Markets & Policy

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $250 million policy-based loan to strengthen the market for power trade and related ancillary services in India, facilitating the integration of intermittent renewable energy. The loan will also enable measures to improve the financial performance, corporate governance, and service quality of electricity distribution companies (DISCOM) and create a conducive environment for private sector investment.

While the benefits of solar adoption are evident, challenges persist. The irregularity of solar power and the lack of efficient storage technologies remain primary concerns. The upfront costs of solar installations, though decreasing, remain a barrier for many. Complex regulations and bureaucratic hurdles often deter individuals and businesses from embracing solar energy. Addressing these challenges demands a concentrated effort.

Jakson Green has set up an office in Dubai as it looks to increase its presence in sustainable energy solutions across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The company said its Dubai office will help it foster closer collaborations with partners and clients in the region.

Siemens Ltd has announced a  revenue of INR 5,297 crore and net profit (profit after tax) of INR 534 crore in the fourth quarter of financial year 2023 ended September 30, 2023. 

BloombergNEF says historically low module prices will drive the global solar industry to record installations in 2023.

The state government of Odisha has approved green hydrogen and green ammonia projects of Welspun New Energy, Sembcorp Green Hydrogen, and ReNew E-Fuels.

Japan’s latest procurement exercise was open to PV projects above 250 kW in size. The lowest price came in at JPY 7.94 ($0.053)/kWh, with 105 MW of allocated capacity.

Adani Total Gas Ltd will blend green hydrogen with natural gas for over 4,000 home and commercial piped natural gas (PNG) customers during the pilot phase. The project will assess the viability of green hydrogen as an alternative energy source for city gas distribution (CGD) consumers.

AmpIn Energy Transition plans to invest INR 3,100 crore ($372 million) in setting up about 600 MW+ of renewable energy projects in Eastern India and an integrated 1.3 GW solar cells and modules manufacturing facility in Odisha state of the region. 

India’s solar installations for the Jan-Sept period in 2023 stood at 8.5 GW, 25% less year-on-year. The nation is expected to install an overall 11 GW in the current calendar year.