(This May 16 story has been repeated with no changes to the text)
NEW DELHI, May 16 (Reuters) - The power regulator of Rajasthan - India's largest solar power producing state - blocked for a second time a proposed 3.2 gigawatt coal-fired power project, asking utilities to reassess demand and capacity needs before proceeding.
Here are some details:
o The Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission had already refused permission for the proposed coal power project in November, saying it conflicted with clean energy goals and lacked justification under demand forecasts.
o State power utility Rajasthan Urja Vikas & IT Services Ltd, however, filed a review petition, arguing the new capacity was needed to meet rising round-the-clock demand.
o In an order issued late on Friday, the regulator disposed of the review petition without clearing the project.
o It also directed state utilities to carry out proper resource planning to assess how much coal power was needed for the state.
o Several other Indian states are accelerating their coal power purchases, citing strong power demand and the need for round-the-clock, base-load power.
o India is aiming to nearly double its non-fossil fuel-based power capacity to 500 GW by 2030 as a part of its 2070 net-zero ambitions.
(Reporting by Sethuraman NR; Editing by Joe Bavier)
