CO2 Baseline Database

for the Indian Power Sector

User Guide

Version 20.0

December 2024

Government of India
Ministry of Power
Central Electricity Authority

Sewa Bhawan, [Link],

New Delhi-66
Revision History of the Database
Version No. Date of Main Revisions Compared to Previous Version
Publication
1.0 Draft October 2006 - Draft for Stakeholder Consultation
1.0 November 2006 - Added data on 10 stations which had been in exclusion worksheet of draft database
- Adjusted values to latest IPCC Guidance (IPCC 2006 Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas In-
ventories) where IPCC defaults are used
1.1 December 2006 - Adjusted fuel emission factor of lignite to be in line with Initial National Communication figures

2.0 June 2007 - Added data for FY 2005-06, including new stations and units commissioned during 2005-06
- Some retroactive changes to data for FY 2000-01 to 2004-05
3.0 December 2007 - Added data for FY 2006-07, including new stations and units commissioned during 2006-07
- Adapted calculations and User Guide to ensure consistency with new CDM methodologies:
ACM0002 Version 07, and Tool to Calculate the Emission Factor for an Electricity System (Version
01.1, EB 35 Annex 12)
4.0 October 2008 - Added data for FY 2007-08, including new stations and units commissioned during 2007-08
- Adjusted delineation of regional grids
- Adjusted IPCC-based fuel emission factors to account for uncertainty in line with EB 35 Annex 12
5.0 November 2009 - Added data for FY 2008-09, including new stations and units commissioned during 2008-09

6.0 March 2011 - Added data for FY 2009-10, including new stations and units commissioned during 2009-10

7.0 January 2012 - Added data for FY 2010-11, including new stations and units commissioned during 2010-11

8.0 January 2013 - Added data for FY 2011-12, including new stations and units commissioned during 2011-12
- From FY 2011-12, scope of database is restricted to stations exceeding 25 MW
- Retroactive changes: Three units in NEWNE region identified as CDM units, leading to minor
change in build margin for FY 2010-11
9.0 December 2013 - Added data for FY 2012-13, including new stations and units commissioned during 2012-13
- Retroactive changes: Nine units identified as CDM units, leading to changes in build margins back
to FY 2009-10
- Updated GCVs of five stations back to FY 2008-09
10.0 December 2014 - Added data for FY 2013-14, including new stations and units commissioned during 2013-14
- Introduced distinction between Indian and imported coal as from FY 2013-14
- Retroactive changes to previous FY due to: identification of CDM units, identification of waste heat
recovery steam turbines, harmonization of GCV for oil used as secondary fuel
- One station was reclassified from SR to NEWNE region
11.0 April 2016 - Added data for FY 2014-15, including new stations and units commissioned during 2014-15
- Introduced integrated Single Indian Grid (NEWNE and Southern are now synchronized)
- Export of power to Bangladesh also considered in the Import/Export data.
12.0 May 2017 - Added data for FY 2015-16, including new stations and units commissioned during 2015-16

13.0 June 2018 - Added data for FY 2016-17, including new stations and units commissioned during 2016-17
- Export of power to Myanmar also considered in the Import/Export data.
14.0 December 2018 - Added data for FY 2017-18, including new stations and units commissioned during 2017-18

15.0 December 2019 - Added data for FY 2018-19, including new stations and units commissioned during 2018-19

16.0 March 2021 - Added data for FY 2019-20, including new stations and units commissioned during 2019-20
- Some retroactive changes to data for FY 2018-19
17.0 October 2021 - Added data for FY 2020-21, including new stations and units commissioned during 2020-21

18.0 September 2022 - Added data for FY 2021-22, including new stations and units commissioned during 2021-22

19.0 December 2023 - Added data for FY 2022-23, including new stations and units commissioned during 2022-23
- Unit wise emission factor calculated for 2022-23
- Captive Power Injection into the grid incorporated for calculating grid emission factor
- Renewable Energy transactions through Open access adjusted to avoid double accounting
20.0 December 2024 - Added data for FY 2023-24, including new stations and units commissioned during 2023-24
- Build Margin and Combined Margin calculated for year accounting for renewable energy genera-
tion into the grid.

Expert Team Contributing to the Database

Central Electricity Authority:
Shri. Vijay Menghani, Chief Engineer (CE&ET) Shri. Sachin K. Bhise, Director (CE&ET)
Shri. Manoj Kumar, Dy. Director (CE&ET) Shri. Harkaran Singh, Asst. Director (CE&ET)
Contents
Summary .............................................................................................................................. 1
1 Background and Objective ........................................................................................... 2
2 How to Use the Database ............................................................................................. 5
3 Scope of Database ........................................................................................................ 7
4 Data and Calculation Approach ................................................................................... 8
4.1 Base Data ............................................................................................................. 8
4.2 Annual Data .......................................................................................................... 9
4.3 Calculation of CO2 Emissions ............................................................................. 10
4.4 Adjustment for Cross-Border Electricity Transfers ............................................... 11
4.5 Generation from Renewable Energy Sources.......................................................11
5 Results......................................................................................................................... 13
5.1 Results for Fiscal Year2023-24 ........................................................................... 13
5.2 Developments over Time .................................................................................... 14
5.3 Changes compared to Previous Database Versions ........................................... 17
6 User Examples ............................................................................................................ 18
7 Biomass Co-Firing in Thermal Power Plants...............................................................20
8 Updating Procedure.................................................................................................... 20
9 Further Information..................................................................................................... 20
Annexure-I -- Average Emission factor considering Renewable Energy.......................21
Appendix A – Systems in India’s Grids ............................................................................ 22
Appendix B – Assumptions for CO2 Emission Calculations ........................................... 26
Appendix C – Grid Emission Factors ............................................................................... 28
Appendix D – Summary of Methodology ACM0002 / Version 22.0 ................................. 29
Appendix E – Abbreviations .............................................................................................. 30
 Central Electricity Authority CO2 Baseline Database for the Indian Power Sector

Summary
Since the emergence of the Kyoto Protocol and its Clean Development Mechanism (CDM),
energy projects lowering the carbon intensity of the electricity grid can generate additional rev-
enues from carbon credits. Methodologies approved by the CDM Executive Board have to be
applied to determine the resulting emission reductions, using the “baseline” CO2 emission fac-
tor of the relevant geographical area.
The Paris agreement in 2015 called for the establishment of a ‘Sustainable Development
Mechanism (SDM)’. SDM is the direct successor to the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)
under the Kyoto Protocol. The goals of the SDM are to promote higher ambition that contributes
to emission reductions and sustainable development, and deliver an overall mitigation of green-
house gas emissions. In the Paris Agreement, all countries have made mitigation pledges in
the form of their NDCs (Nationally Determined Contributions). To facilitate the achievement of
India’s enhanced NDC targets, India is on the pathway to develop a robust framework for the
Indian Carbon Market (ICM) with an objective to decarbonize the Indian economy by pricing
the GHG emission through trading of the carbon credit certificates.
In order to facilitate adoption of authentic baseline emissions data and also to ensure uniformity
in the calculations of CO2 emission reductions, Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has compiled
a database containing the necessary data on CO2 emissions for all grid-connected power sta-
tions in India.
All regional grids have been integrated as a single Indian Grid covering all the states in De-
cember 2013. Small power exchanges also take place with the neighbouring countries Bhutan,
Nepal, Bangladesh and Myanmar. For the unified grid, the main emission factors are calculated
in accordance with the relevant CDM methodologies. CEA will continue updating the database
at the end of each fiscal year.
To show the impact of Renewable energy in reducing the CO2 emission intensity of Indian
Electricity Generation, weighted average emission factor is also calculated by including Re-
newable energy. The calculations are based on generation, fuel consumption and fuel quality
data obtained from the power stations. Typical standard data were used only for a few stations
where information was not available from the station. The prevailing baseline emissions based
on the data for the FY 2023-24 are shown in Table S.
Table S: Weighted average emission factor, simple operating margin (OM), build margin (BM)
and combined margin (CM) of the Indian Grid for FY 2023-24 (adjusted for cross-border
electricity transfers) (including RES & Captive power injection into grid), in
tCO2/MWh

Average OM BM CM

0.727 0.962 0.552 0.757

Average is the average emission of all stations in the grid, weighted by net generation.
OM is the average emission from all stations excluding the low cost/must run sources.
BM is the average emission of the 20% (by net generation) most recent capacity addition in the grid (including RE).
CM is a weighted average of the OM and BM (here weighted 50: 50).

Page | 1
 Central Electricity Authority CO2 Baseline Database for the Indian Power Sector

1 Background and Objective

Purpose of the CO2 Database
The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) under the Kyoto Protocol to United Nations Frame-
work Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) provides an opportunity for the Indian power
sector to earn revenue through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), particularly
carbon dioxide (CO2). India has tremendous potential for CDM projects. Power generation
based on higher efficiency technologies such as supercritical technology, integrated gasifica-
tion combined cycle, and renovation and modernisation of old thermal power plants, co-gener-
ation along with renewable energy sources are some of potential candidates for CDM in the
power sector. Energy efficiency and conservation projects also present themselves as eligible
CDM projects, as these would also result in energy savings and displace associated CO2 emis-
sions which otherwise would be produced by grid-connected power stations.
The CDM has by now become an established mechanism for crediting climate friendly projects.
Projects involving displacement or saving of grid electricity must calculate their emission re-
ductions based on a grid emission factor, which needs to be determined in accordance with
the rules set by the CDM Executive Board. Central Electricity Authority (CEA) accordingly took
up to compile a database for all grid-connected power stations in India. The purpose of the
database is to establish authentic and consistent quantification of the CO2 emission baseline,
which can be readily used by CDM project developers in the Indian power sector. This would
enhance the acceptability of Indian projects and would also expedite the clearance/approval
process. The baseline emissions for the Indian Grid are given in Section 5 (Results) of this
User Guide. The complete updated CO2 Database (Microsoft Excel File) and this User Guide
along with all previous versions is available on the website of Central Electricity Authority:
[Link].
The purpose of this User Guide is to provide a ready reference to the underlying calculations
and assumptions used in the CO2 database and to summarise the key results.

Official Status of the Database

The database is an official publication of the Government of India for the purpose of CDM
baselines. It is based on the most recent data available with the Central Electricity Authority.

Consistency of the Database with CDM Methodologies

Under the CDM, emission reductions must be quantified using an approved methodology. Key
examples of such methodologies include AMS-I.D and ACM0002 for grid-connected power
generation from renewable sources in small- and large-scale projects, respectively. The latest
versions of all approved CDM methodologies are available at the official CDM website,
[Link]
In addition, the CDM Executive Board has adopted a methodological tool to facilitate the cal-
culation of baseline emission factors for electricity grids.1 This tool, which is referred to as the

1
Tool to calculate the emission factor for an electricity system (Version 7.0). See [Link]

Page | 2
 Central Electricity Authority CO2 Baseline Database for the Indian Power Sector

Grid Tool in this user guide, has become the main reference for CDM methodologies involving
baseline emission factors for power grids, such as ACM0002.
This version of the database is designed to be consistent with version 7.0 of the Tool to calculate
the emission factor for an electricity system published by the CDM Executive Board.

Installed Capacity
As a result of the impressive growth attained by the Indian Power Sector, the installed capacity
has grown from mere 1,713 MW in 1950 to 441969.60 MW as on 31.03.2024. Sector-wise
details of installed capacity are shown in Table 1.

Table 1: Sector- wise installed capacity (MW) as on 31.03.2024

Thermal Nuclear Hydro RES Total

Sector
Coal Lignite Gas Diesel Total

State 69437.50 1150.00 7012.05 280.31 77879.86 0.00 27254.45 2535.11 107669.43

Central 68019.96 3640.00 7237.91 0.00 78897.91 8180.00 15742.72 1632.30 104452.93

Private 73512.00 1830.00 10788.24 308.89 86439.15 0.00 3931.00 139477.09 229847.24

All India 210969.46 6620.00 25038.21 589.20 243216.87 8180.00 46928.17 143644.51 441969.55

Source: Installed Capacity Report by CEA for FY2023-24 ([Link]

location_wise.pdf).

Page | 3
 Central Electricity Authority CO2 Baseline Database for the Indian Power Sector

Indian Grids
Historically, the Indian power system was divided into five independent regional grids, namely
Northern, Eastern, Western, Southern, and North-Eastern. Each grid covered several states
(see Table 2). Since August 2006, however, all regional grids except the Southern Grid had
been integrated and were operating in synchronous mode, i.e. at same frequency. Conse-
quently, the Northern, Eastern, Western and North-Eastern grids were treated as a single grid
named as NEWNE grid from FY 2007-08 onwards for the purpose of this CO2 Baseline Data-
base. As of 31 December 2013, the Southern grid has also been synchronised with the
NEWNE grid, hence forming one unified Indian Grid.
Power generation and supply within the Indian Grid is managed by Regional Load Dispatch
Centres (RLDC). The National Power Committee (NPC) and Regional Power Committees
(RPCs) provide a common platform for discussion and solution to the national and regional
problems relating to the grid. Each state meets their demand with their own generation facilities
and also with allocation from power plants owned by the central sector such as NTPC and
NHPC etc. and IPP’s being operated by private sector. Specific quotas are allocated to each
state from the central sector power plants. Depending on the demand and generation, there
are cross-border electricity exports and imports (e.g., from Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh and
Myanmar).
Table 2: Geographical scope of the Indian electricity grid

INDIAN GRID

Northern Eastern Western North-Eastern Southern

Chandigarh Bihar Chhattisgarh Arunachal Andhra Pradesh
Delhi Jharkhand Gujarat Pradesh Karnataka
Haryana Orissa Dadar & Nagar Assam Kerala
Himachal Pra- West Bengal Haveli and Manipur Tamil Nadu
desh Daman & Diu Meghalaya
Sikkim Puducherry
Jammu & Madhya Pradesh Mizoram
Andaman- Lakshadweep*
Kashmir Nicobar* Maharashtra Nagaland Telengana
Ladakh Goa Tripura
Punjab
Rajasthan
Uttar Pradesh
Uttarakhand

*The union territories Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep islands are not con-
nected to the National grid. The power generation and distribution systems of these territories
is served by standalone systems.

Page | 4
 Central Electricity Authority CO2 Baseline Database for the Indian Power Sector

2 How to Use the Database

Structure of the Database
Emission reductions from CDM projects in the power sector are calculated based on the net
electricity generated by the project and the difference between the emissions factors (in t
CO2/MWh) of the baseline and the project activity. The baseline emission factor reflects the
carbon intensity of the displaced grid electricity. This baseline emission factor can be derived
from the data provided in the CO2 Database.
Specifically, the database contains the following elements:
 Worksheet “Database” provides the net generation and the absolute and specific CO2
emissions of each grid-connected power station and individual units (see Section 4 for
calculation approach). It also indicates stations and units which were included in the build
margin
 Worksheet “Results” provides the most commonly used aggregate emission factors.
These are calculated from the station unit data in accordance with the most recent Grid
Tool.2 The emission factors are explained in more detail in the next section.
 Worksheet “Abbreviations” explains the abbreviations used in the “Datasheet” worksheet.
 Worksheet “Assumptions” shows the assumptions that were used for the calculation of the
CO2 emissions at station and unit level, where the information was not provided by the
station.
 Worksheet “Transfers” shows the cross-border power transfers.

Different Types of Emission Factors:

The CDM methodologies which have been approved to date by the CDM Executive Board
distinguish a range of different emission factors. In the Indian context, the following four are
most relevant, and were therefore calculated for the Indian Grid based on the underlying station
data:
Weighted average:
The weighted average emission factor describes the average CO2 emitted per unit of electricity
generated in the grid. It is calculated by dividing the absolute CO2 emissions of all power sta-
tions by the total net generation. Net generation from so-called low-cost/must-run sources is
included in the denominator. In India, hydro and nuclear stations qualify as low-cost/must-run
sources. The weighted average emission factor also includes generation from Renewable
sources and grid connected captive stations.

Simple operating margin (OM):

The operating margin describes the average CO2 intensity of the existing stations in the grid
which are most likely to reduce their output if a CDM project supplies electricity to the grid (or
reduces consumption of grid electricity). “Simple” denotes one out of four possible variants

2
Tool to calculate the emission factor for an electricity system (Version 7.0). See [Link]

Page | 5
 Central Electricity Authority CO2 Baseline Database for the Indian Power Sector

listed in the Grid Tool for calculating the operating margin.3 Furthermore, option A has been
selected as the required disaggregated data is available in India.
The simple operating margin is the weighted average emissions rate of all generation sources
except so-called low-cost or must-run sources (hydro, nuclear and other renewable stations)
and are excluded. The operating margin, therefore, can be calculated by dividing the grid’s
total CO2 emissions by the net generation of all thermal stations (including Captive). In other
words, it represents the weighted average emissions rate of all thermal stations connected to
grid.
Values for operating margins given in this User Guide and the Database are always based on
the “ex post” option as set out in the Grid Tool.4

Build margin (BM):

The build margin reflects the average CO2 intensity of newly built power stations that will be
(partially) replaced by a CDM project. In accordance with the Grid Tool, the build margin is
calculated in this database as the average emissions intensity of the 20% most recent capacity
additions including renewable energy generation. The build margin generally covers units com-
missioned in the last five years.

Combined margin (CM):

The combined margin is a weighted average of the simple operating margin and the build mar-
gin. By default, both margins have equal weights (50%). However, CDM project developers
may choose to argue for different weights. In particular, for intermittent and non-dispatchable
generation types such as wind and solar photovoltaic, the Grid Tool allows to weigh the oper-
ating margin and build margin at 75% and 25%, respectively. However, the combined margins
shown in the database are calculated based on equal weights.
In line with the Grid Tool, if a station is registered as a CDM activity, it is excluded from the
build margin but not from the operating margin.5

3
The two variants “Simple adjusted operating margin” and “Dispatch data analysis operating margin” cannot currently be ap-
plied in India due to lack of necessary data.
4
See Tool to calculate the emission factor for an electricity system (Version 7.0).
5
See Tool to calculate the emission factor for an electricity system (Version 7.0), pp. 16 and pp 25 point (f)

Page | 6
 Central Electricity Authority CO2 Baseline Database for the Indian Power Sector

3 Scope of Database
The database used for CO2 emission calculation includes all grid-connected power stations6
which covers power stations of both public utilities and independent power producers (IPPs).

Figure 1: Breakdown of the total I/C corresponds to 441970 MW as on 31.03.2024

The following power stations are currently not included in the database:
 Small decentralised generation sets;
 Stations or units installed in Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep ; as they are
not connected to the Indian Grid;
Renewable energy generation into the grid is accounted for calculating the average emission
factor of the Indian grid. However, the detail of these plants are not included in the database
due to non-availability plant wise RE data.
Captive power stations: As on 31 March-2024, the aggregate installed capacity of captive
stations in industries having demand of 0.5 MW and above was 79,340 MW inclusive of 7500
MW approx. of non-conventional renewable energy capacity. The generation of these stations
in FY 2022-23 was 211,931 MUs and estimated generation in FY 2023-24 is 214,581 MUs
(provisional figure) [Link] estimated Energy injection into the grid by captive plants is 17560
MUs (provisional figure) in FY 2023-24. The details of captive plants could not be added in this
database due to non-availability of plant wise data, but energy injection into the grid is ac-
counted for calculation of Weighted Average emission factor of the Indian Grid (Table S).
Non-conventional renewable energy stations: These include hydro stations up to 25 MW,
as well as all wind, biomass and solar photovoltaic stations. The installed, grid-connected
capacity of these sources was 1,43,645 MW as on 31.03.2024.8 The generation from these
non-conventional renewable energy sources in FY 2023-24 was 225,830 MUs. The detail of
these plants is not included in data base but used for calculation of Weighted Average emis-
sion factor of the Indian Grid (Table S).

6
Captive Power Injection into the grid for FY 2023-24 is calculated based on progressive analysis of 2022-23 published Data and estimated
installed capacity in 2023-24.
7
Growth of Electricity Sector in India From 1947-2024 by CEA ([Link] ;
Pages-60/64).
8
The installed capacity for FY 2023-24 as reported by CEA ([Link]
tion_wise.pdf).

Page | 7
 Central Electricity Authority CO2 Baseline Database for the Indian Power Sector

4 Data and Calculation Approach

This section gives an overview on the base data, annual data as well as the approaches used
to calculate station-level and unit-level CO2 emissions.

4.1 Base Data

The following base data parameters were collected for all the stations listed in the CO 2 data-
base:
 S No:
The Station Numbers start at 1 and proceed alphabetically for all stations. All units of a
station have the same station number. Numbers may change in future database versions
due to insertion of new stations. Few Stations Numbers are not included in the list for either
they are de-commissioned or not relevant in the database category.

 Station Name:
Name of the power station. The station names have been arranged in alphabetical order.

 Unit Number:
The units of a station are numbered serially starting with 1. Stations are attributed with unit
number 0 for the purpose of calculations.

 Commissioning Date:
The commissioning date is provided for each unit. Commissioning dates are important for
the determination of the build margin.

 Capacity:
Capacity data is based on declared rated capacities in MW for each unit as of 31st March
2024.

 State:
State where the power station is located.

 Sector:
This denotes whether the station is operated by the central sector, the state authorities, or
the private sector.

 System:
A list of the systems including abbreviations and full names is provided in Appendix A.

 Type:
Indicates the type of the station, viz. thermal, nuclear, and hydro.

 Fuel:
Fuel 1 and Fuel 2 indicates the main fuels used for power generation at each station. For
example, in coal-based stations, Coal is indicated as Fuel 1 and Oil as Fuel 2.

Page | 8
 Central Electricity Authority CO2 Baseline Database for the Indian Power Sector

4.2 Annual Data

The annual data columns in the database provide the following: net generation in GWh of the
station, absolute carbon dioxide emissions in metric tonnes, and specific carbon dioxide emis-
sions in t CO2/MWh, for 2023-24. In addition, there are columns to indicate whether the station
is included in the build margin in the respective year. If a unit is part of a registered CDM
activity, it is excluded from the build margin, and the CDM registration number is indicated in
the respective column.
CEA has compiled the CO2 Database based upon generation, fuel consumption and fuel gross
calorific value (GCV) data furnished by each power station. In cases where the station could
not provide reliable data for all the relevant parameters, assumptions were made as described
below. Further details on the assumptions made are provided in Appendix B.

a) Assumptions at Station Level

At the station level, the following assumptions were made where the relevant data could not
be provided by a station:
Net generation:
For hydro stations, only gross generation was available, but not net generation data. Therefore,
the CEA standard value for auxiliary power consumption in hydro units (0.5%) was applied to
derive the net generation from the gross generation data reported by the stations. Likewise,
CEA standard values for auxiliary power consumption had to be applied for some thermal sta-
tions.
Gross Calorific Value (GCV):
Default values were used for some thermal stations where station-specific GCVs were not
available.
If the station consists just of one unit, the assumptions at unit level were applied to the station
level.

b) Assumptions at Unit Level

At unit level, the following assumptions were made-
Gross generation:
For some stations, gross generation data were not shared by generating stations at Unit level.
Hence, the gross generation figures were taken from the CEA publication by OPM Division for
Annual Generation Data for fiscal year 2023-24.
Net generation:
Net generation data is being reported at unit level by thermal stations. However, for the stations
where unit wise net generation data was not made available assuming that Unit level Auxiliary
Power Consumption (APC) is in same proportion of station level APC.
Fuel consumption and GCV:
In case fuel consumption and GCV are not reported at unit level by thermal stations, the spe-
cific CO2 emissions of the units coming in the build margin could usually be assumed to be
equal to the values of the respective station. See Section 4.3 for details.

Page | 9
 Central Electricity Authority CO2 Baseline Database for the Indian Power Sector

4.3 Calculation of CO2 Emissions

Calculation Approach – Station Level
CO2 emissions of thermal stations were calculated using the formula below:

2
AbsCO2 ( station ) y   FuelConi , y  GCVi , y  EFi  Oxid i (1)
i 1

Where:
AbsCO2,y Absolute CO2 emission of the station in the given fiscal year ‘y’
FuelConi,y Amount of fuel of type i consumed in the fiscal year ‘y’
GCVi,y Gross calorific value of the fuel i in the fiscal year ‘y’
EFi CO2 emission factor of the fuel i based on GCV
Oxidi Oxidation factor of the fuel i
The emission and oxidation factors used in the CO2 Database are provided in Appendix B.
The emission factors for Indian coal and lignite were based on the values provided in India’s
Initial National Communication under the UNFCCC (Ministry of Environment & Forests, 2004).
The emission factor for coal is supported by the results of an analysis of approx. 120 coal
samples collected from different Indian coal fields. Since the values in the National Communi-
cation are based on the NCV (Net Calorific Value), they were converted to GCV basis using a
formula also furnished in the National Communication. For all other fuels as well as for imported
coal, default emission factors were derived from the IPCC 2006 Guidelines.9 In line with the
Grid Tool, the low-end values of the 95% confidence intervals indicated by IPCC were used.10
The IPCC default factors were converted to GCV basis using IEA default conversion factors.
The oxidation factor for Indian coal and lignite was derived from an analysis performed with
data on the unburnt carbon content in the ash from various Indian coal-fired power stations.
The value of 98% is consistent with the default value provided in the IPCC 1996 Guidelines. 11
For all other fuels as well as imported coal, default values provided in the more recent IPCC
2006 Guidelines were used.
Specific CO2 emissions of stations (SpecCO2 (station) y) were computed by dividing the abso-
lute emissions (AbsCO2 (station) y) estimated above by the station’s net generation (NetGen
(station) y).

AbsCO2 (station) y
SpecCO2 (station) y  (2)
NetGen (station) y

9
2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories, Volume 2: Energy, Table 1.4

10
, Version 7.0
In accordance with the Tool to calculate the emission factor for an electricity system
11
IPCC 1996 Revised Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories, Volume 3 (Reference Manual), p.1.13

Page | 10
 Central Electricity Authority CO2 Baseline Database for the Indian Power Sector

Calculation Approach – Unit Level

Unit-level CO2 emissions were calculated for all the units in the database.
For determining the emissions of units, fuel consumption data at unit level was used wherever
available in the same way as used for calculating the station emissions.
In the units where unit-level fuel consumption was not available, the fuel consumption of each
unit was calculated on pro-rata basis of total fuel consumption of the station based on unit wise
gross generation. The absolute CO2 emission was then calculated individually for each unit.

4.4 Adjustment for Cross-Border Electricity Transfers

The weighted average emission factors and operating margins of the Indian Grid were adjusted
for cross-border electricity imports and exports, in line with the Grid Tool:
 The relevant amounts of electricity imported and exported are listed in the database work-
sheet “Transfers”;
 The CO2 emissions associated with these imports were quantified based on the simple
operating margin of the exporting grid.12

4.5 Generation from Renewable Energy Sources (RES)

During the review of the process of the computation it was noticed that since the declaration
of 175 GW Renewable Energy Capacity in 2015, the Generation from Renewable Energy
Sources (including Hydro) has increased gradually and its contribution in the Indian Power
during 2023-24 was about 20.7 %. So the average carbon emission of electricity generation
in India has been decreasing and this should be captured in computation. Hence in the
computation of the weighted Average emission factor with RES, the total CO2 emission has
been divided by total electricity generated.
In this version of the report for the FY 2023-24, renewable energy generation is accounted
for to calculate Build Margin (BM) and Combined Margin (CM) emission factors of the coun-
try. This gives improved results than the previous approach where renewable generation
was not included to calculate BM and CM due to lack of available data.
To capture the role played by RES in decreasing the carbon emission intensity of the Indian
electricity generation, the weighted average emission factor with RES has been computed
for last ten years and is enclosed as Annexure- I.

12
This corresponds to Options a)+b) listed in the Grid Tool, (Version 7.0), p. 10 & 11

Page | 11
 Central Electricity Authority CO2 Baseline Database for the Indian Power Sector

Methodology with examples:

For the ease of understanding, the methodology for computation of various emission factors
is explained below:
1. Weighted Average Emission factor: It is computed by dividing the total CO2 emission
by net electricity generation.

Weighted Average Emission factor (tCo2/MWh) = Total CO2 emission

Net Electricity generation

Total CO2 emission from grid connected stations in 2023-24 = 1204.51 Million Tonne
Net Electricity Generation into grid including import, RES and Captive = 1655.7 BU

Weighted Average factor (Grid Emission Factor) = 1204.51 MT / 1655.7 BU

= 0.727 tCO2/MWh (Table S)

2. Simple Operating Margin: The operating margin is calculated by dividing the grid’s
total CO2 emissions by the net generation of all sources except so-called low-cost or
must-run sources. In other words, it represents the weighted average emissions rate of
all thermal stations (including captive).
Total CO2 emission for the 2023-24 = 1204.51 Million Tonne
Net Electricity Generation (Thermal) + Imports = 1248.86 + 3.86= 1252.72 BU
Operating Margin =1204.51 /1252.72
= 0.962 tCO2/MWh (Table S)
3. Build Margin: The build margin reflects the average CO2 intensity of newly built power
stations that will be (partially) replaced by a CDM project. First 20 % of the net energy
is computed and then it is attributed to newly commissioned units in reverse order in
bucket fill mode. Then generation of all these units (which may be slightly higher than
20% of net generation) and their emission is used for computation of BM in accordance
with the Grid Tool, the build margin is calculated in this database as the average emis-
sions intensity of the 20% most recent capacity (including renewable capacity) in the
grid based net generation.
The net generation by most recent capacity (including RES) = 327.60 BU
Total CO2 emission from these units for the 2023-24 = 180.88 Million Tonne
Build Margin = 180.88/327.6
= 0.552 tCO2/MWh

4. Combined margin (CM): The combined margin is a weighted average of the simple
operating margin and the build margin. By default, both margins have equal weights
(50%).
Combined Margin = 0.5*OM + 0.5*BM
= 0.5*0.962 + 0.5*0.552
= 0.757 tCO2/MWh

Page | 12
 Central Electricity Authority CO2 Baseline Database for the Indian Power Sector

5 Results
Worksheet “Results” in the database provides the net generation and CO2 emissions data and
the resulting emission factors for the Indian Grid in the fiscal years 2019-20 to 2023-24. The
emission factors are also reproduced in Appendix C. The values are rounded off at two deci-
mals. See database file for additional decimals.

5.1 Results for Fiscal Year 2023-24

Table 3 indicates the development of total emissions over the last five years covered by the
database.
Table 3: Total emissions of the power sector for the FY 2019-20 to 2023-24, in million tonnes CO2

2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24

960.90 928.14 910.02 1108.139* 1204.51*

*Corresponding to electricity injected into grid (including grid connected captive)

Table 4 shows the emission factors for FY 2023-24 both excluding and including cross-border
power transfers.
Table 4: Weighted average emission factor, simple operating margin (OM), build margin (BM)
and combined margin (CM) of the Indian Grid for FY 2023-24 (not adjusted and adjusted for
cross-country electricity transfers), in tCO2/MWh

Average OM BM CM
Excluding cross-border power transfers 0.729 0.964 0.552 0.758
Including cross-border power transfers 0.727 0.962 0.552 0.757

A comparison of both cases in Table 4 shows that cross border electricity transfers did not
have a significant influence on the emission factors in 2023-24.
Table 5 shows the weighted average specific emissions for fossil fuel-fired power stations in
the Indian Grid.
Table 5: Weighted average specific emissions (on net generation) for fossil fuel-fired stations
in FY 2023-24, in tCO2/MWh
Coal Diesel Gas** Lignite Oil
0.969 - 0.451 1.30 -

Note: Stations for which assumptions had to be made are included in this analysis (see Section 4 for details).

Page | 13
 Central Electricity Authority CO2 Baseline Database for the Indian Power Sector

5.2 Developments over Time

Figure 2 shows the Total Installed Capacity from 2014 to 2024 for the country. Out of the total
installed Capacity, the share of Coal and Hydro based capacities has remained steady over a
large period and in recent years the share of RES has significantly increased in the total in-
stalled capacity.

Installed Capacity Mix of India

500000
450000
400000
350000
300000
250000
200000
150000
100000
50000
0

Thermal Hydro Nuclear RES

Figure 2: The Installed Capacity Mix of India

Figure 3 shows the development of the weighted average emission factor (including RES) over
the period from FY 2019-20 to FY 2023-24. The weighted average emission factor has in-
creased marginally in FY 2023-24 mainly due to the increase in total thermal generation. The
thermal generation increased by 10% (approx.) in 2023-24 compared to 2022-23.

Weighted Average Emission Factor (inc. RES)

0.73 0.727
0.725
0.72 0.716
0.715
0.715 0.713

0.71
0.703
0.705
0.7
0.695
0.69
2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24

Series1

Page | 14
 Central Electricity Authority CO2 Baseline Database for the Indian Power Sector

Figure 3 Development of the weighted average emission factor (adjusted for electricity trans-
fers & inclusive of renewable generation) for the Indian Grid for the period 2019-20 to 2023-24

Figure 4 illustrates the development of the import-adjusted operating margins over the period
from FY 2019-20 to FY 2023-24. In 2023-24, the import-adjusted operating margin has de-
creased marginally mainly due to increase in PLF of Coal+Lignite based plants from 64.15 in
2022-23 to 69.09 in 2023-24.

Operating Margin
0.98
0.971
0.97 0.962
0.960
0.960
0.96

0.95
0.940

0.94

0.93

0.92
2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24

Operating Margin

Figure 4: Development of the operating margin (adjusted for electricity transfers) for the Indian
Grid over the period 2019-20 to 2023-24.

Figure 5 shows the build margins for the five fiscal years 2019-20 to 2023-24. With adoption of
more efficient generation technologies such as Supercritical and Ultra-Supercritical Units ac-
counted in the latest Installed capacity, a declining trend has been observed for the Build Mar-
gin. From 2023-24 year onwards, RE generation is also accounted to calculate the Build Mar-
gin. Therefore, there a decline is observed in the graph in 2023-24.

Page | 15
 Central Electricity Authority CO2 Baseline Database for the Indian Power Sector

Build Margin
0.9 0.868 0.865 0.869
0.867

0.8

0.7

0.6 0.552

0.5

0.4

0.3
2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24

Build Margin

Figure 5: Development of the build margins over the period 2019-20 to 2023-24.

Figure 6 shows the trends in the import-adjusted combined margins in the period 2019-20 to
2023-24. In 2023-24, a decline is observed in the graph due to fall in combined margin after
taking into account RE generation for calculating the build margin from this financial year on-
wards.

Combined Margin
0.95 0.915
0.911 0.903 0.919
0.9

0.85

0.8 0.757
0.75

0.7

0.65

0.6
2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24

Combined Margin

Figure 6: Development of the combined margin (adjusted for electricity transfers) for the Indian
Grid over the period 2019-20 to 2023-24

Page | 16
 Central Electricity Authority CO2 Baseline Database for the Indian Power Sector

5.3 Changes compared to Previous Database Versions

In comparison with the previous version of the Database (Version 19.0), this updated Version
20.0 includes the following changes:
 Added data for FY 2023-24, including new stations and units commissioned during 2023-
24. De-commissioned units and plant have been removed from database.
 Made minor correction in data for the year 2022-23 in Annexure-I.
 The revised emission factors are provided in Appendix C and in the Database file.
 In 2023-24, RE generation is accounted to calculate Build Margin and Combined Margin
emission factors. This gives improved emission intensity of the Indian grid.
 Due to inclusion of RE generation in BM and CM, only Table S is published in the year
2023-24 compared to two tables (S-1 and S-2) in the previous year.
 The four emission factors which are published for year namely weighted average emission
factor, operating margin emission factor, build margin emission factor and combined mar-
gin emission factor. All these factors are inherently accounted for RE generation, captive
generation and imports.
 All the data and graphs corresponding to average emission factor (without RE) has been
excluded in this version of database and User Guide.
Installed capacity and Generation comparison for 2022-23 and 2023-24 as mentioned in Excel
Database:

Installed Capacity (in MW) Gross Generation (in MU)

Year Thermal Hydro Nuclear RES Thermal Hydro Nuclear RES

2022-23 237349 46850 6780 125160 1205894 162098 45861 203552

2023-24 243048 46928 8180 143645 1328084 134054 47937 225830

Table 6: Comparison between installed capacity and generation in 2022-23 and 2023-24

Page | 17
 Central Electricity Authority CO2 Baseline Database for the Indian Power Sector

6 User Examples
6.1 This section provides two illustrative examples of how the CO2 Database can be applied.
The examples are based on hypothetical renewable energy projects
Project A is a grid-connected 5 MW small hydropower station located in the State of Assam.
The station will be commissioned in 2025. Annual net generation is projected at approx. 17,500
MWh.
 The project qualifies as a small-scale CDM activity since its capacity is below the 15 MW
threshold. Hence it will use the latest version of CDM methodology AMS-I.D for grid-con-
nected renewable electricity generation.
 Methodology AMS-I.D gives two options for determining the baseline emission factor: Ei-
ther the weighted average emissions, or the combined margin of the grid. In this example,
it is assumed that the promoters choose the weighted average option. In addition, it is
assumed that the promoters choose to adjust the weighted average emission factor for
electricity imports, even though this is not mandatory under AMS-I.D.
 In the PDD, the expected emission reductions achieved by the hydro station are projected
based on the expected annual generation, and the import-adjusted weighted average emis-
sion factor for the Indian Grid in the most recent year for which data is available (2023-24).
The corresponding value is 0.727 tCO2/MWh. Hence the absolute emission reductions are
projected at 0.727 * 17,500 = 12,722.5 tCO2/yr. The emission reductions are equal to the
baseline emissions, since the project does not result in greenhouse gas emissions of its
own.
 In accordance with AMS-I. D, the promoters will determine the actual baseline emission
factor ex post. The actual emission reductions will then be calculated in each year of the
crediting period based on the observed net generation and the weighted average emission
factor for the respective year.13 The latter would be published annually by CEA.
Project B is a 100 MW grid-connected wind farm located in the State of Tamil Nadu. The
project will be commissioned in 2025. Average net supplies to the grid are projected at 312,500
MWh per year.
 The project exceeds the 15 MW threshold and thus qualifies as a large-scale CDM activity.
Hence it is eligible to use the latest version of methodology ACM0002 for grid-connected
power generation from renewable energy sources.
 Under ACM0002, the combined margin approach is mandatory.
 In contrast to the first example, the promoters decide to fix the baseline emission factor ex
ante. That is, the baseline emission factor is determined based on the most recent data
available, and remains fixed for the duration of the crediting period. The actual emission
reductions will be calculated in each year based on the observed net generation and the
pre-defined baseline emission factor.
 For this ex ante-option, the Grid Tool referred to in the methodology ACM0002 requires
that the operating margin be calculated as the generation-weighted average of the three
most recent years (here 2021-22 to 2023-24).14 The operating margin to be applied thus
works out to 0.964 t CO2/MWh.
 Since wind is an intermittent energy source, the promoter is allowed to assign a weight of
75% to the operating margin, and 25% to the build margin. The resulting combined margin

13
The emission factor of the previous year may be used instead. See Tool to calculate the emission factor for an electricity
system (Version 7.0), p.16
14
See Tool to calculate the emission factor for an electricity system (Version 7.0), p.16

Page | 18
 Central Electricity Authority CO2 Baseline Database for the Indian Power Sector

is 0.861 t CO2/MWh (75% x 0.964 + 25% x 0.552) for the FY (2023-24). This value is used
for projecting the emission reductions in the PDD as well as for calculating the actual emis-
sion reductions.
The two CDM project activities are summarised in Table 7 below.

Project A Project B

Project Info

Type: Hydro station Wind park

Size: 5 MW (small-scale according 100 MW (large-scale according to CDM criteria)

to CDM criteria)

Projected Generation (net): 17,500 MWh /yr 312,500 MWh/yr

Commissioning year: 2025 2025

Year of CDM registration: 2025 2025

Grid : Indian Indian

CDM methodology: AMS-I.D / Version 19 ACM0002 / Version 19.0

Baseline Emission Factor Calculation

Calculation method: Weighted average Combined margin

Data vintage for projection of 2023-24 (most recent availa- For OM: 2021-22,2022-23,2023-24(most recent
emission reductions: ble at time of PDD validation) 3 years available at time of PDD validation)
For BM: 2023-24

Data vintage for verification of Actual year of generation, i.e., Same as for projection
emission reductions: 2025-26, 2026-27 etc. (emis- (emission factor fixed ex ante)
sion factor fixed ex post)

Accounting of imports: Not mandatory, but done Mandatory

Weights for combined margin: Not applicable Operating margin: 75%

Build margin: 25%
(default for intermittent sources)

Emission Reduction Calculations

Values in t CO2/MWh: 0.727 Weighted average 0.964 Operating margin

0.552 Build margin
0.861 Combined margin

Projected emission reduc- 12740 t CO2 per year 269062.5 t CO2 per year
tions:

Actual emission reductions: Monitored net generation x Monitored net generation x

monitored weighted average fixed combined margin

Table 7: Illustration on how to use the CO2 Database for calculating the emission reductions
of CDM projects

Page | 19
 Central Electricity Authority CO2 Baseline Database for the Indian Power Sector

6.2 Suggestive example to compute the emissions for electricity use for individual in-
dustrial consumers:
Case: An industry consuming 100 MUs of power from the grid, of which 70 MUs is taken from
the grid through an STU/CTU connection without any specific requisite for RE power, 20 MUs
of RE power taken through Open Access and remaining 10 MUs of RE power taken from state
utility though a green tariff mechanism.

Total CO2 emissions footprint of the industry from electricity consumption in this case will be
calculated as:
Total CO2 Emissions = (70 MU x Grid’s Average Emission factor) + (20 MU x 0) + (10 MU x 0)
= 70,000 MWh x 0.727 tCO2/MWh
= 50890 tCO2= 50.89 ktCO2.

Note: The emission factor for electricity procured through green open access and green tariff
mechanism may be considered as zero.

7. Biomass Co-Firing in Thermal Power Plants (FY 2023-24)

Capacity (MW) No. of TPPs Biomass usage (MT) in Cumulative Biomass usage
started Co-firing FY 2023-24 (MT) till date 31.03.2024
(01.04.23 -31.03.2024)

82412 65 374857 493369

Table 8: Biomass co-fired in Thermal Power Plants
Biomass Co-Firing results in reduction in amount of coal used for power generation resulting
in corresponding savings in CO2 emissions. This would also reduce the sector’s dependence
on coal.

8 Updating Procedure
The CO2 Database will be updated annually by CEA and made available on its website:
[Link]. Previous versions will be archived by CEA and the main changes relative to
previous database versions will be documented.

9 Further Information
For any further information, contact by email:
Chief Engineer (CE&ET)
Central Electricity Authority
Sewa Bhawan
R. K. Puram, New Delhi-110066
Email: ceet-cea@[Link]

Page | 20
 Central Electricity Authority CO2 Baseline Database for the Indian Power Sector

Annexure –I

Weighted Average Emission Factor (Considering Renewable Energy Generation)

of Indian Grid
FY Total CO2 Emis- Net Generation RE Total Net Weighted Aver-
sions ( Million (BU) generation Electricity age Emission fac-
Tonnes) Conventional (BU) Generation tor of Grid Elec-
(BU) tricity (including
RE) (tCO2/MWh)
(1) (2) (3) (4 ) (5) (6)=(2)/(5)
2013-14 727.4 886.77 53.06 939.83 0.774
2014-15 805.4 972.04 61.72 1033.76 0.779
2015-16 846.3 1027.03 65.78 1092.81 0.774
2016-17 888.34 1072.84 81.55 1154.39 0.770
2017-18 922.18 1121.57 101.84 1223.41 0.754
2018-19 960.9 1165.16 126.76 1291.92 0.744
2019-20 928.14 1162.97 138.34 1301.31 0.713
2020-21 910.02 1147.52 147.25 1294.77 0.703
2021-22 1002.01 1230.09 170.91 1401.01 0.715
2022-23* 1108.14 1320.18 203.55 1546.27 0.716
2023-24* 1204.51 1408.45 225.83 1655.70 0.727
*For the years 2022-23 and 2023-24, total CO2 emissions are inclusive of electricity injected
into the grid by grid connected captive power plants and total net electricity generation is also
inclusive of electricity injected into the grid by grid connected captive power plants.

Page | 21
 Central Electricity Authority CO2 Baseline Database for the Indian Power Sector

Appendix A – Systems in India’s Grids

Full name

ABAN ABAN Power Company

ADHPL AD Hydro Power Limited

APCPL Aravali Power Company Limited

APGCL Assam Power Generation Corporation Limited

APGENCO Andhra Pradesh Power Generation Co Limited

APPDCL Andhra Pradesh Power Development Corporation Ltd.

ASEB Assam State Electricity Board

BBMB Bhakra Beas Management Board

BECL Bhavnagar Energy Co. Ltd.

BSEB Bihar State Electricity Board

BALCO Bharat Aluminum Co. India Pvt. Ltd.

CESC Calcutta Electric Supply Company Limited

CSEB Chattisgarh State Electricity Board

CSPGCL Chattisgarh State Power Generation Co Ltd

D.B. Power Ltd Diligent Power Limited

DANS EPL DANS Energy Pvt. Ltd.

DPL Durgapur projects Limited

DVC Damodar Valley Corporation

DVC Tata JV Damodar Valley Corporation-Tata Joint Venture

GAMA Gama Infraprop

GIPCL Gujarat Industries Power Company Ltd

GMDCL Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation Limited

GMR Chattisgarh GMR Chattisgarh

GMR Energy GMR Energy

GMR K Ltd GMR Kamlanga Energy Ltd.
GMR Bajoli Holi GMR Bajoli Holi Hydro Power Pvt. Ltd.

GPEC Gujarat Paguthan Energy Corporation Pvt. Limited

GSECL Gujarat State Electricity Corporation Limited

GSEGL Gujarat State Energy Generation Limited

GTE Corp GTE Corporation

GVK Ind. GVK Power & Infrastructure Limited

GVK GVK Group

Page | 22
 Central Electricity Authority CO2 Baseline Database for the Indian Power Sector

Full name

HEGL HEG Limited

HIRANMAYE Hiranmaye Energy Ltd.
HNPCL Hinduja National Power Corp. Ltd.

HPGCL Haryana Power Generation Corporation Limited

HPPCL Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Ltd.

HPSEB Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board

HSPPL Himachal Sorang Power Pvt. Ltd.
IEPL Ideal Energy Pvt. Ltd.
IL&FS TN PC Ltd. IL&FS Tamil Nadu Power Co. Ltd.

INDSIL Indsil Electrosmelt Ltd

IPPGCL Indraprastha Power Generation Co Ltd

JINDAL JSW Energy Limited

JIPL Jas Infrastructure and Power Ltd.

JKEB Jammu & Kashmir Electricity Board

JKPDC Jammu & Kashmir Power Development Corp. Ltd.

JPHPL Jai Prakash Hydro Power Limited

JPL Jhabua Power Ltd.

JSEB Jharkhand State Electricity Board

JSW Energy JSW Energy Limited

JV NTPC & BSEB Joint Venture NTPC & Bihar State Electricity Board

KPCL Karnataka Power Corporation Limited

KSEB Kerala State Electricity Board

KSK Ventures KSK Energy Ventures Ltd.
LPG CO Lalitpur Power Generation Co. Ltd.

LVS Power LVS Power Limited

M B Power (M P) M B Power Madhya Pradesh
MBPC Madhya Bharat Power Corpn.

Madurai P Madurai Power Corporation Limited

MAHAGENCO Maharashtra State Power Generation Company Limited

MAPS Madras Atomic Power Station

MEECL Meghalaya Energy Generation Corporation Ltd.

MEGEB Meghalaya State Electricity Board

MPDC Manipur Power Development Corporation

MEECL Meghalaya Energy Corporation Ltd.
MPDC Manipur Power Development Corporation

Page | 23
 Central Electricity Authority CO2 Baseline Database for the Indian Power Sector

Full name

MPGPCL Madhya Pradesh Power Generating Co. Ltd.

NAPS Narora Atomic Power Station

NCTPP National Capital Thermal Power Plant

NDPL North Delhi Power Ltd.

NEEPCO North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Ltd

NHDC Narmada Hydro Electric Development Corporation

NHPC National Hydro Electric Corporation

NLC Neyvelli Lignite Corporation Ltd

NPC Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd.

NTPC NTPC Ltd

NTPC/NTECL NTPC Tamilnadu Energy Company Limited

OHPC Orissa Hydro Power Corporation

OPGC Orissa Power Generation Corporation

PPCL Puducherry Power Corporation Limited

PPGCL Prayagraj Generation Co. Ltd.

PPNPG PPN Power Generating Company Pvt. Limited

PSEB Punjab State Electricity Board

RAPS Rajasthan Atomic Power Station

RATANAGIRI Ratnagiri Gas & power Pvt Ltd

REL Reliance Energy Ltd

RKM PPL RKM Powergen Pvt. Ltd.

RPG RP Goenka Group

RRVUNL Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam

Samalpatti Samalpatti Power Company Limited

SHIRPUR Shirpur Power Pvt. Ltd.

SCPL Ltd. Spectrum Power Limited

SEPC Sepc Power Pvt. Ltd.

SJVNL Sutluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd

SKS Power SKS Power Generation
SKPL Sneha Kinetic Power Projects Pvt. Ltd.

SPECT. IND Spectrum Power Generation Limited

SP&ML Subhash Projects and Marketing Co. Ltd.

Page | 24
 Central Electricity Authority CO2 Baseline Database for the Indian Power Sector

Full name

SSVNL Sardar Sorovar Vidyut Nigam Limited

STPS Super Thermal Power Station

Tata MAH Tata Power Company Limited

Tata PCL Tata Power Company Limited

THDC Tehri Hydroelectric Development Corporation

TNEB Tamilnadu Electricity Board

Torr. Power Torrent Power Limited

TSECL Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited
TSGENCO Telangana Power Generation Corp. Ltd.

TVNL Tenughat Vidyut Nigam Limited

UJVNL Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited

UPCL Uttarakhand Power Corporation Limited

UPHPC Uttar Pradesh Hydro Power Corporation Limited

UPRVUNL Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam

VVNL Visvesarya Vidyut Nigam Ltd

WBPDC West Bengal Power Development Corporation Ltd

WBSEB West Bengal State Electricity Board

Page | 25
 Central Electricity Authority CO2 Baseline Database for the Indian Power Sector

Appendix B – Assumptions for CO2 Emission Calculations

Fuel Emission Factors (EF) (Source: for Indian Coal/Lignite - Initial National Communication; for Imported Coal Gas/Oil/Diesel/Naphtha - IPCC 2006; for Corex - own
assumption)

Imported
Unit Coal Coal Lignite Gas Oil Diesel Naphtha Corex

EF based on NCV gCO2 /MJ 95.8 89.5 106.2 54.3 75.5 72.6 69.3 0.0

Delta GCV NCV % 3.6% 5.0% 3.6% 10% 5% 5% 5% n/a

EF based on GCV gCO2 /MJ 92.5 85.2 102.5 49.4 71.9 69.1 66.0 0.0

Oxidation Factor - 0.98 1.00 0.98 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 n/a

Fuel Emission Factor gCO2 /MJ 90.6 85.2 100.5 49.4 71.9 69.1 66.0 0.0

n/a = not applicable (i.e. no assumptions were needed)

Assumptions at Station Level (only where data was not provided by station)
Diesel-
Unit Coal Lignite Gas-CC Gas-OC Oil Eng Diesel-OC Naphtha Hydro Nuclear

Auxiliary Power Consumption % 8.0 10.0 3.0 1.0 3.5 3.5 1.0 3.5 0.5 10.5
kcal /kWh
Gross Heat Rate (gross) 2,500 2,713 2,013 3150 2,117 1,975 3,213 2,117 n/a n/a

Net Heat Rate kcal /kWh (net) 2,717 3,014 2,075 3,182 2,193 2,047 3,330 2,193 n/a n/a

Specific Oil Consumption ml /kWh (gross) 2.0 3.0 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a

GCV kcal /kg (or m3) 3,755 n/a 8,800 n/a 10,100 10,500 10,500 11,300 n/a n/a

Density t /1,000 lt n/a n/a n/a n/a 0.95 0.83 0.83 0.70 n/a n/a

Specific CO2 emissions tCO2 /MWh 1.04 1.28 0.43 0.66 0.66 0.59 0.96 0.61 n/a n/a

n/a = not applicable (i.e. no assumptions were needed)

Assumptions at Unit Level (by capacity; only for units in the BM, where data was not provided by station)
200-250 500 MW 500 MW 660 MW 660 MW
Coal Unit 67.5 MW 120 MW MW 300 MW Type 1 Type 2 600 MW Type 1 Type 2 800 MW

Gross Heat Rate kcal /kWh 2,750 2,500 2,500 2,350 2,425 2,380 2,380 2,178 2,126 2126

Auxiliary Power Consumption % 12.0 9.0 9.0 9.0 7.5 6.5 6.5 6.5 6.5 5.25

Net Heat Rate kcal /kWh 3,125 2,747 2,747 2,582 2,622 2,545 2,545 2,329 2,274 2,244

Specific Oil Consumption ml /kWh 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 0.5

Specific CO2 Emissions tCO2 /MWh 1.19 1.05 1.05 0.99 1.00 0.97 0.97 0.89 0.87 0.85
210/250 500
Lignite Unit 75 MW 125 MW MW MW

Gross Heat Rate kcal /kWh 2,750 2,560 2,713 2713

Auxiliary Power Consumption % 12.0 12.0 10.0 8.5

Net Heat Rate kcal /kWh 3,125 2,909 3,014 2965

Specific Oil Consumption ml /kWh 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0

Specific CO2 Emissions tCO2 /MWh 1.32 1.23 1.28 1.25

0-49.9 50-99.9
Gas Unit MW MW >100 MW

Gross Heat Rate kcal /kWh 1,950 1,910 1,970

Auxiliary Power Consumption % 3.0 3.0 3.0

Net Heat Rate kcal /kWh 2,010 1,969 2,031

Specific CO2 Emissions tCO2 /MWh 0.42 0.41 0.42

Diesel Unit 0.1-1 MW 1-3 MW 3-10 MW >10 MW

Gross Heat Rate kcal /kWh 2,350 2,250 2,100 1,975

Auxiliary Power Consumption % 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5

Net Heat Rate kcal /kWh 2,435 2,332 2,176 2,047

Specific CO2 Emissions tCO2 /MWh 0.70 0.67 0.63 0.59

Page | 26
 Central Electricity Authority CO2 Baseline Database for the Indian Power Sector

Naphtha Unit All sizes

Increment to Gas Heat Rate % 2%

Gross Heat Rate kcal /kWh 2,117

Auxiliary Power Consumption % 3.5

Net Heat Rate kcal /kWh 2,193

Specific CO2 Emissions tCO2 /MWh 0.61

Combined Margin Unit

Weight OM % 50%

Weight BM % 50%

Conversion Factors Unit

Energy kJ /kcal 4.1868

MJ /kWh 3.6

Oil

Specific Emission gCO2 /ml 2.89

Page | 27
 Central Electricity Authority CO2 Baseline Database for the Indian Power Sector

Appendix C – Grid Emission Factors

Note: Values are rounded off at two decimals here. See Database (Excel File, Worksheet "Re-
sults") for additional decimals.
Table A: Values for FY 2019-20 to 2023-24, excluding cross-border electricity transfers.

Emission Factors (tCO2/MWh) (excl. Imports) 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24*

Weighted Average Emission Rate (Incl RES) 0.713 0.703 0.715 0.719 0.729
Simple Operating Margin (1) 0.96 0.95 0.97 0.976 0.964
Build Margin 0.87 0.87 0.87 0.867 0.552
Combined Margin (1) 0.92 0.91 0.92 0.921 0.758

*BM and CM calculation for 2023-24 is accounted for RE generation into the grid

(1) Operating margin is based on the data for the same year. This corresponds to the ex post option given in "Tool to
Calculate the Emission Factor for an Electricity System", Ver. 7.0 (p.16)

Table B: Values for FY 2019-20 to 2023-24, including cross-border electricity transfers.

Emission Factors (tCO2/MWh) (incl. Imports) 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24*

Weighted Average Emission Rate Incl RES (2) 0.71 0.70 0.71 0.716 0.727

Simple Operating Margin (1) (2) 0.96 0.94 0.96 0.971 0.962

Build Margin (not adjusted for imports) 0.87 0.87 0.87 0.867 0.552

Combined Margin (1) (2) 0.91 0.90 0.91 0.919 0.757

*BM and CM calculation for 2023-24 is accounted for RE generation into the grid

(1) Operating margin is based on the data for the same year. This corresponds to the ex post option
given in "Tool to Calculate the Emission Factor for an Electricity System", Ver. 7.0 (p.16)

(2) For Adjustments of imports from other countries, an emission factor of zero is used.
See "Tool to Calculate the Emission Factor for an Electricity System", Ver. 7.0 (p.10 & 11), options a+b

Page | 28
 Central Electricity Authority CO2 Baseline Database for the Indian Power Sector

Appendix D – Summary of Methodology ACM0002 / Version 22.0

Download ACM0002 at: [Link]

ACM0002 is a consolidated CDM methodology for grid-connected power generation from re-
newable energy sources. It covers grid-connected renewable power generation project activi-
ties that involve retrofitting, rehabilitation (or refurbishment), replacement or capacity addition
of an existing power plant or construction and operation of a Greenfield power plant. Examples
of eligible project types include hydro power plants with or without reservoir; wind energy; ge-
othermal energy; solar energy; and wave and tidal energy.
The methodology requires the calculation of the baseline emission factor following the com-
bined margin (CM) approach. The combined margin consists of a weighted average of:
 Operating margin (OM);
 Build margin (BM).
The relative weights used to determine the combined margin are by default the same, i.e. 50%.
Alternative weights can be used for intermittent power sources.
There are four options to calculate the operating margin, depending on local conditions:
 Simple operating margin. This is the preferred approach for India.
 The other three approaches are: (i) simple adjusted operating margin; (ii) dispatch data
analysis operating margin; and (iii) average operating margin.
The build margin is the generation-weighted average emission factor of the most recent power
plants, consisting of the larger of (i) the five power plants that have been built most recently; or
(ii) the capacity additions that represent 20% of the system generation that have been built
most recently. In India, the latter approach generally yields the larger sample and hence must
be followed. CDM projects must be excluded from the build margin, as long as the build margin
does not contain generation units older than 10 years.
The operating margin must be adjusted for electricity transfers (imports) from connected elec-
tricity systems (other states/regions, other countries) to the project electricity system. Gener-
ally, no such adjustments are required for the build margin.
The actual emission reductions achieved by a CDM project are calculated based on the mon-
itored electricity production in each year, and the combined margin (baseline emission factor).
The combined margin is initially calculated from the most recent data available at the time of
PDD submission. It can then either remain fixed for the duration of the project’s crediting period
(ex-ante approach), or be updated annually (ex-post approach). The two approaches have
different requirements in terms of data vintage.

Page | 29
 Central Electricity Authority CO2 Baseline Database for the Indian Power Sector

Appendix E – Abbreviations
Abbreviation Full Name

ACM0002 Approved Consolidated Methodology by CDM Executive Board for grid con-
nected large scale renewable project

ACM0013 Approved Consolidated Methodology by CDM Executive Board for new grid con-
nected fossil fuel fired power plants using a less GHG intensive technology.

AMS-I.D Approved Methodology for small scale grid connected renewable projects

BM Build margin

CDM Clean Development Mechanism

CEA Central Electricity Authority

CER Certified Emission Reduction

CM Combined margin

CO2 Carbon Dioxide

FY Fiscal year

GCV Gross Calorific Value

GHG Greenhouse Gases

GWh Gigawatt hour

IEA International Energy Agency

IPCC Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

IPP Independent Power Producer

MW Megawatt

NEWNE Integrated Northern, Eastern, Western and North Eastern Grid

OM Operating margin

PDD Project Design Document

RLDC Regional Load Dispatch Centre

RPC Regional Power Committee

SDM Sustainable Development Mechanism

SR Southern Grid

UNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

Page | 30