Advancing Power Sector Reforms in Maharashtra

Featured Projects, Latest Reports, Policy and Regulation, Projects

CONTINUED SUPPORT TO MAHARASHTRA STATE LOAD DESPATCH CENTRE

CRP, WISE, has been associated with the Maharashtra State Load Despatch Centre (MSLDC) from 2019–20, when the team assisted in preparing the multi-year tariff (MYT) petition to determine fees and charges for 2020–21 to 2024–25, along with true-up for past years. In the current year, CRP, WISE, prepared the mid-term petition for seeking approval for truing up for 2019–20 to 2021–22, provisional truing-up for 2022–23, and revised ARR forecast and determination of fees and charges for 2023–24 to 2024–25, as per Section 5.1(b) of the MERC (MYT) Regulations, 2019.

Initially, a detailed presentation was made by CRP, WISE, to MSLDC to understand the scope of the present petition and data requirements from various departments of MSLDC. Data formats were shared with MSLDC and based on initial data, the required analysis was carried out. In addition, data deficiency or clarifications required were discussed. Under true-up, the capital cost incurred by MLSDC was identified from annual audit report and the detailed writeup was prepared along with work completion certificate. Similarly, detailed scheme-wise capital investment plan for the future was prepared. The compliance to directives given by MERC was prepared in detail, in consultation with MSLDC.

Consequently, the draft petition was prepared and the same was finalised based on inputs received from MSLDC. The Commission (MERC) subsequently issued data gap letter on the petition filed. The reply to the same was prepared by CRP, WISE, and technical validation session and public hearings were attended as well. Accordingly, the final order was issued by MERC.

Development of RE-based Mini-grid regulations for Odisha

Featured Projects, Policy and Regulation, Projects

With the objective of accelerating the development of decentralized electricity generation in the country, WISE supported the regulatory commission of Odisha to develop RE-based mini-grid generation and supply regulations for improving energy access to remote communities in the state.

WISE worked in association with the state nodal agency, OREDA, to prepare an initial approach paper highlighting the key parameters for consideration in generation and supply regulations. The approach paper was put up for public consultation and the inputs were incorporated in finalizing the mini-grid regulations which were subsequently notified by the state regulatory commission in 2019. The project helped the state to advocate, promote and deploy RE-based mini-grid projects on scale and enhance energy access and socio-economic development of the underserved/un-electrified rural areas within its boundaries.

The project received support from Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation, New Delhi, and the Odisha Renewable Energy Development Agency (OREDA).

WISE-UN Capacity Building for Policymakers from Western Africa

Featured Projects, Projects

The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UN-ESCWA) associated with WISE to design, support and coordinate a capacity building and study tour for senior policymakers from West Africa. Senior-level officials from Jordan, Lebanon, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman and Sudan participated in the study tour.

WISE designed and supported the entire programme in consultation with UN-ESCWA. It comprised lectures over two and a half days and one and a half days was set aside for site visits. The training programme provided detailed study resources and expert lectures from WISE staff and external experts. The site visits allowed the participants to look at the technology in operation, understand operational aspects and assess the benefits of the system. Baseline assessment and post study tour evaluation was then conducted to ascertain the effectiveness of the programme.

See Report link

Study Tour Report

Energy Strategy for the Indo Tibetan Border Police Outposts

Featured Projects, Projects

WISE extended support to the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) for preparing DPR on integrating renewable energy solutions to meet the power generation requirements of various border outposts of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). The main objective was to assess the feasibility of an RE based energy system for the border posts located in extreme climatic conditions at 67 border outposts spanning across 4 states, at altitudes varying from 3000 to 6000 m with a minimum temperature -4⁰C during winters.

WISE assessed the potential and site feasibility for solar, wind and diesel-based backup solution and initiated the feasibility analysis for solar PV, and wind power, and optimized the capacity as per expected load profile. Since these sites are located at isolated places, battery-based storage was proposed for round-the-clock power availability. In addition, DG sets were also proposed to meet the backup power requirements and improving the reliability of the system. Along with power, solar thermal systems for hot water have also been designed for meeting the border outposts’ hot water and room heating needs. The interventions proposed by WISE are 100% automatic, with minimum human intervention required.

Clean Energy Technology Action Plan for three states

Featured Projects, Policy and Regulation, Projects

The UK-FCO awarded a project to WISE to develop a clean energy technology action plan for three states: Karnataka, Maharashtra and Rajasthan. The main objectives of the project were to strengthen the states’ renewable energy capacity and address energy security concerns across various sectors including power, industry, water and transport.

WISE undertook this project in 2009 at a time when wind energy was fledgling and solar energy was still unestablished. The awareness levels in state governments about RE technologies and clean energy were low. WISE undertook a comprehensive literature review and data analysis exercise across diverse sectors and worked with the states’ top bureaucrats to consult and prepare a roadmap and action plan for accelerating clean energy interventions. Under the project, WISE also undertook a detailed renewable resource assessment that suggested huge RE potential (wind and solar) in the GW range.

The study findings were groundbreaking and received with some skepticism despite high-level government support. The study reports received extensive publicity and many of the implementation strategies, mainly in the area of renewable energy policy and regulations, received considerable traction through direct state government actions over the next five to ten years.

Energy Efficiency Code For Industries In Bhutan

Energy efficiency, Featured Projects, Projects

The Government of Bhutan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs, through the Department of Renewable Energy, awarded the assignment to draft Energy Efficiency Codes of Practice for Industries to the World Institute of Sustainable Energy and its associated partner, APECS Consultancy Thimphu, Bhutan. The team developed Energy Efficiency Codes of Practice documents for the following industrial activities and processes in Bhutan.

Management of Industries
Industrial Lighting
Industrial Equipment – Motors
Industrial Equipment – Cooling Tower
HVAC
Industrial Equipment – Boilers
Industrial Equipment – Pumps
Industrial Equipment – Fans and Blowers
Industrial Equipment – Air Compressor
Industrial Equipment – Furnace

On drafting the Energy Efficiency Codes of Practice documents, WISE conducted the first stakeholders’ workshop on 16 and 17 September 2020. Final Codes of Practice documents were presented in two different stakeholders’ online workshops conducted on 16-17 February 2021 and 18-19 February 2021. Along with the codes of practice documents, a compliance framework with an implementation plan and budget for ten years was also prepared for the Department of Renewable Energy, Government of Bhutan.

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