22-Dec-2022: Rooftop Solar Programme Phase-II to extract green energy from Rooftop solar sector
With an objective to achieve 40 GW of rooftop solar (RTS) capacity in the country, the Government of India launched Rooftop Solar Programme Phase-II on 8.3.2019. The Programme envisaged installation of 4,000 MW of RTS capacity in the residential sector by providing Central Financial Assistance and incentives to DISCOMs for achievement of additional RTS capacity in a year over and above the installed capacity of the previous year. A provision of total central financial support of Rs. 11814 Cr, including service charges to the implementing agencies, has been made under the programme, which was initially scheduled for completion by 2022. However, a total of 7.3 GW RTS capacity has been achieved till 30.11.2022.
Apart from reasons such as apprehension of possible revenue loss to DISCOMs, delay in approvals and installation of net/gross meters by DISCOMs, lack of uniform regulations, lack of awareness, etc., the implementation of the Programme has been significantly affected due to Covid-19 pandemic and DISCOMs/ State Implementing Agencies have sought extension in the time-line for execution of projects under the Programme. Ministry has also conducted third party evaluation of the Programme and based on the recommendations, the Programme has been extended till 31.3.2026.
8-Dec-2022: Rooftop Solar Programme extended till 31.03.2026
The Rooftop Solar Programme has been extended till 31.03.2026 and therefore, subsidy under the programme will be available until the target under the Programme is achieved. All residential consumers are hereby advised not to pay any additional charges to any vendor on account of fee for application on the National Portal or any additional charges for net-metering/testing which are not prescribed by the respective distribution company. In case such charges are demanded by any vendor/agency/person, the same may be intimated to the respective distribution company and to this Ministry at email rts-mnre[at]gov[dot]in. For information pertaining to National Portal please visit www.solarrooftop.gov.in
On the National Portal, any consumer willing to install rooftop solar from any part of the country can apply and track complete process starting from registration to release of subsidy directly into his bank account. The subsidy under National Portal has been fixed at Rs. 14,588/- per kW (for capacity upto 3 kW) for the entire country and residential consumers have to install rooftop solar plant from any one of the vendors registered by the respective distribution company of their locality. The list of registered vendors is also available on the National Portal. To safeguard the interest of consumers, format of agreement to be signed between the vendor and the consumers has been given on National Portal. The terms of agreement can be mutually agreed. The vendor has to provide maintenance services to the consumer for at least 5 years and in case of any default the respective distribution company can encash the performance bank guarantee of the vendor. There is no fee for application on the National Portal and also the charges for net-metering have been prescribed by the respective distribution companies. Further, no charges to be paid to any vendor or distribution company for receiving subsidy and subsidy will be credited directly into the bank account of the beneficiary by the Ministry.
Ministry is implementing Rooftop Solar Programme Phase-II wherein CFA/subsidy is being provided to residential consumers for installation of rooftop solar. To ease out the implementation of the Programme, a National Portal was developed which was launched by Hon'ble Prime Minister on 30.07.2022.
5-Apr-2022: Government policy to offer solar panels at subsidized rates
Provision of central financial assistance (CFA) for institutional and social sectors was available under Phase-I of Rooftop Solar Programme, which was under implementation in the country till March 2020. With reduction in cost of the installation of Rooftop Solar (RTS) power systems, central financial assistance to beneficiaries of all sectors, except residential sector, has been discontinued under Phase-II of Rooftop Solar Programme currently under implementation.
However, Under Ph-II of the RTS Programme, incentives of 5% of the benchmark cost for RTS capacity addition beyond 10% and up to 15% of the baseline RTS capacity as on 31st March of the previous year, and incentives of 10% of the benchmark cost for RTS capacity addition beyond 15% of the baseline RTS capacity as on 31st March of the previous year, are being provided to DISCOMs towards installation of RTS projects in all sectors, including solar power panels at educational and religious institutions, NGOs, etc.
5-Apr-2022: Government incentives and support for Solar Energy generation and usage
For promoting solar energy in the residential sector, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is implementing Rooftop Solar Programme Phase-II. Under this Programme 4000 MW rooftop solar (RTS) capacity addition is targeted in residential sector through Central Financial Assistance (CFA).
CFA up to 40% of the benchmark cost is provided for RTS projects upto 3 kW capacity and up to 20% for RTS system capacity beyond 3 kW and up to 10 kW for individual households. For Group Housing Societies/Residential Welfare Associations (GHS/RWA), CFA is limited to 20% for RTS plants for supply of power to common facilities maximum 500 kW capacity.
In addition, Government has taken several steps to promote solar energy in the country. These include:
- permitting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) up to 100 percent under the automatic route,
- waiver of Inter State Transmission System (ISTS) charges for inter-state sale of solar and wind power for projects to be commissioned by 30th June 2025,
- declaration of trajectory for Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) up to the year 2022,
- setting up of Ultra Mega Renewable Energy Parks to provide land and transmission to RE developers on a plug and play basis,
- schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM- KUSUM), 12000 MW CPSU Scheme Phase II, etc.,
- laying of new transmission lines and creating new sub-station capacity under the Green Energy Corridor Scheme for evacuation of renewable power,
- notification of standards for deployment of solar photovoltaic system/devices,
- setting up of Project Development Cell for attracting and facilitating investments,
- Standard Bidding Guidelines for tariff based competitive bidding for procurement of Power from Grid Connected Solar PV and Wind Projects.
- Government has issued orders that power shall be dispatched against Letter of Credit (LC) or advance payment to ensure timely payment by distribution licensees to RE generators.
- Conducting skill development programmes to create a pool of skilled manpower for setting up, operation and maintenance of RE projects.
31-Mar-2022: Rooftop Solar Programme Phase-II to provide subsidized rooftop solar power connections to rural population
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is implementing Rooftop Solar Programme Phase-II for which the guidelines were issued in August 2019. Under this Programme 4000 MW rooftop solar (RTS) capacity addition is targeted through Central Financial Assistance (CFA) in residential sector including for households in rural areas.
For individual households CFA upto 40% of the benchmark cost is provided for RTS projects upto 3 kW capacity and upto 20% for RTS system capacity beyond 3 kW and up to 10 kW. For Group Housing Societies/Residential Welfare Associations (GHS/RWA), CFA is limited to 20% for RTS plants for supply of power to common facilities of maximum 500 kW capacity.
Based on demand received from Distribution Utilities and other State implementing agencies, MNRE has allocated 3162 MW of RTS capacity against total 4000 MW capacity targeted under the Programme in residential sector and a total of 1252 MW capacity has been reported installed as on 28.02.2022.
The total solar power installed capacity in the country as on 28.2.2022 was 50.78 GW including 6.4 GW from rooftop solar. The majority of rooftop solar installation are in urban areas. However, the bulk of total solar capacity is installed in rural areas.
For promotion and use of solar powered technologies such as rooftop solar, solarisation of agriculture pumps both diesel operated and grid connected, solar street lights, solar study lamps, solar powered livelihood applications, etc., MNRE has been implementing several schemes and programmes.
Presently, the MNRE is providing financial support through schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) and Rooftop Solar Programme Ph-II making solar power more affordable and easily accessible to rural and urban population.
22-Mar-2022: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy implements Rooftop Solar Programme Phase-II, targeting 4000 MW rooftop solar (RTS) capacity addition in residential sector
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is implementing Rooftop Solar Programme Phase-II for which the guidelines were issued in August 2019. Under this Programme 4000 MW rooftop solar (RTS) capacity addition is targeted in residential sector through Central Financial Assistance (CFA).
CFA up to 40% of the benchmark cost is provided for RTS projects up to 3 kW capacity and up to 20% for RTS system capacity beyond 3 kW and up to 10 kW for individual households. For Group Housing Societies/Residential Welfare Associations (GHS/RWA), CFA is limited to 20% for RTS plants for supply of power to common facilities maximum 500 kW capacity.
In addition, incentives up to 10% of cost of rooftop solar is provided to Distribution Utilities depending upon achievements in capacity addition above baseline.
The Programme is demand driven and capacities are allocated based on demand received from Distribution Utilities and other state implementing agencies. Ministry has so far allocated 3162 MW of capacity for the residential sector. Against the allocated capacity of 3162 MW, a total 1252 MW capacity has been reported installed as on 28.02.2022. The State-wise details of capacity allocated and installed is give as Annexure.
Grid connectivity for rooftop solar projects including net-metering is provided by distribution utilities as per regulations notified by the respective State Electricity Regulatory Commission/Joint Electricity Regulatory Commissions. These regulations are notified by regulatory commissions after stakeholder consultation and are amended from time to time.
The Ministry regularly reviews the progress of implementation of the programme including the net-metering problems with distribution utilities and advises corrective steps to resolve the same.
MNRE has also issued a notification for simplification of Rooftop Solar programme which inter alia includes online application for net- metering approval.
9-Dec-2021: MNRE issues advisory for the general public on rooftop solar scheme
To generate solar power by installing solar panels on the roof of the houses, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India is implementing Grid-connected Rooftop Solar Scheme (Phase-II). Under this scheme Ministry is providing 40% subsidy for the first 3 kW and 20% subsidy beyond 3 kW and upto 10 kW. The scheme is being implemented in the states by local Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOMs).
It has been brought to the notice of the Ministry that some rooftop solar companies / vendors are setting up rooftop solar plants by claiming that they are authorized vendors by the Ministry. It is clarified that no vendor has been authorized by the Ministry. This scheme is being implemented in the state only by DISCOMs. The DISCOMs have empanelled vendors through bidding process and have decided rates for setting up a rooftop solar plant.
Almost all the DISCOMs have issued online process for this purpose. Residential consumers willing to set-up a rooftop solar plant under MNRE scheme can apply online and get rooftop solar plants installed by listed vendors. For this, they have to pay the cost of rooftop solar plant by reducing the subsidy amount given by the Ministry as per the prescribed rate to the vendor. The process of which is given on the online portal of the DISCOMs. The subsidy amount will be provided to the vendors by the Ministry through the DISCOMs. Domestic consumers are informed that to get benefit of subsidy under the scheme of the Ministry, they should install rooftop solar plants only from the empanelled vendors of the DISCOMs following due process of approval by DISCOMs.
The solar panels and other equipment to be installed by the empanelled vendors shall be as per the standard and specifications of the Ministry and also includes 5-year maintenance of the rooftop solar plant by the vendor.
It has also been brought to the notice of the Ministry that some vendors are charging more price than the rates decided by DISCOMs from domestic consumers, which is incorrect. Consumers are advised to pay only according to the rates decided by DISCOMs. The DISCOMs have been instructed to identify and punish such vendors.
For more information, contact the concerned DISCOM or dial MNRE's toll free number 1800- 180-3333. Click on https://solarrooftop.gov.in/grid_others/discomPortalLink to know the online portal of DISCOM.
28-Jul-2021: Government incentivising rooftop solar systems connected to grid
To promote rooftop solar (RTS) in the country including in rural areas, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is implementing Rooftop Solar Programme Phase II wherein RTS capacity aggregating 4000 MW by 2022 is targeted for installation in residential sector with provision of subsidy. For individual households, subsidy upto 40% of the benchmark cost is provided for RTS plants upto 3 kW capacity and 20% for RTS plants of capacity beyond 3 kW and up to 10 kW. For Group Housing Societies/Residential Welfare Associations (GHS/RWA), the subsidy is limited to 20% of the benchmark cost for RTS plants of capacity up to 500 kW used for supply of power to common facilities.
The following major steps have been taken by the Government for overall promotion of Grid Connected Rooftop Solar Systems in the country:
- Launch of phase II of rooftop solar programme under with Central Financial Assistance (CFA) for residential sector and incentives in slabs for the Power Distribution Companies (DISCOMs) for achievement of additional capacity over and above the installed capacity of the previous year.
- Earlier under Phase-I of the programme, CFA assistance for residential/ institutional/social sectors and achievement linked incentives for Government sectors was provided.
- Assistance to states in development/ integration of online portal and aggregation of demands relating to rooftop solar projects.
- Preparing of model MoU, PPA and Capex Agreement for expeditious implementation of RTS projects in Government Sector. Ministry-wise expert PSUs were identified for handholding and providing support for implementation of RTS projects in various Ministries/ Departments under erstwhile phase I of the programme.
- Advising States to notify the net/gross metering regulations for RTS projects. At present, all 36 States/UTs/SERCs have notified such regulations and/or tariff orders.
- SPIN-an online platform developed for expediting project approval, report submission and monitoring progress of implementation of RTS projects.
- Facilitation of concessional loans from World Bank and Asian Development Bank (ADB) through SBI and PNB respectively, for disbursal of loans to industrial and commercial sectors, where CFA/incentive is not being provided by the Ministry.
- Renewable energy included under priority sector lending
- Declaration of trajectory of renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) upto year 2022
- Quality standards for deployment of solar photovoltaic system/ devises notified.
- Innovative Business models for rooftop solar shared with the States
- Information and public awareness activities through print and electronic media.
15-Jan-2021: Advisory on rooftop solar scheme
To generate solar power by installing solar panels on the roof of the houses, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India is implementing Grid-connected Rooftop Solar Scheme (Phase-II). Under this scheme Ministry is providing 40% subsidy for the first 3 kW and 20% subsidy beyond 3 kW and upto 10 kW. The scheme is being implemented in the states by local Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOMs).
It has been brought to the notice of the Ministry that some rooftop solar companies / vendors are setting up rooftop solar plants by claiming that they are authorized vendors by the Ministry. It is clarified that no vendor has been authorized by the Ministry. This scheme is being implemented in the state only by DISCOMs. The DISCOMs have empaneled vendors through bidding process and have decided rates for setting up a rooftop solar plant.
Almost all the DISCOMs have issued online process for this purpose. Residential consumers willing to set-up a rooftop solar plant under MNRE scheme can apply online and get rooftop solar plants installed by listed vendors. For this, they have to pay the cost of rooftop solar plant by reducing the subsidy amount given by the Ministry as per the prescribed rate to the vendor. The process of which is given on the online portal of the DISCOMs. The subsidy amount will be provided to the vendors by the Ministry through the DISCOMs. Domestic consumers are informed that to get subsidy under the scheme of the Ministry, they should install rooftop solar plants only from the empanelled vendors of the DISCOMs following due process of approval by DISCOMs.
The solar panels and other equipment to be installed by the empanelled vendors shall be as per the standard and specifications of the Ministry and also includes 5-year maintenance of the rooftop solar plant by the vendor.
It has also been brought to the notice of the Ministry that some vendors are charging more price than the rates decided by DISCOMs from domestic consumers, which is incorrect. Consumers are advised to pay only according to the rates decided by DISCOMs. The DISCOMs have been instructed to identify and punish such vendors.
19-Feb-2019: Cabinet approves Phase-II of Grid Connected Rooftop Solar Programme
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval for the Phase-II of Grid Connected Rooftop Solar Programme for achieving cumulative capacity of 40,000 MW from Rooftop Solar (RTS) Projects by the year 2022. The programme will be implemented with total central financial support of Rs.11,814 crore.
In the Phase-II Programme Central Financial Assistance (CFA) for the residential sector has been restructured with availability of 40% CFA for RTS systems up to 3 kW capacity and 20% for RTS system capacity beyond 3 kW and up to 10 kW.
For Group Housing Societies/Residential Welfare Associations (GHS/RAW), CFA will be limited to 20% for RTS plants for supply of power to common facilities, however, the capacity eligible for CFA for GHS/RAW will be limited to 10 kW per house with maximum total capacity upto 500 kWp, inclusive of RTS put in individual houses in the GHS/RWA.
CFA under residential category will be provided for 4000 MW capacity and the same will be provided on the basis of benchmark cost or tender cost, which is lower.
Central financial support will not be available for other category i.e., institutional, educational, social, government, commercial, industrial, etc.
Under Phase-II Programme, focus will be on increased involvement of DISCOMs. Performance based incentives will be provided to DISCOMs based on RTS capacity achieved in a financial year (i.e. 1st April to 31st March every year till the duration of the scheme) over and above the base capacity i.e. cumulative capacity achieved at the end of previous financial year. The incentive to DISCOMs will be as follows:
|
Parameter |
Incentive |
|
1 |
For installed capacity achieved upto 10% over and above of installed base capacity* within a financial year. |
No incentive |
|
2 |
For installed capacity achieved above 10% and up to 15% over and above of installed based capacity* within a financial year |
5% of the applicable cost** for capacity achieved above 10% of the installed base capacity |
|
3 |
For installed capacity achieved beyond 15% over and above of installed based capacity* within one financial year. |
5% of the applicable cost** for capacity achieved above 10% and up to 15% of the installed base capacity PLUS 10% of the applicable cost** for capacity achieved beyond 15% of the installed base capacity. |
*Installed base capacity shall mean the cumulative RTS capacity installed within the jurisdiction of DISCOMs at the end of previous financial year. This will include total RTS capacity installed under Residential, Institutional, Social Government, PSU, Statutory/Autonomous bodies, Private Commercial, Industrial Sectors etc.
** applicable cost is the applicable benchmark cost of MNRE for the state/UT for mid-range RTS capacity of above 10 kW and upto 100 kW or lowest of the costs discovered in the tenders for that State/UT in that year, whichever is lower.
DISCOMs and its local offices shall be the nodal points for implementation of the programme. Since, DISCOMs are required to incur additional expenditure for implementation of scheme in terms of additional man-power, creating infrastructure, capacity building, awareness, etc. It is approved to compensate them by providing performance linked incentives. These incentives will be provided to enable DISCOMs to create an enabling ecosystem for expeditious implementation of RTS programme in their area.
The incentives to the DISCOMs will be available only for initial capacity addition of 18,000 MW under the scheme.
The Programmes will have substantial environmental impact in terms of savings of CO2 emission. Considering average energy generation of 1.5 million units per MW, it is expected that addition of 38 GW solar rooftop plants under Phase-II by year 2022 will result in CO2 emission reduction of about 45.6 tonnes per year.
The programme has directed employment potential. Besides increasing self-employment the approval is likely to generate employment opportunity equivalent to 9.39 lakh job years for skilled and unskilled workers for addition of 38GW capacity under Phase-II of the scheme by the year 2022.
22-Dec-2022: Bio-fuels and Biorefineries
India is one of the leading producers of biofuels in the world. The Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have procured ethanol from domestic producers and thereafter blended 433.6 crore litres of ethanol in petrol during the Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2021-22 (ESY: 1st December to 30th November) and procured 5.83 crore litres of bio-diesel till November, 2022 for blending with diesel during the financial year 2022-23. The Oil and Gas Marketing Companies (OGMCs) have issued 3694 Letters of Intent (LoIs) to potential entrepreneurs for procurement of Compressed Bio Gas (CBG) up to 31st October, 2022.
India, during its Presidency of G20, is emphasising on international collaboration for energy security and enhanced development of emerging fuels like biofuel and hydrogen.
Government has notified the use of hydrogen as automotive fuel for fuel cell vehicles on 16th September, 2016.
Government has notified Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN (Jaiv Indhan - Vatavaran Anukool fasal awashesh Nivaran) Yojana for promoting Second Generation (2G) ethanol production from cellulosic and lignocellulosic biomass including petrochemical route in the country by providing financial support for setting up 2G ethanol bio-refineries. Oil CPSEs are setting up 2G ethanol bio-refineries in the country at Panipat (Haryana), Bathinda (Punjab), Numaligarh (Assam), Bargarh (Odisha) and one demonstration project at Panipat. Bio-refinery at Panipat has been dedicated to the nation. Plants at Bathinda, Bargarh and Numaligarh are in advanced stage of construction.
21-Jul-2022: The Government had notified the Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana for providing financial support to integrated bio-ethanol projects
The Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Shri Rameswar Teli in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today informed that in March, 2019, Government had notified the “Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN (Jaiv Indhan- Vatavaran Anukool fasal awashesh Nivaran) Yojana” for providing financial support to integrated bio-ethanol projects for setting up Second Generation (2G) ethanol projects in the country using lignocellulosic biomass and other renewable feedstock. The total financial outlay for the scheme is Rs. 1969.50 crore for the period 2018-19 to 2023-24.
Under the PM JI-VAN Yojana, the maximum financial assistance of Rs.150 crore per project for commercial projects and Rs.15 crore per project for demonstration projects has been prescribed for improving commercial viability as well as promoting R&D for development and adoption of technologies in the field of production of 2G ethanol.
Financial assistance of Rs. 150 crore each to the four commercial Second Generation (2G) bio-ethanol projects at Bathinda in Punjab, Panipat in Haryana, Bargarh in Odisha and Numaligarh in Assam and Rs. 15 crore to one demonstration project at Panipat in Haryana has been approved under the Scheme. These commercial projects are in advanced stage of construction and are expected to be commissioned from 2022-23. So far, Rs. 151.50 crore has been released based on the milestones achieved as per the scheme.
At present, there is no project for 2G ethanol in the State of Andhra Pradesh under this Scheme. Apart from financial support through PM JI-VAN Yojana, other steps taken to promote 2G Ethanol Plants include imposition of additional excise duty on non-blended fuels; encouraging studies on various aspects including; identifying areas having the potential of surplus Biofuels feedstocks; policy interventions to mainstream biofuels; separate price for 2G ethanol, etc.
28-Feb-2019: Cabinet approves "Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN yojana"
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the "Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN (Jaiv Indhan- Vatavaran Anukool fasal awashesh Nivaran) Yojana" for providing financial support to Integrated Bioethanol Projects using lignocellulosic biomass and other renewable feedstock.
Financial Implications: The JI-VAN Yojana will be supported with total financial outlay of Rs.1969.50 crore for the period from 2018-19 to 2023-24. Out of scheme fund of Rs.1969.50 crore, Rs.1800 crore has been allocated for supporting 12 Commercial projects, Rs.150 crore has been allocated for supporting 10 demonstration Projects and remaining Rs.9.50 crore will be provided to Centre for High Technology (CHT) as administrative charges.
Details: Under this Yojana, 12 Commercial Scale and 10 demonstration scale Second Generation (2G) ethanol Projects will be provided a Viability Gap Funding (VGF) support in two phases:
- Phase-I (2018-19 to 2022-23): wherein six commercial projects and five demonstration projects will be supported.
- Phase-II (2020-21 to 2023-24): wherein remaining six commercial projects and five demonstration projects will be supported.
The scheme focuses to incentivise 2G Ethanol sector and support this nascent industry by creating a suitable ecosystem for setting up commercial projects and increasing Research & Development in this area.
Apart from supplementing the targets envisaged by the Government under EBP programme, the scheme will also have the following benefits:
- Meeting Government of India vision of reducing import dependence by way of substituting fossil fuels with Biofuels.
- Achieving the GHG emissions reduction targets through progressive blending/ substitution of fossil fuels.
- Addressing environment concerns caused due to burning of biomass/ crop residues & improve health of citizens.
- Improving farmer income by providing them remunerative income for their otherwise waste agriculture residues.
- Creating rural & urban employment opportunities in 2G Ethanol projects and Biomass supply chain.
- Contributing to Swachh Bharat Mission by supporting the aggregation of nonfood biofuel feedstocks such as waste biomass and urban waste.
- Indigenizing of Second Generation Biomass to Ethanol technologies.
The ethanol produced by the scheme beneficiaries will be mandatorily supplied to Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to further enhance the blending percentage under EBP Programme.
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas has targeted to achieve 10% blending percentage of Ethanol in petrol by 2022. Despite efforts of the Government such as higher ethanol prices and simplification of ethanol purchase system, the highest ever ethanol procurement stands around 150 crore litres during Ethanol supply year 2017-18 which is sufficient for around 4.22% blending on Pan India basis. Therefore, an alternate route viz. Second Generation (2G) Ethanol from biomass and other wastes is being explored by MoP&NG to bridge the supply gap for EBP programme. In this direction, "Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana" is being launched as a tool to create 2G Ethanol capacity in the country and attract investments in this new sector.
Centre for High Technology (CHT), a technical body under the aegis of MoP&NG, will be the implementation Agency for the scheme. The Project developers interested in availing benefits of the scheme, shall be submitting their proposal for review by Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) of MoP&NG. Projects recommended by SAC shall be approved by Steering Committee of MoP&NG under the chairmanship of Secretary, MoP&NG.
Background: Government of India launched Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme in 2003 for undertaking blending of ethanol in Petrol to address environmental concerns due to fossil fuel burning, provide remuneration to farmers, subsidize crude imports and achieve forex savings. Presently, EBP is being run in 21 States and 4 UTs of the country. Under EBP programme, OMCs are to blend upto 10% of ethanol in Petrol. The present policy allows procurement of ethanol produced from molasses and non-food feed stock like celluloses and lignocelluloses material including petrochemical route.
21-Dec-2022: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh says, Russian State-owned nuclear energy corporation, Rosatom has offered a more advanced fuel option to Kudankulam Nuclear power plant
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh said, Russian State-owned nuclear energy corporation, Rosatom has offered a more advanced fuel option to Kudankulam Nuclear power plant.
In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today, Dr Jitendra Singh said, the first lot of TVS-2M fuel assemblies has been received in May-June 2022 from Russian Federation and loaded in Unit-1 and they are performing satisfactorily.
Dr Jitendra Singh said, use of TVS-2M fuel assemblies in KKNPP reactors will allow 18-month operating cycles as against 12-month operating cycle with UTVS Fuel Assemblies presently in use in Unit-2.
The Minister said, Russia had offered a more advanced fuel viz. TVS-2M type in place of UTVS type fuel for use in reactors at Unit 1&2 at Kudankulam. He said after detailed deliberations by experts, considering the better operational performance with TVS-2M type fuel assemblies, it was decided to use TVS-2M fuel in place of UTVS fuel assemblies in Kudankulam Units-1&2.
8-Dec-2022: Union Minister Dr Jitendra says, four units of 1000 MW each of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant will be completed by 2027
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh said, at present, Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant Units 1&2 of 1000 MW capacity each are already in operation and the remaining four units of 1000 MW each are under construction. On their progressive completion, the full capacity of Kudankulam site of 6000 MW is expected to be reached by the year 2027.
In a statement laid on the table of the Rajya Sabha in reply to a question, Dr Jitendra Singh said, the projected installed capacity of Kudankulam site is 6000 MW, comprising of six nuclear power reactors of 1000 MW capacity each. The first two units i.e. KKNPP-1&2 (2X1000 MW) are in operation and the remaining four units i.e. KKNPP-3&4 (2X1000 MW) and KKNPP-5&6 (2X1000 MW) are under construction.
The power generated by nuclear power plants (including Kudankulam nuclear power plants) is allocated by the Ministry of Power (MoP) to the various beneficiary States / Union territories in the region from time to time. The state of Kerala has a firm allocation of 266 MW from KKNPP-1&2 apart from the unallocated quota. Presently the state of Kerala has a share (firm plus unallocated) of 13.48% from KKNPP-1 (1000 MW) & 13.30% from KKNPP-2 (1000 MW). With regard to the allocation of power from units under construction, i.e. KKNPP-3&4 (2X1000 MW) & KKNPP-5&6 (2X1000 MW), MoP will take a decision and communicate at an appropriate time.
2-Jul-2018: Supreme Court extends deadline to set up facility to April 2022
The Supreme Court directed the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd(NPCIL) to set up a facility for safe storage of radio-active spent nuclear fuel at Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP) by April 2022.
The apex court, which had earlier granted time till May 30 this year for the purpose, extended the time for the NPCIL to set up the 'Away From Reactor Facility' (AFR) to store the spent nuclear fuel.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud considered the submission of Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the corporation, that the deadline for setting up of the storage facility be extended till April 30, 2022.
The bench, however, made it clear that no further extension of time shall be granted to the corporation for setting up of the AFR at the nuclear plant in Tamil Nadu.
The apex court had earlier allowed the Centre to operationalise the nuclear plant subject to compliance of various safety measures including the safe storage of the spent nuclear fuel.