AUGUST 20249BIS ROLLS OUT NEW STANDARDS FOR EV SAFETYONGC & IOC TEAM UP TO SET UP LNG PLANT IN MADHYA PRADESHThe Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has introduced two new guidelines aimed at improving the safety of electric vehicles (EVs) in the L, M, and N categories. The L category includes two-wheelers, while the M and N categories cover four-wheelers and goods trucks, respectively.These new regulations, named IS 18590: 2024 and IS 18606: 2024, focus on the critical components of electric cars, buses, and trucks, particularly the powertrain, which encompasses parts like the motor and transmission. "These standards focus on the critical component of electric vehicles--the powertrain--ensuring it meets stringent safety requirements. Additionally, they emphasize the safety and performance of batteries, ensuring they are both powerful and secure," stated the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution.With these new rules, India now has 30 local standards for electric vehicles and their accessories, including charging systems. Additionally, BIS has introduced IS 18294: 2023 to set safety standards specifically for e-rickshaws and E-Karts, ensuring they are built and operate safely to protect both drivers and passengers.The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the National Standards Body of India, operating under the Department of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution. BIS is responsible for formulating, recognizing, and promoting Indian Standards and helping industries improve the quality of their products and services. The state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation and Indian Oil Corporation have agreed to build a small-scale liquefied natural gas plant near the Hatta gas field in Madhya Pradesh. The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) said that the memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed on June 17.It made a gas discovery in the Vindhyan basin. Its gas will be transformed into liquefied natural gas (LNG), which will be transported to consumers via trucks."The establishment of the Hatta LNG plant will significantly enhance the Vindhyan Basin's status, upgrading it from a Category II to a Category I Basin," it said.India's sedimentary basins, which cover 3.4 million square kilometers, are classified into three categories: Category I, which has hydrocarbon reserves and is already producing; Category II, which has contingent resources pending commercial production; and Category III, which has potential resources awaiting discovery."The plant will utilise cutting-edge technology to produce LNG, a cleaner alternative to traditional fossil fuels, significantly reducing carbon emissions and aligning with India's climate change mitigation goals," ONGC said.According to ONGC, the discovery at Hatta marks the culmination of five decades of relentless exploration efforts."ONGC has already submitted its field development plan (FDP) to the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH) to monetise its assets in the Hatta area," the statement said."As the nation advances on its path to energy self-sufficiency, the Hatta LNG plant will stand as a symbol of innovation, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to a greener tomorrow." AUGUST 20249
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