Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
azadi ka amrit mahotsav
NISE’s New PV Lab to Set Global Benchmarks in Solar Testing Capabilities: Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi
India on Track to Meet 500 GW Non-Fossil Fuel Target by 2030, Including 292 GW Solar: Union Minister Joshi
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi Inaugurates Solar PV Testing Facility at NISE, Gwal Pahari
Posted On: 22 APR 2025 5:13PM by PIB Delhi
Marking a major advancement in India’s renewable energy capabilities, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Shri Pralhad Joshi, inaugurated the PV Module Testing and Calibration Lab at the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), Gwal Pahari, Bandhwari, Haryana. Speaking at the occasion, the Minister stated that the new lab will set global benchmarks in solar R&D, testing, training, and policy support while marking a bold step towards self-reliance, innovation, and global excellence.
Shri Joshi also said that NISE is now equipped to offer comprehensive testing, calibration, and certification services, particularly for photovoltaic modules and technologies where no established standards currently exist. He termed the lab a pioneering facility for India and further highlighted that as Indian companies scale up the production of large modules, this lab will ensure that products meet the highest quality standards. Shri Joshi noted that the lab also aligns with BIS standards and will provide a major boost to the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and support India's aspiration to become a global manufacturing hub.
The Minister also underlined the importance of NISE as a training ground for government officials, industry professionals, and international delegates. He appreciated NISE’s efforts in training over 55,000 Suryamitra technicians and for installing more than 300 solar air dryer-cum-space heating systems in Leh, which are being used by farmers to dry apricots. He said such initiatives strengthen technical capacity and foster collaboration among government, industry, and academia. Shri Joshi also stated that with the new facility, NISE will significantly improve its efficiency, quality, and research in accordance with global benchmarks.
Tremendous Growth in RE Sector
Highlighting the exponential growth under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Minister said that India’s installed solar capacity increased from 2.82 GW in 2014 to crossed 106 GW now, marking a growth of over 3700%. In terms of manufacturing, solar module production has increased from 2 GW in 2014 to 80 GW today, with a target of reaching 150 GW by 2030. Alongside solar progress, the Minister also underscored the achievement of 50 GW in wind energy capacity.
Emphasising the government’s ambitious targets, Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi said that India is firmly on track to achieve the 500 GW non-fossil fuel energy target by 2030, including 292 GW of solar energy, as envisioned by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
The Minister said that NISE should reflect the transformation India’s renewable energy sector has seen in the last 11 years under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership. He also urged the institute to step up efforts in global research impact and patent generation.
Emerging Technologies and Scalable Innovations
Union Minister Joshi highlighted the need for deep research, innovation, and global collaboration. He advised NISE to build partnerships, develop talent, and push boundaries so that its work resonates across laboratories, manufacturing units, and solar farms worldwide.
He also acknowledged that NISE is already working on advanced technologies like Perovskite Solar Cells and Bifacial Panels. Going forward, he said, NISE should undertake initiatives for mass adoption of innovations such as AI for Solar Power Forecasting, Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV), and Solar-Driven EV Charging Stations. He added that enabling sustainable EV charging through solar is a part of Prime Minister Modi’s vision and should be explored by NISE at scale.
Strengthening Global Solar Cooperation
The Minister also chaired a meeting to review the progress of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), along with MNRE Secretary Shri Santosh Kumar Sarangi, ISA Director General Shri Ashish Khanna and other senior officials. He emphasized the need for collaborative global efforts in solar energy adoption.
Commemorating Earth Day with Green Commitments
Shri Joshi also planted a tree as part of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ plantation drive at NISE, calling it a heartfelt initiative by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He stated that each sapling is a tribute to our mothers and a promise for a greener tomorrow. On World Earth Day, he called upon all to renew their commitment to building a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable planet.
CO₂ Fire Extinguisher. What is it?
ReplyDeleteCO₂ (Carbon Dioxide) Fire Extinguishers are ideal for Class B (flammable liquids) and electrical fires. They work by displacing oxygen and cutting off the fire’s source.
Technical Specifications:
Extinguishing Agent: 100% Liquefied CO₂
Capacity: Common sizes – 2kg, 4.5kg, 6.5kg, 9kg
Discharge Time: Approx. 8–30 seconds depending on size
Discharge Range: 1.5 to 4 meters
Working Pressure: ~55 bar at 27°C
Operating Temperature Range: -20°C to +55°C
Test Pressure: 250 bar (min)
Material: High-grade seamless steel cylinder
Standards: IS 15222 / IS 15683 (India), BS EN 3 (UK), UL 154 (USA)
Where is it used?
Electrical rooms
Data centers
Labs and control rooms
Areas with flammable liquids
Why should you use it?
Non-conductive – Safe for live electrical equipment
No residue – Clean agent, no cleanup required
Fast-acting – Cuts off oxygen, suppresses fire instantly
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Important Safety Tips:
Always hold by the insulated handle
Never use in an enclosed, unventilated space
Ensure proper signage and accessibility
A HAZOP (Hazard and Operability) study for a green ammonia plant systematically analyzes potential hazards and operability issues throughout the process to identify deviations from design intent and propose mitigation measures. This helps ensure safer and more efficient plant operation. The study focuses on identifying potential hazards like overfilling storage tanks, equipment maintenance issues, human error, and aging infrastructure. It also assesses the feasibility of the project, including financial modeling and risk mitigation.
ReplyDeleteHere's a more detailed breakdown:
1. What is a HAZOP Study?
A HAZOP study is a structured method for identifying potential hazards and operability problems in a process.
It involves a team of experts who systematically review the process, looking for potential deviations from the intended design and operation.
The goal is to identify hazards that could lead to accidents, environmental damage, or operational problems.
2. Key Areas of Focus in Green Ammonia Plant HAZOP Studies:
Green Hydrogen Production:
Green hydrogen, produced through electrolysis of water using renewable energy, is a key input for green ammonia.
Ammonia Synthesis:
The Haber-Bosch process, which combines hydrogen and nitrogen under high pressure and temperature to produce ammonia, is a critical part of the process.
Storage and Handling:
Safe storage and handling of ammonia, including loading, unloading, and transport, are important considerations.
Renewable Energy Integration:
The plant's reliance on renewable energy sources like solar, wind, or hydro power introduces new challenges and opportunities.
Operational Aspects:
The study also examines the potential for human error, equipment failure, and other operational issues that could lead to hazards.
3. What are the Potential Hazards?
Overfilling Storage Tanks:
The risk of overfilling storage tanks during the loading process can lead to ammonia releases.
Equipment Maintenance Issues:
Poor equipment maintenance, such as leaks in valves and piping, can pose significant risks.
Human Error:
Mistakes during loading, unloading, or other operations can lead to accidents or environmental damage.
Aging Infrastructure:
Corrosion in storage tanks and piping can lead to leaks and other problems.
Process Deviations:
Deviations from design or operational conditions can lead to unexpected process behavior and potential hazards.
4. How does a HAZOP Study Help?
Risk Mitigation:
By identifying potential hazards, HAZOP studies allow for the implementation of measures to mitigate those risks.
Improved Safety:
The study helps ensure that the plant is designed and operated in a safe and reliable manner.
Enhanced Efficiency:
By addressing potential operability issues, the study contributes to more efficient plant operation.
Compliance:
HAZOP studies can help ensure compliance with safety regulations and industry standards.
5. Example of a Green Ammonia Plant HAZOP Study:
The KAPSOM's successful HAZOP analysis meeting for a West Africa's pioneering green energy project involved a thorough examination of the green hydrogen and ammonia production process. The team identified potential hazards and operability concerns, resulting in a comprehensive risk analysis and recommended safety measures. The study confirmed that all process flows were within safe and manageable limits, with no significant hazards detected.
In addition to the above, HAZOP studies for green ammonia plants may also consider the following:
Model-based HAZOP:
Using process simulations to predict the plant's response to deviations from design or operation conditions.
Operational HAZOP and SIL studies:
Focusing on operational aspects and integrating safety integrity levels (SIL) for critical safety functions.
Financial Modeling and Feasibility:
Evaluating the economic viability of the project, including capital and operating expenses.
Green Ammonia: The Answer To A More Sustainable Future
ReplyDeleteAmmonia saved the world once; it might do it again.A century ago, the world faced a looming food crisis. A booming population was pushing farmers to grow crops faster than nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the soil could keep up, and the South American deposits of guano and natural nitrates they applied as fertilizer were dwindling.In what may still be the biggest global problem solved by chemistry, Fritz Haber and Carl Bosch developed a process to react hydrogen and atmospheric nitrogen under pressure to make ammonia, which farmers adopted in place of natural fertilizers.
Today’s crisis is climate change. This time, ammonia can be produced by hydrogen from water electrolysis and nitrogen separated from the air, the whole process is 100% carbon free. Compared with hydrogen, ammonia is expanding from the most traditional agricultural fertilizer field to the energy field due to its obvious advantages in storage and transportation.As a carrier of zero-carbon fuel and hydrogen energy, ammonia is an important pillar in achieving future green development.
The Threat of Climate Change
Climate change poses a fundamental threat to the places, species and people’s livelihoods. To adequately address this crisis we must urgently reduce carbon pollution and prepare for the consequences of global warming.
Temperature Rise
The Earth is now about 1.1°C warmer than it was in the 1800s. On the current path of carbon dioxide emissions, temperature could increase by as much as 4.4°C by the end of the century.
CO2 Concentration
The concentration of carbon dioxide in Earth’s atmosphere is currently at nearly 412 parts per million (ppm) and rising. This represents a 47 percent increase since the beginning of the Industrial Age.
Water Scarcity
Climate change is exacerbating both water scarcity and water-related hazards (such as floods and droughts), as rising temperatures disrupt precipitation patterns and the entire water cycle.
Food Security
Extreme weather is a driver of world hunger.As global temperatures and sea levels rise, the result is more heat waves, droughts, floods, cyclones and wildfires. Those conditions make it difficult for farmers to grow food and for the hungry to get it.
Natural Disasters
With increasing global surface temperatures the possibility of more droughts and increased intensity of storms will likely occur.
Achieving Green Energy Transformation
One of the most promising applications of green ammonia is its utilization as a sustainable energy carrier. Ammonia can be produced from the available elemental hydrogen and nitrogen in the air and, if necessary, can be broken down again into its components with the help of an ammonia cracker. This means ammonia can be transported around the world from areas rich in wind and solar resources, where it can be used directly to generate electricity or cracked again into hydrogen for industrial applications.
Ammonia can also be burned directly, for example in gas turbines or ship engines. Due to its versatility, ammonia is an ideal green energy molecule. Ammonia has a higher energy density than hydrogen, which makes it easy to transport and easy to store. This makes green ammonia an ideal liquid energy carrier for transporting renewable energy “green hydrogen” over long distances.
Furthermore, ammonia is already a globally traded product with existing transportation infrastructure, thus offering significant potential for the global green energy economy and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Green Urea: Revolutionizing Fertilizer Production
ReplyDeleteUrea stands as the primary solid nitrogen fertilizer worldwide, offering a practical solution to bolster crop yields and profitability. However, the conventional urea (CH4N2O) production process generates a staggering 12.5 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) annually, rendering it one of the largest contributors to CO2 emissions within the chemical industry. Despite its paramount role in agriculture, urea also boasts significant applications in industry and healthcare.
Green urea uses carbon capture technology to capture and store carbon dioxide, electrolyze water to produce carbon-free hydrogen, and then use the generated hydrogen to react with nitrogen (usually extracted from the air) to produce green ammonia. Green ammonia and carbon dioxide (CO2) synthesize green urea and water.
By adopting this innovative process, green urea effectively mitigates CO2 emissions, representing a pivotal step towards decarbonizing agriculture. This shift not only aligns with sustainability goals but also signifies a progressive leap towards environmentally responsible farming practices.
Facing Climate Change: Agriculture's Battle for Survival
The production process of traditional urea (which accounts for more than 70% of global fertilizer use) emits carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas and a major contributor to climate change. Climate change also leads to earlier crop development, shorter growth cycles, reduced yields, and lower quality. It results in increased climate variability, leading to higher instability in agricultural production.
Extreme Weather
As global temperatures and sea levels rise, there are more heatwaves, droughts, floods, hurricanes, and wildfires. Such conditions make it difficult for farmers to grow crops, and hungry people struggle to access food.
Land Degradation
In general, for every 1°C increase in temperature, air humidity can increase by about 7%. Therefore, climate change may lead to increased frequency, intensity, and quantity of heavy rainfall in certain regions, subsequently increasing the rate of soil erosion.
Loss of Biodiversity
Many wild relatives of crops that are essential for long-term food security lack effective protection. Reduced diversity will diminish agriculture’s resilience to future climate change, pests, and pathogens.
Securing Global Food Supplies Sustainably
Green urea is widely used in the field of agriculture. As a neutral fertilizer, green urea is suitable for various soils and plants. It is easy to store, convenient to use, and has a minimal impact on the soil. It is currently one of the most widely used chemical nitrogen fertilizers.
According to United Nations projections, the world’s population is expected to reach 8.5 billion by 2030 and 9.7 billion by 2050. Estimates indicate that to feed the global population by 2050, total food production will need to increase by nearly 60% compared to current levels.
Green urea is a derivative of green ammonia, and it is produced by reacting green ammonia with CO2 from urea plants to create green urea products without carbon emissions. It not only reduces greenhouse gas carbon emissions but also serves as a raw material for various industrial applications, facilitating carbon neutrality in automobile emissions and playing a fundamental role in ensuring global food security.
Green Hydrogen: The Fuel of the Future? 🚀🌍
ReplyDeleteAs the world accelerates toward net-zero emissions, green hydrogen is emerging as a game-changer in the clean energy transition. Unlike grey or blue hydrogen, green hydrogen is produced using renewable energy (solar, wind) and electrolysis, making it a truly zero-emission fuel.
🔹 Why is Green Hydrogen Important?
✅ Decarbonization – Helps cut emissions in hard-to-abate sectors like steel, cement, and shipping.
✅ Energy Storage – Can store surplus renewable energy for later use.
✅ Industrial Applications – A clean alternative to fossil fuels in industries.
✅ Fuel for Mobility – Powers hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles with zero emissions.
📌 Challenges to Overcome:
⚡ High Production Costs – Electrolysis is still expensive compared to fossil fuels.
⚡ Infrastructure Gaps – Need for pipelines, storage, and distribution networks.
⚡ Scaling Up Production – Requires massive investments and policy support.
🚀 The Road Ahead
Countries are stepping up with ambitious green hydrogen strategies. Initiatives like India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission, the EU’s Hydrogen Strategy, and the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act are pushing large-scale adoption.
Strategies for Green Hydrogen in Transportation:
ReplyDelete🔴 Hydrogen Market Growth: Expected to reach $320 billion by 2030, with a strong push in transportation.
🔴 Fuel Cell Vehicle Expansion: Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs) to hit 1.3 million units by 2030, revolutionizing mobility.
🔴 LCOH Reduction Target: Current $5-$7/kg, aiming for below $2/kg by 2030 through scaling and efficiency improvements.
🔴 Electrolyzer Advancements:
📍 PEM: 70-80% efficiency, compact, high cost
📍 Alkaline: 60-70% efficiency, mature, lower cost
📍 AEM: 75-85% efficiency, emerging, no iridium
🔴 Hydrogen as a Maritime & Aviation Fuel:
📍 SOFCs for ships & aircraft
📍 Hydrogen-based synthetic fuels & ammonia to replace fossil fuels
🔴 Infrastructure Growth: Over 1,000+ hydrogen refueling stations globally, with Japan, the U.S., and Germany leading.
🔴 Hydrogen Policy Support:
📍 EU: 40 GW electrolyzer target, $12B investment
📍 USA: $8B hydrogen hub funding
📍 India: National Green Hydrogen Mission ($2.5B investment)
📍 China: 1M FCEVs targeted by 2035
🔴 Heavy-Duty & Freight Applications: Hydrogen-powered trucks, trains, and cargo ships to drive early adoption.
🔴 Hydrogen Corridors: Developing dedicated hydrogen refueling networks along major highways and shipping lanes.
🔴 Cost Reduction Strategies:
📍 Large-scale electrolyzer production
📍 Hybrid hydrogen-battery systems for efficiency
📍 Pipeline repurposing for hydrogen distribution
🔴 Hydrogen-Powered Cities: Hydrogen hubs emerging in ports, airports, and industrial zones for energy security.
🔴 Future Vision: By 2040-2050, hydrogen will be a mainstream fuel, decarbonizing global transport for a net-zero future.