The long read: Smarter robots to step up to service
On Dec. 1, Tel-Aviv based robotic cleaning provider Ecoppia launched an initial public offering on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange. In doing so, the seven-year-old solar startup raised $83.8 million from public and institutional investors – although heavily slated toward the latter. Jean Scemama, who joined Ecoppia as CEO in April 2020, says the IPO will allow it to double down on R&D efforts and expand into the provision of services.
The market for off-grid solar refrigeration
Standalone solar-powered refrigerators present a $20 billion opportunity in India for vaccine storage, milk chillers, households, micro enterprises, and cold storage for farm produce, according to a new report by Gogla.
Battery startup Gegadyne Energy raises INR 33.4 crore from V-Guard
The Mumbai-based battery startup develops advanced nano-material composites to enable quick-charging batteries for electric vehicle (EV), industrial storage, and consumer electronics space.
World could add up to 194 GW of solar this year
Falling module prices will help PV post another record year after an estimated 132 GW was installed worldwide in 2020, according to an energy transition investment trends report published by Bloomberg New Energy Finance.
IFC says green recovery could drive $2.5tn renewables market this decade
The private-sector arm of the World Bank, which claims to leverage $3 of its own capital and $8 from third parties for every dollar invested in its blended finance funds, has attempted to quantify what devoting Covid recovery funds to green investment would mean for emerging economies.
Floating solar plant operational at Cochin Airport
The 452 kWp array features 1,300 photovoltaic panels across an acre of water split between two artificial lakes at the airport golf course.
Tesla launches solar inverter
The EV manufacturer with big solar ambitions has finally leveraged its expertise in power electronics technology and launched a solar inverter.
Total to acquire 20% stake in Adani Green Energy
The French oil and gas giant already owns half the stake in the Indian developer’s 2.3 GW operational solar assets in India through a joint venture.
Amplus Solar launches innovation challenge for clean energy start-ups
Applications are invited from start-ups with ready-to-deploy solutions in areas like distributed solar, Internet of Things (IoT) applications in energy, battery storage and electric mobility. Winners will be supported through seed capital to scale up.
New net metering rule will deter rooftop solar adoption, says NSEFI
The developers’ body has sought the power minister’s intervention to withdraw the restriction of 10 kW capacity for net metering under the recently notified Electricity (Amendment) Rules, 2020, saying the provision will prevent high-load industrial consumers from switching to solar.
