06 Sep 2023: PIB Summary for UPSC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. VGP for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
2. Bharat Drone Shakti 2023

1. VGP for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)

Syllabus: GS-3, Economy, Environment; GS-2, Schemes

Prelims: VGP, BESS

Context:

Cabinet approves scheme titled Viability Gap Funding for Development of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).

Details:

• The approved scheme envisages the development of 4,000 MWh of BESS projects by 2030-31, with financial support of up to 40% of the capital cost as budgetary support in the form of Viability Gap Funding (VGF).
• The scheme is designed to harness the potential of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power.
• Objective: The scheme aims to provide clean, reliable, and affordable electricity for citizens. 
• Budget: The scheme has an initial outlay of Rs.9,400 crore, including budgetary support of Rs.3,760 crore.
• The scheme targets achieving a Levelized Cost of Storage (LCoS) ranging from Rs. 5.50-6.60 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), making stored renewable energy a viable option for managing peak power demand across the country.
• Benefit: The move is expected to bring down the cost of battery storage systems increasing their viability.
• Significance:

• • To ensure that the benefits of the scheme reach the consumers, a minimum of 85% of the BESS project capacity will be made available to Distribution Companies (Discoms). 
  • This will not only enhance the integration of renewable energy into the electricity grid but also minimize wastage while optimizing the utilization of transmission networks. 
  • Consequently, this will reduce the need for costly infrastructure upgrades.
• The BESS Scheme is a significant step towards achieving the vision of promoting clean and green energy solutions.
• Encouraging the adoption of battery storage is a step in this direction.

2. Bharat Drone Shakti 2023

Syllabus: GS-3, Defence and Security

Prelims: Bharat Drone Shakti 2023

Context:

The Indian Air Force and the Drone Federation of India to co-host Bharat Drone Shakti 2023.

About Bharat Drone Shakti:

• The event is scheduled for September 25th and 26th and will take place at the IAF base in Hindan, Ghaziabad.
• It will feature live aerial demonstrations by the Indian drone industry.
• Drone technology has sparked a revolution in civil and defense fields, boosting efficiency, lowering risks, and enhancing capabilities. 
• India is witnessing a rising adoption of drones, both in the military and civilian sectors.
• The IAF relies extensively on Remotely Piloted Aircraft for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations. 
• ‘Bharat Drone Shakti 2023’ will showcase the full potential of the Indian drone industry, with more than 50 live aerial demonstrations displaying various types of drones, including survey drones, agriculture drones, fire-fighting drones, tactical surveillance drones, heavy-duty logistics drones, loitering munition systems, drone swarms, and anti-drone solutions.

Also read: Draft Drone Rules, 2021

Read the previous PIB articles here.