Utility Scale PV

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.

NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd (NTPC REL) is accepting bids to install and commission 500 MW of grid-connected solar PV projects anywhere in India.

The integrated power company reported a profit after tax or net profit of INR 1,052 crore ($127.6 million) in the quarter ended December 2022, a 91% increase year-on-year.

An international research group claims that raw materials and land availability do not present a real barrier for a global energy system with solar at its center. They said that forecasts for PV growth should not have their axis on utility-scale power plants and instead consider vertical PV, agrivoltaics, and floating PV as the source of future big market volumes.

The budget signifies the government’s intent to drive domestic manufacturing of lithium battery cells as it waives customs duty on the import of machinery required for manufacturing these cells. It also continues with nil customs duty on critical inputs for solar manufacturing. The budget also aims to support large-scale battery storage projects through viability gap funding.

The Mumbai-headquartered natural resources company will invest INR 444 crore ($54.23 million) in 691 MW of renewable energy projects to power its aluminum, copper and oil & gas operations across India. It will implement these captive projects through special-purpose vehicles formed with Serentica Renewables.

Rays Power Infra has signed an agreement with the Rajasthan government to build a 1.8 GW solar park in the state with an estimated investment of INR 9,140 crore.