SoftBank and Essel to develop 500 MW solar park
A failed association with IL&FS has failed to deter SoftBank from its plan to invest a staggering $1tn in Indian solar by 2030. Now the Japanese funding giant is working with Essel Infraprojects on a 500 MW plant, with further details yet to be revealed.
Falling rupee could threaten Rs28,000 crore of solar projects
As the currency continued to fall today, analysts are concerned developers will see any savings from falling module prices disappear, and lenders may get nervy, putting the national solar target in grave doubt.
Azure Power raises $400 million in debt and equity
Azure Power has raised the capital since June 30th, and says it is “the largest amount of financing raised by a solar power company in India during this period”. Azure says the fund leaves it well positioned to deliver a 2 GW project pipeline.
India powers ahead as Asia set for 355 GW of PV by 2023
Despite political hurdles in key markets including China and Japan, Asia remains highly active. This year, 59 GW of solar is expected to be installed and due to further system price declines, a phase-out of subsidy schemes can be offset.
‘SECI’s 10 GW solar tender will not attract big developers’
Big players such as Acme, ReNew, Adani, Azure, Hero Future and Aditya Birla Solar are likely to stay away from procurement which requires 3 GW annual manufacturing commitment, says industry insider Gopal Lal Somani.
Hitting 76% of its solar ambition would still be some achievement for India
Analysts are weighing into the debate over the MNRE’s big solar plans, but pointing out that even a partial victory would set the foundation for future solar triumphs.
Mauritius installs the first wave of 10,000 solar rooftops
The Indian Ocean state has received $10m in concessional loan funding from the development agency of Abu Dhabi, in a program co-financed by the International Renewable Energy Agency.
CDPQ increases Azure Power stake to 40%
Through a US$100 million contribution, La Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ) has increased its stake in Azure Power Global Ltd to 40%.
Historic tariffs could be revised to reflect GST costs
Developers have successfully secured relief from the federal government to mitigate the effects of GST on PV projects. One-off compensation will be paid and tariffs may be adjusted to reflect any ongoing rise in maintenance expenses.
Rural India a $50 billion market for clean energy innovations
The farming sector offers the largest green energy innovation opportunity, with rice transplanting, pesticide spraying and grain harvesting together having a market potential worth $40 billion – says the Council on Energy, Environment and Water.
