Can solar industry tide over the Covid-19 crisis?
Planning ahead is crucial to ensure the Indian solar industry bounces back quickly and the slowdown is not carried forward to 2021-22, say BloombergNEF analysts even as they estimate 75% fall in PV imports in the first quarter of year 2020 over the previous quarter and revise annual capacity addition forecasts.
Covid-19: Discom revenue dip could spell trouble for PV producers
Sliding electricity demand and declining commercial and industrial activity could prompt distribution companies to block or delay payments to solar power producers.
IndiGrid acquires Sterlite Power’s transmission project worth US$134 million
The project—East North Interconnection Company Limited (ENICL)—provides critical inter-state connectivity for evacuation of power from generation plants in the north-eastern region. It also aims to end power shortfall in Assam during non-monsoon months.
Blackstone could provide Indian energy security a strong boost
For one of India’s largest foreign investors, it’s time to invest in renewables.
Proposals invited for joint India-South Korea research in renewable energy and green mobility
Proposals must reach the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, and Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) of the Republic of Korea by May 8. Each selected project will be funded for a period of three years.
Is green hydrogen necessary to balance a renewables grid?
A report by Norwegian energy consultant DNV GL has considered the opportunity for long-term energy storage to play a role in balancing annual supply and demand fluctuations in a renewables-led grid. Using 58 years of Dutch weather and energy consumption data, the study found long-term solutions such as green hydrogen could make a valuable contribution – but perhaps not as much as some analysts believe.
Distributed solar lender cKers Finance raises $5 million from US investor New Energy Nexus
The New Delhi based lender—which has funded over 45 MW of distributed solar energy assets—will use the new investment to catalyze the growth of residential and commercial solar systems, solar pumps, floating solar and solar cold chains in India.
Gujarat approves Rs 13.61 crore solar projects for water treatment plants
These solar plants—installed for eleven nagarpalikas (municipalities) in the State—would generate approximately 2,835 KW power, saving Rs 2.94 crore in the electricity bills.
Project developers in south Asia can secure cash from IRENA funding pot
The Climate Investment Platform launched by three multilateral bodies in September is now open for business and renewables companies in developing nations across 14 regions including south Asia could qualify for help with clean energy facilities, renewables-related grid improvements and energy efficiency schemes.
Ministry explores alternatives to bank guarantees for solar projects
Lobby group the National Solar Energy Federation of India has welcomed the move and asked the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy to extend any such measures to existing contracts to help developers meet working capital requirements.
