Showing posts with label Power sector. Show all posts
Dec 23, 2015
Union Government notifies stricter standards for Coal Based Thermal Power Plants
The Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change has notified the revised standards for coal-based Thermal Power Plants in the country, with the primary aim of minimising pollution.
These standards are proposed to be implemented in a phased manner.
Point to note
- These new standards are based on the recommendation of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) after consultations with different stakeholders.
- For implementation of revised standards Thermal power plants are categorised into 3 categories
- (i) Installed before 31st December, 2003
- (ii) Installed after 2003 and up to 31st December, 2016 and
- (iii) Installed after 31st December, 2016.
- The new standards are aimed at reducing emission of sulphur dioxide (7.3 Kg/MWh), PM10 (0.98 kg/MWh) and Oxide of nitrogen (4.8 kg/MWh).
- It would in turn help in bringing about an improvement in the Nation Ambient Air Quality (AAQ) index around and in thermal power plants.
- The technology employed for controlling of proposed emission limit of Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) and Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) will also help in reducing mercury emission at about 70-90%.
- Limiting the use of water in thermal power plant will lead to water conservation (about 1.5 M3/MWh) as thermal power plant is a water-intensive industry. This will also lead to a reduction in energy requirement for drawl of water.
Nov 5, 2015
Union Cabinet gives nod to UDAY Scheme for financial restructuring package for power DISCOMs
Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given its nod Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojna (UDAY) for financial restructuring of debt of power distribution companies.
The Scheme aims for financial turnaround and revival of Power Distribution companies (DISCOMs) and also ensures a sustainable permanent solution to the problem.
About UDAY scheme
- Allows power DISCOMs in selected states to convert their debt into state bonds as well as roll out number of measures to improve efficiency at power plants.
- Seeks to ensure that struggling DISCOMs can shake off years of losses and start on a path to profitability.
- Assures the rise of vibrant and efficient DISCOMs: through four initiatives (i) Improve operational efficiencies of DISCOMs (ii) Reduce of cost of power (iii) Reduce interest cost of DISCOMs (iv) Enforce financial discipline on DISCOMs through alignment with State finances.
- Debt Burden: Shifts 75 per cent of power DISCOMs debt burden to states’ balance sheets. This step would result in interest cost savings to the tune of 3-5 per cent.
- State Power Bonds or loans: Selected states would be able to sell the balance 25 per cent as state-backed power bonds or loans which will carry interest rates of g-sec plus 50 basis points.
- Improve operational efficiency: by implementing steps like (i) swapping of coal linkages (ii) monitoring aggregate technical and commercial (AT&C) losses (iii) Focus on smart metering and feeder separation in states.
Thus with nod to UDAY Scheme, Union Government seeks to accelerate the process of reform across the entire power sector in order to ensure affordable and accessible 24×7 Power for All.
The scheme has been framed by Union Power Ministry as power DISCOMs in several states have been severely mismanaged, resulting in a debt burden upward of 4 lakh crore rupees. This has taken a toll on the power as well as bank sectors.
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