06 Sep Prelims Bits: SEC and S& L Programme
Solar Energy Corporation of India Ltd (SECI)
This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and topic details of Solar Energy Corporation of India Ltd (SECI).
Syllabus mapping:
GS-2: Recent development in the national and international importance.
For Prelims:
What is Navatna status: Granting Authority, criteria, and benefits? Facts about SECI.
Why in the News?
On September 2, 2024, Solar Energy Corporation of India Ltd (SECI), a Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, was granted Navratna status by the Ministry of Finance.
Navratna Status
The government categorizes Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) into three categories: Maharatna, Navratna, and Miniratna. The Navratna scheme was introduced in 1997.
Criteria for Navratna Status
To achieve Navratna status, a PSU must:
1. Be a Miniratna-I, Schedule ‘A’ company.
2. Have received an ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’ MoU rating in three of the last five years.
3. Maintain a composite score of 60 across six performance indicators.
4. Report a net profit exceeding ₹5,000 crore for three consecutive years.
5. Maintain an average annual turnover of ₹25,000 crore for three years or have an average net worth of over ₹15,000 crore for three years.
Advantages of Navratna Status:
1. Financial Independence: Navratna companies can invest up to ₹1,000 crore without central government approval.
2. Investment Flexibility: They can invest up to 15% of their net worth in a single project, or 30% of their net worth in a given year, with a cap of ₹1,000 crore.
3. Capital Expenditure: There is no ceiling on capital expenditure for purchasing or replacing new items.
4. Strategic Ventures: They can enter into technology joint ventures or strategic alliances.
The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI)
Historical Background: Initially incorporated as a not-for-profit company in 2011 under the Companies Act, of 1956, SECI was converted to a commercial company in 2015 under the Companies Act, of 2013.
Leading Role: SECI is a Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSU) focused on expanding Renewable Energy (RE) capacity in India.
Renewable Energy Implementing Agency (REIA): SECI is recognized as a leading agency for implementing renewable energy projects in India, supporting national and international sustainability commitments.
Innovative Projects: SECI develops and promotes advanced RE configurations, including:
1. Solar-wind hybrids
2. Energy storage solutions
3. Round The Clock (RTC) power supply
4. Firm and Dispatchable Renewable Energy (FDRE)
Pan-India Presence: Established in 2011 and converted to a commercial entity in 2015, SECI operates across all Indian states and Union Territories, maintaining a reliable payment record.
Market Investments: SECI accelerates RE expansion through:
1. Conducting tenders for selecting RE developers
2. Using tariff-based competitive e-bidding procedures
3. Entering into 25-year Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with developers
4. Establishing 25-year Power Sale Agreements (PSAs) with DISCOMs and other buying entities for power sales.
Standards & Labelling (S&L) Program
This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and topic details of the Standards & Labelling (S&L) Program
Syllabus mapping:
GS-3: Environment: Policy and programs.
For Prelims:
What is the standard and labeling program of India? What is BEE and mandate of the BEE, Various Schemes launched by BEE. What is NTH and its mandate?
Why In the news:
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed today between the National Test House (NTH), the Department of Consumer Affairs, and the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), Ministry of Power. This agreement is intended to enhance the Standards & Labelling (S&L) Program, an important initiative aimed at advancing energy efficiency nationwide.
Standards & Labelling (S&L) Program
Background:
Launched in May 2006 by the Hon’ble Minister of Power, the S&L program covers 28 types of appliances and equipment. The initiative is designed to lower the energy consumption of appliances without compromising on their functionality or service quality.
Objective:
The Standards & Labelling (S&L) program aims to:
1. Enhance Consumer Decision-Making: Assist consumers in making informed choices regarding energy-consuming appliances by highlighting their energy efficiency and potential savings.
2. Promote Cost Savings: Help consumers understand the cost-saving benefits of using energy-efficient appliances.
3. Reduce Energy Consumption: Achieve reductions in end-use energy consumption of appliances while maintaining service levels.
4. Raise Awareness: Increase consumer awareness about the cost-effectiveness and energy performance of appliances to guide purchasing decisions.
5. Monitor Savings: Track and verify annual energy savings resulting from the adoption of energy-efficient appliances.
Status/Achievements:
The program currently includes mandatory labeling for the following appliances:
1. Room Air Conditioner (Fixed Speed)
2. Room Air Conditioners (Variable Speed)
3. Room Air Conditioners (Cassette, Floor Standing Tower, Ceiling, Corner AC)
4. Frost Free Refrigerators
5. Direct Cool Refrigerators
6. Tubular Fluorescent Lamps
7. Distribution Transformers
8. Stationary Storage Type Electric Water Heaters
9. Colour Televisions
10. LED Lamps
11. Ceiling Fans
Voluntary labeling is applied to the remaining appliances:
Computer (Notebook/Laptops), Domestic Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Stoves
Induction Motors, High Energy Li-Battery, Agricultural Pump Sets, Washing Machines
Office Equipment (Printer, Copier, Scanner, MFDs), Solid State Inverters
Diesel Generator Sets, Ballast (Electronic/Magnetic), Microwave Ovens
Diesel Engine Driven Mono-set Pumps for Agricultural Purposes, Solar Water Heaters, Light Commercial Air Conditioners, Deep Freezers, Chillers, Air Compressors, UHD TV
Tyres/Tires
The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE):
Establishment: The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) was established on March 1, 2002.
Legal Framework: It was set up under the Energy Conservation Act, of 2001.
Administrative Ministry: Ministry of Power.
Mission:
1. Policy Development: Assist in developing policies and strategies focused on energy efficiency.
2. Self-Regulation and Market Principles: Promote self-regulation and market-driven approaches.
Primary Objective:
Reduce Energy Intensity: Aim to decrease the energy intensity of the Indian economy.
Approach:
Stakeholder Participation: Engage actively with all stakeholders to foster energy efficiency.
Sustained Adoption: Ensure accelerated and sustained adoption of energy-efficient practices across various sectors.
Initiatives/ Programs of BEE
1. Energy Performance Assessment and Benchmarking Program: Focuses on evaluating the energy performance of industrial units and commercial buildings.
2. National Energy Conservation Awards: Recognizes and rewards industries, institutions, and organizations that have demonstrated exceptional energy conservation efforts.
3. Energy Efficiency Financing Platform (EEFP): Facilitates financing for energy efficiency projects, making it easier for businesses to invest in energy-saving technologies.
4. Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT) Scheme: Part of the National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency, it focuses on energy-intensive industries, setting targets for energy savings and allowing trading of excess savings.
5. National Energy Efficiency Improvement Program (NEEIP): Aims to improve the energy efficiency of the industrial and commercial sectors through various measures and initiatives.
6. Demand Side Management (DSM) Programs: Implemented to manage and reduce energy demand through various measures and technologies.
7. Building Energy Efficiency Program: Enhances energy efficiency in buildings through regulations, standards, and guidelines.
8. Energy Efficiency Improvement in MSMEs: Focuses on improving energy efficiency in micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The National Test House (NTH)
Establishment: Founded in 1912 as the Government Test House in Calcutta by the Railway Board.
Industrial Intelligence and Research Bureau (1934): Hosted the Bureau, which was a precursor to the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
Institutional Role: The National Test House (NTH) is a leading quality assurance and testing institution in India.
Affiliation: Operates under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution.
Scope: Serves a wide range of sectors including consumer products, construction materials, and electrical equipment.
Innovation: Focuses on continuous adaptation and innovation to meet industry needs.
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PRELIMS QUESTION:
Q. With reference to the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), Consider the following statement:
1. The BEE is a statutory body affiliated with the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change. of the Government of India.
2. The National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency is implemented by the BEE.
3. The BEE promotes self-regulation and market-driven approaches.
How many of the above-given statements are correct?
A. Only one
B. Only two
C. All three
D. None
ANSWER: B
Q. Consider the following statements:
Statement-I: The Solar Energy Corporation of India has recently been recognized as Navratna PSU.
Statement-II: The NAVRATNA status is granted by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, to the PSUs that fulfill certain criteria.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
C. Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
D. Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
ANSWER: C
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