India leads the way as PV threatens coal-fired power
Falling PV panel prices led to notable year-on-year falls in the cost of developing solar plants around the world. India led the way with PV projects costing a weighted average of just $793/kW of capacity installed in 2018. Costs in China dipped to $879/kW last year, while solar projects in US and Australia cost $1,500.
Indian railways gets $750 million ADB fund for track electrification
The fund will be used for a broad modernization program that will help Indian railways to transition from dependence on fossil fuels to renewable energy.
Latest Dholera solar auction allocates 250 MW to Tata
Gujarati utility GUVNL hoped to allocate 1 GW of capacity at the solar park but ended up awarding just a quarter of that figure, with Tata Power Renewable Energy the beneficiary. A bid for 50 MW of capacity by the state-owned Gujarat Industries Power Company Ltd was rejected.
China reveals details of first 15 GW of grid parity solar
Some 168 projects will be developed across 16 provinces free from central government subsidy. The fact the average capacity of such projects has tumbled indicates Beijing’s plan to accelerate the arrival of subsidy free solar may be on track.
US-China trade war may lead to dumping of Chinese steel into India
The contraction in Chinese trade flows to the U.S. is likely to result in the dumping in India of Far Eastern electronic and electrical components as well as steel, iron, chemicals and plastic products.
Enertrag, Enel and Leclanché commission German storage project
With Leclanché due to open a module and battery pack assembly line in Gujarat alongside JV partner Exide Industries by the end of next month, the Swiss storage solutions company has been active nearer its home market.
Tamil Nadu discom halts renewable energy auctions
Tangedco’s reputation for late payments scared off developers in its latest two, failed tender exercises. The solution? Get government body SECI to hold the auctions, because everyone knows it pays on time!
India-Canada renewables fund aims for $600m cash pot
A unit of Piramal Group will be investment and project manager for the fund, prompting speculation cash will be spent on assets developed by Mytrah Energy.
Opportunities beyond solar and EVs: Fortum interview
Waste-to-energy, battery lifecycle solutions and hazardous waste management will make up an increased share of Fortum’s business in future. While solar will continue to be a mainstay for the Finnish clean energy company in India, Fortum wants to deepen its presence in the electric vehicle space with smart solutions, according to Sanjay Aggarwal, the company’s India MD, and Juha Suomi, area director for Asia, who spoke exclusively to pv magazine.
Delhi High Court orders tax review for solar projects
The court appears to have sided with solar developers who are complaining about a revision made late last year which ensured only 70% of the costs associated with PV project establishment would qualify for a discounted rate of goods and services tax.
