Renewable energy generation grows 9.46% in January 2020
India’s power generation from renewable energy sources was 10.325 billion units (BU) in January 2020, up 9.46% from 9.433 BU in January 2019. This, according to provisional data released by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA). Meanwhile, total power generation grew 2.65% to 113.20 BU in January 2020 from 110.280 BU in January 2019.
Among the renewable energy sources, wind sources generated the highest amount of power at 3.943 BU, closely followed by solar at 3.932 BU, in December 2019.
Safeguard duty on Solar cells to be reviewed
The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) of the Commerce Ministry has initiated a review of the safeguard duty imposed on solar cells following an application made by domestic companies in favour of continuing the duty.
The DGTR will investigate the period between April 2016 and September 2019 to conclude whether the safeguard duty should be continued. “period is long enough to take into consideration the market conditions and other factors that are relevant for ascertaining the need for continued imposition of safeguard duty,” the DGTR said.
Power trade at IEX up 57% in February 2020
The volume of power traded at the Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) increased 57% to 4.516 billion units (BU) in February 2020.
According to IEX, the jump in trade volume was primarily due to DISCOMs opting for replacement of their costlier power, with exchange based procurement. The early onset of summer and agricultural demand in the southern and western states due to lift irrigation was also a key factor.