Utility Scale PV

NTPC Renewable Energy Limited has signed a power purchase agreement with Indian Railways, Madhya Pradesh Power Management Company Limited (MPPMCL), and Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Limited (RUMSL).

Solar installers must bid for a minimum of 50 MW and a maximum of up to 600 MW, in 10 MW multiples. Bidding closes on December 24. 

The private-sector power producer will group its renewable energy business under wholly-owned arm JSW Neo Energy as it targets growth in renewable energy generation, energy storage, and green hydrogen business. 

Data analytics and digital process support in solar plant operation and maintenance delivers unmatched improvement in efficiency, while modern technology drives down development costs. It also helps service providers in ensuring sustained energy generation, long-term performance, and plant’s return on investment.

The German Federal Cartel Office is currently reviewing the transaction. RWE confirmed the plan.

A report has stated the renewable-plus-fossil fuel model is the best short term option to meet the assured supply conditions in the Solar Energy Corporation of India’s round-the-clock power tenders. Further out, as the cost of batteries decline, that technology is likely to become the most viable option for providing critical, non-intermittent power.

As solar PV increases its share in the world’s energy mix, it is becoming increasingly clear how valuable the data gathered from renewable energy generators is in informing important decisions about operation, maintenance and grid integration. Yazeed Al Mousa examines the latest applications for artificial intelligence in PV project development and operation.

Out of this, investments totaling US$ 8.4 trillion would be needed by the power sector alone to significantly scale up generation from renewable energy and associated integration, distribution and transmission infrastructure. Another US$ 1.5 trillion would have to be invested in the industrial sector for setting up green hydrogen production capacity to advance the sector’s decarbonization. Investment needed for the mobility infrastructure would be US$ 198 billion.

The generation capacity is part of an overall 4 GW secured by the developer in a manufacturing-linked PV tender held by the national solar body.

IHS Markit predicts that global installed solar PV capacity will grow by 20% to over 200 GW in 2022, despite a difficult cost environment. PV system costs are expected to resume their downward trend from 2023, when more polysilicon capacities will come into operation.