India’s solar and wind sector could employ one million new workers by FY2029-30
India could employ one million new workers through the deployment of 339 GW of wind and grid-connected solar systems (utility-scale solar and rooftop solar) between FY2021-22 and FY2029-30 if the nation were to meet its 500 GW non-fossil capacity target. The bulk of the new jobs would be created by small projects like roof-top solar and mini and microgrids.
Sharp introduces 410 W half-cut panel with 21% efficiency
The panel features 108 half-cells based on M10 wafers and a 10-busbar design. Its operating temperature coefficient is -0.341% per degree Celsius and its power tolerance reaches up to 5%.
Huge aluminum demand expected in solar industry, concerns arise on emissions
Researchers from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) predict that growth to 60TW of photovoltaics needed to rapidly reduce emissions to ‘net zero’ and limit global warming to <2 °C could require up to 486 Mt of aluminium by 2050. A key concern for this large aluminium demand is its large global warming potential.
NTPC tenders BOS package with land for 300 MW of solar projects
Bidders have until March 4 to lodge their interest for the solar projects to be developed anywhere in India.
SJVN’s 200 MW Bihar solar project approved by electricity regulator
The State-owned hydropower producer will set up grid-connected solar power plants in the state and sell the electricity generated at an INR 3.11/kWh tariff under a 25-year PPA with the State Discoms.
Avaada commissions 21 MW captive solar plant for Airtel
The solar plant, located in Maharashtra, uses 65,000 PV panels covering an area of 80 acres. It will supply clean energy to telecom operator Airtel’s Nxtra data centers and switching centers in the State.
NTPC renewable arm tenders 500 MW/3,000 MWh energy storage projects
Global bids are invited to develop a cumulative 500 MW of energy storage system facilities on a ‘build-own-operate’ basis anywhere in India. The proposed plants can be set up in sizes ranging from 100 MW rising to 500 MW, with the capacity to store at least six hours of electricity—for example, a 500 MW project with a minimum energy storage capacity of 3,000 MWh. Bidding closes on March 11.
Making cheaper H2
The hype surrounding green hydrogen is real, but does the cost-reduction outlook for its production technologies live up to it? Christian Roselund looks at the technology, transportation, application and enabling policies behind the promising green energy carrier.
New hybrid inverter for rooftop PV arrays from SMA
SMA’s new hybrid inverter reaches a maximum efficiency of 98.2% and a maximum European efficiency of 97.5%. It is compatible with DC-coupled high-voltage lithium-ion batteries from leading suppliers, according to the manufacturer.
RenewSys expands solar encapsulant capacity to 3 GW, aims for 11 GW
The Indian solar manufacturer has expanded the overall encapsulant capacity to 3 GW with the addition of a new line at its Bengaluru facility. The latest addition is capable of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) and polyolefin elastomer (POE) sheets. The manufacturer is looking to further expand its encapsulant capacity to 11 GW.
