Highlights

The state-run power company wants to explore the feasibility of using hydrogen instead of diesel for back-up power and micro-grid application.

Often sidelined by nickel and cobalt when it comes to batteries, the metal manganese is finding proponents in science and industry – in particular, by those attempting to avoid supply and cost issues. Ian Morse reports on the role of manganese in battery cell production.

India’s solar-powered irrigation mission has had a sluggish run despite the PM-KUSUM scheme providing ample flexibility and budgetary support for the system implementation. An IEEFA report highlights the need to address the challenges of coordination, affordability, business models, technology and awareness creation at State level to increase the uptake.

Modules represent 45 to 55% of the project capex. In a very competitive market like India, independent power producers have lower margins, and even a modest increase in module prices will put more pressure on them.

A fresh petition filed with the regulator Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) shows the clean energy developer is not seeking discharge from the 2×300 MW solar project won at an INR 2.44/kWh (US$ 0.033/kWh) tariff in 2018.

The floating solar plant is located in the Murshidabad district of West Bengal. It is built upon a raw water pond of the Sagardighi thermal power project owned by The West Bengal Power Development Corp. Ltd (WBPDCL).

Scientists in Germany have developed a new process for deposition of silicon dioxide layers during cell production. Without the need for high pressure, flammable gases, or vacuum conditions, the process could lead to cost reductions for cell manufacturers, provided it can be developed and applied in a large-scale production setting.

An Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) report says the sale of power in the futures market will benefit renewable energy developers and distribution companies alike.

Until 2016, Nepal suffered from chronic power shortages. At that time, just 65% of the country’s population had access to electricity. Assessing the situation, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) estimated that the country has the potential for 2.1 GW of installed PV capacity. Although the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has officially been able to buy solar power under long-term PPAs since July 2014, the majority of projects granted these contracts have been large-scale hydropower plants. Following slow activity, plans are finally afoot, however, to boost the country’s solar footprint.

Stanford University’s StorageX Initiative brings together academia and industry to tackle the dominant challenges in energy storage. ReNew’s collaboration with StorageX will initially focus on large-scale battery performance in India.