India leads region as volume of corporate clean energy smashes record
The nation saw 1.3 GW of renewable energy secured for business through private PPAs in 2018, almost twice as much as the volume recorded in Australia, but the picture could change next year if China follows through with its renewable portfolio standard commitment.
New solar-wind hybrid parks mooted in Gujarat land policy
Solar-wind and wind-only projects will be set up in centralized renewable energy parks along the lines of successful solar installations to keep power evacuation simple, under the terms of the state’s new land policy.
ABB to install microgrid with energy storage at IIT Roorkee
Setting up of the microgrid with battery energy storage is part of an extended R&D collaboration between ABB and the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee to create platforms for research on smart city technology deployment.
NLC prepares way for 1 GW of solar in Tamil Nadu
State-owned NLC India Ltd – formerly the Neyveli Lignite Corporation – has signed a memorandum of understanding with the government of Tamil Nadu to set up a 1 GW solar project in the state.
The long read: Delaying derating
High solar irradiance and few cloudy days are ideal for solar. Fine dust and extreme heat is not – particularly when it comes to power electronics. As the distributed generation market segment emerges across hot climates, extreme conditions are a challenge inverter suppliers are grappling with.
Gujarat cancels 700 MW auction due to ‘high tariff’
Prices ranging from Rs2.84-2.89 have been deemed too costly by the state as the foreign developers who posted the lowest bids blamed high charges at the Raghanesda Solar Park where the projects had to be based.
Maharashtra’s 1 GW tender oversubscribed to the tune of 1.9 GW
Avaada Power and Adani lead the way with each bidding for half the 1 GW of capacity available, after the state distribution company raised the maximum tariff and extended the bid deadline.
Stable policy, varied financing options on solar industry’s budget wishlist
The solar industry seeks tailor-made financing options for end consumers, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and micro SMEs (MSMEs), in addition to supportive and stable government policies to ensure speedier progress.
Power outlook gloomy amid coal and solar woes
India Ratings and Research has maintained a stable-to-negative outlook on India’s power sector for FY2019-20 owing to issues such as slower resolution of the stressed [coal based thermal] capacity, domestic coal unavailability, and reluctance of DISCOMs to sign long-term power purchase agreements. The outlook is not sunny for solar either.
Government to launch Solar Energy Harnessing Centre at IIT Madras
Union Minister for Science & Technology, Dr Harsh Vardhan will launch the solar technology centre at IIT Madras on January 25, 2019. The Centre will focus on a wide range of research and development activities such as silicon solar cells that promise high efficiency and are suited for Indian conditions.
