Utility Scale PV

India tendered only about 28 GW of variable renewable energy capacity in 2022, as against 40 GW in 2019. The nation needs to add 30-35 GW of new VRE capacity annually to reach its climate targets by 2030 and that requires more than 35 GW of annual tendering.

Researchers in Germany have assessed direct coupling and integration between PV and batteries at the scale of a single PV module. They say their solution could be cheaper and provide superior performance than maximum power point tracking (MPPT) in optimizing PV system performance.

TrendForce says solar demand could grow by more than 53.4% this year due to lower module prices and delayed projects from 2021 and 2022 that are now going online. China will be the largest market this year with 148.9 GW, followed by the United States with 40.5 GW, India with 17.2 GW, Brazil with 14.2 GW, Germany with 11.8 GW, Spain with 11.4 GW, and Japan with 8 GW.

Waaree Renewable Technologies has posted a profit after tax (net profit) of INR 24.97 crore (around $3 million) for the quarter ended December 31, 2022, 11,250% up year-on-year.

The renewable energy sector must lead responsibly by addressing land use, circularity and financing.

Adani Green Energy Ltd, the renewable energy arm of the diversified Adani Group, reported a consolidated net profit of INR 103 crore in the three months ended Dec. 31, 2022.

State-owned hydropower producer SJVN has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Uttar Pradesh government to set up a 700 MW solar plant in Kanpur. The project cost is estimated at INR 3,500 crore ($423.4 million). 

Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd (GUVNL) has launched a tender to procure up to 500 MW of solar power from PV projects to be set up anywhere in India with greenshoe option of additional up to 500 MW. Bidding closes on March 13.

Germany-based Solmax has developed a reflective membrane made of polyethylene resins and coated with a thin white polyethylene layer that reflects ultraviolet (UV) rays. The company claims the membrane can increase the energy yield of a bifacial PV project by between 5% and 20%, depending on the plant configuration.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today launched India Energy Week 2023, a three-day event connecting India’s energy stakeholders with international counterparts to collaborate for a responsible and smart energy transition on India’s road to net zero. Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said India is today the world’s most suitable place for investment. He called upon the stakeholders to explore every possibility in India’s energy sector and get involved with it.