Nuclear SHANTI law: India tends to build sectors first and regulate them later. With nuclear power, it must do both together. It will save billions by allowing the private sector in, but it must also spend billions on independent laboratories, well-paid inspectors, and real-time monitoring.
Tariff guidelines for nuclear plants are given by the Department of Atomic Energy, unlike all other state-owned plants, the tariff for which is regulated by the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission. However, the rate of return on equity for nuclear plants is the same as for thermal power plants in the ongoing five-year tariff period of…
Adani Power has significantly boosted its long-term installed capacity target to 41.87 GW by FY32, committing approximately Rs 2 lakh crore in capital expenditure. This aggressive expansion, with 23.72 GW already secured, aims to meet India’s projected surge in electricity demand.
India’s electricity demand saw a seasonal rise in December, reaching approximately 236 gigawatts. This rebound follows several months of subdued consumption. Power generation capacity is also growing rapidly. Coal stocks at power plants have improved, ensuring supply. This indicates a positive trend in the country’s power sector.
India’s Centre has lowered royalty rates for crude oil and natural gas production. This move aims to encourage more domestic exploration and production. Deepwater and ultra-deepwater fields will see significant royalty reductions. New policies offer zero royalty for initial years in these challenging areas.
India’s glass industry faces severe production disruptions due to Middle East conflict-induced energy shortages. Gas diversions to households have crippled factories, leading to output cuts and price hikes across various sectors. Manufacturers anticipate prolonged impacts, affecting everything from beverages to pharmaceuticals.
India and Sri Lanka initiated conversations about a new oil pipeline, aiming to enhance energy cooperation. They also delved into topics like advancing bilateral relations, collaborative housing developments, and the challenges faced by fishermen. This visit underscored India’s commitment to its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, emphasizing its proactive role in regional issues.
State-run oil marketing companies have increased petrol and diesel prices by about ₹2.7 per litre, marking the fourth hike in 11 days and pushing the total rise to around ₹7.5–8 per litre.
India, which sources over 35% of its crude oil from Russia, may look to Middle Eastern, African, and other suppliers if U.S. penalties force a cut in Russian imports. Russian oil, offered at discounted rates after Western sanctions in 2022, helped India manage energy costs. India imports over 85% of its oil needs.
The government is identifying households with both LPG and PNG connections. This move aims to stop dual ownership and prevent subsidy misuse. Households with piped natural gas connections must now surrender their domestic LPG connections. This policy is being enforced to improve LPG supply for those without piped gas. Over 43,000 LPG connections have been…