Non-coal Power generation rising in India
All non-coal power generation increased 8.4% or by about 24,000 GW-hr by the end of October 2019 with the share of hydro, solar and nuclear energy increasing substantially and continuing to trend upwards.
Meanwhile, Coal has generated 12,500 GW-hr less electricity compared to October 2018. This, according to Charles Worringham, a researcher with the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) South Asia.
He also suggested that this provides an opportunity for India to press forward with its transition to renewable energy.
Tamil Nadu’s renewable power obligation set at 21% for 2021-22
Tangedco’s (Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation) renewable power obligation, i.e. percentage of renewable power in total power purchase) has been set at 21% for the 2021-22 financial year, of which 50% will be solar power. This is an increase of 2% from the previous financial year.
Tamil Nadu is one of the few states to hit the RPO obligation each year while a majority of the states fail to cross 60%.
A lack of enforcement mechanism and penalties regarding RPO targets has led to many state DISCOMs not fully complying with the RPO targets.
Delhi awaits EV policy as odd-even rule takes effect
The Delhi EV Policy, 2018 has yet to be notified close to a year since it was drafted. The Delhi government has said that is working on the details of the drafts as it put the odd-even rule into effect to limit pollution in the capital.
Various stakeholders have emphasised the need for a long term policy to reduce emissions in the city instead of relying on short term emergency measures such as the odd-even rule.