Sona Comstar, IIT Delhi launch incubation program for EV startups
The program aims at supporting the development of innovative electric vehicle (EV) solutions like extending range through battery capacity improvements, and battery management, fast charging infrastructure, and mobile charging solutions for emergencies. Two startups shall be supported each year with up to INR 80 lakh each to complete proof of concept and develop prototypes.
India added just 205 MW of solar capacity in second quarter
New large-scale solar installations totaled 120 MW compared to 896 MW in the first quarter of year 2020. Rooftop solar addition fell to 85 MW from 194 MW installed in the previous quarter.
Under-construction solar projects get a five-month blanket extension for completion
In March, the government said delays in renewable energy plant construction on account of Covid-19-prompted supply chain disruption would be considered a force majeure event.
KPI Global gets Rs 107.50-crore PFC loan for 35 MW solar projects
The Gujarat-based solar developer will use Rs 76 crore to finance a new 20 MW solar project at Bharuch and Rs 31.50 crore to refinance an existing 15 MW plant.
Battery manufacturing capacity set to increase fourfold to 1.3 TWh by 2030
Analysts at Wood Mackenzie have looked at plans for the incoming decade and concluded that about 119 manufacturing sites will be up and running by 2030. China currently sits firmly in the driving seat, with Asia Pacific comprising 80% of global manufacturing capacity, but Europe is catching up.
TERI, FTI Consulting partner on hydrogen roadmap research
The Indian energy thinktank and the US-based consulting firm will research to demonstrate the viability of hydrogen as a sustainable solution for India’s energy needs.
REIL seeks 600,000 multi-crystalline silicon solar cells
August 21 is the deadline to submit bids for supply of 4.50W (4-/5-busbar), 4.60W (5-busbar) and 4.67W (5-busbar) multi-crystalline solar cells. Only Indian manufacturers are eligible to participate.
NTPC 1.2 GW ISTS solar auction sees aggressive tariff of INR 2.43/kWh
Low solar tariff trends can be attributed to developers’ desperate attempt to take advantage of the current situation wherein only safeguard duty of 14.9% is applicable, according to JMK Research.
UK investor acquires two Acme Solar projects aggregating 400 MW
Private equity investor Actis has completed the acquisition of Haryana-based Acme Solar’s 400 MW PV assets in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
Early coal plant retirement first hurdle in reducing discom debt
The Indian power distribution sector needs bold policy choices such as the closure of old, inefficient coal-based power plants to improve its financial viability. Early retirement of expensive coal power contracts will result in significant savings for the states as they can contract cleaner, cheaper renewable power.
