In News:

• NTPC has achieved the first-ever synthesis of CO? (captured from flue gas) and hydrogen (produced via a PEM electrolyzer) into methanol at its Vindhyachal plant.
• This marks a significant step in carbon management technology, aimed at advancing sustainable fuel production.

About CO?-to-Methanol Conversion:

• Carbon Dioxide Capture:
  • CO? is captured from industrial sources, such as power plants, or directly from the atmosphere.
• Hydrogen Production:
  • Renewable energy sources like solar or wind power are used to produce hydrogen through water electrolysis.
• Methanol Synthesis:
  • The captured CO? is combined with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst to produce methanol, typically under high pressure and temperature conditions.

Benefits of CO?-to-Methanol Conversion:

• Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU):
  • This technology reduces the impact of CO? on the atmosphere by converting it into useful products.
• Renewable Fuel Source:
  • Methanol produced through this process can be used as a fuel for transportation, power generation, or as a feedstock for chemicals.
• Energy Storage:
  • Methanol offers a more practical storage and transportation option than hydrogen, making it a potential energy storage solution and aiding the transition to hydrogen-based energy systems.
• Versatile Feedstock:
  • Methanol is widely used in producing chemicals, solvents, and plastics, supporting various industrial applications.

What is Methanol?

• Brief: Methanol, also known as methyl alcohol or wood alcohol, is the simplest form of alcohol. It is a clear, colorless, and flammable liquid with a distinctive odor.
• Key Properties:
  • Colorless, miscible with water, toxic if ingested, flammable.

In News:

• India is in talks with Oman, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Maldives, and Singapore to establish cross-border electricity transmission lines.
• This is part of the ambitious OSOWOG initiative to create a global renewable energy grid.

Key Points:

• Proposed by the Prime Minister of India at the 2018 International Solar Alliance (ISA) Assembly.
• Aims to create a transnational electricity grid that delivers power worldwide.
• Led by India and the UK, in collaboration with ISA and the World Bank Group.

Vision of OSOWOG:

• Connect regional grids through a common infrastructure for the transfer of renewable energy, focusing on solar power.
• Harness solar and other renewable energy from regions where the sun is shining and efficiently transmit it to areas of need.
• Aim to provide power to 140 countries using clean and efficient solar energy.

Phases of OSOWOG:

• Phase 1:
  • Connect the Indian grid with grids in the Middle East, South Asia, and South-East Asia.
  • Share solar and other renewable energy resources.
• Phase 2:
  • Expand the interconnected grid to include renewable resources from Africa.
• Phase 3:
  • Achieve a global interconnection aiming for 2,600 GW by 2050.
  • Integrate as many countries as possible into a single renewable energy grid.

Global Collaboration:

• Involves national governments, international organizations, legislators, power operators, and experts.
• Focus on accelerating infrastructure development for a clean energy-powered world.

Why in the News?

During a recent event held in Rajasthan's Sikar, the Prime Minister unveiled "Urea Gold," a novel type of Urea fertilizer.

About Urea Gold:

• Urea Gold is an advanced variety of Urea that features a Sulphur coating.
• Its primary purpose is to address soil Sulphur deficiency while also offering cost-saving benefits to farmers.
• In comparison to the existing Neem-coated urea, Urea Gold stands out due to its superior economic viability and efficiency.
• The gradual release of nitrogen facilitated by its Sulphur coating enhances crop uptake, and the inclusion of humic acid extends its fertilizing lifespan.
• Notably, Urea Gold not only acts as a substitute for traditional urea but also contributes to a reduction in overall fertilizer usage.
• According to a report, using 15 kg of Urea Gold can provide comparable benefits to 20 kg of conventional urea, making it a more efficient and effective choice for farmers.

Why in the News?

In a recent development, INDIAai and Meta India entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to create a collaborative framework for cooperation and partnership in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies.

About INDIAai:

• INDIAai, the National artificial intelligence Portal of India, was launched on 28th May 2020 as a comprehensive platform.
• It serves as a knowledge portal, research organization, and ecosystem-building initiative.
• Its primary aim is to foster unity and encourage collaborations within India's AI ecosystem by bringing together various entities.
• This joint initiative is supported by the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY), the National e-Governance Division (NeGD), and NASSCOM.
• NeGD, established in 2009 under the Digital India Corporation (a not-for-profit company set up by MeitY), plays a crucial role in this venture.
• NASSCOM, a prominent not-for-profit industry association, serves as the apex body for India's IT and IT-enabled products and services sector.
• INDIAai functions as the central knowledge hub for artificial intelligence and related fields, catering to aspiring entrepreneurs, students, professionals, academics, and all other stakeholders in the domain.

What is Artificial intelligence (AI)?

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a branch of computer science: It involves the development of intelligent machines that can perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence.
• Machine Learning and Algorithms: AI systems utilize machine learning algorithms to process vast amounts of data, learn from it, and improve their performance over time without explicit programming.
• Applications in various fields: AI finds applications in diverse domains, including natural language processing, image recognition, robotics, healthcare, finance, and autonomous vehicles, among others. Its goal is to mimic human cognitive abilities, such as problem-solving, reasoning, and decision-making.

Why in the News?

The synchronization of the 660-MW unit-2 of the 1,320-MW Maitree Super Thermal Power Project (STPP) with the electricity grid in Bangladesh was recently announced by the state-owned engineering firm Bharat Heavy Electricals.

• Location:
• It is situated in Rampal, in the Bagerhat district of Bangladesh's Khulna division.
• It will be one of the biggest coal-fired power plants in Bangladesh, along with the Payra Power Plant in Pataukhali, which commenced test production in January 2020.
• Capacity and Cost:
• The power station has a capacity of 1320 MW (2x660 MW) and is estimated to cost around $2 billion.
• Financing Plan:
• The project is being developed under India's tax concessions finance plan, aiming to enhance Bangladesh's national grid by an additional 1320 MW.
• Financed through a £1.3bn ($1.6bn) loan from the Export-Import (EXIM) Bank of India.
• Implementing Entity:
• India’s Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) is responsible for constructing the power plant on behalf of Bangladesh-India Friendship Electricity Company Private Limited (BIFPCL).
• Commercial Operation:
• The first unit of the super thermal power plant is expected to commence commercial operation in early October, representing a significant milestone in the growing cooperation between India and Bangladesh in the power industry.
• Future Expansion:
• In the subsequent year, the power plant's Unit-II, also known as the Rampal coal-fired power project, is scheduled for implementation.