Markets & Policy

The combination of pumped hydro with other storage technologies can increase renewables penetration, improve operational safety and reduce maintenance costs at large-scale hydropower plants, according to new research. The study also focuses on techniques to determine the optimal size of renewables-based pumped hydro storage systems. Costs for hybrid solar-pumped hydro projects currently range from $0.098/kWh to $1.36/kWh.

Following equity injection of about Rs 5169 million, Singapore-based integrated energy player has signed an agreement to invest another Rs 4060 million in Sembcorp Energy India Ltd to gain complete control over it and pursue growth in the India renewable energy business.

Commercial and industrial (C&I) sector consumes 51% of the total electricity generated in India, with a mere 3% of this consumption coming from renewable energy. To increase renewable energy uptake among C&I consumers, India needs to explore new models like virtual power purchase agreements, green tariffs, internationally tradable RECs that have already been successfully tried and tested in many countries—according to a report by climate advocacy group WWF India.

Global bids are invited for manufacturing and supply of multicrystalline PV modules with peak power output of minimum 330 Wp, for the state-owned engineering major’s projects in Gujarat. Bidding closes on December 11.

The Chinese module maker will supply Adani Green Energy with 1.2 GW of Hi MO4 bifacial modules that offer cell efficiency reaching 22.5% and module power peaking at 430W (72 cells).

Program aims to drive down the cost of solar electricity to a maximum of Rs2.50/kWh in a nation where tariffs vary wildly from state to state.

An Indian Institute of Technology research team analyzed around 300 studies about PV panel waste containing carcinogenic metals. The researchers said solar module recycling is not economically profitable and policy support is necessary to avoid panels being dumped in landfill.

These systems—to be deployed in Aurangabad, Nashik and Pune—will have provision for mobile charging, transfer of automated meter reading and water discharge reading data.

December 26 is the last date for generators to submit bids for supply of power from their existing 100 MW solar plants. Technical bids will open on December 27.

Energy storage installation to back up at least half of the generation capacity, increase in project size to 600 MW maximum as well as increased off-peak tariff of Rs2.88/KWh are among the major amendments. Bidding is allowed till December 16.