Solar pumps

Solar-powered water pumps with a total capacity of 186 kWp have been installed in the Sarlahi and Siraha districts, benefitting 11,865 residents. The projects are a collaborative effort of Nepal’s Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC), the Government of Japan, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). 

A new report states solar-powered pumps (higher capacity and micro-pumps) offer a $28 billion market potential in India, the maximum among all mature decentralized renewable energy (DRE) livelihood applications. Solar dryers have the second-largest deployment potential at $2.3 billion.

Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) and Mahatma Phule Renewable Energy and Infrastructure Technology Ltd (MAHAPREIT) have signed a Memorandum of Intent (MoI) to implement 1 GW of solar projects across Maharashtra.

International Solar Alliance (ISA) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will implement the programme over the next two years, with the $2 million fund jointly secured by them.

The investment will fund Tata Power Renewable’s aggressive growth plans as it targets over 20 GW of renewables assets and a market-leading position in the rooftop and electric vehicle charging space across India over the next five years. 

The state government has announced its Solar Policy 2022, which places a special focus on the setting up of solar parks with storage systems. The policy also provides big incentives for the adotion of rooftop solar systems and the solarization of tubewells for agriculture.

Tata Power is looking to expand its renewable power portfolio in Rajasthan to 10 GW in the next five years, from around 5 GW at present. It will also set up solar manufacturing units in the state.

A new report by GOGLA highlights the opportunities and challenges in establishing local manufacturing and assembly of solar-based decentralized energy solutions in India. It also explores the actions needed to maximize available opportunities.

The government’s PM KUSUM Scheme supports farmers in installing standalone solar pumps and solarizing existing grid-connected agriculture pumps. 

Tata Power will invest more than INR 75,000 crore ($9.4 million) by the 2026-27 period to scale up its green businesses, including renewable energy generation and solar manufacturing.