Here again the advance estimate of 8.3 percent for the electricity and utility sector is likely to be an accurate reflection of what would turn out to be for the full year, the EAC has said.  

Italian-Thai Development has committed to achieve dam readiness for NTPC's 800 MW Koldam hydroelectric project and commencement of reservoir impounding by October 20.

The man behind India’s nuclear energy program said the country cannot renounce the use of nuclear energy.