Union Power Ministry issues new guidelines for waste-to-energy power procurement.

The article discusses the introduction of new guidelines by the Union Power Ministry for implementing a tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB) framework for procuring power from grid-connected Waste-to-Energy (WTE) projects. These guidelines, established under Section 63 of the Electricity Act, 2003, aim to improve waste management practices and facilitate fair bidding for municipal corporations and state agencies, addressing the significant challenge posed by the approximately 70 million tonnes of municipal solid waste generated annually in urban areas of India. The guidelines set specific timelines for the bidding process, requiring a minimum of 45 days for bid submissions and completion of awards within 90 days, while emphasizing the need for robust waste processing infrastructure. [Extracted from the article]