India industries confident of 2030 renewable energy aim

Spanish Market: Coal, Electricity, Hydrogen, Metals
14/10/24

Indian industries are confident about reaching the country's renewable energy target of 500GW by 2030, senior executives said at the Financial Times' Energy Transition Summit in New Delhi last week.

This is especially given strong capacity installation of solar and wind projects in the coming years, delegates heard. India's renewable energy capacity stands at 199.5GW as of August, a rise of 12pc on the year, data from the Central Electricity Authority show.

"India's [renewable] power sector has already grown at a [compound annual growth rate] of nearly 20pc in the last 10 years … The pace at which some of the bids are coming, we should reach 500GW by 2030," said domestic utility Tata Power's chief executive officer Praveer Sinha.

A record 69GW of renewable energy tenders were issued during the April 2023-March 2024 fiscal year, surpassing the government-mandated target of 50GW.

Tata Power is operating 4.5GW installed capacity of renewable energy that produced 64.6Th of electricity in the April 2023-March 2024 fiscal year. It aims to add another 5GW of installed capacity in the coming years, underscoring its commitment to providing round-the-clock renewable energy through solar, wind, and pumped hydro storage projects, Sinha added.

Indian steel manufacturer ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel (AMNS) also plans to add 1GW/yr of renewable energy capacity for its captive power consumption, managing director Dilip Oommen said.

AMNS has developed a 975MW hybrid renewable energy project at Alamuru village in India's southern state of Andhra Pradesh. The project will generate 661MW of solar and 314MW of wind power capacity, which will be integrated with a pumped hydro storage facility owned by renewables developer Greenko to overcome the intermittent nature of wind and solar power generation, ensuring round-the-clock power. Power generated from the solar and wind sites will be connected from Andhra Pradesh's Kurnool district via a 400kV interstate transmission system up to AMNS' Hazria facility.

The firm is also considering using hydrogen in its electric arc furnace, but remains skeptical about the cost economics. "At present, the cost of hydrogen is $3.50/kg," Oommen said, adding that if this falls below $2/kg, it would be feasible for commercial use at its facilities.

The reduction in the cost of renewable power generation over the last few years has also raised interest in the sector, incentivising the coal-dominated eastern regions of India to adopt renewables, said Indian independent power provider Ampin Energy's chief executive officer Pinaki Bhattacharya.

The domestic steel sector, one of the country's largest carbon emitters, is looking at ways to reduce emissions in light of the policies under the EU's carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM), which will take effect on 1 January 2026.

This was echoed during a session on 9 October when India's finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman noted that India has been consistent in promoting domestic investment in renewables and establishing transmission lines. But she described CBAM as "a trade barrier" that could hurt investment in India's heavy industries and hinderthe country's transition away from fossil fuels. CBAM is a "unilateral" and "arbitrary" measure, which would "not be helpful" for India, she said, adding that India's concerns "would definitely be voiced" with the EU. Her sentiments were in line with that of commerce minister Piyush Goyal, who said last year that India will not accept any unfair taxes on steel that the EU imposes under the CBAM.

Coal to renewables switch

"We are not on track yet to displace coal," said Indian not-for-profit thinktank Centre for Science and Environment's director general Sunita Narain, when asked about India's transition from coal to renewables, considering that coal still dominates the country's electricity mix.

Renewable energy generation capacity has currently increased to 13pc of the total electricity mix, but the country needs to hit the 35pc target by 2030, she added.

India's power generation continues to rely on coal because of an abundant supply of the fuel as well as its cheaper price over other alternatives. Out of India's total installed capacity of 451GW, coal comprises 48.27pc, followed by solar at 19.84pc and wind at 10.47pc, as of August, data from government think tank Niti Aayog show.

By Ankit Rathore

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15/05/25

Pakistan container scrap trade pressured by surcharges

London, 15 May (Argus) — Ferrous scrap suppliers are facing higher costs from new surcharges announced by major container shipping firms on trading routes to Pakistan, following recent geopolitical tensions in the region. Shipping lines have announced imminent emergency operational cost recovery surcharges on containers for trading routes to and from Pakistan following the recent escalation in tensions between the country and India. This resulted in days of fighting, with India launching attacks on Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir in retaliation for an April terrorist attack in Kashmir. India-Pakistan relations have stabilised after the countries agreed a tentative ceasefire on 10 May , but concerns remain over security in the region. Major global container shipping line Maersk has imposed charges of $300/container to Pakistan from every country, excluding those in Asia-Pacific, starting from 21 May or 13 June, depending on the country. Surcharges of $300-500/container have been implemented on trade from Pakistan. Other lines, including MSC, Hapag-Lloyd and CMA CGM, have announced surcharges on imports and exports ranging from $300-800/container, depending on line, route and trade direction, which will start coming into effect from mid-May for most regions, with those for other regions such as North America coming into effect in the first half of June. The Pakistan and Indian governments at the start of May imposed shipping orders banning merchant vessels bearing the other country's flag from stopping at their ports. And shipping lines changed trading routes across the region following the outbreak of hostilities and prior to the ceasefire announcement. But Maersk said this week it is "witnessing a gradual return to normalcy" at port operations in India and Pakistan, and will continue to monitor the situation closely. Indian imports/exports can remain on board through Pakistan ports, while in India, Pakistan imports are allowed to transit through Indian ports but not exports, the firm said earlier this week. Any increase to freight costs is likely to further limit exporters' interest in selling to the region, which has already slowed significantly, market sources said. As a result, some container exporters and freight forwarders do not expect the surcharges to remain in place. Containerised scrap suppliers said prices to Pakistan would need to rise by around $10/t to absorb the additional surcharges, but many noted difficulties, with buyers in the country not lifting their bids and their own purchasing prices upstream remaining firm. The last containerised shredded scrap sales to the south of Pakistan were reported in the $370-375/t range, which buyers are heard to be continuing to target. But domestic prices for shredded scrap in key supply regions remain firm, with inland yards not willing to accept lower prices sought by suppliers. Exporters would need one of the two price points to move to make trade with Pakistan workable. By Corey Aunger and Brad MacAulay Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

Austrian PV additions fall 100MW on year in 1Q

15/05/25

Austrian PV additions fall 100MW on year in 1Q

London, 15 May (Argus) — Austrian solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity additions fell by around 100MW on the year in the first quarter of 2025, solar association PV Austria told Argus , a decrease of around 20pc. Newly installed PV capacity in January-March stood at 399MW, PV Austria said, compared with 497MW added in the first quarter of last year, according to data from grid regulator E-control. But late reports from Austria's distribution system operators may still cause a slight uptick in capacity addition numbers for the last quarter, PV Austria said. The association largely attributed the fall in solar additions to uncertainty around government policies, which "compromised" planning security and "jeopardised" investments into renewable energy, it told Argus . And it cited the "abrupt" end of the VAT exemption for small PV systems as well as the extension and tightening of the energy crisis contribution as further reasons for the decline. PV Austria called on the government to pass the electricity industry act (ElWG) and the renewable energy expansion acceleration act (EABG) as soon as possible. The government in February pledged to pass the ElWG in the summer of this year. Austria had just under 8.3GW of solar capacity installed as of the start of January, the latest data from transmission system operator APG show. Solar output more than doubled on the year in 2024 and APG has several times highlighted the challenges posed by increased PV capacity for demand forecasting and grid stability during times of solar peaks, when excess power must either be transported abroad or to storage power plants and can also lead to curtailments at wind and hydropower units. By John Horstmann Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

UK establishes public energy company

15/05/25

UK establishes public energy company

London, 15 May (Argus) — The UK parliament has passed a bill establishing a publicly owned energy company, Great British Energy (GBE), to support the nation's renewable energy ambitions. The company, funded with £8.3bn ($11.02bn) over the current parliamentary term, aims to accelerate renewable energy projects, enhance energy security, and support job creation, the department for energy security and net zero (Desnz) announced on Thursday. GBE will invest in clean energy initiatives, including technologies such as floating offshore wind, and collaborate with private companies to expand renewable energy capacity. The government states the company will help stabilise energy costs by reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The bill includes £200mn for renewable energy projects, such as rooftop solar for schools, hospitals, and communities. It has also committed £300mn to develop the UK's offshore wind supply chain, supporting manufacturing of components such as cables and platforms. The legislation received approval from the devolved governments of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, enabling GBE to operate across the UK. Desnz secretary of state Ed Miliband is expected to outline GBE's strategic priorities "soon", specifying technology focus areas and investment criteria. The government sees GBE as a key part of its plan to transition to clean energy and stimulate economic growth through a "modern industrial strategy", it said. Industry body Energy UK welcomed the bill's passage. "[GBE] can play a vital role in making the government's clean energy ambitions a reality by attracting extra private sector investment," chief executive Dhara Vyas said. By Timothy Santonastaso Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

EU stainless prices to continue to fall: Assofermet

15/05/25

EU stainless prices to continue to fall: Assofermet

London, 15 May (Argus) — An fall in European producers' cold-rolled stainless steel prices and input costs in the third quarter will make output more competitive against imports from Asia, including China and Indonesia, according to Alessandro Bettuzzi, sales director at Italian distributor Oiki Acciai Spa and co-ordinator of Italian steel and scrap association Assofermet's stainless steel division. On the sidelines of last week's Made in Steel event in Milan, Bettuzzi said high service centre stocks and weak demand in key sectors like automotive and household appliances are likely to mean a weak third quarter in Europe, particularly in Italy, with its many distribution centres. "I'm not positive for the next month," Bettuzzi told Argus . "This is because fundamentals are so weak, and prices of scrap nickel are falling, which will produce lower prices than today's level." A further fall in energy costs will also bring down prices, keeping imports at bay, he added. Following January-February's mostly stable prices in Europe, Bettuzzi said the cold-rolled flat product market fell by €100/t from mid-March. The downtrend will probably continue until July, he said, given the pattern of weakening demand over the past eight months. The Argus assessment for stainless steel 304 cold-rolled 2mm sheet delivered northwest Europe had risen to €2,655/t at the end of February from €2,500/t at the end of December, but had fallen to €2,525/t by the beginning of May. Traders surveyed by Argus see further declines, as mills focus on capacity utilisation and filling order books. "The auto and appliances industries at this moment are going through a major lull," Bettuzzi said. "These sectors are very important to absorb stainless steel." Bettuzzi reiterated Asoffermet's view that a recovery can only happen if the EU starts thinking about safeguarding downstream end-products, instead of focusing on protecting upstream steelmakers. "If final consumption disappears, everything upstream will disappear," he said. "Asoffermet is really pushing for this. The EU is focusing too much on the producer." Energy prices remain a problem for European producers, and Bettuzzi said investment in renewables is the long-term solution. "For Italy, it is all out how we negotiate as we are obliged to buy energy from other countries, which can cause fluctuations." Bettuzzi cautioned against allowing Asian semi-finished products, such as slab, to enter Europe exempt from duty, and suggested applying the carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) or a similar duty. "If we apply duties only on coils and sheets, but do not impose duties on semi-finished products, they will come in at 25pc less from Asia compared to Europe," he said. Bettuzzi highlighted flanges, heavily imported by Italy, which have been arriving duty-free. By Raghav Jain Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

France consults on expanded biofuels mandate

15/05/25

France consults on expanded biofuels mandate

London, 15 May (Argus) — France has opened consultation on the transposition of part of the recast renewable energy directive (RED III) into national law, which would replace the current system with a new one called "incentive for the reduction of the carbon intensity of fuels" (IRICC). The proposal introduces two separate sets of requirements for transport fuels. The first is for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions, broken down by transport sectors — road, aviation, maritime, LPG and natural gas for vehicles, which could be CNG or LNG (see table). In the current draft, the GHG reduction target for the road sector will start at 5.9pc in 2026, rising to 10.6pc in 2030 and 18.7pc in 2035. For aviation, the target starts at 2.5pc in 2026, rising to 5.8pc in 2030 and 18.8pc in 2035. The GHG mandate levels include a gradual phasing-in of new fuel sectors – river and maritime fuels, fuel gasses, and aviation. To meet the overall RED III target of 14.5pc emissions reduction by 2030, the national French target includes the biofuels mandates, a share for rail transport, and a share or private vehicle charging. The second set of requirements is a renewable fuel requirement by energy content, which is broken down by fuel type — diesel, gasoline, LPG and natural gas fuels and marine fuel (see table). The blending requirements for diesel start at 9pc in 2026, rising to 11.4pc in 2030 and 16pc in 2035. For gasoline, the mandates start at 9.5pc in 2026, rising to 10.5pc in 2030 and 14.5pc in 2035. Finally, the proposal includes a set of sub-mandates for advanced fuels and renewable hydrogen . The advanced biofuels mandate would start at 0.7pc in 2026, rising to 1.95pc in 2030 and 2.6pc in 2035. Users of renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBOs) would not be subject to the advanced sub-mandate. In feedstock restrictions, the crop cap will rise to 7pc from 6.2pc in 2030 and 2035, while the limit for fuels made from feedstocks found in Annex IX-B of RED will be at 0.6pc in 2026, 0.7pc in 2030 and 1pc in 2035 for diesel and petrol. Aviation fuel will not have a IX-B cap until 2030, and from then it will be 6pc. Mandate compliance would be managed by a certificate system through the CarbuRe registry, with a compliance deadline of 1 March the following year. Public electric vehicle charging would also generate tickets, although the amount of tickets generated by charging light passenger vehicles would be reduced from 2031 to reach 50pc in 2035. Renewable hydrogen used in transport would also generate tickets counting towards the hydrogen sub-quota and reduce the overall GHG savings requirement. Public charging stations will start generating fewer tickets for electric passenger vehicles from 2031 to 50pc by 2035. France is also considering steep penalties for non-compliance, at €700/t CO2 not avoided for the GHG reduction requirement and at €40/GJ for the fuel targets. The penalty for not meeting hydrogen and advanced fuel sub-targets would be doubled, at €80/GJ. The consultation is open for comments until 10 June. By Simone Burgin Proposed GHG reduction by transport sector % 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 Road and non-road diesel 5.9 7.1 8.3 9.5 10.6 13.2 14.8 16.2 17.5 18.7 Aviation 2.5 3.3 4.1 4.9 5.8 8.4 10.8 13.3 15.9 18.7 RFNBO sub-target (% en.) 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.2 1.2 2.0 2.0 2.0 5.0 Maritime 2.5 3.25 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 10.0 12.0 14.5 RFNBO sub-target (% en.) 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 2.0 2.0 LPG and natural gas fuels 0.0 0.0 2.7 6.3 10.6 13.2 14.8 16.2 17.5 18.7 DGEC Proposed energy content mandate by fuel type % (en.) 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 Diesel 9.0 9.5 10.1 10.7 11.4 12.2 13.0 13.8 14.9 16.0 Petrol 9.5 9.7 10.0 10.2 10.5 11.1 11.8 12.6 13.4 14.5 Natural gas fuels 0.0 0.0 3.0 7.0 12.0 15.0 16.0 18.0 19.0 21.0 LPG 0.0 0.0 3.0 7.0 12.0 15.0 16.0 18.0 19.0 21.0 Marine fuel 2.9 3.8 4.7 5.9 7.1 8.2 9.4 11.8 14.1 17.1 DGEC Proposed caps and sub-targets % (en.) 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 Feedstock caps Crop feedstocks 6.2 6.4 6.6 6.8 7.0 7.0 7.0 7.0 7.0 7.0 Annex IX-B feedstocks* 0.6 0.6 0.65 0.7 0.7 0.75 0.8 0.85 0.9 1.0 Cat. 3 tallow 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 Tall oil 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.2 Fuel sub-targets Advanced feedstocks 0.7 0.95 1.25 1.6 1.95 2.0 2.1 2.25 2.4 2.6 RFNBOs/Renewable hydrogen 0.05 0.2 0.5 1.0 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 2.0 *For diesel and petrol Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

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