Markets & Policy

The ratings agency expects the energy demand in FY 2021-22 to grow by 8-8.5%. While the increased energy demand will improve the thermal plant load factor (PLF) level, this sector outlook remains negative as the PLF level will remain below 60%.

Adani Green Energy has completed the acquisition of 5 GW of solar and wind assets from SB Energy India for $3.5 billion, marking the largest renewables M&A deal in the country. The acquisition swells Adani’s operational capacity by 46%.

The renewable energy arm of NTPC signed the pact with the Bank of India to finance its 470 MW solar project in Rajasthan and 200 MW in Gujarat.

The Indian multinational solar EPC player has won a project worth INR 1,500 crore for its recently created business segment of waste-to-energy. The project also marks its first order in the European market.

The operating solar assets benefit from a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) at an INR 4.235/kWh tariff. The remaining PPA life is 22 years.

The latest World Nuclear Industry Status Report shows that the world’s operational nuclear capacity grew by just 400 MW in 2020, with generation falling by 4%. By contrast, renewables grew by 256 GW and clean energy production rose by 13%. “Nuclear power is irrelevant in today’s electricity capacity market,” the report’s main author, Mycle Schneider, told pv magazine.

Rooftop solar growth in India has so far largely been driven by a few large creditworthy organizations in the commercial and industrial sector. However, if accessible financing options are made available, growth can also be replicated in micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) as well, says a new report.

Mumbai-headquartered Virescent Infrastructure, set up by US investor KKR to own and operate renewable energy assets in India, has raised INR 4.6 billion (US$62 million) through its renewable energy-focused infrastructure investment trust (InvIT). Canada’s Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo) led the funding.

Adani and Reliance New Energy, along with Jindal India Solar and Shirdi Sai Electricals, are the top scorers in the shortlist released for the production-linked incentives (PLI) scheme for high-efficiency module manufacturing. The list also includes 14 other companies vying for the incentives. The PLI requirement quoted by the shortlisted applicants will decide the beneficiaries.  

Recovering valuable raw materials from end-of-life solar panels and batteries presents a great opportunity for India to secure their future availability as the nation chases its ambitious renewable energy targets.