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Bulk consumers of electricity, such as data centres, that are connected to the Interstate Transmission System (ISTS) shall be “required” to provide “load relief” (by disconnecting non-essential loads) if there is a drop in the frequency level in the power system, according to the Grid Controller of India Ltd. “An increasing number of bulk consumers are getting connected at the ISTS level, such as data centres and electrolysers. Currently, entities such as Sterlite, Balco and Arcelor-Mittal are already connected in the system,” Grid India said at a recent meeting of the National Power Committee. It was suggested that when the frequency drops, battery energy storage systems in charging mode should first disconnect (at 49.6 Hz), followed by pumped hydro in pumping mode (49.5 Hz).
Solar company blacklisted
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has blacklisted Indore-based Pragat Akshay Urja for attempting to “mislead and cheat” the government. The company set up a special purpose vehicle, Sai Guru Mega Solar Park Pvt Ltd, for building a 500 MW solar park in Maharashtra, and received Central financial assistance of ₹4.1 crore — but did nothing. It claimed to have acquired land but provided no proof. “It is a criminal breach of trust, cheating and embezzlement of government money,” says the Ministry’s blacklisting order. The order says the company “did not at all intend to develop the solar park even after receiving CFA”.
More power from Bhutan
In a reversal of trend, there has been a sharp increase in import of electricity from Bhutan. India’s import of electricity from the neighbour had been falling — 9.3 million units in FY2021, 7.6 mu in 2022, 6.4 mu in 2023 and 3.8 mu in 2024. But in April–November 2024, India has imported 5.2 mu, according to the Central Electricity Authority. Bhutan produces only hydro power, so whatever comes from there is green electricity.
Where $570 b is too little
According to the latest figures released by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the world invested $570 billion in renewable energy in 2023. But this is way too short of what is required, namely $1.5 trillion every year between 2024 and 2030, if the world is to achieve the target of tripling renewable energy capacity. Also, the investment made in 2023 was “not equitable” — developing countries faced financing gaps.
VOC Port’s windmill haulage
The VO Chidambaram port in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, handled (for exports) 1,869 windmill blades between April and December 2024, which is 40.31 per cent more than the 1,332 windmill blades handled during the same period a year ago. Notably, in December 2024, the port handled 294 windmill blades, showcasing a significant growth compared to the 88 blades handled in December 2023 — a 234 per cent increase.
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