Yojana Magazine September 2024 - 3 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

 Page 1


As per Economic Survey 2023-24, India's energy needs are expected to grow
2 to 2.5 times by 2047 to meet a growing economy's developmental priorities
and aspirations. Energy security would be enhanced through diversification of
the sources of imports and increased domestic production while reducing energy
demand. According to Ministry of Power, 54.5 per cent of lndia's power came
from thermal sources (like coal, gas and diesel), while 45.5 per cent came from
nonlfossil fuel sources, which includes 1.8 per cent nuclear power in June 2024[
Adopting gasification technology in India can revolutionise the coal sector,
reducing reliance on imports of natural gas, ammonia, methanol and other
essential products while reducing emission. High dependeney on imports mainly
for petroleum for its energy needs shifts to high import dependeney for Solar PV
panels and critical minerals whose supply chain is heavily skewed. India needs
to target diversi,,fled energy sources. S
associated with energy system
rsification will help minimise risk
g with low emission path.
Commission, Government of India, in various capa
DR S ( LAH|RY     I  I!eLa_u:.h.?Tis:^f`?TT.eLr^A_a.V|sfe,r.t.q.tp:
rkhand (on deput
ross the lndu
and the Planning Commission. He served for 25 years in the Planning
Minerals, Agriculture, and allied sectors. Email: sclahirv@gmail.com
EH
he     International      Energy     Agency
(lEA)  defines  energy  security  as  the
uninterrupted   availability   of  energy
sources at an affordable price. Energy
security concerns  are  key driving  force of energy
policy, considering  that  resources are  limited, the
pace of energy transition would  need to factor in
demands on the resources for improving
resilience to climate change and for sustained social
and economic development. Energy security refers
to a country's ability to ensure a reliable, sustainable
and  uninterrupted  supply  of energy  to  meet  its
economic, social  and  political  needs. The four key
objectives of the new energy policy of our country
YOJANA SEPTEMBER 2024
Page 2


As per Economic Survey 2023-24, India's energy needs are expected to grow
2 to 2.5 times by 2047 to meet a growing economy's developmental priorities
and aspirations. Energy security would be enhanced through diversification of
the sources of imports and increased domestic production while reducing energy
demand. According to Ministry of Power, 54.5 per cent of lndia's power came
from thermal sources (like coal, gas and diesel), while 45.5 per cent came from
nonlfossil fuel sources, which includes 1.8 per cent nuclear power in June 2024[
Adopting gasification technology in India can revolutionise the coal sector,
reducing reliance on imports of natural gas, ammonia, methanol and other
essential products while reducing emission. High dependeney on imports mainly
for petroleum for its energy needs shifts to high import dependeney for Solar PV
panels and critical minerals whose supply chain is heavily skewed. India needs
to target diversi,,fled energy sources. S
associated with energy system
rsification will help minimise risk
g with low emission path.
Commission, Government of India, in various capa
DR S ( LAH|RY     I  I!eLa_u:.h.?Tis:^f`?TT.eLr^A_a.V|sfe,r.t.q.tp:
rkhand (on deput
ross the lndu
and the Planning Commission. He served for 25 years in the Planning
Minerals, Agriculture, and allied sectors. Email: sclahirv@gmail.com
EH
he     International      Energy     Agency
(lEA)  defines  energy  security  as  the
uninterrupted   availability   of  energy
sources at an affordable price. Energy
security concerns  are  key driving  force of energy
policy, considering  that  resources are  limited, the
pace of energy transition would  need to factor in
demands on the resources for improving
resilience to climate change and for sustained social
and economic development. Energy security refers
to a country's ability to ensure a reliable, sustainable
and  uninterrupted  supply  of energy  to  meet  its
economic, social  and  political  needs. The four key
objectives of the new energy policy of our country
YOJANA SEPTEMBER 2024
utunmMes
filtAHut
S   More thou l.28 croro mgistrattons end t4 fakh applicctens
rocehodunderPMSurye®harMutBijtiYqjara
®   Pumped storage pofie¥ to be brought out for etectdefty storage cnd
intngrationOfronermbte®mfg]r!ntheavarialienergrm!x
®   R&D ct smut end medufro nuelaer roecters are ftever technologies
fernuefro""ngY
a   JQint venture bet\veen NTse and BHEl to set up a full scale 8cO MW
commer€iol thamal pfant using AuSC* teehro!ogir
¢   Roodmep fer 'herd ta chct€' irdustde§ to be fomumed for trans!
•   Energy audit of frodidenol miero and small industds in so ctust
firanctalsoppedfershiftlngthemtocteonerforms
are: access  at affordable  prices,  improved  en
security  and  independence,  greater  sustainability
and economic growth.
Today,  India  is  heavily dependent  on  oil  and
gas  imports  while  also  importing   coal.  As   per
Economic survey 2023-24, lndia's energy needs are
expected to grow 2 to 2.5 times by 2047 to meet a
growing economy's developmental  priorities and
aspirations.  Energy  security  would  be  enhanced
through diversification  of the sources of imports
and increased domestic production while reducing
energy demand. Our fossil fuel requirement which
comprise 90 per cent of our commercial  primary
energy   supply   are   increasingly   being   met   by
imports  which   means  that  reducing  fossil  fuel
consumption  would  promote  the  twin  goals  of
sustainability   and   security.   NITI   Aayog's   India
Energy  Security  Scenarios  2047  estimates  that
India  will  need  to  invest  US$250  billion  annually
until   2047   to   prepare   its   energy   systems   for
net-zero pathways.
Budget 2024-25
As   part  of  the   Union   Budget  2024-25,  the
Finance     Minister     announced     following     key
measures to enhance energy security:
I     The   Government   will   collaborate   with   the
private  sector  on  research  and  development
for  Bharat  Small  Modular  Reactors  and  new
nuclear   energy   technologies,   and   establish
Bharat Small Reactors.
I      A   policy  document  titled  `Energy  Transition
Pathways'    will     be     released     to     balance
employment,     growth     and     environmental
sustainability.
I     A policy to promote pumped storage proj.ects
for electricity storage will be introduced which
will  facilitate  smooth  integration  of  growing
share of renewable power with its variable and
intermittent nature in the overall energy mix.
I     A  joint  venture  between   NTPC  Limited  and
Bharat    Heavy    Electricals    Limited    will     be
established  to  create  an  800  MW commercial
plant    using    advanced    ultra    super    critical
oadmap  for  moving  the  'hard  to  abate'
stries    from   'energy    efficiency'   targets
emission    targets'    will    be    formulated.
ropriate regulations for transition of these
dustries from the current `perform,   achieve
and  trade'  mode  to  'lndian   carbon   market'
mode will be put in place.
1      PM   Suraj   Ghar   Muft   Bijli   Yojana   has  been
launched   to   install   rooftop   solar   plants   to
enable 1 crore households obtain free electricity
upto 300  units every month. The scheme  has
generated   remarkable   response   with   more
than 1.28 crore household registrations besides
14 lakh applications.
I      As   support   to   traditional   micro   and   small
enterprises, an investment-grade energy audit
of traditional  micro and  small  industries  in  60
clusters  including  brass  and  ceramic  will   be
facilitated.  Financial  support  will  be  provided
for shifting them to cleaner forms of energy and
implementation of energy efficiency measures.
The scheme will  be  replicated  in  another  loo
clusters in the next phase.
Budgetary AE!ocations FY 24-25
Apart    from    estimates    and    revenue,    the
annual   budget   exercise   provides   directions   to
the   economic   policy   measures   and   articulate
major  initiatives  of the  Government.  In  2024-25,
the  Ministry  of  Non  Renewal  Energy  (MNRE)  has
been  allocated  Rs  19100 crore which  is an  annual
increase of 86.7 per cent over the budget allocation
(Rs   10222.00   crore)   in   2023-24.  The   budgetary
allocation   for  the   Ministry  of  Power   has   been
pegged at Rs 20502 crore (as against Rs 20671 crore
SEPTEMBER 2024 YOJANA
Page 3


As per Economic Survey 2023-24, India's energy needs are expected to grow
2 to 2.5 times by 2047 to meet a growing economy's developmental priorities
and aspirations. Energy security would be enhanced through diversification of
the sources of imports and increased domestic production while reducing energy
demand. According to Ministry of Power, 54.5 per cent of lndia's power came
from thermal sources (like coal, gas and diesel), while 45.5 per cent came from
nonlfossil fuel sources, which includes 1.8 per cent nuclear power in June 2024[
Adopting gasification technology in India can revolutionise the coal sector,
reducing reliance on imports of natural gas, ammonia, methanol and other
essential products while reducing emission. High dependeney on imports mainly
for petroleum for its energy needs shifts to high import dependeney for Solar PV
panels and critical minerals whose supply chain is heavily skewed. India needs
to target diversi,,fled energy sources. S
associated with energy system
rsification will help minimise risk
g with low emission path.
Commission, Government of India, in various capa
DR S ( LAH|RY     I  I!eLa_u:.h.?Tis:^f`?TT.eLr^A_a.V|sfe,r.t.q.tp:
rkhand (on deput
ross the lndu
and the Planning Commission. He served for 25 years in the Planning
Minerals, Agriculture, and allied sectors. Email: sclahirv@gmail.com
EH
he     International      Energy     Agency
(lEA)  defines  energy  security  as  the
uninterrupted   availability   of  energy
sources at an affordable price. Energy
security concerns  are  key driving  force of energy
policy, considering  that  resources are  limited, the
pace of energy transition would  need to factor in
demands on the resources for improving
resilience to climate change and for sustained social
and economic development. Energy security refers
to a country's ability to ensure a reliable, sustainable
and  uninterrupted  supply  of energy  to  meet  its
economic, social  and  political  needs. The four key
objectives of the new energy policy of our country
YOJANA SEPTEMBER 2024
utunmMes
filtAHut
S   More thou l.28 croro mgistrattons end t4 fakh applicctens
rocehodunderPMSurye®harMutBijtiYqjara
®   Pumped storage pofie¥ to be brought out for etectdefty storage cnd
intngrationOfronermbte®mfg]r!ntheavarialienergrm!x
®   R&D ct smut end medufro nuelaer roecters are ftever technologies
fernuefro""ngY
a   JQint venture bet\veen NTse and BHEl to set up a full scale 8cO MW
commer€iol thamal pfant using AuSC* teehro!ogir
¢   Roodmep fer 'herd ta chct€' irdustde§ to be fomumed for trans!
•   Energy audit of frodidenol miero and small industds in so ctust
firanctalsoppedfershiftlngthemtocteonerforms
are: access  at affordable  prices,  improved  en
security  and  independence,  greater  sustainability
and economic growth.
Today,  India  is  heavily dependent  on  oil  and
gas  imports  while  also  importing   coal.  As   per
Economic survey 2023-24, lndia's energy needs are
expected to grow 2 to 2.5 times by 2047 to meet a
growing economy's developmental  priorities and
aspirations.  Energy  security  would  be  enhanced
through diversification  of the sources of imports
and increased domestic production while reducing
energy demand. Our fossil fuel requirement which
comprise 90 per cent of our commercial  primary
energy   supply   are   increasingly   being   met   by
imports  which   means  that  reducing  fossil  fuel
consumption  would  promote  the  twin  goals  of
sustainability   and   security.   NITI   Aayog's   India
Energy  Security  Scenarios  2047  estimates  that
India  will  need  to  invest  US$250  billion  annually
until   2047   to   prepare   its   energy   systems   for
net-zero pathways.
Budget 2024-25
As   part  of  the   Union   Budget  2024-25,  the
Finance     Minister     announced     following     key
measures to enhance energy security:
I     The   Government   will   collaborate   with   the
private  sector  on  research  and  development
for  Bharat  Small  Modular  Reactors  and  new
nuclear   energy   technologies,   and   establish
Bharat Small Reactors.
I      A   policy  document  titled  `Energy  Transition
Pathways'    will     be     released     to     balance
employment,     growth     and     environmental
sustainability.
I     A policy to promote pumped storage proj.ects
for electricity storage will be introduced which
will  facilitate  smooth  integration  of  growing
share of renewable power with its variable and
intermittent nature in the overall energy mix.
I     A  joint  venture  between   NTPC  Limited  and
Bharat    Heavy    Electricals    Limited    will     be
established  to  create  an  800  MW commercial
plant    using    advanced    ultra    super    critical
oadmap  for  moving  the  'hard  to  abate'
stries    from   'energy    efficiency'   targets
emission    targets'    will    be    formulated.
ropriate regulations for transition of these
dustries from the current `perform,   achieve
and  trade'  mode  to  'lndian   carbon   market'
mode will be put in place.
1      PM   Suraj   Ghar   Muft   Bijli   Yojana   has  been
launched   to   install   rooftop   solar   plants   to
enable 1 crore households obtain free electricity
upto 300  units every month. The scheme  has
generated   remarkable   response   with   more
than 1.28 crore household registrations besides
14 lakh applications.
I      As   support   to   traditional   micro   and   small
enterprises, an investment-grade energy audit
of traditional  micro and  small  industries  in  60
clusters  including  brass  and  ceramic  will   be
facilitated.  Financial  support  will  be  provided
for shifting them to cleaner forms of energy and
implementation of energy efficiency measures.
The scheme will  be  replicated  in  another  loo
clusters in the next phase.
Budgetary AE!ocations FY 24-25
Apart    from    estimates    and    revenue,    the
annual   budget   exercise   provides   directions   to
the   economic   policy   measures   and   articulate
major  initiatives  of the  Government.  In  2024-25,
the  Ministry  of  Non  Renewal  Energy  (MNRE)  has
been  allocated  Rs  19100 crore which  is an  annual
increase of 86.7 per cent over the budget allocation
(Rs   10222.00   crore)   in   2023-24.  The   budgetary
allocation   for  the   Ministry  of  Power   has   been
pegged at Rs 20502 crore (as against Rs 20671 crore
SEPTEMBER 2024 YOJANA
budgeted   in   2023-24)   which   is   0.81    per   cent
lower  than  the  allocation   in  the  previous  year.
The  Ministry  of Coal  has  been  allotted  Rs  192.58
crore (as against Rs 192.32 crore budgeted in 2023-
24) whereas budgetary allocation has been slashed
with  respect to Ministry of Petroleum and  Natural
Gas  at  Rs  15930.26  crore  (as  against  Rs
crore budgeted for the year 2023-24).
Amongst the major MNRE schemes, So
off Grid is allotted a significant hike i.e., Rs
crore  as  against  budgeted  allocation  of
crore  in  2023-24. This covers  installation
41007
solar street lights, distribution of solar study I
and  installation of solar power packs under Phase
3   implementation.  The  allocation   under  KUSUM
(Kisan   Urja   Suraksha   evam   Utthan   Mahabhiyan),
launched   by   the   Government   to   increa_se   the
income of farmers and provide sources for irrigation
and  de-dieselisation  of  agri-sector,  is  passed  at
Rs 1496 crore as against Rs 1996.46 crore budgeted
in 2023-24. The existing Solar Power (GRID) scheme
(which  is  having  budgeted  allocation  of  Rs  4000
crore  in  2023-24)   is  proposed  to  be  subsumed
under PM Surya Ghar Muft BI.jll. scheme announced
in Feb'24 alongwith remaining financial outlay and
liabilities.  Rs  8250  crore  is  allotted  in  the  scheme.
Rs   600   crore   is   allotted   in   2024-25   as   against
Rs  500  crore  budgeted  in  2023-24 for the  Green
Energy   Corridor   scheme.  The   provision   will   be
utilised  for capacity addition  of 6000  ckm  (circuit
kilometres)     transmission     infrastructure     under
intra  state  Green  Energy Corridor  project.  Higher
allocation for the year 2024-25 (Rs 600 crore against
Rs  297  crore  in  2023-24)  is  made  in  respect  of
National  Green  Hydrogen  Mission. The  provision
is  to  make  India  the  global  hub  for  production,
ge   and   export   of  green   hydrogen   and   its
atives and   to achieve self-sufficieny through
energy  and  move  in  the  direction  towards
I  clean  energy transition.  Among  the  major
mes of  Ministry  of  Power,  a)  Strengthening
power  system  in  North  Eastern  states  allotted
Rs 2416 crore as against budgeted Rs 2902.62 crore
in 2023-24, b) Rs 12585 crore earmarked for Reform
linked distribution scheme  against Rs 12071  crore
budgeted  in  2023-24, c)  Rs 3021  crore allotted to
the scheme -Assistance to CPSUs against budgeted
Rs 3931.34 crore in 2023-24.The Ministry of Power is
ingplementing some important schemes, eg Energy
conservation with a budget provision of Rs 25 crore
(Rs 30.90 crore provided for 23-24), Manufacturing
zones under Atmanirbhar Bharat package allotted
Rs 80 crore against budgeted Rs loo crore in 23-24,
Promoting energy efficiency in the economy  with
budget  allocation  of  Rs  40  crore  against  budget
of Rs  103.80 crore in 23124. The Ministry of  Power
is  entrusted  with     the  development  of  battery
energy  storage  system  and  a  budget  allocation
of Rs 96 crore is made in 24-25  (as viability
gap funding). The allocations for Ministry of
Coal and Ministry of Petroleum and Natural
Gas   are   made    primarily   for   enhancing
domestic   production,   exploration/drilling,
identification of new mining block, etc and
adoption of clean technologies, etc.
Present Status
There     are     three     typical     features
characterised in lndia's energy use-high use
of bio-mass as a share of the total primary
energy  supply,  predominance  of  imports
of petroleum and use of domestic coal for
electric power generation. Petroleum (over
85   per  cent  imported)   has  a  diversified
presence across transport, industrial sector,
residential  and  commercial  sector  which
poses   a   significant   challenge   given   the
volatility in oil  prices and  limited access to
natural gas. Coal accounts for about 70 per
cent of the total electric power generation.
YOJANA
SEPTEMBER 2024
Page 4


As per Economic Survey 2023-24, India's energy needs are expected to grow
2 to 2.5 times by 2047 to meet a growing economy's developmental priorities
and aspirations. Energy security would be enhanced through diversification of
the sources of imports and increased domestic production while reducing energy
demand. According to Ministry of Power, 54.5 per cent of lndia's power came
from thermal sources (like coal, gas and diesel), while 45.5 per cent came from
nonlfossil fuel sources, which includes 1.8 per cent nuclear power in June 2024[
Adopting gasification technology in India can revolutionise the coal sector,
reducing reliance on imports of natural gas, ammonia, methanol and other
essential products while reducing emission. High dependeney on imports mainly
for petroleum for its energy needs shifts to high import dependeney for Solar PV
panels and critical minerals whose supply chain is heavily skewed. India needs
to target diversi,,fled energy sources. S
associated with energy system
rsification will help minimise risk
g with low emission path.
Commission, Government of India, in various capa
DR S ( LAH|RY     I  I!eLa_u:.h.?Tis:^f`?TT.eLr^A_a.V|sfe,r.t.q.tp:
rkhand (on deput
ross the lndu
and the Planning Commission. He served for 25 years in the Planning
Minerals, Agriculture, and allied sectors. Email: sclahirv@gmail.com
EH
he     International      Energy     Agency
(lEA)  defines  energy  security  as  the
uninterrupted   availability   of  energy
sources at an affordable price. Energy
security concerns  are  key driving  force of energy
policy, considering  that  resources are  limited, the
pace of energy transition would  need to factor in
demands on the resources for improving
resilience to climate change and for sustained social
and economic development. Energy security refers
to a country's ability to ensure a reliable, sustainable
and  uninterrupted  supply  of energy  to  meet  its
economic, social  and  political  needs. The four key
objectives of the new energy policy of our country
YOJANA SEPTEMBER 2024
utunmMes
filtAHut
S   More thou l.28 croro mgistrattons end t4 fakh applicctens
rocehodunderPMSurye®harMutBijtiYqjara
®   Pumped storage pofie¥ to be brought out for etectdefty storage cnd
intngrationOfronermbte®mfg]r!ntheavarialienergrm!x
®   R&D ct smut end medufro nuelaer roecters are ftever technologies
fernuefro""ngY
a   JQint venture bet\veen NTse and BHEl to set up a full scale 8cO MW
commer€iol thamal pfant using AuSC* teehro!ogir
¢   Roodmep fer 'herd ta chct€' irdustde§ to be fomumed for trans!
•   Energy audit of frodidenol miero and small industds in so ctust
firanctalsoppedfershiftlngthemtocteonerforms
are: access  at affordable  prices,  improved  en
security  and  independence,  greater  sustainability
and economic growth.
Today,  India  is  heavily dependent  on  oil  and
gas  imports  while  also  importing   coal.  As   per
Economic survey 2023-24, lndia's energy needs are
expected to grow 2 to 2.5 times by 2047 to meet a
growing economy's developmental  priorities and
aspirations.  Energy  security  would  be  enhanced
through diversification  of the sources of imports
and increased domestic production while reducing
energy demand. Our fossil fuel requirement which
comprise 90 per cent of our commercial  primary
energy   supply   are   increasingly   being   met   by
imports  which   means  that  reducing  fossil  fuel
consumption  would  promote  the  twin  goals  of
sustainability   and   security.   NITI   Aayog's   India
Energy  Security  Scenarios  2047  estimates  that
India  will  need  to  invest  US$250  billion  annually
until   2047   to   prepare   its   energy   systems   for
net-zero pathways.
Budget 2024-25
As   part  of  the   Union   Budget  2024-25,  the
Finance     Minister     announced     following     key
measures to enhance energy security:
I     The   Government   will   collaborate   with   the
private  sector  on  research  and  development
for  Bharat  Small  Modular  Reactors  and  new
nuclear   energy   technologies,   and   establish
Bharat Small Reactors.
I      A   policy  document  titled  `Energy  Transition
Pathways'    will     be     released     to     balance
employment,     growth     and     environmental
sustainability.
I     A policy to promote pumped storage proj.ects
for electricity storage will be introduced which
will  facilitate  smooth  integration  of  growing
share of renewable power with its variable and
intermittent nature in the overall energy mix.
I     A  joint  venture  between   NTPC  Limited  and
Bharat    Heavy    Electricals    Limited    will     be
established  to  create  an  800  MW commercial
plant    using    advanced    ultra    super    critical
oadmap  for  moving  the  'hard  to  abate'
stries    from   'energy    efficiency'   targets
emission    targets'    will    be    formulated.
ropriate regulations for transition of these
dustries from the current `perform,   achieve
and  trade'  mode  to  'lndian   carbon   market'
mode will be put in place.
1      PM   Suraj   Ghar   Muft   Bijli   Yojana   has  been
launched   to   install   rooftop   solar   plants   to
enable 1 crore households obtain free electricity
upto 300  units every month. The scheme  has
generated   remarkable   response   with   more
than 1.28 crore household registrations besides
14 lakh applications.
I      As   support   to   traditional   micro   and   small
enterprises, an investment-grade energy audit
of traditional  micro and  small  industries  in  60
clusters  including  brass  and  ceramic  will   be
facilitated.  Financial  support  will  be  provided
for shifting them to cleaner forms of energy and
implementation of energy efficiency measures.
The scheme will  be  replicated  in  another  loo
clusters in the next phase.
Budgetary AE!ocations FY 24-25
Apart    from    estimates    and    revenue,    the
annual   budget   exercise   provides   directions   to
the   economic   policy   measures   and   articulate
major  initiatives  of the  Government.  In  2024-25,
the  Ministry  of  Non  Renewal  Energy  (MNRE)  has
been  allocated  Rs  19100 crore which  is an  annual
increase of 86.7 per cent over the budget allocation
(Rs   10222.00   crore)   in   2023-24.  The   budgetary
allocation   for  the   Ministry  of  Power   has   been
pegged at Rs 20502 crore (as against Rs 20671 crore
SEPTEMBER 2024 YOJANA
budgeted   in   2023-24)   which   is   0.81    per   cent
lower  than  the  allocation   in  the  previous  year.
The  Ministry  of Coal  has  been  allotted  Rs  192.58
crore (as against Rs 192.32 crore budgeted in 2023-
24) whereas budgetary allocation has been slashed
with  respect to Ministry of Petroleum and  Natural
Gas  at  Rs  15930.26  crore  (as  against  Rs
crore budgeted for the year 2023-24).
Amongst the major MNRE schemes, So
off Grid is allotted a significant hike i.e., Rs
crore  as  against  budgeted  allocation  of
crore  in  2023-24. This covers  installation
41007
solar street lights, distribution of solar study I
and  installation of solar power packs under Phase
3   implementation.  The  allocation   under  KUSUM
(Kisan   Urja   Suraksha   evam   Utthan   Mahabhiyan),
launched   by   the   Government   to   increa_se   the
income of farmers and provide sources for irrigation
and  de-dieselisation  of  agri-sector,  is  passed  at
Rs 1496 crore as against Rs 1996.46 crore budgeted
in 2023-24. The existing Solar Power (GRID) scheme
(which  is  having  budgeted  allocation  of  Rs  4000
crore  in  2023-24)   is  proposed  to  be  subsumed
under PM Surya Ghar Muft BI.jll. scheme announced
in Feb'24 alongwith remaining financial outlay and
liabilities.  Rs  8250  crore  is  allotted  in  the  scheme.
Rs   600   crore   is   allotted   in   2024-25   as   against
Rs  500  crore  budgeted  in  2023-24 for the  Green
Energy   Corridor   scheme.  The   provision   will   be
utilised  for capacity addition  of 6000  ckm  (circuit
kilometres)     transmission     infrastructure     under
intra  state  Green  Energy Corridor  project.  Higher
allocation for the year 2024-25 (Rs 600 crore against
Rs  297  crore  in  2023-24)  is  made  in  respect  of
National  Green  Hydrogen  Mission. The  provision
is  to  make  India  the  global  hub  for  production,
ge   and   export   of  green   hydrogen   and   its
atives and   to achieve self-sufficieny through
energy  and  move  in  the  direction  towards
I  clean  energy transition.  Among  the  major
mes of  Ministry  of  Power,  a)  Strengthening
power  system  in  North  Eastern  states  allotted
Rs 2416 crore as against budgeted Rs 2902.62 crore
in 2023-24, b) Rs 12585 crore earmarked for Reform
linked distribution scheme  against Rs 12071  crore
budgeted  in  2023-24, c)  Rs 3021  crore allotted to
the scheme -Assistance to CPSUs against budgeted
Rs 3931.34 crore in 2023-24.The Ministry of Power is
ingplementing some important schemes, eg Energy
conservation with a budget provision of Rs 25 crore
(Rs 30.90 crore provided for 23-24), Manufacturing
zones under Atmanirbhar Bharat package allotted
Rs 80 crore against budgeted Rs loo crore in 23-24,
Promoting energy efficiency in the economy  with
budget  allocation  of  Rs  40  crore  against  budget
of Rs  103.80 crore in 23124. The Ministry of  Power
is  entrusted  with     the  development  of  battery
energy  storage  system  and  a  budget  allocation
of Rs 96 crore is made in 24-25  (as viability
gap funding). The allocations for Ministry of
Coal and Ministry of Petroleum and Natural
Gas   are   made    primarily   for   enhancing
domestic   production,   exploration/drilling,
identification of new mining block, etc and
adoption of clean technologies, etc.
Present Status
There     are     three     typical     features
characterised in lndia's energy use-high use
of bio-mass as a share of the total primary
energy  supply,  predominance  of  imports
of petroleum and use of domestic coal for
electric power generation. Petroleum (over
85   per  cent  imported)   has  a  diversified
presence across transport, industrial sector,
residential  and  commercial  sector  which
poses   a   significant   challenge   given   the
volatility in oil  prices and  limited access to
natural gas. Coal accounts for about 70 per
cent of the total electric power generation.
YOJANA
SEPTEMBER 2024
Coal is critical input material to industries eg steel,
iron, cement, paper, etc. According to Ministry of
Power, 54.5  per cent of lndia's  power came from
thermal  sources  (like  coal,  gas  and  diesel),  while
45.5  per cent  came from  non-fossil  fuel  sources,
which includes 1.8 per cent nuclear power in June
2024.  The  composition  in  the  electricity  sector
has   significantly  changed   due  to   the   phasing
in  renewable  energy  (RE)  with  non-fossil  power
capacity  being  45.5  per  cent  (as  of June  2024)
from around 32 per cent in April 2014. Incidentally,
India pledged in Paris (Paris Agreement for Climate
Change) to generate 40 per cent of lndia's power
capacity from  non-fossil  fuel  sources  and  create
an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes
of C02 equivalent by 2030. India has overachieved
the  target  set  for  installed
non-fossil fuel sources.
policy lnitiatives
Recent initiatives for en
Of RE are a) PM-Surya Ghar M
in  February 2024 with a tota
crore  is expected to add  30G
acity  from
ing the pro
Yojanal
and  reduce 720 million tonnes of C02 equivalent
across the  solar value  chain,  b)  the  Government
has  notified  the  national  offshore  wind  energy
policy and offshore wind energy lease rules 2023.
Several  offshore  zones  have  been  identified  for
harnessing   this   potential   and   c)   underscoring
the  importance  of  green  hydrogen  in  reducing
carbon  emissions  in  the  hard-to-abate  sectors.
Indian  Green  Hydrogen  Mission    targets  5MMT
(million   metric  tonnes)   of  green   hydrogen   by
2030.  The  scheme  offers  financial  incentives  to
boost electrolyser manufacturing and production.
Additionally,    the    budget    2024-25    promotes
the  development  of small  and  modular  nuclear
reactors in partnership with the private sector and
emphasises  renewable  energy  storage  solutions
and  advanced  ultra-supercritical  thermal  power
plants.These initiative,s will bolster energy security
by   diversifying   energy   sources   and   reducing
teliance   on   fossil   fuels,   while   also   mitigating
climate   change   by   lowering   greenhouse   gas
emissions. Enhancing the storage and integration
of   renewable   energy,   the   government   is   set
to   introduce  a   robust   Pumped   Storage   Policy
(PSP). This  initiative aims to  provide a  large-scale
solution  for  storing  excess  electricity, facilitating
smoother  integration  of  renewable  sources  into
lndia's    energy    mix   and    ensuring    continuous
power  supplies  while  helping  moderate  prices.
A  roadmap will  be formulated to transition `hard
to abate' industries from energy efficiency targets
to emission targets. This shift will  move from the
'Perform, Achieve and Trade' mode to the 'lndian
Carbon  Market' mode,  setting  a  new  regulatory
framework  for  these   sectors.  The   government
intends  to  set  up  a  Critical  Mineral  Mission  for
domestic production, recycling of critical minerals
and overseas acquisition of critical mineral assets.
There   is   a   proposal   to   fully   exempt   customs
duty  from  25  critical   minerals,  such  as  lithium,
copper,  cobalt  and  rare  earth  elements,  which
are  critical  for  sustainable  technologies  such  as
electric  vehicles  and  renewable  energy  systems.
The Government has launched several clean coal
.initiatives    including    coal    gasification    mission
aiming  to    gasify  100  million  Tonnes  of coal  by
2030.  Adopting  gasification  technology  in  India
can revolutionise the coal sector, reducing reliance
on imports of natural gas, ammonia, methanol and
other essential products while reducing emission.
Initiatives like extracting coal  based methane gas
(CBM),   coal   beneficiation,   carbon   capture   and
storage (CCS), etc mitigate emissions and enhance
environmental  sustainability.  Adoption  of  super
critical  and  ultra  super  critical  technologies  for
thermal power plants has led to lower emission and
higher efficiency. Further, it is proposed that 800 MW
commercial   plant   using   advanced   ultra   super
critical technology in a Joint Venture (JV) between
NTPC Limited and BHEL will be established.
challenges           `                                       4,
Energy demand is expected to increase as the
country  develops  in  line  with  the  goal  of Viksit
Bharat  and  a  concommitant  rise  in  RE  capacity
may  lead  to   baseline  efficiency  as  the  supply
composition changes.
Large scale phasing in of RE poses several risks
associated with intermittency and dispatchability
in the energy system. Addressing the issue is critical
for  significant  deployment  of  RE.  Expanding  RE
and clean fuels will increase dema.nd for land and
water. The availability of land is a maj.or challenge
for India.
Critical   minerals/metals  are   required  for  RE
and   battery  storage  technologies.  The  sources
of  minerals  are  geographically  concentrated  eg
SEPTEMBER 2024 YOJANA
Page 5


As per Economic Survey 2023-24, India's energy needs are expected to grow
2 to 2.5 times by 2047 to meet a growing economy's developmental priorities
and aspirations. Energy security would be enhanced through diversification of
the sources of imports and increased domestic production while reducing energy
demand. According to Ministry of Power, 54.5 per cent of lndia's power came
from thermal sources (like coal, gas and diesel), while 45.5 per cent came from
nonlfossil fuel sources, which includes 1.8 per cent nuclear power in June 2024[
Adopting gasification technology in India can revolutionise the coal sector,
reducing reliance on imports of natural gas, ammonia, methanol and other
essential products while reducing emission. High dependeney on imports mainly
for petroleum for its energy needs shifts to high import dependeney for Solar PV
panels and critical minerals whose supply chain is heavily skewed. India needs
to target diversi,,fled energy sources. S
associated with energy system
rsification will help minimise risk
g with low emission path.
Commission, Government of India, in various capa
DR S ( LAH|RY     I  I!eLa_u:.h.?Tis:^f`?TT.eLr^A_a.V|sfe,r.t.q.tp:
rkhand (on deput
ross the lndu
and the Planning Commission. He served for 25 years in the Planning
Minerals, Agriculture, and allied sectors. Email: sclahirv@gmail.com
EH
he     International      Energy     Agency
(lEA)  defines  energy  security  as  the
uninterrupted   availability   of  energy
sources at an affordable price. Energy
security concerns  are  key driving  force of energy
policy, considering  that  resources are  limited, the
pace of energy transition would  need to factor in
demands on the resources for improving
resilience to climate change and for sustained social
and economic development. Energy security refers
to a country's ability to ensure a reliable, sustainable
and  uninterrupted  supply  of energy  to  meet  its
economic, social  and  political  needs. The four key
objectives of the new energy policy of our country
YOJANA SEPTEMBER 2024
utunmMes
filtAHut
S   More thou l.28 croro mgistrattons end t4 fakh applicctens
rocehodunderPMSurye®harMutBijtiYqjara
®   Pumped storage pofie¥ to be brought out for etectdefty storage cnd
intngrationOfronermbte®mfg]r!ntheavarialienergrm!x
®   R&D ct smut end medufro nuelaer roecters are ftever technologies
fernuefro""ngY
a   JQint venture bet\veen NTse and BHEl to set up a full scale 8cO MW
commer€iol thamal pfant using AuSC* teehro!ogir
¢   Roodmep fer 'herd ta chct€' irdustde§ to be fomumed for trans!
•   Energy audit of frodidenol miero and small industds in so ctust
firanctalsoppedfershiftlngthemtocteonerforms
are: access  at affordable  prices,  improved  en
security  and  independence,  greater  sustainability
and economic growth.
Today,  India  is  heavily dependent  on  oil  and
gas  imports  while  also  importing   coal.  As   per
Economic survey 2023-24, lndia's energy needs are
expected to grow 2 to 2.5 times by 2047 to meet a
growing economy's developmental  priorities and
aspirations.  Energy  security  would  be  enhanced
through diversification  of the sources of imports
and increased domestic production while reducing
energy demand. Our fossil fuel requirement which
comprise 90 per cent of our commercial  primary
energy   supply   are   increasingly   being   met   by
imports  which   means  that  reducing  fossil  fuel
consumption  would  promote  the  twin  goals  of
sustainability   and   security.   NITI   Aayog's   India
Energy  Security  Scenarios  2047  estimates  that
India  will  need  to  invest  US$250  billion  annually
until   2047   to   prepare   its   energy   systems   for
net-zero pathways.
Budget 2024-25
As   part  of  the   Union   Budget  2024-25,  the
Finance     Minister     announced     following     key
measures to enhance energy security:
I     The   Government   will   collaborate   with   the
private  sector  on  research  and  development
for  Bharat  Small  Modular  Reactors  and  new
nuclear   energy   technologies,   and   establish
Bharat Small Reactors.
I      A   policy  document  titled  `Energy  Transition
Pathways'    will     be     released     to     balance
employment,     growth     and     environmental
sustainability.
I     A policy to promote pumped storage proj.ects
for electricity storage will be introduced which
will  facilitate  smooth  integration  of  growing
share of renewable power with its variable and
intermittent nature in the overall energy mix.
I     A  joint  venture  between   NTPC  Limited  and
Bharat    Heavy    Electricals    Limited    will     be
established  to  create  an  800  MW commercial
plant    using    advanced    ultra    super    critical
oadmap  for  moving  the  'hard  to  abate'
stries    from   'energy    efficiency'   targets
emission    targets'    will    be    formulated.
ropriate regulations for transition of these
dustries from the current `perform,   achieve
and  trade'  mode  to  'lndian   carbon   market'
mode will be put in place.
1      PM   Suraj   Ghar   Muft   Bijli   Yojana   has  been
launched   to   install   rooftop   solar   plants   to
enable 1 crore households obtain free electricity
upto 300  units every month. The scheme  has
generated   remarkable   response   with   more
than 1.28 crore household registrations besides
14 lakh applications.
I      As   support   to   traditional   micro   and   small
enterprises, an investment-grade energy audit
of traditional  micro and  small  industries  in  60
clusters  including  brass  and  ceramic  will   be
facilitated.  Financial  support  will  be  provided
for shifting them to cleaner forms of energy and
implementation of energy efficiency measures.
The scheme will  be  replicated  in  another  loo
clusters in the next phase.
Budgetary AE!ocations FY 24-25
Apart    from    estimates    and    revenue,    the
annual   budget   exercise   provides   directions   to
the   economic   policy   measures   and   articulate
major  initiatives  of the  Government.  In  2024-25,
the  Ministry  of  Non  Renewal  Energy  (MNRE)  has
been  allocated  Rs  19100 crore which  is an  annual
increase of 86.7 per cent over the budget allocation
(Rs   10222.00   crore)   in   2023-24.  The   budgetary
allocation   for  the   Ministry  of  Power   has   been
pegged at Rs 20502 crore (as against Rs 20671 crore
SEPTEMBER 2024 YOJANA
budgeted   in   2023-24)   which   is   0.81    per   cent
lower  than  the  allocation   in  the  previous  year.
The  Ministry  of Coal  has  been  allotted  Rs  192.58
crore (as against Rs 192.32 crore budgeted in 2023-
24) whereas budgetary allocation has been slashed
with  respect to Ministry of Petroleum and  Natural
Gas  at  Rs  15930.26  crore  (as  against  Rs
crore budgeted for the year 2023-24).
Amongst the major MNRE schemes, So
off Grid is allotted a significant hike i.e., Rs
crore  as  against  budgeted  allocation  of
crore  in  2023-24. This covers  installation
41007
solar street lights, distribution of solar study I
and  installation of solar power packs under Phase
3   implementation.  The  allocation   under  KUSUM
(Kisan   Urja   Suraksha   evam   Utthan   Mahabhiyan),
launched   by   the   Government   to   increa_se   the
income of farmers and provide sources for irrigation
and  de-dieselisation  of  agri-sector,  is  passed  at
Rs 1496 crore as against Rs 1996.46 crore budgeted
in 2023-24. The existing Solar Power (GRID) scheme
(which  is  having  budgeted  allocation  of  Rs  4000
crore  in  2023-24)   is  proposed  to  be  subsumed
under PM Surya Ghar Muft BI.jll. scheme announced
in Feb'24 alongwith remaining financial outlay and
liabilities.  Rs  8250  crore  is  allotted  in  the  scheme.
Rs   600   crore   is   allotted   in   2024-25   as   against
Rs  500  crore  budgeted  in  2023-24 for the  Green
Energy   Corridor   scheme.  The   provision   will   be
utilised  for capacity addition  of 6000  ckm  (circuit
kilometres)     transmission     infrastructure     under
intra  state  Green  Energy Corridor  project.  Higher
allocation for the year 2024-25 (Rs 600 crore against
Rs  297  crore  in  2023-24)  is  made  in  respect  of
National  Green  Hydrogen  Mission. The  provision
is  to  make  India  the  global  hub  for  production,
ge   and   export   of  green   hydrogen   and   its
atives and   to achieve self-sufficieny through
energy  and  move  in  the  direction  towards
I  clean  energy transition.  Among  the  major
mes of  Ministry  of  Power,  a)  Strengthening
power  system  in  North  Eastern  states  allotted
Rs 2416 crore as against budgeted Rs 2902.62 crore
in 2023-24, b) Rs 12585 crore earmarked for Reform
linked distribution scheme  against Rs 12071  crore
budgeted  in  2023-24, c)  Rs 3021  crore allotted to
the scheme -Assistance to CPSUs against budgeted
Rs 3931.34 crore in 2023-24.The Ministry of Power is
ingplementing some important schemes, eg Energy
conservation with a budget provision of Rs 25 crore
(Rs 30.90 crore provided for 23-24), Manufacturing
zones under Atmanirbhar Bharat package allotted
Rs 80 crore against budgeted Rs loo crore in 23-24,
Promoting energy efficiency in the economy  with
budget  allocation  of  Rs  40  crore  against  budget
of Rs  103.80 crore in 23124. The Ministry of  Power
is  entrusted  with     the  development  of  battery
energy  storage  system  and  a  budget  allocation
of Rs 96 crore is made in 24-25  (as viability
gap funding). The allocations for Ministry of
Coal and Ministry of Petroleum and Natural
Gas   are   made    primarily   for   enhancing
domestic   production,   exploration/drilling,
identification of new mining block, etc and
adoption of clean technologies, etc.
Present Status
There     are     three     typical     features
characterised in lndia's energy use-high use
of bio-mass as a share of the total primary
energy  supply,  predominance  of  imports
of petroleum and use of domestic coal for
electric power generation. Petroleum (over
85   per  cent  imported)   has  a  diversified
presence across transport, industrial sector,
residential  and  commercial  sector  which
poses   a   significant   challenge   given   the
volatility in oil  prices and  limited access to
natural gas. Coal accounts for about 70 per
cent of the total electric power generation.
YOJANA
SEPTEMBER 2024
Coal is critical input material to industries eg steel,
iron, cement, paper, etc. According to Ministry of
Power, 54.5  per cent of lndia's  power came from
thermal  sources  (like  coal,  gas  and  diesel),  while
45.5  per cent  came from  non-fossil  fuel  sources,
which includes 1.8 per cent nuclear power in June
2024.  The  composition  in  the  electricity  sector
has   significantly  changed   due  to   the   phasing
in  renewable  energy  (RE)  with  non-fossil  power
capacity  being  45.5  per  cent  (as  of June  2024)
from around 32 per cent in April 2014. Incidentally,
India pledged in Paris (Paris Agreement for Climate
Change) to generate 40 per cent of lndia's power
capacity from  non-fossil  fuel  sources  and  create
an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes
of C02 equivalent by 2030. India has overachieved
the  target  set  for  installed
non-fossil fuel sources.
policy lnitiatives
Recent initiatives for en
Of RE are a) PM-Surya Ghar M
in  February 2024 with a tota
crore  is expected to add  30G
acity  from
ing the pro
Yojanal
and  reduce 720 million tonnes of C02 equivalent
across the  solar value  chain,  b)  the  Government
has  notified  the  national  offshore  wind  energy
policy and offshore wind energy lease rules 2023.
Several  offshore  zones  have  been  identified  for
harnessing   this   potential   and   c)   underscoring
the  importance  of  green  hydrogen  in  reducing
carbon  emissions  in  the  hard-to-abate  sectors.
Indian  Green  Hydrogen  Mission    targets  5MMT
(million   metric  tonnes)   of  green   hydrogen   by
2030.  The  scheme  offers  financial  incentives  to
boost electrolyser manufacturing and production.
Additionally,    the    budget    2024-25    promotes
the  development  of small  and  modular  nuclear
reactors in partnership with the private sector and
emphasises  renewable  energy  storage  solutions
and  advanced  ultra-supercritical  thermal  power
plants.These initiative,s will bolster energy security
by   diversifying   energy   sources   and   reducing
teliance   on   fossil   fuels,   while   also   mitigating
climate   change   by   lowering   greenhouse   gas
emissions. Enhancing the storage and integration
of   renewable   energy,   the   government   is   set
to   introduce  a   robust   Pumped   Storage   Policy
(PSP). This  initiative aims to  provide a  large-scale
solution  for  storing  excess  electricity, facilitating
smoother  integration  of  renewable  sources  into
lndia's    energy    mix   and    ensuring    continuous
power  supplies  while  helping  moderate  prices.
A  roadmap will  be formulated to transition `hard
to abate' industries from energy efficiency targets
to emission targets. This shift will  move from the
'Perform, Achieve and Trade' mode to the 'lndian
Carbon  Market' mode,  setting  a  new  regulatory
framework  for  these   sectors.  The   government
intends  to  set  up  a  Critical  Mineral  Mission  for
domestic production, recycling of critical minerals
and overseas acquisition of critical mineral assets.
There   is   a   proposal   to   fully   exempt   customs
duty  from  25  critical   minerals,  such  as  lithium,
copper,  cobalt  and  rare  earth  elements,  which
are  critical  for  sustainable  technologies  such  as
electric  vehicles  and  renewable  energy  systems.
The Government has launched several clean coal
.initiatives    including    coal    gasification    mission
aiming  to    gasify  100  million  Tonnes  of coal  by
2030.  Adopting  gasification  technology  in  India
can revolutionise the coal sector, reducing reliance
on imports of natural gas, ammonia, methanol and
other essential products while reducing emission.
Initiatives like extracting coal  based methane gas
(CBM),   coal   beneficiation,   carbon   capture   and
storage (CCS), etc mitigate emissions and enhance
environmental  sustainability.  Adoption  of  super
critical  and  ultra  super  critical  technologies  for
thermal power plants has led to lower emission and
higher efficiency. Further, it is proposed that 800 MW
commercial   plant   using   advanced   ultra   super
critical technology in a Joint Venture (JV) between
NTPC Limited and BHEL will be established.
challenges           `                                       4,
Energy demand is expected to increase as the
country  develops  in  line  with  the  goal  of Viksit
Bharat  and  a  concommitant  rise  in  RE  capacity
may  lead  to   baseline  efficiency  as  the  supply
composition changes.
Large scale phasing in of RE poses several risks
associated with intermittency and dispatchability
in the energy system. Addressing the issue is critical
for  significant  deployment  of  RE.  Expanding  RE
and clean fuels will increase dema.nd for land and
water. The availability of land is a maj.or challenge
for India.
Critical   minerals/metals  are   required  for  RE
and   battery  storage  technologies.  The  sources
of  minerals  are  geographically  concentrated  eg
SEPTEMBER 2024 YOJANA
graphite  (China  79  per cent), cobalt  (DRC  70  per
cent), rare earths (China 60 per cent) and Lithium
(Aus 55 per cent). The concentration level is even
higher   for   processing   with   China   dominating
across    the    board.    India's    initiative    to    build
domestic capacity should be seen in the backdrop
of the current supply chain for RE which is heavily
skewed. Shifting  lndia's high  import dependency
from    petroleum   to   solar   panels   and   critical
minerals, which  have complex supply chains and
are currently subject to geopolitical issues, would
be a challenge.
Solar  PV  waste  recycling  is  a  challenge.  SPV
panels  have  lifetime  of  25-30  years.  SPV  waste
recycled as scrap poses risks to environment and
human life due to toxic metals.
Conclusion
*
+
For    lndia's    ensuring    ener
should  be  expanded  as  much  as
short  to  medium  term,  the  foc
be   actively   adopting   clean   tec
security,
ssible  in  t
Government  initiatives  for  cleaner  coal
gasification, CBM, CCS and coal  beneficiation, etc
to mitigate emissions and enhance environmental
sustainability needs to be promoted. Solar power
installed    capacity    has    increased    significantly.
However, risks are associated with the large scale
phasing  in  of  renewable  eg  intermittency,  grid
integration,  back  up  power  generation,  storage,
etc.  It  is   important  to  supplement  with  other
non-fossil  fuel  resources  eg  nuclear,  biofuel  and
hydrogen.  High  dependency  on  imports  mainly
for petroleum for its energy needs shifts to  high
import   dependency   for   Solar   PV   panels   and
critical   minerals  whose  supply  chain   is   heavily
skewed.  India  needs to target diversified  energy
sources.  Such  diversification  will   help  minimise
risk    associated     with     energy    system     while
pursuing with  low emission  path.  It is suggested
to integrate RE with nuclear power, bio-fuels and
green  hydrogen  to  address  the  risks  associated
with  large-scale  RE  adoption.  Financial  support
proposed  for  traditional   micro  and  small  scale
sector to transition  to  cleaner energy forms will
bring in positive change.  I
References
1.      Finance   Minister's   Budget   24-25   Speech,   Ministry   of
Finance, GOI
2.      Expenditure Budget 24-25 document, MinistryofFinance,
Gol
3.      Ministries Demands for Grant 24-25, Ministry of Finance,
Gol
4.      Economic survey 23-24 document, Ministry ofFinance, GOI
5.      India Energy security scenario, 2047, NITI Aayog, GOI
6.      Objectives of New Energy policy, Ministry of coal, PIB, Gol
7.      Annual Report22-23, MinistryofNon Renewable Energy,Gol
8.      Annual Report 22-23, Ministryofpower, Gol
9.      Annual Report22-23, Ministryofcoal,Gol
10.   Annual  Report 22-23, Ministry of Petroleum  and  Natural
Gas, Gol.
YOJANA SEPTEMBER 2024