Utility Scale PV

UPC-AC Energy Solar, a joint venture of UPC Solar and AC Energy, has commissioned two solar farms aggregating to 210 MW (150 MW AC) capacity, including 140 MW (100 MW AC) in Rajasthan and 70 MW (50 MW AC) in Gujarat. It has a further 420 MW (300 MW AC) solar assets scheduled for construction in Madhya Pradesh as it aims for about 1 GW of operating PV capacity in India by 2023.

Gujarat State Electricity Corporation Limited (GESCL) has tendered the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) work for an aggregate 224 MW of grid-connected solar projects in the State. The projects, to be set up in 10-55 MW sizes, shall come up in Surendranagar, Morbi, Kutchh, Jamnagar, and Surat districts. Bidding closes on September 8.

Researchers from the TNO in the Netherlands have proposed two novel east-west PV plant designs that are claimed to increase soil quality underneath the solar panels. Both approaches are said to provide a 77% ground coverage ratio, which compares to a 90% ratio in conventional east-west oriented projects.

Large-scale solar parks will be key to India’s transition to clean and green energy. Such parks are already being built or planned in States like Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. However, there is still scope for forward-looking and well-aligned policies across States to make the most of this global phenomenon. 

The Indian developer will build a 1,300 MW hybrid renewable energy capacity (900 MW wind plus 400 MW solar) supplemented with storage to ensure a round-the-clock supply. The project cost is estimated at approximately US$ 1.2 billion.

The Delhi-based Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (APTEL) has directed Tamil Nadu State Load Despatch Centre (TNSLDC) and The Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (TANGEDCO) to compensate developers at 75% of PPA tariff per kWh on solar curtailment.

A British-Australian research team has assessed the potential of liquid air energy storage (LAES) for large scale application. The scientists estimate that these systems may currently be built at a cost between €300 and €600 per kilowatt-hour and that a positive business case could be favored by certain conditions, including a determined price structure in the energy market and the presence of a grid unable to support high levels of renewable energy penetration.

Full ownership allowed in renewable energy projects and 25-year power purchase agreement are the major factors drawing foreign investors to India’s high-growth solar market. Major developers in India have solar portfolio distributed across States, which further minimizes the risk for investors.

The transaction expands Canadian pension plan’s investment in clean energy, consistent with its long-term strategy to increase footprint in this growing sector.

Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners and Amp Energy have signed a US$200 million investment pact with each partner committing to $100 million. The investment will allow Amp Energy to add 1.7 GWp of utility-scale and commercial and industrial renewable energy projects.