Asia

The fossil fuel company will become a partner in the fund, which invests in clean energy projects.

The super-hydrophobic coating using functional nanoparticles repels dust deposition on the solar panels and cleans itself by the action of water on the modules. 

The plant—constructed and operated by Germany-headquartered IBC Solar Energy—is NextEnergy’s first investment in India as part of its strategy to acquire ready-to-build or operational solar projects across high-growth international markets.

The solar plant—to be set up under a ‘build-own-operate’ basis—is part of the Dholera Solar Park capacity tendered by Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd under ninth phase. July 16 is the last date to lodge the interest.

The 1.7 MWp solar project—in Bina town of Madhya Pradesh—has been installed by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) to feed the Railways’ overhead traction system directly.

Scientists measuring air pollutants and PV performance in the city have found the lockdown conditions imposed since late March have brought about a significant reduction in air pollution which has led to an 8% increase in solar irradiation reaching rooftop arrays.

The expected return would leave the nation woefully short of its ambitious 175 GW clean energy target, which was laid down with a 2022 deadline. Chief executives who criticized aggressive clean power auctions said they would like to see more fossil fuel facilities thrown into the mix.

Coal India Ltd (CIL) and NLC India—both under India’s Ministry of Coal—would form a joint venture with 50:50 equity participation to develop 5 GW of power assets, including 3 GW solar and 2 GW thermal.

The 1.95 MW solar plant with 2.15 MWh battery storage will power four islands of the union territory—Agatti, Kavaratti, BangaRam and Thinnakara. 

The country—which meets over 80% of the solar module demand through imports—can turn the present crisis into an opportunity by ramping up domestic manufacturing with measures like fiscal incentives.