Indian Power Industry Research Articles

Study of Power Sector Reforms for Madhya Pradesh Development

AbstractThe nuclear power industry in India plays a significant role in meeting the country's energy demands and fostering economic growth. This research study explores the need for research in the context of India's nuclear power industry, specifically focusing on Madhya Pradesh (MP). The aim is to investigate the potential of nuclear energy as a clean and sustainable resource for economic development in the region. The study considers the interplay between economic growth, resource reduction, and energy consumption within the state.Highlights of the article importance of nuclear energy in India's overall energy mix and its potential for driving economic progress. The Indian nuclear power industry encompasses various sectors, including industrial, transmission, and commercial. Nuclear energy is recognized as a clean and vital economic resource, capable of providing substantial benefits to the national economy.The focus of this research is MP, the largest state in terms of nuclear power generation in India. The state's economic growth depends on several factors, including energy consumption. To achieve significant improvements in resource reduction and sustainable development, it is crucial to examine the role of nuclear power within the state's energy sector.The research study presented in this article addresses the electricity reform of the Madhya Pradesh State Electricity Board (MPSEB). By evaluating the infrastructure and recent discussions surrounding the Chutka Nuclear Power Plant project, which aims to support the energy sector in the Mandla region, this study aims to contribute to the understanding of the potential economic benefits of nuclear power in MP.The findings from this research will provide valuable insights into the relationship between nuclear energy, economic growth, and sustainable development in the Indian context. It will help policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers in formulating strategies and policies that promote the effective utilization of nuclear power as a catalyst for economic progress while ensuring environmental sustainability. This study ultimately contributes to the knowledge base required for harnessing the full potential of nuclear energy in India's energy landscape.

CO2 emissions abatement costs and drivers for Indian thermal power industry

Indian power industry contributes nearly half of its overall CO2 emissions. In this study, we answer three related questions. First, what is the abatement cost of CO2 emissions for the Indian thermal power industry under three different policy scenarios - business as usual, emissions reduction only, and simultaneous emissions reduction and energy efficiency enhancement. Second, what are the determinants of these abatement costs of CO2 emissions. Third, which abatement policy scenario is more beneficial. For this, we employ a plant level dataset covering 93% of installed capacity and use a parametric quadratic directional output distance function to estimate marginal abatement costs by applying deterministic linear programming methods. Our findings are: First, the abatement costs range between US$ 46.43–71.11 per ton CO2, depending on the policy scenario chosen. Second, plant age, location, size, ownership, and CO2 intensity are all significant drivers of abatement costs. Third, while greater emissions reductions are possible under the emissions reduction only scenario vis-à-vis simultaneous emissions reduction and energy efficiency enhancement scenario, both scenarios are compatible with meeting the Paris agreement goals. This paper helps decision makers to allocate CO2 abatement targets to plants in line with their abatement costs and potential.

Assessing the competitiveness of Indian solar power industry using the extended Five Forces Model: a green innovation perspective.

India's demand-supply imbalance electricity market results from the country's rapid population growth and extensive industrialization. Due to increased costs, many residential and commercial customers have difficulty paying their electric bills. Households with lower incomes are confronted with the most severe energy poverty in the entire country. A sustainable and alternative form of energy is required to solve these issues. Solar energy is a sustainable energy choice for India; however, the solar industry faces many issues. One of them is managing end-of-life cycle photovoltaic (PV) waste, as massive deployment of solar energy capacity has resulted in generating large amounts of PV waste, ultimately affecting environmental and human health. Therefore, this research employs "Porter's Five Forces Model" to analyze the factors that significantly impact the competitiveness of India's solar power industry. The inputs for this model consist of semi-structured interviews conducted with experts in the solar power industry on various solar energy-related issues and a critical analysis of the national policy framework using the relevant literature and official statistics. The impact of five significant stakeholders of the solar power industry on solar power generation in India is evaluated: buyers, suppliers, competitors, substitutes, and potential competitors. Research findings indicate the Indian solar power industry's current status, challenges, competition environment, and future estimates. This study will help the government and stakeholders to understand the intrinsic and extrinsic factors affecting the competitiveness of the Indian solar power sector and suggest policy recommendations to formulate procurement strategies that promote sustainable development within the solar industry.

At scale adoption of battery storage technology in Indian power industry: Enablers, frameworks and policies

• We evaluate cost effectiveness of renewable plus battery storage technology over new coal. • We define targets and policy frameworks for scale adoption of battery storage technology in Indian power industry. • Renewable plus battery storage technology cost competitive over new coal power starting 2022. • First study to suggest battery portfolio standard linked to existing renewable portfolio standard. • First study to suggest renewable dispatchable generation power purchase agreement for battery procurement. India's envisages uptake of 450 Giga Watt (GW) of renewable energy capacity by 2030. The resulting system flexibility needs can be met by 50 GW of 4-hour energy storage. However, system flexibility has historically been met by coal power plants, and India also plans to install 50 GW of new coal power capacity during 2022–27. Our paper answers three related questions that would maximize deployment of battery storage with appropriate policy design. First, what is the cost-competitiveness of renewable energy and battery storage compared to new coal-based power? Second, what should be the high-level policy framework for ensuring necessary deployment of battery storage? Third, what should be the appropriate procurement mechanisms for battery storage along with renewable energy? To answer these questions, we first compare forecasted levelized cost of energy for renewable energy and battery storage with coal power, and then use two frameworks to investigate policies. Our findings are as follows. First, renewable energy and battery storage is cost-competitive over new coal starting 2022. Second, India should adopt a battery portfolio standard (BPS) that is linked to existing renewable portfolio standard (RPS). Third, India should adopt the renewable dispatchable generation (RDG) power purchase agreement (PPA) to ensure that multiple policy criteria are met.

At Scale Adoption of Battery Storage Technology in Indian Power Industry: Enablers, Frameworks and Policies

India’s envisages uptake of 450 Giga Watt (GW) of renewable energy capacity by 2030. The resulting system flexibility needs can be met by 50 GW of 4-hour energy storage. However, system flexibility has historically been met by coal power plants, and India also plans to install 50 GW of new coal power capacity during 2022-27. Our paper answers three related questions that would help maximize deployment of battery storage with appropriate policy design. First, what is the cost-competitiveness of renewable energy and battery storage compared to new coal-based power? Second, what should be the high-level policy framework for ensuring necessary deployment of battery storage? Third, what should be the appropriate procurement mechanisms for battery storage along with renewable energy? To answer these questions, we first compare forecasted levelized cost of energy for renewable energy and battery storage with coal power, and then use two frameworks to investigate policies. Our findings are as follows. First, renewable energy and battery storage is cost-competitive over new coal by 2022. Second, India should adopt a battery portfolio standard that is linked to the existing renewable portfolio standard. Third, India should adopt the renewable dispatchable generation power purchase agreement to ensure that multiple policy criteria are met.

Retraction: A Review: Role of Energy Resources in Development of India (IOP Conf. Ser.: Mater. Sci. Eng. 1116 012045)

This article has been retracted by IOP Publishing following an allegation that this may contain tortured phrases [1], masking overlap of other work without citation [2-5].IOP Publishing has investigated in line with the COPE guidelines, and agree this article should be retracted.IOP Publishing wishes to credit an anonymous PubPeer [6] commenter for bringing the issue to our attention.The authors agree to this retraction. [1] Cabanac G, Labbe C, Magazinov A, 2021, arXiv:2107.06751v1 [2] ETEnergyworld.com. 2022. COVID-19: India to add only 5,000 MW solar capacity in 2020, says report - ET EnergyWorld. [online] Available at: https://energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/renewable/covid-19-india-to-add-only-5000-mw-solar-capacity-in-2020-says-report/75858121 [3] Anon 2022 Petroleum & Natural Gas India Energy Portal [online] Available at: https://web.archive.org/web/20210515073119/http://indiaenergyportal.org/subthemes_link.php?themeid=9%26text=pet_natural [4] Irfan M, Zhao Z, Ahmad M, Batool K, Jan A and Mukeshimana M (2019) Competitive assessment of Indian wind power industry: A five forces model. Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy. 11 6 10.1063 [5] Nira 2021 International Conference on Futuristic and Sustainable Aspects in Engineering and Technology. IOP Conf. Ser.: Mater. Sci. Eng. 1116 012077 [6] https://pubpeer.com/publications/8A5B52DA24E8F7BBCEF98B322F4583 Retraction published: 31 March 2022

Competitive assessment of Indian wind power industry: A five forces model

India is facing severe energy-related problems, including the deficiency of fossil fuel resources, greenhouse gas emissions, and an increase in power demand and supply gap due to overpopulation and growing industrial needs. In 2018, the average power demand and supply gap was 1617 MW, indicating that there is a deficit of 23 × 109 kWh in the country. In the meantime, a massive increase in electricity prices has made the affordability of electricity very difficult for domestic and industrial users. The development of alternative and renewable energy sources is very crucial to overcome these problems. Wind energy has emerged as a sustainable energy option for India in this respect. At the same time, the wind industry is facing several challenges as well. This paper aims to develop a value chain model of the wind power industry, assess the competitiveness of the Indian wind power industry, and comprehensively analyze the factors that have a significant influence on the industry by using the “Five Forces Model.” We employed a hybrid research methodology. First, we developed a novel value chain model for the wind power industry. Second, we conducted semistructured interviews with industry professionals on different aspects of the wind energy sector. Third, we critically analyzed official statistics and the related literature along with the national policy structure and regulations. As a result, the Five Forces Model was developed. Five main stakeholders of the Indian wind industry, i.e., buyers, suppliers, competitors, substitutes, and potential competitors, were examined to assess their effect on the development of the wind power industry. Research findings reveal the present status, challenges, the rivalry environment, industry's situation in this environment, and the future projections of the Indian wind power industry. Although the Indian government announced several policies with an aim to boost the wind industry, little substantial action has been taken for their meaningful implantation. The major government policies which need improvements are Generation-Based Incentives, Wind Bidding Scheme, and Tariff Policy. Our findings also highlight that there exists a gap between the expected and actual performances of the wind power industry value chain. Essential policy recommendations for the development of the industry have been suggested, including institutional coordination and decision-making, feed-in tariffs, reformations in the grid structure, encouragement of differentiated business models, enhancing research and development activities, developing professional base, and the full range of government support. This study will serve as a guide for government and stakeholders by understanding the dynamic relationship among all the factors influencing the competitiveness of the Indian wind power industry.

Catch-up as a Survival Strategy in the Solar Power Industry

Abstract We evaluate the strategies of the emerging market firms in the context of nascent industries. We use the Indian solar power industry as the empirical setting, against the backdrop of the evolution of the global industry, While in traditional industries emerging market firms learn from advanced economy multinational enterprises (MNEs) and slowly upgrade their capabilities, in the intensely competitive environment of nascent innovative industries, emerging market firms are exposed to global competition in their home market right from the early years. This shortens their catch-up clock. As a result, their long-term survival depends on their ability to catch-up fast, both in output and innovation capabilities. In the solar power industry, we find that innovations stem, in the main, from advanced economy firms. Further, Chinese firms are beginning to move from cost-based imitation to innovation. In contrast, with a few key exceptions, most firms in the Indian solar industry remain locked within a narrow niche of downstream site-based installation. Their operations are opportunistic, short term, and without specific catch-up goals, a scenario that does not bode well for the industry's future in India.

Barriers analysis for green supply chain management implementation in power industry using ISM

The Indian power industry is witnessing a phase of transition, wherein switchover from traditional operations to modern practices is precipitating; but still there is a long way to go. This research paper makes an attempt to assess the barriers that were identified from extensive literature review and opinions invited from power industry-experts that impede implementation of green supply chain management by making use of interpretive structural modelling (ISM). Out of 16 barriers, insufficient government support and limited investment in green measures barriers are found to be significant, which invoke unfavourable response from the government. To enhance the validity of the results so reached, opinions of different industry experts were invited to corroborate the earlier deductions; thereby yielding a more accurate model. This has added to the credibility of the findings.

Barriers analysis for green supply chain management implementation in power industry using ISM

The Indian power industry is witnessing a phase of transition, wherein switchover from traditional operations to modern practices is precipitating; but still there is a long way to go. This research paper makes an attempt to assess the barriers that were identified from extensive literature review and opinions invited from power industry-experts that impede implementation of green supply chain management by making use of interpretive structural modelling (ISM). Out of 16 barriers, insufficient government support and limited investment in green measures barriers are found to be significant, which invoke unfavourable response from the government. To enhance the validity of the results so reached, opinions of different industry experts were invited to corroborate the earlier deductions; thereby yielding a more accurate model. This has added to the credibility of the findings.

Deregulation of Power System in India: A Review

World-wide, many countries and jurisdictions are advancing down the road of electricity privatization, deregulation, and competition. As the deregulation process develops questions are often raised about design of existing markets. Studies and descriptions of market designs are common but it is more difficult to discover the success or failure of initiatives in other countries and markets. Indian power industry restructuring with a limited level of competition, since 1991, has already been introduced at generation level by allowing participation of Independent Power Producers (IPPs). It is felt that the prevailing conditions in the country are good only for wholesale competition and not for the retail competition at this moment. A suitable model is suggested based on the current and future market participants.

Implementation of green supply chain management in India: Bottlenecks and remedies

The Indian power industry has entered a transition from traditional operations to modern practices. An analysis of developments in Punjab shows how state-owned power companies have been in the vanguard in implementing a holistic model of green supply chain management that reduces losses and inefficiencies while also addressing environmental concerns.

Sasan Power Ltd.

Sasan Power project was part of Governments bold new program of adding 50000 MwH generation capacity by means of setting up 12 new Ultra Mega Power Plants to meet the increasing energy demands of the economy. Initially Sasan Power Ltd was incorporated as a Special Purpose Company (SPC), wholly owned by the Power Finance Corporation (PFC). The SPL was responsible for activities like site selection, obtaining coalmines wherever applicable, acquiring land, obtaining various clearances & approvals to expedite the developments. Located at Pithead, the coal-fired plant would have capacity of 4000 MwH using super critical technology. The PFC carried out an International Competitive Bidding process and awarded SPL to the Reliance Power who quoted the lowest levelised tariff of Rs. 1.19 per unit. Subsequently Reliance Power had built and commissioned Sasan Power Plant and would supply electricity as per the long term Power Purchase Agreement with 14 procurers. In UMPP program, the Ministry of Power recognized the need to move away from cost plus approach for tariff determination to further encourage private sector investment. The program had many distinctive advantages as compared to traditional Independent Power Plants using subcritical technology in terms the scale, efficiency, consultative process used for development of the plants. However the UMPP dream have soured in more then one-way ranging with the tariff determination, rising fuel cost, delays, cost escalations, environmental clearances for mining, fuel procurement and so on. The case provides opportunities for understanding the development in power sector and the issues the Sponsors and the regulators faced in implementing the ambitious Sasan Ultra Mega Power plant. The case illustrates the unique opportunities created in the Indian power industry by changes in regulations; technology and structure of power plants. The formations of shell companies that would transferred to private parties to built own and operate ultra mega power plants strategically located at ports or pithead. Long term Power Purchase Agreements with multiple utilities would be signed. The program marked a new era of use of super critical technology, ultra mega scale to significantly lower the cost of energy resulting in to very competitive fixed levelised tariffs as against the cost plus tariff used traditionally. The issue is to estimate the value – attractiveness of the investment and associated opportunities and why did the program fail?

Letter to the Editor: Smart Grid Initiatives in India

The Indian power industry is one of the fastest growing sectors and needs a paradigm shift through next-generation automation to handle the operational challenges. Presently, the Indian power sector possesses a number of issues, such as minimizing transmission and distribution losses, power theft, inadequate grid infrastructure, low metering efficiency, and lack of awareness etc. This gap can only be bridged by bringing smart grid initiatives into the Indian power industry.

The Practice and Enlightenment of the Wind Power Industry in India

Energy is an essential part in life. Currently wind power is the most technologically mature industry in new energy industry, possessed with the most mechanized prospect. The development of Indian wind power industry has gained remarkable achievements, with its wind turbines manufacturing capability and total installation capacity ranking front among current undeveloped countries. Power plants can use wind turbines rather than steam to generate electricity. Being in use with a large scale, wind power can have a significant effect on the growing global need for more energy and efforts to stop climate change. Effective government support, active technological research and international development path are the basic motives to promote the prosperity of Indian wind power industry. With reference to experience from India, enforcing planning, regulation and support and cultivating self innovative ability should be direct countermeasures for our own wind power industry development.

Network Pricing in India: Policies and Practices

India is moving from a vertically and horizontally integrated power industry towards an open market, multi-buyer multi-seller structure associated with an independent regulatory framework. This article outlines a snapshot of the Indian power industry, along with discussing the recently implemented legislative and policy reforms. These reforms impact the network pricing models, consequently impacting the economic signals being provided for load and generation customers. Transmission network pricing is experiencing challenges with the implementation of open access, availability-based tariffs, and power trading. Visualizing the impact of recent policies and regulations on pricing, and consequently on customer tariff, this article tries to analyze the network pricing practices in India and the possible role that alternative methodologies can play.

A comparative study on co-combustion performance of municipal solid waste and Indonesian coal with high ash Indian coal: A thermogravimetric analysis

In recent years there has been an increasing utilization of coal blends in the Indian power industry, with Indonesian coal, due to high ash content and shortages in domestic coal production. On the other hand, rapid economic growth is aggravating the municipal solid waste (MSW) related environmental problems. In this study, an attempt has been made to compare the co-combustion characteristics of hydrothermally treated MSW and Indonesian coal with high ash Indian coal, so as to replace the Indonesian coal with MSW. The effect of blending Indonesian coal and hydrothermally treated MSW with Indian coal on ignition behavior was studied. MSW blends of 10%, 20%, 30% and 50% (in wt.%), and an Indonesian blend of 10% with Indian coal were tested in a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) in the temperature from ambient to 700 °C with a temperature increase of 10 °C/min. From the results, at 10% of blend, ignition and carbon burnout were similar for Indonesian and MSW blend, analogous to coal combustion and even better than the Indonesian coal blend, which indicated the feasibility for replacing Indonesian coal with hydrothermally treated MSW. Further, the results show a scope to increase the MSW blend in Indian coal up to 20%, as the constituents behave as a single fuel.

Market operations in future Indian restructured power system scenario

Indian power industry is undergoing deregulation at a rapid rate. In this transition phase, it is now essential to design the most appropriate market and suitable pricing schemes for the power sector. In this article, a restructured electricity market model for future Indian power market is explained which is based on the institutional frame work – The Indian Electricity Act 2003. The activities of the three-tier market model and the entities involved in the power trading are discussed. Inter-regional and intra-regional congestion management scheme that provide comparable access to all users of the transmission system is proposed. Method for estimation of transmission charges to wheel electrical energy through transmission utilities is also proposed. The method is tested with a five region eleven zone Indian power system model and the results are illustrated.

Chamera Hydro-Electric Power Project (Chep-1), Khairi: Looking beyond the Horizon of Hydroelectricity and Profit, Giving New Meaning to Life

National Hydro-electric Power Corporation Limited (NHPC Ltd) was the biggest player in Indian hydro power industry. NHPC was in the business of hydro power generation. NHPC was spread all over India and generated about 3740 Mega Watt (MW) of electricity annually. Hydro-electric power projects brought associated challenges like loss of forest and village land because of the creation of the water reservoirs and dam infrastructure, etc., of the project. Further, this led to the displacement of people, which impacted their livelihood. NHPC had to effectively and efficiently minimize the social and environmental impacts created by its business initiatives in the projects. NHPC undertook Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives to address these issues. The case writes about one such project (Chamera Hydro-electric Power Station -I, CHEP-1) of NHPC The case illustrates how NHPC bettered the lives of the people around CHEP-1. NHPC had major expansion and growth plans to cater to the growing energy demand of India. NHPC management aimed at contributing not only to its economic goals but also to the society where it worked. For that, NHPC had to make the CSR initiatives in its projects comparable to the CHEP-1 story

North Electricity Board: A Case of Restructuring in the Indian Power Industry

The State Government of one of the largest states of India restructured its financially unviable electric utility - North Electricity Board (NEB) - into three independent corporations and announced its plans for subsequent privatization of NEB. The State Government argued for initiation of restructuring and privatization as a move to attract capital investments for meeting the growing demand and make the entire operations financially viable. An 11-day strike by the employees, which occurred as a response to the initiation of this radical organizational change, was the largest ever in the last 25 years of Indian labor history. The employees united under one umbrella employees association and negotiated with the government. Despite nation-wide support for the employees and the wholehearted unification of the employees, the strike ended with the acceptance of trifurcation by their union leaders. The dynamics involved in the process of restructuring and the employees' strike highlight the political and economic motivations of the various stakeholders in this organizational change process. In view of this, the issue facing the organization, post-strike, is how to get out of this current unpleasant situation and move forward.