Wednesday, 31 July 2024

What is Project Evaluation Review Technique (PERT)?

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Project Evaluation Review Technique (PERT)

A tool used to identify the time required to finish a particular task or activity

What is Project Evaluation Review Technique (PERT)?

In project management, the Project Evaluation Review Technique, or PERT, is used to identify the time it takes to finish a particular task or activity. It is a system that helps in the proper scheduling and coordination of all tasks throughout a project. It also helps in keeping track of the progress, or lack thereof, of the overall project. In the 1950s, the Project Evaluation Review Technique was developed by the US Navy to manage the Polaris submarine missile program of their Special Projects Office.

PERT (Project Evaluation Review Technique)

Knowing the time it should take to execute a project is crucial, as it helps project managers decide on other factors such as the budget and task delegation. No matter how big or small a project is, estimates can be too optimistic or pessimistic, but using a PERT chart will help determine realistic estimates.

Creating a PERT Chart

A flowchart is used to depict the Project Evaluation Review Technique. Nodes represent the events, indicating the start or end of activities or tasks. The directorial lines indicate the tasks that need to be completed, and the arrows show the sequence of the activities.

There are four definitions of time used to estimate project time requirements:

Optimistic time – The least amount of time it can take to complete a task

Pessimistic time – The maximum amount of time it should take to complete a task

Most likely time – Assuming there are no problems, the best or most reasonable estimate of how long it should take to complete a task.

Expected time – Assuming there are problems, the best estimate of how much time will be required to complete a task.

Here are several terms used in a PERT chart:

Float/Slack – Refers to the amount of time a task can be delayed without resulting in an overall delay in completion of other tasks or the project

Critical Path – Indicates the longest possible continuous path from the start to the end of a task or event

Critical Path Activity – Refers to an activity without any slack

Lead Time – Refers to the amount of time needed to finish a task without affecting subsequent tasks

Lag Time – The earliest time by which a successor event/task can follow a prior event/task

Fast Tracking – Refers to handling tasks or activities in parallel

Crashing Critical Path – Shortening the amount of time to do a critical task

To implement a PERT chart:

Identify the different tasks needed to complete a project. Make sure to add these in the right order and indicate the duration of each task.

Create a network diagram. Use arrows to represent the activities and use nodes as milestones.

Determine the critical path and possible slack.

Advantages of PERT

Here are several benefits of using PERT in project management:

It helps maximize the use of resources.

It makes project planning more manageable.

It’s useful even if there is little or no previous schedule data.

It enables project managers to better estimate or determine a more definite completion date.

Disadvantages of PERT

Like any other method, PERT comes with its share of limitations:

In complex projects, many find PERT hard to interpret, so they may also use a Gantt chart, another popular method for project management.

It can be tedious to update, modify, and maintain the PERT diagram.

It entails a subjective time analysis of activities and, for those who are less experienced or are biased, this may affect the project’s schedule.

Additional Resources

Thank you for reading CFI’s guide to Project Evaluation Review Technique (PERT). To keep learning and advancing your career, the additional CFI resources below will be useful:

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Tuesday, 30 July 2024

GREEN HYDROGEN: REGULATORY & POLICY FRAMEWORK IN INDIA

India wants to produce green hydrogen to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and meets its climate goals. India is also keen to be a global export hub for green hydrogen. The government has voiced support for the sector through the Green Hydrogen Policy and the National Green Hydrogen Mission. This blog covers the regulatory and policy framework for green hydrogen in India.

FEB 29, 2024 | 16 MIN. REA

1.1 India wants to produce green hydrogen to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and meets its climate goals. India is also keen to be a global export hub for green hydrogen. The government has voiced support for the sector through the Green Hydrogen Policy and the National Green Hydrogen Mission - with a financial outlay of nearly Rs. 19,800 crores. It recently released a Rs. 400 crore R&D roadmap to develop a vibrant research and development ecosystem to help commercialize green hydrogen.

1.2 India has also established its green hydrogen standard – one of the few countries to do so. To qualify as “green” - the emission for producing one kilogram of green hydrogen should not exceed two kilograms of carbon-dioxide. The central government has announced production linked incentive (PLI) schemes for producing green hydrogen and manufacturing electrolysers. Electrolyser production can be an important sector for India and an incentive scheme will provide the right push for domestic manufacture of green hydrogen. According to Norwegian research house Rystad Energy, India is emerging as one of the world’s most important electrolyser manufacturing centres. It expects India to have 6 electrolyser factories with a combined capacity of over 8GW by 2025.

1.3 Indian states are also rolling out state-level schemes to facilitate green hydrogen production – but this is at its infancy. There is a need to drive investments across the entire green hydrogen value chain. The demand-side of the equation also must be addressed – end-users must be incentivised/ mandated to make the switch to green hydrogen. According to reports, this is being done in key sectors such as fertilisers, steel, oil and gas to boost domestic consumption.

1.4 Green hydrogen production poses high entry barriers – such as high land acquisition, high productions costs, regular supply of electricity and water, need for a skilled workforce. This makes it ideal for investment by established players. Energy giants such as Reliance Industries Limited, Adani, Larsen & Toubro have made pilot investments in green hydrogen and are aiming to expand domestic operations for manufacture of green hydrogen.

1.5 On the other hand, opportunities for start-ups lie in improving quantum and efficiency of hydrogen storage and in reduction of high costs for electrolysers. For instance, Hygenco provides smart green hydrogen solutions to corporate entities. Newtrace produces scalable electrolyser technology and has come up with electrolysers at significantly lower costs.

Policy framework

1.6 The renewable sector in India is regulated through a patchwork of laws and regulations as well as specific policies, both at the central and state level. This note focuses on the policies surrounding green hydrogen.

1.7 The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (“MNRE”) is responsible for all matters relating to renewable energy, including developing policies and programmes to promote new and renewable energy sources to ensure energy security in the country. The Ministry of Power has the power to regulate tariffs and to set up stand-alone systems for renewable sources of energy in India, such as solar power plants, hydro plants etc.

1.8 National Hydrogen Mission (“NHM”): The Prime Minister launched the country’s National Hydrogen Mission on India’s 75th Independence Day – 15 August 2021. The aim of the NHM is to make India a global hub for manufacturing of hydrogen (especially green hydrogen) and fuel cell technology. It involves supporting manufacturing through incentives and facilitative policies, and putting in place a framework for standards and regulation of hydrogen technologies. Another focus area is to create demand for hydrogen in specific areas, which could involve mandating the use of green hydrogen in certain industries.

1.9 Green Hydrogen Policy: In February 2022, the power ministry released a ‘Green Hydrogen Policy.’ The policy offers incentives to encourage production of green hydrogen. These include – having a single portal for carrying out statutory clearances and other activities in a time-bound manner, permitting manufacturers to bank surplus unconsumed power for a period of up to 30 days with a distribution company, allowing manufacturers access to the power markets and inter-state power grids on priority, waiving inter-state transmission charges for 25 years for plants commissioned before 30 June 2025, and allowing manufacturers to set up bunkers near ports for storage. The policy aims to meet the production target of 5 million tonne per year of green hydrogen by 2030.

1.10 National Green Hydrogen Mission: In January 2023, India’s Union Cabinet approved the National Green Hydrogen Mission (“Mission”) with a financial outlay of nearly Rs. 19,800 crores. The Mission comprises multiple components – the Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition Programme (“SIGHT”), pilot projects in key end-use sectors like steel, shipping, energy storage etc., R&D and other components. MNRE will formulate the scheme guidelines for their implementation.

1.11 The goal of the Mission is to facilitate private sector investment, ensure development of technology, establish green hydrogen standards, and reduce costs. The intended outcomes include – (i) production of 5 MMT (Million Metric Tonne) of green hydrogen per annum with an associated renewable energy capacity addition of about 125 GW; (ii) Rs. 8 lakh crores in total investments; (iii) generation of 6 lakh jobs; (iv) abatement of nearly 50 MMT of annual greenhouse gas emissions; and (v) cumulative reduction in fossil fuels imports of over Rs. 1 lakh crore. The Mission will be implemented in a phased manner, with the initial focus being on the use of green hydrogen in sectors that are already using hydrogen and developing a robust green hydrogen ecosystem. The next phase of the Mission will build on the first phase and will implement green hydrogen initiatives in other sectors of the economy.

1.12 SIGHT: SIGHT comprises two financial incentive mechanisms – one, for the domestic manufacturing of electrolysers, and second, for the production of green hydrogen. Under SIGHT, the Solar Energy Corporation of India floated a tender in July 2023 for setting up a production facility of 4.5 lakh tonne of green hydrogen. In June 2023, the Indian government announced PLI schemes for – i) production of green hydrogen (with an outlay of Rs. 13,050 crore); and ii) manufacturing of electrolysers in India (with an allocation of Rs. 4,440 crore). The incentives under the SIGHT programme for electrolyser manufacturing start from Rs. 4440 per kW in the first year and end at Rs. 1480 per kW in the fifth year. The SIGHT programme for green hydrogen production (Mode-I) provides incentives which are capped at Rs. 50/kg, Rs. 40/kg and Rs. 30/kg for the first, second and third year respectively.

1.13 R&D: In October 2023, MNRE released the R&D roadmap for the Mission, along with a ‘national single window system’ to provide a unified platform for companies to secure approvals for projects under the Mission. According to the roadmap, the initial focus is on mission-mode projects that will yield immediate results. The R&D framework envisages a public private partnership (to be called the Strategic Hydrogen Innovation Partnership (“SHIP”)) with inputs and funding from both industry and the government, strategic international partnerships, and participation in R&D by MSMEs and startups. The goal will be to promote and enhance the affordability, efficiency, safety and reliability of green hydrogen technology.

1.14 India has entered bilateral arrangements/ partnerships for cooperation on green hydrogen technology with countries such as USA, UAE, Saudi Arabia. Australia, France and is reportedly in talks with EU, Singapore, Panama. The focus of many of these bilateral partnerships is on establishing common certification, regulation and standards for green hydrogen, besides promoting Indian exports.

2 PART III: RECENT ACTIVITY & INITIATIVES

Some recent initiatives by the Indian government/ its instrumentalities to promote green hydrogen use and adoption include:

Launch of operational trial of green-hydrogen fuelled buses in the Delhi-NCR area and in Ladakh.

Launch of India’s first hydrogen train, and the ‘Hydrogen for Heritage’ initiative – to operate 35 Hydrogen trains as an alternative to diesel engines on heritage routes.

Focus on developing shipping ports as green hydrogen hubs with green hydrogen/ ammonia bunkers and refuelling facilities – MoU between NTPC Green Energy Ltd and Kolkata Port; green hydrogen projects by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways at Kandla, Tuticorin and Paradip;

Potential inclusion of green hydrogen sector under the ambit of priority sector lending. This is yet to be announced by the government and is reportedly only at the proposal stage.

The central government has identified 10 states for setting up green hydrogen manufacturing ecosystems. These include Karnataka, Odisha, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal.

Several state-owned public sector undertakings have set up pilot projects for green hydrogen production.

The petroleum and natural gas ministry has asked oil companies to submit a plan for the adoption of green hydrogen to accelerate their energy transition.

In April 2023, the Department of Science and Technology invited expressions of interests for the development of hydrogen valley innovation clusters. A hydrogen valley is a region where hydrogen is useful for more than one end-sector or application in mobility, industry and energy. The innovation cluster will provide funding for R&D activities necessary to demonstrate new green hydrogen technologies.

According to reports, the Adani Group is planning to raise up to USD 4 billion to establish manufacturing facilities for green hydrogen. Adani New Industries, a subsidiary of Adani Enterprises, is reportedly in preliminary discussions with several domestic and international.

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What Is a Battery Energy Storage System and What Are the Workplace Risks?

Apr 05, 2023

Battery energy storage system in a home garage

Traditional batteries are singing their swan song as they are rapidly replaced by lithium-ion batteries.

While they have long been in place in small forms for consumer electronics like cellphones and laptops, large-scale lithium-ion battery energy storage systems (BESSs) are now powering or backing up equipment like uninterrupted power sources, data centers, hospital imaging systems and more.

When compared to a traditional lead acid or nickel-based batteries, lithium-ion batteries have higher energy density, lower maintenance, higher performance and better longevity.

They are also quite safe; only 1 in 10 million lithium-ion batteries fails, according to the nonprofit Fire Protection Research Foundation.

“But when they go bad, they go really bad,” says James Trudeau, a 30-year veteran of the energy field and a former market development manager for energy and industrial automation with UL.

When a lithium-ion battery fails, it almost always catches on fire and can lead to explosion, which can cause massive damage, injury and death.

While the risk is alarming, Trudeau offers plain advice: “Don’t worry about it, just plan for it.”

During a webinar with ASSP, he provided an overview of lithium-ion-dependent battery energy storage systems, the risks and exposures, ways to address these hazards, and the rules and regulations safety professionals should follow to protect businesses and their employees.

What Is a Battery Energy Storage System?

A battery energy storage system is a type of energy storage system that uses batteries to store and distribute energy as electricity. BESSs are often used to enable energy from renewable sources, like solar and wind, to be stored and released.

Lithium-ion batteries are currently the dominant storage technology for these large-scale systems.

“You’re all going to be dealing with this in some way or another,” Trudeau says, pointing to the switch to lithium-ion-powered electric vehicles, corporate focus on environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards driving electrification, and the continued trend to replace traditional lead acid batteries with lithium-ion versions.

Even if you don’t see them taking over yet, Trudeau says, your insurance company certainly does. Taking proactive steps to reduce the risks from these systems can mitigate rate increases and give your organization a better risk profile than your competitors, he adds.

What Are the Risks and Exposures of a Battery Energy Storage System?

Lithium-ion batteries can fail through overheating and cell rupture caused by factors like overcharging, short circuits and manufacturing defects. Their failure typically follows the same process—to see it you can look at this video.

When the battery fails, the “first thing you see is a white cloud of gas” from the electrolyte liquid inside the cell evaporating. This cloud, composed predominantly of hydrogen that Trudeau explains is 40% more explosive than propane, will fill the room where the battery is stored.

Then comes the fire, which can burn between 900 and 1500 degrees Celsius — hot enough to cause damage to structural steel. This fire can also create a thermal runaway, lighting other cells nearby on fire, causing them to subsequently fail as well.

“That’s not even the biggest problem,” Trudeau says. “The biggest problem is that they make their own oxygen — you cannot extinguish a lithium-ion battery fire. You can suppress it, you can keep it from spreading, but you can’t put it out. I can take a burning lithium-ion battery and drop it in seawater, it will continue to burn.”

The key is to have appropriate gas and heat detection measures and good ventilation.

“You’re not going to avoid the fire, but the fire is not as big of an issue as the explosion,” because the explosion poses the greatest risk to human life.

How Can Safety Professionals Mitigate the Risks?

While it’s important to understand how dangerous a battery energy storage system can be when it goes bad, the hazards and exposures can vary depending on how the system is set up.

Trudeau uses the example of a hospital replacing part of its uninterruptible power source with a standard 20-foot container of lithium-ion batteries. The operations manager has a choice: Place the BESS in the basement or place it outside, right by the generator.

The risk of failure is the same in both situations, but the risk to people and property is “a whole lot less outside than it is in the basement,” he says.

Safety professionals can employ three key measures when deploying a BESS to reduce risks and hazards and protect employees and property.

Distance: What is the distance between that system and everything else? The more distance you can create around a cell, the better.

Surroundings: Determine placement where the system can cause the least amount of potential damage.

Water: If a fire starts, do you have enough water to mitigate it?

Which Standards and Regulations Address Battery Energy Storage Systems?

The two primary standards relating to BESSs are: 33:45 IFC 2021 and NFPA 855.

“I think they’re excellent and they are evolving as we get smarter,” Trudeau says. While compliance isn’t necessary right now, both California and New York, which make up 65% of the energy market, require compliance with these codes, so most manufacturers follow them, he notes.

“As a user you need to be aware of what’s in these codes, so that when something gets installed in your facility, you know it’s compliant because compliance with these codes is what’s going to keep you safe,” he says.

The standards contain four key components:

Spaced minimum of three feet from other arrays and walls

Follow UL 9540

Maximum of 50 kWh per unit

Maximum of 5,600 kWh in aggregate or fire area

While it is possible a setup may not comply with all these rules because of mitigating factors, the design should then be lab-tested so a fire safety official can make a determination about its efficacy.

Key Steps to Take Today

“These batteries are coming into your facilities and you may not know they are there,” Trudeau says.

Because the use of lithium-ion batteries is widespread in small devices, they are likely already in use at your facility. But larger and more impactful energy storage systems are coming, so it’s vital to ensure they are placed and operated in a safe way.

Here’s what you can do today as a safety professional to address BESS risks:

Get educated. Understanding the hazards and risks is a key first step. It’s also important to educate company leaders and employees. By proactively addressing the risks from lithium-ion batteries, you create a safer environment and potentially save your organization money.

Know where they are. Talk to operations managers and anyone else who may be purchasing and deploying lithium-ion batteries. They need to know that you need to know.

Apply the safety guidelines of distance, surrounding and water. Wherever you have battery energy storage systems or intend to install them, focus on those three key components.

Finally, Trudeau says that BESSs will uniquely impact different industries and locations. He encourages all safety professionals to contribute to developing standards through ASSP, UL or standards committees.

“Bless the rest of us with your input,” he says.

Six Nano Urea plants and four Nano DAP plants have been set up in the country

Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers

Government of India promotes the use of Nano Fertilizers amongst the farmers

Six Nano Urea plants and four Nano DAP plants have been set up in the country

Posted On: 30 JUL 2024 2:25PM by PIB Delhi

Government of India has notified the specifications of Nano Urea and Nano DAP produced by specific companies under Fertilizer Control Order, 1985. Subsequently, six Nano Urea plants with annual capacity of 26.62 crores bottles (500 ml each) and four Nano DAP plants with annual capacity of 10.74 crores bottles (500/1000 ml each) have been set up in the country.

Further, with a view to increase the production of Nano Urea in the country, Department of Fertilizers has encouraged its PSUs, namely National Fertilizers Limited (NFL) and Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertilizers Limited (RCF) to set up Nano Urea plants.

The following steps have been taken to promote the use of Nano Fertilizers amongst the farmers:-

Use of Nano Urea is promoted through different activities such as awareness camps, webinars, nukkad nataks, field demonstrations, Kisan Sammelans and films in regional languages etc.

Nano Urea is made available at Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samridhi Kendras (PMKSKs) by concerned companies.

Nano Urea has been included under monthly supply plan issued by Department of Fertilizers regularly.

ICAR through Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal recently organized National Campaign on “Efficient and Balanced Use of Fertilizer (including Nano-fertilizers)”.

Promotion of use of nano fertilizers was done during the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra (VBSY) which was launched on 15th November, 2023.

With an aim to provide drones to 15,000 women Self Help Groups (SHGs), the Government of India has launched the 'Namo Drone Didi' Scheme. Under the said scheme, 1094 drones have been made available by fertilizer companies to Namo Drone Didis of Women Self Help Groups, which is ensuring increased application of nano fertilizers through drones.

Department of Fertilizers in collaboration with fertilizer companies has initiated a Maha Abhiyan for adoption of Nano DAP in all 15 agro-climatic zones of the country through consultations and field level demonstrations. Further, DoF in collaboration with fertilizer companies has also launched campaign for field level demonstrations and awareness programs of Nano Urea plus in 100 districts of the country.

This information was given by the Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers Smt Anupriya Patel in Rajya Sabha in reply to a question today.

*****

PM Programme for Restoration, Awareness Generation, Nourishment, and Amelioration of Mother-Earth (PM-PRANAM)

Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers

PM-PRANAM initiative aims to complement the efforts of States/UTs to save the health of Mother Earth by promoting sustainable and balanced use of fertilizers, adopting alternate fertilizers, promoting organic & natural farming

Posted On: 30 JUL 2024 2:24PM by PIB Delhi

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA has approved the “PM Programme for Restoration, Awareness Generation, Nourishment, and Amelioration of Mother-Earth (PM-PRANAM)” on 28th June, 2023. The initiative aims to complement the efforts initiated by States/UTs to save the health of Mother Earth by promoting sustainable and balanced use of fertilizers, adopting alternate fertilizers, promoting organic & natural farming etc.

All States/UTs are covered under the PM- PRANAM. Under the said scheme, 50% of the fertilizer subsidy saved by a State/UT in a particular financial year by way of reduction in consumption of chemical fertilizers (Urea, DAP, NPK, MOP) compared to previous 3 years’ average consumption, will be passed on to that State/UT as Grant. States/UTs can utilize this grant for the benefit of people in the state, including farmers.

This information was given by the Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers Smt Anupriya Patel in Rajya Sabha in reply to a question today.

*****

MV/AKS

Monday, 29 July 2024

Shri Bhupender Yadav launches Ideas4LiFE portal for inviting ideas related to products and services for inducing behavioral changes related to environment-friendly lifestyles

Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

Shri Bhupender Yadav launches Ideas4LiFE portal for inviting ideas related to products and services for inducing behavioral changes related to environment-friendly lifestyles

Shri Yadav calls upon fraternity of students, research scholars, faculty and innovators to come up with innovative and out of box ideas for fulfilling the vision of the Prime Minister for mindful and deliberate utilization of resources

Shri Yadav emphasized sustainable consumption for saving nature and sustaining it for future generations

Posted On: 29 JUL 2024 7:54PM by PIB Delhi

Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav launched today Ideas4LiFE for inviting ideas related to products and services, which induce behavioral changes related to environment-friendly lifestyles in the presence of Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh at Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi. Shri Yadav called upon the fraternity of students, research scholars, faculty and innovators to come up with innovative and out of box ideas, which will work towards fulfillment of the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister for mindful and deliberate utilization of resources.

Interacting with participants and students at the launch event of Ideas4LiFE, Shri Yadav said this initiative aims to encourage and motivate students, faculty and research scholars to contribute their innovative ideas to the global initiative of Mission LiFE. He said this is a remarkable opportunity for inspired minds to participate in global movement dedicated to environmental sustainability.

Highlighting the importance of Mission LiFE, Shri Yadav said that all sorts of basic things we get from nature are in purest form but in return our output is impure . He said this is the time to introspect and to save nature and help in sustaining it for future generation. Nature provides us with food, oil, energy and medicine for our living. When nature gives us everything that is needed for survival, then it is also our responsibility to save it, he added.

Shri Yadav said there is a need for this initiative and it is a collective responsibility to make it a success. Mindful and deliberate use of all resources will help us to save the nature, he added

The portal ‘Ideas4Life.nic.in’ will allow participants to submit their ideas and innovations online. The winning ideas under each of the seven themes of Mission LiFE will be recognized and awarded with attractive prizes for individuals as well as for institutions .

On this occasion, Shri Yadav also planted a sapling at IIT Delhi campus under a nationwide call by Prime Minister’s ‘EkPedMaaKeNaam’ or ‘Plant4Mother’ movement which was started this year on World Environment Day i.e. on 5th June.

UGC, AICTE, IITs and Educational Institutions across the country would be instrumental in spreading the call for Ideas4LiFEIdeathon across the students, researchers and academic fraternity, and contribute innovative citizen centric ideas and technologies related to adopting environment-friendly lifestyle. The Ideas4LiFE Ideathon covers seven themes of Mission LiFE- Save Water, Save Energy, Reduce Waste, Reduce E-Waste, Say No to Single-Use Plastics, Adopt Sustainable Food Systems, and Adopt Healthy Lifestyles.

UNICEF has been an active partner in the implementation of Mission LiFE. MoEFCC in collaboration with UNICEF YuWaah has developed a comprehensive Ideas4LiFE portal for submission of innovative ideas, its management, and further processing of entries.

The launch event was attended by Secretary (EF&CC), Smt. Leena Nandan, Chairman, University Grants Commission, Prof. Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar, Chairman, All India Council for Technical Education, Prof. T G Sitharam; Director, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Prof Rangan Benerjee among other senior dignitaries from Government and Academic Institutions. The event saw vibrant participation of more than 1000 students, research scholars and academic faculty from various Educational Institutions.

***

Green India Mission

Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

Green India Mission

Posted On: 29 JUL 2024 12:13PM by PIB Delhi

National Mission for a Green India (GIM) is one of the eight Missions outlined under the National Action Plan on Climate Change. It aims at protecting, restoring, and enhancing India’s forest cover and responding to Climate Change by undertaking eco-restoration activities in the forest and non-forest areas in the selected landscapes. The activities under GIM were started in the FY 2015-16.

So far, an amount of Rs. 909.82 Crores have been released to seventeen States and one Union Territory for creation of plantation/eco-restoration over an area of 155130 ha. An area of 464.20 ha has been taken under GIM for creation of plantation/eco-restoration in Dahanu Division of Palghar District in Maharashtra.

The State/UT wise details of funds allocated/disbursed and utilized under GIM during the last five years including Maharashtra is detailed in Annexure-1.

Annexure-1

State/UT wise funds allocated/disbursed and utilized under GIM during last five years (2019-20 to 2023-24)

(Rs. In Crores)

Sl. No.

State/UT

Funds Allocated/Disbursed

Funds

Utilized

Andhra Pradesh

2.02

2.74

Arunachal Pradesh

34.71

10.56

Chhattisgarh

12.91

11.38

Haryana

17.15

16.82

Himachal Pradesh

17.09

6.55

Jammu & Kashmir

32.22

31.70

Karnataka

14.27

13.56

Kerala

16.32

15.74

Madhya Pradesh

75.49

88.92

Maharashtra

0.00

1.78

Manipur

35.19

26.28

Mizoram

107.96

86.83

Odisha

79.00

74.91

Punjab

14.62

9.38

Sikkim

27.16

Uttarakhand

122.22

113.31

West Bengal

10.95

10.18

Uttar Pradesh

5.43

0.00

Total

624.71

547.82

Note: Fund Utilized also include the expenditure incurred from the release prior to FY2019-20

This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

*****

MJPS/GS

Sunday, 28 July 2024

Oxygen gas cylinder purity

Why Does Oxygen Purity Matter (Or Dwwhy Does Oxygen Purity Matter (Or Does It)?

When looking into supplementing oxygen in an operation, the topic of oxygen purity will inevitably come up. Oxygen purity refers to the percentage of oxygen in the gas - the higher the percentage, the higher the oxygen amount. The oxygen purity standard around the world for most operations lies somewhere between 85 - 99% purity. It is important to be aware that the standards will vary between different countries and different operation standards. For example, medical operations have a higher standard for oxygen purity, ranging between 90 - 99%. Also consider that oxygen concentrators will produce different results in varying climates and altitudes. Therefore, is it crucial to have the highest possible oxygen purity of 99% whenever possible? Is it even possible on a commercial or remote scaled operation? There are two answers to this question, which consider the stages of producing concentrated oxygen as well as the costs and available technology associated with them.

Oxygen 93 is the Standard for a Reason – it’s the Easiest to Produce and the Most Cost Effective

There could be up to two stages in the process of concentrating oxygen using adsorption technologies, however when the oxygen purity required is less than 95%, using a one stage VPSA or PSA process is enough to achieve the separation. In both pressure swing adsorption (PSA) and vacuum swing adsorption (VPSA), a single stage process will result in the inflow air being pressurized once and the output will be a higher amount of concentrated oxygen. In the oxygen concentrating process, the air that goes into the machine is the air we breathe. Most of the industrial machines and processes will produce an oxygen of around 93% purity, give or take a few percent, which is otherwise known as Oxygen 93 in many operations. As such, and in accordance with the United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) and the European Pharmacopoeia (EUP), Oxygen 93 is the standard for majority of the oxygen concentrators that use the molecular sieve process. The rest of the around 7% gas output in Oxygen 93 consists of argon and nitrogen that did not get separated. Nitrogen makes up 78% of the air we breathe, and while oxygen concentrators are highly effective at removing majority of the nitrogen, a small percentage can remain and is expected. Argon will make up majority of the remaining percentage because argon and oxygen are similar-sized molecules, making the separation process difficult to differentiate between the molecules. Despite this, argon and nitrogen are inert gases and will not affect the overall quality of the oxygen.

Higher than 93% Purity = More Money and More Complicated Machinery

To be clear, it is possible to produce oxygen at 95% or higher using a single-stage single-bed vacuum swing adsorption concentrator. However, they are not commercially available due to the high cost of the zeolite, a necessary piece to separating nitrogen from oxygen. Single stage concentrators use commercially available molecular sieves, which is part of the reason why most concentrators are limited to output Oxygen 93. Further, assuming the machines or materials came onto the market, the cost of acquiring them would not result in a good long-term return on investment as they would be incredibly expensive, and difficult and costly to maintain if not done regularly.

Second Stage Processes are Needed for Higher than 95%

To produce oxygen at a higher concentration than 95% on a commercial operation, a second stage process would be required. This would mean that a second pressurized mechanism or vacuum swing mechanism would be required. In second stage, the first round of concentrated oxygen would be sent through another PSA or VPSA column to further concentrate the output. Second stage concentrators typically use carbon molecular sieves or activated carbons to filter the oxygen, making them able to produce the 99% purity oxygen. However, with this high of purity comes a lot of other problems – the oxygen recovery (the oxygen purity going in versus the oxygen purity going out) on the second stage is low. Consider that single stage will go from around 20% purity from the air we breathe to around 93% through one concentrating process. This results in a high oxygen recovery ratio. Second stage will concentrate from around 93 - 99% purity. Thus, a second stage concentrator is not as effective as a single stage concentrator. A second stage concentration process will also require a deeper vacuum for VSA units and deeper pressure capabilities for PSA units. To accomplish this, more maintenance costs would be required for frequently used concentrators as the machines would be subject to harder work. Additionally, more energy would be required to run these machines, making capital and operational costs more expensive. Therefore, second stage concentrators have a lower oxygen recovery and they cost a significant more amount of money to run and maintain.

Unless Absolutely Necessary, Stay with Oxygen 93

To conclude, unless the industry or application requires an oxygen percentage higher than 95%, acquiring a higher oxygen purity is not worth it. Oxygen 93 is an industry standard and is perfectly adequate to provide the necessary amount of concentrated oxygen to majority of industry applications. Industry concentrators, specifically those designed by Oxygen Solutions Inc. guarantee that the machines are outputting the highest concentrated oxygen purity for the most affordable price.

Saturday, 27 July 2024

AM Green Inks Deal to Supply 50% of Green Ammonia Production to Yara Clean

AM Green Inks Deal to Supply 50% of Green Ammonia Production to Yara Cle

startupstars

May 13, 2024

May 19, 2024: AM Green, a world leading energy transition solutions provider announced today it has signed a term sheet for supply of renewable ammonia from Phase 1 of its ammonia production facility in Kakinada, India with Yara Clean Ammonia, the world’s largest trader and distributor of ammonia.

According to the agreement this term sheet and the subsequent offtake agreement covers the long-term supply of up to 50% of renewable ammonia from its production facility. The plant will produce, and export renewable ammonia derived from round-the-clock carbon free energy by 2027.

Renewable ammonia and other sustainable fuels from AM Green’s platform, will be compliant with EU RFNBO and Renewable Energy Directive requirements. For Yara Clean Ammonia, the renewable ammonia supply will contribute to produce low-emission fertilizer and for decarbonizing other industries like shipping, power, and other industries.

AM Green holds leadership position as a global clean energy transition solutions platform for low-cost green molecules

Mr. Mahesh Kolli, President of AM Green said, “We are delighted to partner with Yara Clean Ammonia to propel the transformation of various industries and several OECD economies. Continuous focus on innovation combined with execution reinforces our leadership position as a global clean energy transition solutions platform for low-cost green molecules such as hydrogen, ammonia, fuels and other chemicals.”

Mr. Hans Olav Raen, CEO of Yara Clean Ammonia said, “The AM Green Kakinada project expands our portfolio of ammonia produced with renewable energy and consolidates Yara Clean Ammonia’s position as a reliable supplier of low-emission ammonia to established and emerging markets like fertilizer production, cracking of clean ammonia to hydrogen, shipping fuel, power generation, and other industrial applications.”

Yara Clean Ammonia operates the largest global ammonia network with 15 ships and has, through Yara, access to 18 ammonia terminals and multiple ammonia production and consumption sites across the world. Revenues and EBITDA for FY 2023 were USD 1.9 billion and USD 101 million respectively. Yara Clean Ammonia is headquartered in Oslo, Norway.

A M Green, incorporated by the founders of Hyderabad-based Greenko Group – Anil Chalamalasetty and Mahesh Kolli, is one of India’s leading energy transition solutions providers. The company aims to become one of the most cost-competitive producers of green hydrogen, green ammonia, and other green molecules in the world.

The Greenko group is developing one of world’s largest green ammonia platforms starting with 1 million ton of production capacity at Kakinada in two phases and ramping capacity to 5 million ton per annum of green ammonia by 2030 – equivalent of 1 million ton per annum of hydrogen.

In India, AM Green is developing production capabilities for green molecules (green hydrogen, green ammonia, biofuels, e-methanol, sustainable aviation fuels and various downstream high value chemicals) for decarbonization in hard to abate industries. The venture will also set up an international renewables and storage business and a JV for making electrolysers with John Cockerill of Belgium.

AM Green’s Pre-Certification Signals Alignment with European Markets Requirements for Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBO)

AM Green Achieves Historic Milestone: First Indian Project to be Awarded CertifHy EU Pre-Certification for its Green Ammonia Plant in Kakinada

AM Green’s Pre-Certification Signals Alignment with European Markets Requirements for Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBO)

June 19, 2024 02:08 AM Eastern Daylight Time

KAKINADA, India & BRUSSELS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AM Green (formerly Greenko ZeroC), world’s leading energy transition solutions providers, has achieved the highly regarded CertifHy EU RFNBO pre-certification for their green ammonia project in Kakinada, India, a huge acknowledgment of India’s green hydrogen and ammonia potential.

As the first projects based out of India, this accomplishment places AM Green in a leading position, with a strong advantage to unlock the EU RFNBO market, as it prepares to commercialise the world's largest green ammonia facilities in Kakinada. By 2030, its production capacity will increase from one to five million tons per annum of green ammonia–equivalent to one million tonne per annum of hydrogen.

Renewable hydrogen consultancy Hinicio partnered with CertifHy, a leading certification body, and Bureau Veritas to pre-certify AM Green's project under the EU RFNBO Voluntary Scheme. Hinicio conducted a stringent compliance review and developed a long-term strategy, while Bureau Veritas assessed plant operations.

Furthermore, Kakinada project's green hydrogen was rigorously evaluated to certify renewable hydrogen is produced using around-the-clock carbon-free energy and adheres to European-wide legislative criteria for the decarbonization of the transport and industrial sectors. Achieving pre-certification positions the project for a promising path to full certification.

The European Union (EU) enforces the world's most mature and stringent regulations for renewable fuels. As a leader in the green hydrogen and ammonia sectors, which adhere to the strictest global standards, AM Green’s successful RFNBO pre-certification demonstrates its commitment to meet this criterion, paving way for the supply of clean energy from India to the demanding EU market.

Mr. Mahesh Kolli, Founder and Group President, AM Green, said, “The pre-certification awarded by CertifHy to our Kakinada plant underscores our commitment to providing carbon-free energy solutions globally while meeting the highest standards like EU RFNBO norms. This is a significant milestone for AM Green as it reinforces our position as a leading energy transition solutions platform helping to decarbonize industries like refineries, shipping, fertilizers, power generation, chemicals and others through low-cost green molecules and its derivatives.”

Laurence Boisramé, Bureau Veritas Global Director, Hydrogen, said, “RFNBO rules set by the European Commission will apply not only to hydrogen producers in Europe but also to any producer targeting the European market. This creates a lot of interest as well as many questions about the interpretation of these regulations outside of the EU. At Bureau Veritas, we are convinced that project pre-certification is the best way to advance toward practical application. As a trusted certification body for CertifHy’s EU RFNBO Voluntary Scheme, and with a network of over 8000 auditors around the world, Bureau Veritas is thrilled to contribute to accelerating the international trade of renewable hydrogen and its derivatives.”

Patrick Maio, Hinicio CEO, said, “Pre-certification serves as a critical tool for RNFBO-hydrogen suppliers striving to guarantee project compliance, as well as off takers seeking to verify the attributes of their procured molecules. Thanks to its global experience and deep knowledge of the Indian context, Hinicio is uniquely positioned to advise international players like AM Green on project design and offtake, European market entry, and long-term compliance with EU regulations.”

Matthieu Boisson, CertifHy Managing Director, said, “AM Green’s achievement of pre-certification demonstrates its commitment to being a strong contributor to India’s renewable ammonia production. This project sets a strong precedent for future collaborations and strengthens the global market for clean energy solutions. CertifHy aims to position itself as a global market instrument, and as such, strives for the highest level of expertise and assistance by leveraging its experience as a hydrogen and e-fuels’ certification pure player.”

Pre-certification is increasingly sought after by companies developing renewable energy projects, as it offers several key advantages. It acts as a critical evaluation to identify potential weaknesses early in the design phase, saving time and resources by avoiding costly modifications later. Pre-certification is also perceived as a powerful instrument for the facilitation of Final Investment Decisions (FID) or offtake negotiations.

About AM Green

Founded by clean energy pioneers Anil Chalamalasetty and Mahesh Kolli, of Greenko Group, AM Green is a frontrunner in India's energy transition with a mission to be a global leader in cost-competitive green hydrogen, ammonia, and other sustainable molecules. Further, drive decarbonization with biofuels, e-fuels, sustainable aviation fuels, and essential chemicals.

Beyond India, AM Green is building an international renewables and storage business. Further, with John Cockerill (Belgium) it is building an electrolyser production to strengthen global reach.

Contacts

Media Relations for AM Green Ammonia
Mr Suheil Imtiaz
Sr Manager, Public Affairs & Strategic Communications
Email: suheil.m@amgreen.com
Mobile: + 91 94401 59289

Media Relations for CertifHy
Mr Sébastien Galand
Marketing & Communication Manager
Email: sebastien.galand@certifhy.eu
Mobile: +32 477 903835