Business

Adani Green Energy Aims for Net Water Positivity by FY2025-26

Published

9 months ago

March 17, 2025

Adani Green Energy, the largest renewable energy firm in India, announced on Sunday its commitment to achieving net water positivity by the fiscal year 2025-26, aiming to reduce its freshwater usage across all operations. The company has already attained water positivity at operational sites with capacities exceeding 200 MW in FY23 and plans to introduce robotic cleaning systems to eliminate the need for freshwater in solar module maintenance at new locations.

The renewable energy industry requires substantial water for activities such as maintaining solar panels. Adani Green Energy, which manages over 12.5 GW of operational assets, is at the forefront of water stewardship initiatives.

The company’s strategy for attaining water sustainability includes measures like rainwater harvesting, water conservation, and community engagement. It has successfully lowered its water use intensity and made contributions to replenishing water resources in water-stressed regions such as Khavda, Jaisalmer, and Kutch. Last year, their implementation of robotic cleaning saved approximately 347,310 kilolitres of water, equivalent to the consumption needs of 1.58 million households. Currently, about 43.5% of Adani Green Energy’s operational capacity has integrated robotic cleaning technology for photovoltaic (PV) modules.

“With the ISO 14001:2015 certification, Adani Green Energy has established a robust system to track and manage its water consumption. This achievement sets a strong foundation for our broader objective of attaining net water-positive status across all operational locations by FY2025-26,” the company stated.

The goal includes decreasing reliance on water for cleaning solar PV modules through the adoption of waterless robotic cleaning methods. As of FY24, 4,760 MW of its solar power plants—representing 43.5% of the total operational capacity—have successfully integrated this robotic cleaning technology.

To address drinking water needs without resorting to plastic bottles, Adani Green has introduced a technology that harvests water from the humidity in the air using eco-friendly methods. This innovative solution produces fresh and hygienic drinking water that meets international safety standards while minimizing plastic use and reducing carbon footprints.

“A proof-of-concept (POC) was carried out at our Solar Plant in Andhra Pradesh with a water generation capability of 100 liters per day, complemented by a water cooler. This initiative has resulted in significant savings with a payback period of five to six years, and the technology can be replicated after assessing its success,” the company reported.

The comprehensive project of pond rejuvenation aims to enhance groundwater recharge capacity and improve water levels. As a part of this initiative, Adani Green Energy has desilted and rejuvenated 35 ponds in FY24, resulting in improved water levels that have benefited over 36,000 residents in surrounding villages.

AGEL’s operational portfolio is certified as ‘water positive’ for plants with a capacity greater than 200 MW, ‘single-use plastic free’, and ‘zero waste-to-landfill’, underscoring the company’s dedication to fostering sustainable growth.

Business

Petroleum and Natural Gas Rules Amended to Ease Business and Operations

Published

2 days ago

December 12, 2025

Namma Kudla

The Union Government has approved amendments to the Petroleum and Natural Gas Rules, 2025 to promote domestic exploration and production. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri announced the changes on Thursday. He said the revised rules will offer greater ease of doing business and smoother operational procedures for companies in the energy sector.

One of the key amendments allows for long-duration leases. The lease period has now been increased from 20 years to 30 years. It can also be extended further up to the life of the field. Officials said this long-term clarity will help companies make better investment decisions.

The rules also provide another major reform. A company that receives a petroleum lease will now have the right to carry out all types of mineral oil operations under a single lease. This replaces the earlier system that required multiple permits.

According to the Ministry, the amendments aim to strengthen infrastructure, boost exploration activities, and support India’s long-term energy needs. The government expects the updated rules to attract more investors and improve efficiency in the sector.

Business

Egg Prices Rise in Bengaluru as New Year Nears

Published

5 days ago

December 9, 2025

Namma Kudla

Egg prices in Bengaluru have increased sharply. The rate, which was ₹5 per egg a month ago, has now touched ₹7. The city is also facing a shortage in supply. Traders say that demand for eggs rises in December due to Christmas, New Year celebrations, and higher non-vegetarian consumption during winter.

Supply from Tamil Nadu has also reduced, causing further pressure on local markets. According to the Karnataka Poultry Traders Association, Bengaluru needs about 1.10 crore eggs daily, but there is a shortage of nearly 30–40 lakh eggs.

Last year’s bird flu outbreak also affected poultry farms, leading to lower production this season.

Goa has seen a similar trend. Egg prices there have increased to ₹90 per dozen, and further hikes are expected in the third week of December. Reports suggest that rates may stay high until early 2026.

Goa depends heavily on neighboring states for its supply — around 80% from Karnataka and the rest from Maharashtra. Meanwhile, gold prices too have shown an upward trend.

Business

MRPL Wins Fourth Consecutive Best Refining Innovation Award at ETM 2025

Published

2 months ago

October 29, 2025

Namma Kudla

Hyderabad, October 28, 2025:

Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL), a subsidiary of ONGC and a leading Category-I Miniratna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, has achieved yet another milestone. The company has won the Innovation Award 2024-25 for Best Innovation in Research & Development in Refining Technology at the 28th Energy Technology Meet (ETM 2025) held in Hyderabad.

This marks MRPL’s fourth consecutive victory at these prestigious national awards, reaffirming its position as a pioneer in indigenous innovation within India’s refining sector.

The award recognizes MRPL’s breakthrough “Gradual Olefins and Aromatic Technology (GOAT)”, an advanced Crude-to-Chemicals process developed entirely by the company’s in-house R&D team. The GOAT technology demonstrates India’s growing capability to transform crude oil directly into high-value petrochemicals, thereby improving energy efficiency, cutting carbon emissions, and contributing to the nation’s sustainable refining goals.

The award was presented by Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Hon’ble Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas, in the presence of Shri Pankaj Jain, Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas. The ceremony was organized by the Centre for High Technology (CHT) at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC).

Receiving the award on behalf of MRPL were Shri Nandakumar V. Pillai (Director – Refinery), along with Chief Managers Shri Karthick R. and Shri S. Nirmal Ganesh from MRPL’s Innovation Centre.

The 28th Energy Technology Meet, themed “Green Energy Horizons: Advancing Sustainable Refining & Energy Innovation,” serves as India’s leading platform for sharing advancements in refining and clean energy technologies. Organized by CHT under the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, ETM 2025 brings together refiners, petrochemical producers, technology providers, equipment manufacturers, and service companies from India and abroad to discuss sustainable and low-carbon pathways for the energy sector.

The three-day event, held from October 28 to 30, 2025, focuses on innovations driving India’s energy transition and circular economy efforts.

Speaking after receiving the award, Shri Nandakumar V. Pillai said,

“MRPL has always been a frontrunner in adopting and developing advanced technologies. Our Innovation Centre is not only creating but also implementing breakthrough technologies like GOAT — a futuristic Crude-to-Chemicals process that many in the global refining industry are still aspiring to achieve. Winning this recognition for the fourth consecutive year reflects our team’s commitment, creativity, and technical excellence. I congratulate our Innovation Centre team and wish them continued success in future innovations.”