Policy

The technology which combines solar PV panels and agriculture is gaining ground. IEC Standards for solar photovoltaic (PV) systems already exist, but more might be required, dealing with some of the more specific issues relating to agriculture.

As India adds more intermittent renewables like solar and wind to its energy mix, modernising the electricity grid becomes a priority. Grid expansion, integration of battery storage systems, and digital monitoring tools are critical to accommodate fluctuations in generation and demand. 

Despite vocal bipartisan support for clean energy tax credits, US House and Senate Republicans failed to adjust policies that would continue the rapid buildout of domestic clean energy.

Industrial belts in Punjab, Haryana, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu are becoming hotspots for captive solar. The drivers vary from steep tariffs and policy incentives to strong ESG commitments by export-oriented businesses, but the result is the same: a distributed solar network powering India’s industrial economy.

A new report by SBICAPS anticipates that the incentive cut under the second phase of the viability gap funding (VGF) scheme for standalone battery energy storage systems (BESS) could lead to a tariff increase of around 10%. However, it adds, this increase is manageable and could be absorbed in the coming months as capex costs continue to decline.

China’s polysilicon output hit 3.25 million metric tons (MT) in 2024, driving global prices below $4.50/kg, says Bernreuter Research. The Germany-based market analytics firm warns the market could swing to a shortage by 2028 if capacity cuts overshoot.

Nexamp will receive investment to build community solar projects, reported Tokyo-based news outlet Nikkei.

Moneypoint in County Clare, Ireland, joins the ranks of other European nations exiting coal by shutting off power generation at its sole remaining coal plant. Industry observers say Ireland’s increased renewable energy generation in recent years, particularly in wind, has contributed to this milestone. Moneypoint now functions as a backup oil burner under emergency instruction, but it is no longer active in the wholesale electricity market.

Supporting a Just Transition in emerging economies requires not only large-scale capital for infrastructure such as renewables but also targeted financing for communities and small businesses. Capital should be matched to specific activities based on risk and impact, says a new report by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA).

The Omnibus Proposal’s sustainability mandates can either unlock new market opportunities and enhance India’s global standing, or create trade barriers that can damage brand’s reputation and hamper profits. Indian businesses can’t afford to ignore this shift.