Asia

The Indian solar panel manufacturer is setting up a 2 GW facility in Surat, increasing its total manufacturing capacity from 500 MW at present to 2.5 GW. The new facility will implement micro-gap module technology (MGMT), and produce high-efficiency mono-facial and bifacial modules with peak power output exceeding 500W and 600W, respectively.  

The Indian lead-acid battery major would form a new strategic business unit for lithium cells and battery packs, electric vehicle (EV) chargers, energy storage systems, and other related products and services as it looks to reposition itself as an energy and mobility player.

Amit Jain has been instrumental in developing the US and Australia as key markets for the Company in his previous role as Country Head for US and Australia. 

The state-run power company wants to explore the feasibility of using hydrogen instead of diesel for back-up power and micro-grid application.

India’s solar-powered irrigation mission has had a sluggish run despite the PM-KUSUM scheme providing ample flexibility and budgetary support for the system implementation. An IEEFA report highlights the need to address the challenges of coordination, affordability, business models, technology and awareness creation at State level to increase the uptake.

Modules represent 45 to 55% of the project capex. In a very competitive market like India, independent power producers have lower margins, and even a modest increase in module prices will put more pressure on them.

A fresh petition filed with the regulator Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) shows the clean energy developer is not seeking discharge from the 2×300 MW solar project won at an INR 2.44/kWh (US$ 0.033/kWh) tariff in 2018.

The floating solar plant is located in the Murshidabad district of West Bengal. It is built upon a raw water pond of the Sagardighi thermal power project owned by The West Bengal Power Development Corp. Ltd (WBPDCL).

An Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) report says the sale of power in the futures market will benefit renewable energy developers and distribution companies alike.

The solar capacity is to be developed on a build-own-operate basis in the Jiribam district. Bidding closes on July 9.