It is well accepted that power generation is the primary contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in India. According to an OECD study approximately 50% of India’s total green house gases (GHG) emissions are produced by its power sector. (more…)

Indian electricity sector reform strategy has two identifiable points of evolution. The initial strategy, implemented in 1991, was structured around the belief that constrained capital supply in generation was the key problem. The policy shift came in 1996. The experience of the intervening years showed that facilitating incremental investment in generation was not enough as the much desired investment flows did not come in. This realization initiated a reform programme broader in scope and range. The altered reform paradigm accorded an important role to the regulator for being a catalyst in commercializing the traditional state owned monopolies. (more…)

The Nuclear installed capacity programme is expected to grow to 7280 MW by 2012 and to 20,000 MW by 2020 with the commissioning of more units. As per the Electricity Policy of 2005 whereby nuclear generation was opened to the private sector through the public private partnership model, but it remains totally under the control of the Central government. Presently, only 3% of India’s energy needs are met from nuclear sources. Increased share of nuclear power in the Indian energy mix will diminish the reliance on fossil fuels and reduce carbon emissions from India. So far so good, but will the private sector enter into the business of nuclear electricity generation or will it largely remain in the hands of the government? (more…)