Context:
Union Ministry of Power launches National Electricity Plan (Transmission)
National Electricity Plan (NEP) (Transmission):
- Developed by – Central Electricity Authority (CEA) under the Electricity Act 2003.
- Transmission system links the source of generation to the distribution system and ultimately to the consumer.
Key Highlights of the Plan:
- Renewable Energy Goals – Aim to transmit 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030 and over 600 GW by 2032.
- Capacity Targets – Aiming to meet a peak demand of 458 GW by 2032
- Inter-regional Capacity – Planned increase from 119 GW currently to 168 GW by 2032.
- Innovative Integration – Includes 10 GW of offshore wind farms, 47 GW of battery energy storage systems, and 30 GW of pumped storage plants.
- Green Initiatives – Supports power needs for Green Hydrogen and Green Ammonia manufacturing hubs in coastal areas.
- Cross-border Interconnections – Plans to enhance connections with Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and potential links with Saudi Arabia and UAE.
Central Electricity Authority (CEA):
- Established under the repealed Electricity (Supply) Act, 1948 (substituted by Electricity Act 2003)
- Members – Not more than 14 members including Chairperson
- Full-time members appointed by Central Government.
- Functions –
- Advise Central Government on National Electricity Policy
- Specify technical standards for construction of electric plants, electric lines and grid connectivity.
Source: Economic Times
Previous Year Question
Consider the following statements:
Statement-I: India, despite having uranium deposits, depends on coal for most of its electricity production.
Statement-II : Uranium, enriched to the extent of at least 60%, is required for the production of electricity.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2023 Prelims]
(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-1
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement II is correct
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Statement 2 is not correct: Commercially, the U 235 isotope is enriched to 3 to 5% and is then further processed to create nuclear fuel.
