Clean Energy Archives - S&R Associates

Landscape for Green Hydrogen in India

Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe and has the potential to store tremendous amounts of energy. Under the right circumstances, it can be a viable alternative to fossil fuels and can significantly contribute to decarbonization. Accordingly, in India’s quest to decarbonize and achieve net zero emissions by 2070, it seeks to manufacture and deploy Green Hydrogen (“GH2”), and its derivates such as Green Ammonia. Policy initiatives including the National Green Hydrogen Mission (“NGHM”), and the Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme (“GHCI”) create a framework, while incentivizing investments in the sector by providing financial incentives and creating robust and transparent monitoring systems. Other key consideration for investors would be the ease of financing and longevity of business operations, dependent in part on the regulatory framework. The availability of low cost renewable energy and skilled workforce also show good promise to transform the country’s energy infrastructure and position it as an export hub for international trade. In this backdrop, investors are keenly looking at the landscape for GH2 in India to meet both financial and ESG goals.

Climate Change and ESG Considerations in India’s AI-Driven Future

Insights | August 14, 2024 | Practice Area: Clean Energy, Corporate Governance and ESG, Regulatory, Technology; Media and Telecommunications

As AI continues to transform industries in crucial ways, the training of large AI models remains highly energy- and resource-intensive, resulting in significant emissions and waste.
For countries and companies which have ambitious net-zero goals, balancing AI ambitions with existing decarbonization strategies is important. As India accelerates its journey towards becoming a global economic powerhouse, it may want to address the environmental implications of increased AI deployment, including by regulating AI with the aim of making increased adoption sustainable. Where companies are concerned, investing in ‘green AI’ will not only benefit the environment but may also enhance their ESG profiles. Going forward, the integration of climate considerations into AI policy is likely to become an important element of responsible AI development.

Clean Energy: Issue 2 of 2024

Quarterly Roundups | August 12, 2024 | Practice Area: Clean Energy, Projects; Infrastructure and Energy, Regulatory

Pursuant to significant regulatory developments in the period between January and March 2024, as discussed in our previous clean energy quarterly update (Issue 1 of 2024), Issue 2 tracks and analyzes key regulatory developments between the months of April and June 2024, including in respect of the approved/revised list of manufacturers and models (related to solar photovoltaic modules and wind turbine models, respectively), rooftop solar projects, the optimal utilization of power generating stations, the National Green Hydrogen Mission, the determination of fees and charges to be collected by regional load dispatch centers, deviation settlement, EV charging infrastructure, quality control standards for electrical equipment, biomass utilization, the electricity grid code, and renewable energy tariff determination.

In addition, Issue 2 of 2024 tracks and discusses key regulatory developments across states, such as those with respect to open access (including green energy open access), consumer rights, resource adequacy, renewable purchase obligations, peer-to-peer energy transactions, and battery energy storage systems.

Safeguarding Biodiversity or Mitigating the Impact of Climate Change: A Novel Dilemma

Insights | July 29, 2024 | Practice Area: Clean Energy, Corporate Governance and ESG, Projects; Infrastructure and Energy

In a landmark judgement delivered in March 2024, in MK Ranjitsingh & Others vs. Union of India & Others, the Supreme Court of India sought to balance two goals which it considered “equally crucial” – the conservation of a “critically endangered species”, the Great Indian Bustard, and the conservation of the environment.
The Supreme Court has proposed a way ahead to address the dilemma presented to it. Balanced and prompt follow up action will be critical to approach both biodiversity and climate goals in a meaningful way.

The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity: Opportunities for Indian Companies

Insights | June 26, 2024 | Practice Area: Anti-corruption; Fraud and Investigations, Clean Energy, Corporate Governance and ESG, Projects; Infrastructure and Energy, Regulatory, Tax

Along with 13 other countries (including the US, Japan, Singapore, South Korea and Australia), India has joined the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (“IPEF”). Representing 40% of global GDP and almost 30% of international trade in goods and services, the IPEF is expected to promote economic activity, investment, and sustainable growth in the Indo-Pacific region. It also aims to address emerging economic challenges – such as those related to trade, supply chains, clean energy (including green infrastructure), taxation and anti-corruption.
While agreements in respect of a clean economy and a fair economy, respectively, were reached in June 2024 at the IPEF Ministerial meeting held in Singapore, the IPEF agreement on supply chains, signed in November 2023, came into force earlier this year (February 2024).
The IPEF presents a unique opportunity for Indian companies to enhance competitiveness and expand their markets. By actively engaging with the framework, businesses in India can position themselves as key players in the dynamic Indo-Pacific landscape. Further, the IPEF presents an opportunity for India to strengthen economic cooperation with the US – which relationship, in turn, is likely to prove valuable for both Indian and American companies.

Clean Energy: Issue 1 of 2024

Quarterly Roundups | May 15, 2024 | Practice Area: Clean Energy, Projects; Infrastructure and Energy, Regulatory

Issue 1 of 2024 of S&R’s Quarterly Roundup Series on Clean Energy covers the period between January and March 2024. The covered period witnessed several transformational developments, such as those in respect of the Electricity Rules, 2005 involving the delicensing of transmission lines and capping of open access charges; a renewed focus on distributed/decentralized solar energy; requirements related to the approved list of manufactures and models in connection with solar photovoltaic modules; green hydrogen policies at the state level (e.g., Uttar Pradesh); and incentive schemes and guidelines for pilot projects across key sectors (like shipping, steel and transport) related to the production and supply of green hydrogen and green ammonia, along with detailed scheme guidelines for the manufacture of electrolyzers, the setting up of hydrogen hubs, as well as on research and development and skilling.

Clean Energy: Issue 4 of 2023

Quarterly Roundups | January 29, 2024 | Practice Area: Clean Energy, Projects; Infrastructure and Energy, Regulatory

S&R Associates presents the fourth issue of its quarterly roundup series on clean energy, covering the months of November and December 2023.
Issue No. 4 comprises regulatory updates on renewable energy and electric vehicles, respectively, including central and state government notifications in this regard, along with India-related updates and international developments from within the reviewed period.
In addition, Issue No. 4 contains a note on the investment viability of innovative and/or clean construction technologies, as published in a Knowledge Brief of the Asia Pacific Real Estate Association (APREA).

Clean Energy: Issue 3 of 2023

Quarterly Roundups | November 23, 2023 | Practice Area: Banking and Finance, Clean Energy, Projects; Infrastructure and Energy, Regulatory

S&R Associates presents the third issue of its quarterly roundup series on clean energy. Here, we cover updates from the period between the months of July and October of 2023.
This issue comprises regulatory updates on renewable energy and electric vehicles, respectively, including central and state government notifications in this regard, along with India-related updates and international developments.
In addition, we provide an overview of carbon credits, including in respect of its market dynamics.

Innovative Constructions: Assessing the Investment Viability of New Construction Technologies

Insights | November 20, 2023 | Practice Area: Banking and Finance, Clean Energy, Corporate Governance and ESG, General Corporate, Projects; Infrastructure and Energy, Regulatory

Every year, Indians require 10 million new homes. At the same time, global markets are increasingly focused on sustainability, climate change and ESG-related goals. The confluence of such factors has created various opportunities to employ climate-responsive construction techniques, including through the use of eco-friendly and sustainable material. Relatedly, the interplay of energy-efficient solutions, green-certified buildings, targeted investments and financing, key legislative changes, government incentives and a coordinated regulatory framework, as well as increased digitalization, may change this ecosystem in fundamental ways.

Carbon Credits: An Overview

Insights | September 27, 2023 | Practice Area: Banking and Finance, Clean Energy, Corporate Governance and ESG, Projects; Infrastructure and Energy, Regulatory

The idea of carbon credits, including the establishment of a market for such credits, has generated significant global attention in recent years. While this idea is not new, it has become especially important today to understand what such credits entail and how these can benefit businesses – given the worldwide momentum towards ESG-related goals.
Carbon market transactions involve the purchase of emission rights from entities which have the technical and/or economic ability to reduce emissions. India’s Carbon Credit Trading Scheme, 2023 defines a ‘carbon credit’ to mean a value assigned to a reduction, removal or avoidance of emitted greenhouse gases amounting to one metric ton of CO2 or its equivalent. Accordingly, certificates may be issued by the government under the newly amended Energy Conservation Act, 2001.
In regulated carbon markets, each registered/obligated entity may be allotted a certain number of credits. Those that produce fewer emissions than the number of credits issued by the government (or an authorized agency) may enjoy a surplus. Conversely, companies with older and/or less efficient operations may generate more emissions than their credit allocation. The latter category may then look to buy credits to balance their emissions, including on account of a regulatory mandate.
This exchange between buyers and sellers will establish the market price. If it is cheaper for an emitter to trade in, rather than control, emissions, they can buy credits. Those that find it feasible to reduce emissions at a cost less than the market price can sell. Emissions trading can thus transform the right to emit a pollutant into a tradable good and create economic incentives for reduction.