India added about 30 GW (Gigawatt) of new renewable energy capacity last year, marking a 113 per cent increase compared to the 13.75 GW added in 2023, as reported by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. With this expansion, India's total renewable energy capacity has reached 218 GW. The country has an target of 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030. The exponential growth from 13.75 GW in 2023 to approximately 30 GW in 2024, which has brought the total to nearly 218 GW. India will need to install at least 50 GW of new renewable energy capacity annually over the next six years. Since 2014, the highest renewable energy capacity addition recorded was in 2023.

Contact: Ministry of New & Renewable Energy

Website: mnre.gov.in

PM Modi Launches NTPC Green Hydrogen Hub

Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually launched the NTPC Green Energy (NGEL) Green Hydrogen Hub Project in Pudimadaka, Andhra Pradesh, marking a significant milestone in India’s sustainable energy journey. The project, a key part of the National Green Hydrogen Mission, is a collaboration between NGEL and NREDCAP. It will install 20 GW of renewable energy capacity, produce 1500 tonne per day (TPD) of green hydrogen, and 7500 TPD of green hydrogen derivatives, such as green methanol and sustainable aviation fuel. The project is set to generate `1.85 trillion in investment and create jobs, supporting India’s renewable energy ambitions.

Contact: National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC)

Website: www.ntpc.co.in

MNRE Issues Operational Guidelines for PM-Surya Ghar

Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has released operational guidelines for the PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, aimed at promoting rooftop solar systems in the residential sector. The guidelines introduce two models for implementation: the RESCO (Renewable Energy Service Company) model, where third-party entities fund installations and consumers pay only for consumed electricity, and the Utility-Led Aggregationmodel, where DISCOM entities install solar systems for households. A `1 billion corpus fund has been allocated for Payment Security Mechanism (PSM) to reduce investment risks.

Contact: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)

Website: www.mnre.gov.in

Sembcorp Signs 720,000-MTPA Hydrogen Plant MOU

Sembcorp, a Singapore-based energy and urban solutions provider, has signed two non-binding Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the Government of Odisha to explore the development of a 720,000 metric tonne per annum green hydrogen production facility and an industrial park. The MoUs were signed with the Industrial Promotion & Investment Corporation of Odisha and the Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation, through Sembcorp Green Hydrogen India and Sembcorp Development. The projects are expected to generate over 2,000 jobs. These MoUs are part of the broader Singapore- India framework to enhance bilateral collaboration.

Contact: Sembcorp