Saurenergy International Magazine July Issue 2021 by Saur Energy International

www.saurenergy.com

July 2021 | `200

DCP LICENSING NO. F.2(S-29) PRESS/2016 | VOL. 5 | ISSUE 10 | TOTAL PAGES 64 | PUBLISHED ON 1ST OF EVERY MONTH

The Sun Rises

For Floating Solar

Floating Solar is Finally at the start of a long growth spurt in India.

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SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL VOL 5 | ISSUE 10

GROUP EDITOR

Prasanna Singh prasanna@meilleurmedia.com

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From the

Group Editor SAUR ENERGY

DIRECTOR

Prateek Kapoor prateek@meilleurmedia.com

EDITOR

Manas Nandi manas@meilleurmedia.com

STAFF WRITER

Soumya Duggal editorial@meilleurmedia.com

STAFF WRITER Bhoomika Singh

MANAGER - MEDIA SOLUTION Girish Mishra girish.mishra@meilleurmedia.com

DESIGN HEAD

July’s here, and while the rest of the economy struggles, the signs are certainly positive for the solar economy. Fresh capacity tenders are streaming out, and getting a response that is as good as it has ever been.

Sandeep Kumar

That might explain the promotion for Power and MNRE Minister R.K.

WEB DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

(Amendment) Bill 2020 will be presented and hopefully passed in the

Jitender Kumar

WEB PRODUCTION Balvinder Singh

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Harsh Gupta subscription@meilleurmedia.com Saur Energy International is printed, published, edited and owned by Manas Nandi and published from 303, 2nd floor, Neelkanth Palace, Plot No- 190, Sant Nagar, East of Kailash, New Delhi- 110065 (INDIA), Printed at Pearl Printers, C-105, Okhla Industrial Area, Phase 1, New Delhi. DISCLAIMER: Editor, Publisher, Printer and Owner make every effort to ensure high quality and accuracy of the content published. However he cannot accept any responsibility for any effects from errors or omissions. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Editor and publisher. The information in the content and advertisement published in the magazine are just for reference of the readers. However, readers are cautioned to make inquiries and take their decision on purchase or investment after consulting experts on the subject. Saur Energy International holds no responsibility for any decision taken by readers on the basis of the information provided herein. Any unauthorised reproduction of Saur Energy International magazine content is strictly forbidden. Subject to Delhi Jurisdiction.

Singh to cabinet level, and his assertion (yet again) that the Electricity current session of parliament. If that happens, it will be a massive step towards cleaning up our power sector, as we have been saying all along. Which brings us to floating solar, the subject of our cover feature. Floating solar projects are finally beginning to actually see commissioning, and with that, remove the last traces of doubt over their future and relevance. As ever larger projects in the pipeline come online, we believe the case for floating solar on India’s many man made reservoirs will only strengthen. Our story discusses the opportunity, challenges and future for floating solar accordingly. Also in this issue is coverage of some really interesting judgements handed out by the central and state regulators. As always, we continue to be amazed about the tragedy of allowing so many of these cases to linger on. People in positions of power and authority at government bodies really need to be made accountable for persisting with a legal defense for their actions, where none exists by all accounts.

PRASANNA SINGH

Group Editor

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CONTENTS VOL. 05, ISSUE-10

J ULY 2021

S AU R E N E R GY . C O M

Policy and Legal

BSNL To Use Solar Backup Technology in Remote Areas of Himachal

Storage

US Researchers Develop Hydrogen Energy Storage Evaluation Tool

Updates

Hydrogen

Finance

Projects and Tenders

EV Updates

Grid and Transmission

Innovations

Reports

MNRE Extends Commissioning Date of RE Projects Due to Covid-19

Residential Rooftop Solar To Cost Rs 31,200/ Kw In Andhra Pradesh after Subsidy

ETO Motors Arrives In Hyderabad During ‘Go Electric’ Campaign

Researchers Create 68.9%-efficient PV Cell for Laser energy Transmission

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Tata Motors Bags Order of 15 H2-based Fuel Cell Buses From Indian Oil

Saatvik Green Energy Wins BHEL’s 141.76 MW Solar Modules Order

Eco Power Wins Grant from Innovate UK for Micro-grid Project in Thailand

Wind & Solar to Produce 90% Electricity in North America by 2050: NARIS

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COVER STORY 20

Floating Solar On A Growth Path

60 JULY 20 21

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BSNL To Use Solar Backup Technology in Remote Areas of Himachal

s the nation got stumped by the Covid-19 pandemic, the internet is the only option we are left with, to connect the world virtually. However, some remote or far-flung areas of various states are still struggling with poor bandwidth or broadband signals. The same happened in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh (HP) and the HP High Court has directed the government-owned BSNL to replace the outdated solar backup technology to redress the problem of inadequate bandwidth due to erratic electricity supply in far-flung areas of the state. BSNL (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd.) provider of telecom services and network management from the erstwhile Central Government Departments of Telecom Services (DTS) and Telecom Operations

(DTO), is the largest & leading PSU providing a comprehensive range of telecom services in India. The court has ordered the BSNL to prepare a roadmap for installing the latest solar panels initially concerning 191 towers, which are situated in extremely backward areas of Himachal Pradesh, and thereafter get the same approved from the quarters concerned within one month from Monday and report compliance on the next date of hearing. This comes after a statement from a division bench of Justices Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Chander Bhusan Barowalia, that says, “We are informed by the officials of the BSNL that even though they have a solar backup but the same is based on outdated and obsolete technology using the lead-acid battery.” The bench stressed one of the major

reasons behind the poor bandwidth or broadband signal, that is the erratic supply of electricity in backward and far-flung areas of the state, more particularly the tribal areas. “In the given circumstances, we are of the considered view that old and outdated technology needs to be phased out gradually and the batteries need to be replaced with the latest technology in a phased manner,” ordered the bench of Justices. The matter has been extended till the next hearing on July 26, 2021. And the judges also found that the rates for laying cables in the state were probably the highest in the country at Rs. 1,600 per meter. Along with this, the Advocate General of Himachal Pradesh, Ad. Ashok Sharma has been granted four weeks to notify the court concerning this aspect.

KERC Rejects BCCL Plea, But Penalises KSEB For Tardy Billing

n an order that should set a useful precedent for the law of limitation, as far as claims go, the Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) has issued an order favouring Kerala State Electricity Board Limited (KSEB Ltd), which had charged Bennett Coleman & Co Ltd, or the Times of India Group (BCCL) with HT IV – Commercial tariff. The commission has, however, quashed the arrears bill of Rs 32,40,602 that KSEB had calculated for the period since 2014, and asked KSEB Ltd to issue a new bill to collect the amount it is owed. The case started with BCCL submitting a petition in March this year, claiming that the 2014 Tariff Circular categorizes printing presses, including presses engaged in printing dailies as LT IV (A) Industrial

and does not categorize them under HT Commercial or HT Industrial. Even while admitting that it only does prepress activities at its address, while actual printing is done at another media firm’s presses. The Mumbai-based media conglomerate requested the commission to grant it the applicability of the lower cost industrial tariff for its media services (pre-press activities) and to waive the retrospective demand charges slapped on it by KSEB Ltd. for the period between 2014 to 2020 after the state electricity board revised the tariff category for BCCL from ‘industrial’ to ‘commercial’ following its new agreement. The petitioner wished to be exempted from being considered a commercial consumer and instead be extended the benefits that an industrial consumer is entitled to, which have been

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effectual since August 2014. This would save the company Rs 32,40,602 in demand charges which were raised by KSEB Ltd. in April last year. KSEB Ltd submitted to the commission that the printing of the newspaper is not carried out at the media offices and is outsourced to a different press located at Mathrubhumi Printing & Publishing Co Ltd. Thus, offices in which ‘no printing activity’ has been carried out in the same premise, are not eligible for industrial tariff. After careful consideration of the facts of the case, the commission concluded that the tariff applicable to the petitioner consumer from the date of connection (December 2011) will be HT IV – Commercial and the tariff fixed by KSEB Ltd. in the new agreement will be considered correct and in order. BCCL and similar industries can raise their concern

regarding the tariff categorization, if any, during the tariff determination process for finalizing the tariff for the next 5 year control period (2022-2027), said KERC. The commission, however, quashed the arrear bill of Rs. 32,40,602 issued to BCCL and asked KSEB Ltd. to issue a new demand notice/ supplementary bill to the petitioner for collecting the arrear for the revision of tariff, limiting the prior period to two years from 02/2020, without any penal charges. BCCL should remit the revised amount within the next 30 days of issue of the demand without fail, said KERC. In ding this, the commission stuck to various rulings, including a Supreme Court judgement that limits such claims on arrears to a maximum of two years, to prevent misuse by firms sitting over their claims.

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GERC Proposes to Limit Net Metering Till 10 kW for Rooftop Solar

he Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (GERC) has released a draft notification that is aimed at amending the Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (Net Metering Rooftop Solar PV Grid Interactive Systems) Regulations, 2016. The new regulations will come into force with effect from the date of their publication in the Official Gazette. Net metering is a utility billing mechanism available in most states that offers a credit to residential and business customers who are making excess electricity with their solar panel systems and sending it back to the grid. According to the proposed changes, all the electricity generated from the rooftop solar PV system will be injected into the grid as sale to the licensee at the tariff rate determined by the commission. Any individual or company will be eligible to set

up solar power systems for personal use or selling electricity to the distribution licensee or a third party. Net metering will be allowed for loads up to 10 kW and gross metering for loads above 10 kW. The installed capacity must be between 1 kW and 1 MW. Solar projects set up by residential consumers on their rooftop plus incentives under existing schemes will be allowed irrespective of consumer sanctioned load. No capacity restrictions will be applicable for captive consumers and projects set up under third party sale. For the projects setup under REC mechanism for captive use or third party sale, installation of solar projects will be allowed up to sanctioned load or contracted demand. Consumers will be allowed to set up projects to fulfil their RPO requirements regardless of their sanctioned load, etc.

Connected load of eligible consumers should be above 100 kW/kVA and the connectivity level should be 11 KV, 3 Phase, 50 Hz. For each billing period, the licensee will be required to show the (i) quantum of electricity injected by Eligible Consumer from Solar PV system in the grid, (ii) electricity supplied by the Distribution Licensee, (iii) net billed electricity for payment by the consumer and (iv) net exported energy after adjustment against the consumption separately. The draft rules make it clear that the energy generated by earlier projects will be governed by the provisions of net metering regulations under which they were commissioned. However, in case of additional capacity, the earlier project arrangement will be considered distinct and a fresh agreement under existing regulations will be signed.

CERC Notice To Power Trading Firms For Failing to Maintain Net Worth

or National Energy Trading Services Limited, and Atria Energy Services Private Limited, a weak balance sheet submitted to the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) for downgrading their energy trading licenses has landed both in a hot soup. In both cases, the Central Regulator, after going though the documents on record, has seen a fit case to impose penal provisions for not maintaining net worth requirements, forget a simple downgrade to a lower category as requested. Both the orders were delivered yesterday, July 8. This Gurugram based firm had filed an application for downgradation of its inter-State trading license in electricity from Category ‘I’ to Category ‘III’. Categories are broadly summarised as below:

Electricity Trading License Categories NETSL thus, had applied for a move to a category where the minimum net worth requirements are Rs 20 crores, and trading limit is 4000 million units of electricity. However, the CERC found, based on the documents submitted to it (a special balance sheet of 28.2.2021), that the firm had an actual negative net worth of Rs 18.69 crores. making it worse was the picture from the 2019-20 financials, which indicated a final negative net worth of 18.13 crores on March 31, 2020. The CERC also points out that the Applicant company has the current ratio of 0.68:1 and liquidity ratio of 0.67:1, both well below the required 1:1 ration that has to be maintained as per regulations. Thus, it became a fit case for rejection, as far as downgrading the license goes, and

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a stronger case for a notice on why penal csts should not be imposed on the firm. Bengaluu based Atria faces a similar issue. The firm made a plea for downgrade from a category IV to category V license. The commission observed that “as per audited special balance sheet as on 30.9.2020 submitted by the Respondent, it had a net worth of only Rs. 166.27 lakh. Therefore, the Respondent does not meet requirements of net worth for any category of trading licence as prescribed under Regulation 3(3) (a) of the Trading Licence Regulations”. That has, in the eyes of the commission, made Atria a fit case to have its application rejected, and also liable for penal action. So Just What Can The CERC Do Now ? The CERC has quite a few options to consider now.

Regulation 19 of the Trading Licence Regulations provides for penalties for contravention by the licensee as under: “19. Penalties for Contravention and non-compliance: Where the charge of contraventions is established against the Trading Licensee, the Commission may: (1) give warning to the Trading Licensee subject to such conditions as may be deemed fit in the facts and circumstances of the case; or (2) direct that the Trading Licensee shall pay, by way of penalty, a sum which shall not exceed rupees one lakh for each contravention and in case of a continuing failure with an additional penalty which may extend to six thousand rupees for every day during which the failure continues after contravention of the first such direction; etc.

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MERC Signals Go Slow On AEML’s RE Procurement Plans for Mumbai

he Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) has issued a new order, allowing Adani Electricity Mumbai Ltd (AEML) to initiate the bidding process for the procurement of power upto 500 MW on round the clock (RTC) basis from grid connected renewable energy power projects, complemented with other non-renewable energy source. The commission has partly accepted AEML‘s petition, which it had earlier filed to seek approval for the procurement of 1000 MW of power. AEML had said in its petition that due to the termination of a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Vidarbha Industries Power Limited (VIPL), its share of short-term power procurement had increased, which was not sustainable in the longer run. Further, it had signed a longterm contract for 700 MW wind plus solar hybrid power, which is expected to be available from FY 2021-22 and will meet peak power & part of load curve, at about 50 -55% CUF. The major portion of its proposed power was expected by the company to get absorbed in the initial 2-3 year time. In order to ensure reliable power at competitive rates, fulfilment of renewable purchase obligation (RPO) targets and to ensure certainty of scheduling, AEML proposed to procure 1000 MW RTC power from grid-connected RE power projects, complemented with firm power from thermal power project having domestic coal linkage, under tariff-based competitive bidding. While scrutinizing AEML’s demandsupply projections, the commission noted

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that for the period of FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25, the company has assumed a higher annual growth rate of 5% as against 2% annual growth rate considered by the commission in (Multi Year Tariff ) MYT Order. AEML has not explained or suitably justified such higher rate of demand projection. Thus, AEML’s demand projections based on which it has arrived at the power requirement of 1000 MW is on the higher side, at least in the MYT control period, and hence needs to be revisited by them, said MERC.

must bid for its requirement in a phased manner. To start with, AEML is allowed to bid for capacity upto 500 MW. Thereafter, on detailed study and realistic demandsupply projections, if AEML requires to contract additional capacity, then it can approach the commission with a detailed study justifying such requirement for initiating fresh process for additional power procurement. Alternatively, MERC said, AEML can carry out a detailed analysis based on the observations of the commission and

The commission also opined that AEML is correctly proceeding in the direction of replacing its short-term power dependency with longer duration contracts for ensuring reliable availability of the power for meeting its consumer demand. However, before taking final decision on procurement of 1000 MW, AEML must have carried out detailed and proper due diligence and its operational and financial impact (esp that of surplus power in the initial years). Upon considering all the different factors, the commission concluded that AEML

resubmit a petition justifying the requirement of 1000 MW vis-à-vis the financial sensitivity analysis. In this case, subject to approval of the commission, AEML can consider the tender of 1000 MW with a green shoe option (500 MW+500MW) based on the discovered tariff, as was opted in the long term power procurement contract of 700 MW. Either way, the renewable power procured by AEML from this project will be counted towards its RPO targets for the respective periods, said the commission.

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Rajasthan HC Cancels Land Allotment To Adani Project

elivering its judgement in a case filed in 2020, the Rajasthan High Court has cancelled the land allotment adding up to 1452 bighas in Jaisalmer district that was provided to AREPRL, an Adani group firm set up for these projects. The court has also directed state agencies to conduct survey of the land parcels allotted to AREPRL and Essel Surya Urja Company of Rajasthan Ld (ESUCRL) in three villages – Naden, Ugras and Nagnechinagar. The judgement follows a petition filed by villagers in the area, who had contended that the process that was followed did not adhere to any guidelines. They claimed that not only was the grazing land declared barren in 2017 to expedite the allotment, but villagers’ objections were also overruled . Giving the state government six weeks to complete the process of cancellations and proper survey, the High Court effectively put under the scanner close to 10000 MW of planned projects in the region. The order covers the allotment of the land surrounding the lands of the petitioners, other khatedar tenants and the land of public utilities. The review will ensure that their rights are not infringed on account of land allotments to Essel Surya Urja Company of Rajasthan Ltd (ESUCRL) and Adani Renewable Energy Park Limited (AREPRL). The high court case itself had followed a long trail for the petitioners, when a single judge bench of the same HC approved the allotment earlier in 2018-19. Land troubles seem to be piling up in what are considered prime lands for solar development in India now. Close to 30 GW are planned across Rajasthan and Gujarat, and cases are at the Supreme Court too, for different reasons. It seems increasingly inevitable that the low price advantage these regions offer with their high irradiation and cheap land, will have to cede at least partly to special cesses for compensation or for specific facilities as envisaged in the case of the great Indian bustard habitat.

R.K. Singh Acknowledges Tariff, Non-Tariff Barriers To Stay For Solar Equipment

n what seems to be a clear ramp up of pressure to buy locally and block imports, Power and MNRE Minister R.K. Singh has categorically referred to both tariff and non-tariff barriers as a way to achieve this objective. Speaking at an industry event on selfreliance in renewable energy manufacturing organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Singh said, “If you want to sell in India, you will have to set up manufacturing here. If you don’t set up manufacturing here, I can give it to you in writing that you will not qualify for entry into that approved list of models and manufacturers, (ALMM).” The ALMM list in question has increasingly been cited by many multinational players as a non-tariff barrier, considering the impractical terms it lays down for approval. A key one being a physical inspection of the manufacturer’s plants, something that is clearly meant to make it both expensive, and in these times of travel restrictions, virtually impossible. Then there is the refusal to accept any of the globally recognised certifications over the domestic BIS certifications, of course. Ever since the last version was released in March this year, comprising exclusively domestic manufacturers, the list has not been updated with fresh names. What’s more, the minister’s assertion seems to fly in the face of claims by some of the larger domestic players especially Adani Green, that a separate list would be brought out for foreign suppliers too. Singh added that other countries had also placed such non-tariff barriers and that it was necessary that India keep the jobs created by the country’s rapid addition in renewable energy capacity. The remarks assume significance

considering the continued dominance of Chinese origin imports. Bidders at recent successful tenders have also shrugged off the apparent ambiguity on the issue, going by the bids at recent auctions, which have continued to come in at fairly attractive prices. Considering that the ALMM rules squarely apply to equipment being used for these projects, it does make one wonder if there is something the bidders know that others don’t. While actual imports for these projects will start late next year, by which some more capacity is set to be added in India too, when we spoke to bidders (who did not necessarily emerge winners), we had been

given the distinct impression that a blanket ban was not on the cards. However, with the combination of customs duty from April 1 and the assertion on ALMM list, it seems we have a situation very close to that, as far as government backed projects go. An option that has been cited is to import cells at the 25% duty, and assemble the modules in India. But even that assumes adequate capacity available to do that, besides ensuring the module manufacturer is from the ALMM list. Doesn’t sound like a great start to a negotiation on prices, does it? For the largest Chinese exporters to India, it’s a decision that will need to be taken sooner than later. At least assemble in India, or miss the largest market outside China still available for them. JULY 20 21

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APTEL Overrides TNERC Judgement In Case of Solitaire BTN’s 100 MW Solar Plant

he Appellate Tribunal For Electricity (APTEL),has ruled strongly in favour of a solar developer Solitaire BTN (BTN) against the state regulator of Tamil Nadu, discom, transmission firm. In overriding the previous judgement of the state regulator, APTEL has probably shown up the risks of working directly with state discoms like nothing else. The judgement was delivered on July 5. The case, involving Delhi-based Solitaire BTN Private Limited versus the Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission (TNERC), Tamil Nadu Generation And Distribution Corporation (TANGEDCO), and Tamil Nadu Transmission Corporation (TANTRANSCO) among others, is a story of poor communication, compounded by lack of accountability from the utilities involved. If anything, it makes a strong case to start holding individual officials accountable for such a poor approach.

The case background

On June 15, 2017, BTN Solitaire Solar responded, to a 1.5GW TANGEDCO tender to supply solar power to the state, by establishing projects in the state. It identified three locations in Virudhunagar district of Tamil Nadu, to supply a total of 150 Mw of solar power. On July 06, 2017, a negotiated tariff of Rs 3.47 /kWh was finalised. On September 28, 2017, the PPA with TANGEDCO was signed for 100 MW of power, after the firm scaled back its plans to 100 MW due to issues with land acquisition.

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The PPA had the usual obligation to commission the project’s total capacity on or before 24 months from the date of signing the PPA dated September 28, 2017, which was September 25, 2019. Now, the story gets really interesting. As the PPA specified that it would be the developers job to arrange for evacuation of power, with TANTRANSCO bound to support it, BTN made a request for the same with them, and received a ‘conditional’ approval. In the sense that the firm made it clear that approval was subject to at least 4 other transmission enhancement projects being completed. Amazingly, 2 of these pending works were not completed even on March, 2021, months after even the extended SCOD of the project. !This was the first point of the TN utilities that was shot down by the APTEL bench, as they had tried to go back to deny this conditional approval. To quote from the judgement, “These assertions (Of being able to evacuate the entire 100 MW capacity) are not only false to the knowledge of the persons that have deposed the affidavits, these assertions are not sustainable upon a simple reading of the diverse letters and internal reports that clearly conclude that it is not possible to evacuate the entire 100 MW Contracted Capacity, even as of today”

The TNERC Order

To the issue of the state commission (TNERC) denying any relief in terms of extension due to the delays, the APTEL bench noted that “The PPA was signed on 28.9.2017

and the maximum permissible time of 34 months ended on 27.07.2020. The blanket exemption of 5 months granted by MNRE is for the lockdown period from 25.03.2019 – 24.08.2020 and this period fall in the PPA period. Therefore the decision of the State Commission not to allow relief to the Appellant on the ground that the Covid 19 pandemic occurred outside the period of PPA is wrong and set aside. “The maximum time of 34 months takes into account the extra time before bank guarantees are encashed, and further, for payment of liquidation damages. Thus, this order of the state commission was simply set aside.

On Force Majeure In This Case

On the applicability of Force majeure clause by BTN, the court noted that “the Respondents TANTRANSCO/ TANGEDCO were obligated to provide evacuation of entire output of 100 MW (full rated capacity) of the solar PV plant of the Appellant but the Respondents have not fulfilled the obligation. ” So it allowed the same, since it was not in control of the appellant. Thus, the bench allowed BTN an extension of ten months’ time on account of Force Majeure event of unavailability of transmission system and further five months extension of time on account of Force Majeure event of lockdown due to corona pandemic. Accordingly the scheduled commissioning date was extended from 27.09.2019 to 27.12.2020 without the encashment of Performance Bank Guarantee and payment of Liquidated Damages.

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The bench also observed that the entire capacity of 100 MW achieved readiness on 29.10.2020 and received CEIG certificate for the same on 19.11.2020 but was not synchronised with the grid for reasons beyond the control of the Appellant. The fact that the balance capacity of 50 MW was declared ready for commissioning on 29.10.2020/19.11.2020, convinced the bench that the appellant made available the entire capacity of 100 MW of the appeal No. 67 of 2021 solar PV plant by the extended Scheduled Commissioning Date of 27.12.2020.

The Financials

Thus, it ordered TANGEDCO to forthwith return the Performance Bank Guarantee of Rs. 20 Crores and Additional Performance Bank Guarantee of Rs. 7.6 Crores to the Appellant without any delay along with the cost of renewing such bank Guarantee. Finally on the issue of tariff applicable, where the state utility had argued for fresh negotiations, the bench granted full tariff of Rs. 3.47 per unit for the balance 50 MW w.e.f. 08.02.2021 onward i.e. the date on which this capacity was synchronised with the grid with Respondent TANGEDCO to pay the Appellant the differential tariff withheld along with carrying cost calculated as per the late payment surcharge as provided for in the PPA/TNERC Regulations/ CERC Regulations. While we have captured the key points of the judgement, a deeper reading of the whole case will showcase just how tortuous a journey the solar developer has traversed. And at not time has this been a case of poor intent from the developer, as state utilities are wont to blame. That someone who has invested in hundreds of acres of land , project guarantees, additional expenditure to provide transmission utility with land for a sub station of its own account would be accused of having poor intentions and not being serious is a travesty of doing business. The inability of state firms to appreciate the financing conditions that are subject to unambiguous commitments in terms of connectivity and evacuation is also shocking. It would be the easiest thing to attribute ulterior motives to the actions of the officials, clearly unafraid ot eh massive losses their actions force upon private players. We will desist from that here, as the complainant will obviously not want to say anything, now that it has received justice at the APTEL bench.

BSES Discoms 510 MW Hybrid Purchase Signals Demand Recovery For Renewables

he decision by the Delhi BSES discoms, BRPL and BYPL, to enter an agreement with SECI to purchase 510 MW of solar plus wind power signals a welcome return to demand recovery for renewable projects awaiting PPA’s. This is on the back of two key events, one that has happened, and another, that might be in place soon. First was the CERC (Central Electricity Regulatory Commission) decision to allow discoms to exit PPA’s where the thermal power supply plant has existed beyond 25 years. Within a year. In other words, exit agreements, or an obligation to renew agreements, with older thermal power plants. BSES is doing just that, exiting its PPA with NTPC’s Dadri 1 thermal power plant. Besides 6 other thermal plants around the city which are more than 25 years old. Second is the imminent passage of the Electricity (Amendment) Act in the current session of parliament. Should that happen, then much stricter laws will come into force as far as renewable purchase obligations go (RPO), as well as penalties linked to failing to met those. India’s large metros with their own dedicated discoms have a special obligation to set the standards, to to say, and that is what we might be seeing with the BSES move too. Of course, it is also a fact that much like neighbouring Punjab, say, Delhi had one of the higher power purchase costs, thanks to high cost thermal, and renewable options today

offer a more than competitive option, helping drive down costs in fact. Going forward, the pressure on costs might actually come from Hydro Purchase obligations, as Hydropower costs have been far more sticky above Rs 3-4 than wind and solar energy. The Reliance Infrastructure-owned BSES discoms — BRPL and BYPL — are the first in Delhi to ink an agreement for hybrid power The solar and hybrid power PPA is also for 25 years, and expected to be available 18 months after signing of the agreement at a very competitive tariff of Rs 2.44 per unit for solar and Rs 2.48 per unit for hybrid. A BSES spokesperson

confirmed that these were replacing thermal power priced at Rs 5.50/kWh. Keep in mind that due to capacity utilisation differences, chances are every MW of thermal capacity that is replaced will need firm deals for 4-5 MW of renewable power capacity. A serious shift in India’s biggest cities could comfortably create space for the 16 plus GW of well priced renewable projects that were last reportedly awaiting PPA’s. With some of the largest renewable players like the Adani Group, Tata Power running distribution in cities like Mumbai and Delhi, the trend should only pick speed soon. JULY 20 21

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ACME Solar’s Rajasthan Projects Back On Track, After Withdrawal OF Termination Notice

MNRE Extends Commissioning Date of RE Projects Due to Covid-19

CME Solar, which had filed for termination of some of its solar projects in Rajasthan, has withdrawn the termination notice, following an amicable settlement of the issue with SECI (Solar energy Corporation of India). This was informed by the firm at the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC), where it had filed the plea for termination. The plea had created a flutter, thanks to the high visibility of these projects as the lowest solar bids when they were won in 2018, at Rs 2.44 per unit. Ever since, however, the developer had to contend with a rash of issues, from SGD, to land related issues and of course covid, Finally, the threat of encashment of bank guarantees due to delays forced it to demand termination and return of its deposits. The possible game changer here for ACME has been its deal with Scatec Solar, which has agreed to partner it in funding and establishing these projects. The plea had been filed by ACME Deoghar Solar Power Pvt. Ltd. and ACME Dhaulpur Powertech Pvt. Ltd., special purpose vehicles incorporated by ACME Solar that were/are developing 600 MW (300×2 MW) Solar Power Projects at Tehsil Pokhran in the State of Rajasthan. In what seems to be a happy ending eventually for ACME, one has to wonder how much of the new flexibility is due to the recent fund raising by the firm. The firm has announced three funding deals, from Scatec Solar, to UNOPS3i to Brookfield of course.

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he Ministry of New and Renewable Resources (MNRE) has extended the date of commissioning for those projects affected by Covid disruptions, again.. MNRE has issued a memorandum to allow the time extension in the scheduled commissioning date (SCD) of RE projects considering disruption due to the second surge of COVID-19 and associated lockdown. The ministry notifies that while there are no Central Government instructions for a countrywide lockdown, since the beginning of April 2021 several States/UTs have taken various measures like night curfew, imposition of section 144, weekend lockdown, etc which may have affected RE projects. As a measure of relief to RE projects, it has been decided that RE projects, being implemented through Implementing Agencies designated by the MNRE or under various schemes of the MNRE, having their Scheduled Commissioning Date (SCD) on or after 1st April 2021, will be eligible to claim time-extension for completion of their project activities. The total time

extension on account of the second wave of COVID-19 shall be restricted to six months, including the five months blanket time extension already granted by MNRE. No further time extension shall be considered on this account. RE projects can apply to the concerned implementing agency for claiming time extension in project commissioning. Provided such time extensions are not going to be used as a ground for claiming termination of Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) or for claiming any increase in the project cost including Interest During Construction (IDC) or upward revision of the tariff. Although, the actual quantum of timeextension shall be decided in due course depending on the COVID-19 related developments that take place in the coming weeks. On receiving the application for a time extension, the implementing agency shall not initiate any coercive action on the project for the recovery of penalty on delayed commissioning, till the timeextension request is decided upon. The most common tactic adopted has been encashment of bank guarantees till now.

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NTPC, ONGC To Focus On Offshore Wind Energy Developments ?

ational Thermal Power Corporation Ltd (NTPC) and the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) could be working together for the development of offshore wind energy in the country. For ONGC, the national oil explorer, any tie-up is considered relevant as power generation has not been its forte, and offshore wind offers it an opportunity to put its expertise of working at sea to use. Like many other global oil firms, at some stage, one can expect ONGC to declare serious green hydrogen plans too, as that allows for the use of many aspects of technology from oil exploration and processing. With energy PSU’s taking on a major role of heling the government achieve its renewable energy commitments, it has been common to see them get together to move ahead. That can be due to both their relative lack of experience in the renewables space, and the unwillingness to bear the high capital expenses alone. NTPC, as the largest and most experienced PSU in the energy space, has multiple agreements or MOU’s in place, from Coal India limited to ONGC. ONGC, till date, has not really made any aggressive play in utility scale solar, preferring to go

with rooftop solar at various locations for now. With NTPC declaring a revised 60 GW renewable energy target by 2032 , wind energy, which follows its own rhythm unlike solar energy in the daytime, offers a good prospect to maintain a more even supply from renewables . It doesn’t hurt at all that some of the most attractive states for solar energy also offer strong wind energy prospects, especially coastal states like Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, tamil Nadu, Maharashtra etc. The possibility of major wind energy expansion in states like Rajasthan Madhya Pradesh and even Maharashtra has ebbed in recent years, as fresh data has cast doubts on the viability of onshore wind in many areas. However, repowering remains a very attractive prospect , if given policy a push. In May last year, both organizations had signed a Memorandum of Unity (MoU) to achieve their targets in the renewable energy business. Under that MoU, NTPC and ONGC would explore and set up renewable power assets including offshore wind, in India and overseas, and explore opportunities in the fields of sustainability, storage, e-mobility, and ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) compliant projects. e country and also

safety aspects. India’s total wind capacity was standing at 34.98 GWs as of October 2018, the fourth position in the world with over 38.789 GW of installed wind capacity having a target of 60 GW by 2022. Out of which, 5 GW will be from offshore wind installations only, according to MNRE’s medium- and longterm targets for off-shore wind power capacity by 2022 and 30 GW to be added by 2030. Under the National Offshore Wind Energy Policy approved in 2015 the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) has been authorized as the Nodal Ministry for use of offshore areas within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). At this stage, an expression of Interest (EoI) inviting the bidders for the development of the first 1000MW commercial-scale offshore wind farm in India, near the coast of Gujarat is the only one in the pipeline for offshore. Thus, the 5 GW target won’t happen certainly, but the longer term target of 30 GW is not impossible, given how quickly offshore costs have also eased in recent years. Importantly, this sector is not dominated by Chinese players (yet) being led by European and American manufacturers, besides a sizable domestic ecosystem too. JULY 20 21

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SECI Wins Crucial Case At APTEL On Trading Margins

n a detailed 77 page judgement delivered on July 2nd, a two judge bench of the Appellate Tribunal For Electricity (APTEL) had delivered welcome news to SECI (Solar Energy Corporation of India) on its precious trading margin of 7 paise per unit. This trading margin was brought into focus by the decision taken by the Delhi Electricity Regulator(DERC), and the Punjab State Electricity Regulator (PSERC) of Punjab. In both cases, the state regulators had moved to reduce the trading margin to 2 paise/ unit, something that aggrieved SECI no end obviously. Without getting into the specifics of the order, the key issues that APTEL has tackled are the jurisdiction of state regulators, and the right of state regulators to make any modifications whatsoever to a contract between two parties in this case, between SECI and solar power developers, and secondly, between SECI and state discoms. On the first issue, APTEL, quoted that “The power and jurisdiction of the State Commission under Section 86(1)(b) concerns source, quantum and price (tariff ) of procurement by the distribution licensee. In inter-State transaction it is bound to follow the regulatory regime or determination of

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trading margin by the Central Commission and cannot sit in judgment over its propriety.” In this case, with power being sourced from projects outside the state/s, CERC’s write reigns supreme, as clearly repeated by APTEL. On the second contention of the state discoms, wherein they had sought to exploit a condition of 2 paise per unit of trading marin for short term contracts, and extrapolate it to longer term contracts, APTEL ruled that “There was no provision for Trading Margin in case of long term transactions. Further, for short term transactions, there is a capping on Trading Margin @ 4 paise/ kWh and 7 paise/kWh in case sale price is less than or equal to Rs. 3.00/kWh and sale price is more than Rs.3.00/kWh respectively.” Thus, even as SECI goes back happy with a win under its belt that protects its trading margin, it is clear that this is a battle that is far from over. Over time, discoms, especially if they improve their finances and credibility to the extent that they should always have, this trading margin will be questioned. After all, this is the small price that state discoms are paying for their own inefficiency and poor management, be it losses, delays in payment, or other arbitrary actions

against generators. That necessitated the inclusion of a centrally backed mediator into the power purchase game, in the form of SECI. And it has worked. we have seen how in acquisition after acquisition of solar assets by different firms from developers, care has been taken to highlight to investors that the assets have long term power purchase agreements with CENTRAL entities and PSU’s like SECI, NTPC, etc. Having a direct deal with a state discom is just not worth the same amount of money. Thus, SECI has actually more than justified its trading margin until now, thanks to the state of most state discoms. That SECI takes on significant risk by opening up irrevocable letters of credit in favour of developers for instance, is a fact. And it’s a condition that has been held to repeatedly, by both the CERC and APTEL, whenever it has cited payment delays due to delay in payment from the discom side. Since it’s back to back PSA’s with state discoms rarely function as smoothly. As discoms improve their finances and their behaviour vis a vis adherence to contracts, the better ones will surely ask for, and get a discount in time for SECI, or better still, they can consider the willingness of developers to sell to them at the same price as say, SECI, the best indicator of their progress.

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Torrent Power Back on Track For Discom License In D & N Haveli, Daman & Diu

orrent Power NSE has revealed that the Supreme Court has stayed a Bombay High Court order that imposed suspension on the tender process for the power distribution business in Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu. The company was found to be the highest bidder in the tender for a 51% equity stake in the power discoms for the union territories of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu. Utilities company Torrent Power is one of the largest private sector power company having interests in power generation, transmission, distribution and manufacturing and supply of power cables. It has an aggregate generating capacity of 3879 MW, with a mix of coal based, gas based, and renewable power plants. The company has a strong presence in the Gujarat power distribution scene and supplies electricity to lakhs of customers annually in Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Surat, Dahej SEZ and Dholera SIR in Gujarat. In 1997, Torrent Power fully acquired the Ahmedabad Electricity Company by purchasing the entire 28.89%

stake held by the Gujarat government. The Surat Electricity Company was also bought in the same deal. Torrent Power’s dominance among Gujarat discoms well explains its desire to expand and retain control in the neighbouring areas of Dara & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu. Last year, the central government came up with a proposal to privatize DISCOMs in the union territories, the latter being under the union government’s administration. The UTs include Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and Daman and Diu, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Lakshadweep, Ladakh, and Puducherry. In December last year, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu had invited bids to acquire a 51% stake in its DISCOM, responsible for the distribution and retail supply of electricity. In March this year, an auction was held, in which Torrent Power emerged as the highest bidder to acquire the DISCOM in the union territory of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.

Under the arrangement, Torrent Power would distribute nearly 25 BU of power to over 3.8 million customers and attend to a peak demand of over 5,000 MW. On March 4, 2021, the Bombay High Court suspended the tender process in a public interest litigation case, filed against the privatization of the DISCOM, until further orders in the matter. “Supreme Court of India has, inter alia, granted stay of the operation of the aforesaid impugned interim order of Bombay High Court suspending tender process of the above referred bid and to list the matter for hearing before Supreme Court of India,” Torrent Power has now said. In January this year, Tata Power took over the Western Electricity Supply Company of Odisha and Southern Electricity Supply Company of Odisha. The big prize among discoms, namely the BSES networks in Delhi, were also in play last year until the Delhi High court put a stop in the process to protect the interests of one of the creditors of Reliance Infrastructure, which owns BSES.

RERC Extends Implementation of New Rooftop Solar Rules Till Mid Sept

he Rajasthan Electricity Regulator Commission (RERC) has extended the the implementation date of new net metering norms for solar rooftop projects, which benefit only household consumers and bars commercial projects with over 10 kilowatt capacity, from July 1, 2021, to September 15, 2021. Under net metering, the consumer uses cheaper rooftop solar power instead of the costly discom power. Under the gross billing or metering, as per the new rules, the project owner will have to pay normal electricity rate to discoms even though it uses cheap power from its rooftop plant. The discoms will pay the projects owners under gross metering

(above 10kw) at rates discovered through auction along with 25% incentive which would be far lower than the discom rates of around Rs 8 per unit. RREC further submitted that the MNRE had granted extension of scheduled commissioning date of RE projects, considering the pandemic-induced disruption. Consequently, RREC requested the commission to extend the timeline for the commissioning of rooftop projects under the net metering arrangement as per Net Metering Regulations, 2015, for six months, i.e., upto December 31, 2021. In order to facilitate the ease of doing business and as a measure of relief to RE projects

to deal with difficulties arising out of the restrictions imposed on account of the second COVID-19 surge, MNRE’s Office Memorandum (OM) dated June 29, 2021, decided that the entire period of disruption – April 1, 2021, to June 15, 2021, (both inclusive) can be allowed as timeextension to RE projects being implemented through Implementing Agencies designated by the MNRE or under various schemes of MNRE. Upon considering these pleas, the commission directed that the rooftop and small solar grid interactive systems commissioned under net metering agreements upto 15th JULY 20 21

September, 2021, will continue to operate under the net metering arrangement till the period of connection agreement, as per the provisions of the Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission (Connectivity and Net Metering for Rooftop and Small Solar Grid Interactive Systems) Regulations, 2015, and any subsequent amendments. Meanwhile, the Union Ministry of Power on Wednesday increased the threshold for rooftop solar projects up to 500 kilowatt instead of 10 kilowatt for net metering benefits, which the solar rooftop industry is now said to expect the commission to take cognisance of. SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL

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Floating Solar I

On A Growth Path

n Solar’s rise to pre-eminence from a fringe renewable energy option just a decade back, it’s time to consider the rise of floating solar (also called floatovoltaics in many cases). To think that it did not even exist at any scale till 2013. The earliest patent on floating solar was taken out only in 2008. Ciel et Terre, a floating solar specialist based in Lille, France, began pushing the idea back in 2006. In 2007, a small 175 KW commercial plant came up in a pond at Far Niente, a Napa Valley wine producer, to cut energy costs and to avoid using up land where grape vines would deliver higher profits. The first formal floating PV system was built in 2007 in Aichi, Japan. This was followed by many small, sub MW plants in many countries, notably France, Italy, the Republic of Korea, Spain, and the United States, mostly for research and demonstration purposes. Remember, this was the period when even ‘normal’ solar costs were unviable, and only possible with generous feed in tariffs and direct subsidies. As of now, it seems clear that Asia will dominate floating solar for the near future and beyond. We picked on floating solar because since the last month, the news has simply not stopped on this younger solar sibling. First was the news of NTPC commissioning a 10 MW floating solar plant at a reservoir used for NTPC’s Simhadri Thermal Plant. The plant is easily the largest existing plant in India, but not for long. This was quickly followed by the inauguration of a 5.4 MW plant in West Bengal by Ciel Et Terre, at Sagardighi, the first one in a thermal plant. That’s not all. By the time you read this story, NTPC might have inaugurated yet another ‘largest’ floating solar plant for India, the first phase of its 100 MW floating solar plant planned for Ramagundam, in Telangana. Scheduled for a May start, covid disruptions have meant that the PSU will open it up in phases now, of around 15 MW each, to complete the whole 100 MW project by the end of this year. The Rs 423 crore

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project will eventually cover close to 450 acres of water bodies or reservoirs that serve the Ramagundam thermal plant. Driving this has been a steady drop in Floating solar costs too, as bids came in at Rs 3.29/kWh for a 150 MW floating solar project on Rihand Dam reservoir, in Uttar Pradesh. Won by Shapoorji Pallonji rup and Renew Power. (Note- The project has subsequently been delayed due to issues linked to topography ). Not just that, internationally too, a 60 MW plant was commissioned in Singapore. One of the largest in the world for now, the plant has been built by a subsidiary of Sembcorp Industries on a reservoir, spanning an area of 45 hectares , or 111 acres. Close by in neighbouring Indonesia’s Batam island, Singapore’s Sunseap also announced plans to invest over $2 billion in yet another solar +storage farm, with a peak capacity of 2.3 GW. Transparency Market Research (TMR), a market intelligence firm, in a March report, has predicted a strong 43 percent CAGR growth for floating solar between 2019 and 2027. TMR also expects innovations and technological advancements to ensure that the growth momentum doesn’t slow in floating solar. The rising adoption of floating solar panels in developing countries like India and China will further boost growth. Of the more than 63+ countries that

have announced floating solar projects, close to 40 already have a project that has been commissioned or close to commissioning. Today, actual installed capacity of floating solar is pushing 3 GW, versus overall solar installed capacity of close to 775 GW. But with the biggest challenge, costs still coming down with larger scale and a better understanding of the technology, floating solar is definitely no longer an option for the future. It has arrived.

Why Floating Solar?

The basic advantages of floating solar are well known. In regions with high population density and competing uses for available land especially, we can see it making inroads now. East India being a prime example. Another advantage being pushed recently is their relevance in large reservoirs built for hydro power, as that places them close to existing electricity transmission infrastructure, even to demand centers like water treatment plants, as seen in the Singapore example. Floating solar installations offer a clear benefit in improved energy yield thanks to the cooling effects of water and the decreased presence of dust. On a 25 year projected life, these advantages help reduce the initial cost difference with ground mounted solar, which start at 10-15 percent usually.

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Floating solar, quite simply, fills the need for energy where solar might struggle. In places where getting large land holdings for ground mounted solar is an issue, or by combining with existing resources to make power generation even more effective in the case of reservoirs, be it for thermal or Hydro electric plants. In case of Hydro plants, the reservoir can actually cut down its hydro power generation during the peak daylight hours, when solar steps in. And then, in non daylight hours, step in to ensure evening peak power requirements. The first such plant was set up in Portugal in 2017, installed by EDP. The feedback so far has been positive, in that output has gone up predictably. At a scale, that means higher grid stabilization and reliability too. The National Renewable Energy Laborarotory (NREL) in the US has estimated that there are almost 380,000 freshwater hydropower reservoirs across the world that could potentially combine floating PV with existing hydropower facilities. Of course, a full analysis might reveal some that are unfit due to various issues like water levels falling very low to even dead storage in dry season, but there is no doubt that finding areas for installations is not an issue at all. But with a potential power generation capability of almost 7 Terawatts, nothing to sneeze at either.

In India, there is a headline target of 10 GW that has been put down for 2022 by the government. Like the overall solar target of 100 GW, this number is unlikely to be achieved. However, with an estimated potential for 280 GW of floating solar in the country, there is zero doubt today that as the early, small floating solar plants build a record of data and performance, floating solar will only grow. As of now, tenders worth 1.7 GW have been issued, even as the consensus estimate is for total floating solar capacity of over 3 GW in India by 2024-25.

Jobs, the extra benefit?

Deepak Ushadevi

Deepak Ushadevi, MD, Ciel Et Terre IndiaChampioning The Cause In India

A relatively lesser discussed benefit is lower O&M costs. Deepak Ushadevi, Managing Director, Ciet Et terre India informs us that “O&M cost is cheaper (for floating solar) than a ground-mounted system, as there is less soiling due to the water around, plenty of water availability for cleaning. Conventional brush cleaning would be reducing the O&M expenses. During engineering design suite creation, moisture prevention of electrical equipment should be tended to. All Equipment’s need to be water-resistant and friendly with a moisture environment.”

An overlooked aspect of floating solar, which deserves more attention is its impact on jobs. Like rooftop solar, which potentially creates thrice the jobs utility scale solar generates for every MW, floating solar too offers to create the kind of quality jobs that governments like. A study backed by the Natural Resources Defence Council, (NRDC), Council for Energy Enevironment and Water (CEEW) and Skill Council For Green Jobs (SCGJ) makes the case that floating solar generates more jobs than a ground mounted solar plant. The study’s key findings were: • A small-scale FPV plant (capacity <1

MW) directly employs 58 workers while a mid-scale (capacity <10 MW) plant employs 45 personnel, over the course of their deployment. •F PV generates indirect job opportunities through manufacturers of specialized components like floats, anchors, and mooring system as well as domestic module manufacturers. •F PV offers opportunities for people qualified in hydraulic engineering, marine architecture, and plastic blowmoulding techniques in addition to those required in ground- mounted solar operations. •B y setting time-based targets for FPV capacity, the Indian government can widen the employment potential of this sector, bolster efforts to drive the COVID-19 economic recovery and achieve its Paris Agreement climate goals. The good news is that like Solar, India has already attracted the key players with experience of floating solar plants. Be it individual equipment suppliers of modules or the inverter suppliers like Sungrow, which is among the key floating structures manufacturer besides its inverters, and Huawei, that is behind some of the world’s largest floating solar plants currently. India has also attracted Ciel Et terre, the leading JULY 20 21

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French floating solar specialist, to set up a subsidiary in India. Headed by Managing Director Deepak Ushadevi in India, the firm has been active for over3 year now, preparing the ground for ever larger projects. Starting from its first project in India, a 452 KWp floating solar plant was installed in Cochin International Airport Limited, the firm recently completed a 5.4 MWp floating solar plant in West Bengal at Sagardighi Thermal Power Plant and a 14.7 MWp project in Thoothukudi for Southern Petrochemical Industries Corporation Limited, which is one of the largest floating solar power projects in India at present. Currently, the firm is installing a mega 75MWp project in South India, adds Ushadevi. “ We have 45+ staff from our HQ in Bangalore & 100+ staff at our manufacturing premises in Kerela, which has a capacity to produce 160 MWp/year of its patented Hydrelio floats by CIEL & TERRE INDIA as part of the Make in India campaign”, Ushadevi informs us.

Challenges For Floating Solar The Government Hand:

Of all the challenges for floating solar, be it costs, technical, or financing, perhaps the biggest one is related to who will back it. Even as ground mounted solar got a long runway of subsidies, feed in tariffs and much more, besides running on private sector legs, floating solar simply can’t get the same ‘startup’ benefits. However, the good news is, the technology is already catching up fast, and key issues like cost differences, are heading towards manageable levels already. By its very nature, with most relevant water bodies in control of the government or state owned firms, and other official bodies, floating solar’s biggest challenge is acceptance and adoption by the official system. In a system obsessed with costs, the headway being made by floating solar is strong. Going by the efforts made by NTPC, or the push by state governments of UP (plans for a 200 MW FSP on Rihand Dam) or Madhya Pradesh which has given the go ahead for a 600 MW floating solar plant on Omkareshwar dam, there is enough appreciation for its possibilities. Key energy PSU’s like NHPC, the largest Hydropower operator in the country, or other smaller state undertakings like SJVN and some private sector operators now, have

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started taking a strong interest and making a push for it. NHPC for now has been allotted the states of Telangana, Odisha, and J&K for development of floating solar power projects under Ultra Mega Renewable Energy Power Parks Schemes of MNRE. The firm has signed an MoU with Odisha for 500 MW on July 20, 2020. The project shall be developed by a JV between NHPC and GEDCOL, which is Green Energy Development Corporation of India Limited. In principal approval has been obtained from MNRE on December 8, 2020 for setting up of 100 megawatt floating solar by the proposed JV Company under Solar Power Park scheme. MoU with Telangana for 500 MW is under consideration for approval. NHPC was also in the process of development of 50 megawatt floating solar power project in Kerala and 140-megawatt solar park in Odisha. The Telangana plan for a 500 MW Floating Solar Project involves building it in the reservoir of Midmanair Dam that has been proposed under JV Mode with the State Nodal Agency, TSREDCO. Coal India Limited, (CIL), another PSU with an ambitious 3 GW plan for solar by 2024, came out with a tender in May this year to empanel vendors for its planned floating solar plants. CIl might be taking a leaf out of the experience in China, where collapsed coal mines which had turned into lakes have been converted to floating solar plants in cases. Starting with a 40 MW project in Anhui province, China has set a target of over 1 GW for establishing floating solar on its abandoned coal mines. All this official attention means that Floating solar finds itself being backed by firms that are well funded, and willing to settle for lower returns even. But with a high risk of delays caused by bureaucratic slowdowns, and procedural issues.

The quality Issue:

By its very nature, floating solar demands higher level of attention to engineering and construction. As Ushadevi asserts, a singular focus on costs can be risky. “The major difference is that, in other developed countries, the selection is purely based on the technology credentials, bankability, and reputation basis. Whereas in India, price is the main base. Indian developers and EPCs should be extremely careful while selecting the technology. To reduce risk factors, developers should look for enablers with good raw material, top-class UV stabilizers, good machines to produce quality floaters, QA checks & processes, design suits, design tests & validation, and getting a bankable solution.” he adds. The increase of 10–15 percent in system costs for floating solar, is mainly due to the floating structures, anchoring and mooring systems that a floating system demands. Development costs are already coming down. Floating systems present specific challenges related to anchoring and mooring them in place, accounting for possible water level variations, the reservoir’s bed type and depth, and extreme weather situations such as high winds and waves. These do drive up engineering and construction costs. Proximity to water also means higher attention to cable management and insulation testing than on land, especially when cables are in contact with water. Another factor is that a floating solar plant has moving parts that are subject to constant friction and mechanical stress. Systems that are poorly designed and maintained could suffer from catastrophic failures. Floating installations are also at risk of degradation and corrosion due to moisture, especially in more aggressive coastal environments. Appropriate quality standards for the

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selection of PV components that would survive 25 years in harsh operating environments should be applied. Anchoring serves to spread loads generated by wind and waves to minimize movements of the solar island to avoid the risk of it from hitting the banks or being blown away during storms. Extensive technical studies must be conducted to assess suitable island and anchoring design, overall technical feasibility, and commercial viability of the project.

Long Term Predictions:

NREL estimates 379,068 freshwater hydropower reservoirs across the planet could host combined floating PV sites with existing hydropower facilities. Additional siting data is needed prior to any implementation because some reservoirs may be dry during parts of the year or may not be otherwise conducive to hosting floating PV. The biggest benefit of floating solar- that it doesn’t take up valuable space on land is increasingly becoming more relevant for India. We have already seen how land conflicts between solar parks and issues linked to pastoral lands, habitats for the Great Indian bustard and more have impacted some projects. Even when it comes to floating solar on Hydro project reservoirs, adding generation might actually help obviate the need for at least some of the questionable Hydropower projects that have been planned. NTPC’s Tapovan project in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, that suffered extensive damage due to a flash flood recently, is one example. Running over a decade behind schedule and at over 5x of originally projected costs, the generation from the planned run of the river project could be easily done through floating solar at reservoirs of many of the projects the same company is already running. Ciel Et Terre’s Ushadevi asserts that “with scarcity in the land, land acquisition legal issues & disputes, infinite acquisition delays, floating solar is the perfect solution. We are very much positive that floating solar demand is finally arrived here in India considering water scarcity, water evaporation issues, land issues, and on a positive note plenty of water bodies available.We believe floating solution will be one of the main enablers for the PV sector and we target 1GW Hydrelio solutions to be installed in the upcoming next 2-3 years in India.” He cites the example of West Bengal, otherwise a solar laggard, to make his

point. “ We have studied a lot of projects in the past in West Bengal and figured their huge potential to develop floating solar projects. West Bengal has many types of water bodies, including dams, irrigation, or water treatment ponds which are ideal for floating projects. Same is the case of Kerala state where plenty of water bodies.” While all projects so far have been built on freshwater or captive ponds, it’s not that nthing is possible in the seas at all. Ciel Terre Taiwan has commissioned an 88 MWp Changbin project recently, the largest such project on salt water. That required the firm to collaborate with Principia, a leading offshore player to implement & integrate wind and wave design with cost-effective solutions. It is interesting that even the most aggressive players have taken an early call to desist from building these plants on natural lakes and other water bodies. Firms quote a desire not to risk impacting them without longer experience with floating solar, and also to avoid clashing with the livelihood of fishermen etc. Covering a natural pond with floats means that less sunlight is available for algae to grow which reduces their proliferation. Since a significant part of the water body will be covered or shadowed by the floating PV plant, a reduction of evaporation is expected. But, since both light and heat are expected to decrease, a new balance for the reservoir’s aquatic life is required. Yet, we prefer utilizing artificial water bodies as there is a lesser impact on aquatic life.

Conclusion:

Floating solar has travelled a long way, in a very short time, if one considers the vintage of the larger plants built using the technology. While that means due caution before we jump to make huge assumptions and projections, it does look like we have an option here that will serve to fill a very important gap for solar power. While saving land, and even giving more bang for the buck at our reservoirs. At a time when power purchase from many Hydropower projects is at ell over Rs 3.50/kWh, going upto Rs 6 and more too, there is a very strong case to junk the cost argument against floating solar. A focused approach to building on its initial successes, learning from those, could mean an environmentally less disruptive option as compared to hydro power energy, which frankly has a chequered record in India in recent years. Like mainstream solar, the government also needs to ensure that floating solar does not go the way of rooftop solar, in terms of poor outcomes despite high subsidies. Issues like lack of bathymetric data that assesses depth and topography of water bodies, and other technical and environmental issues need to be addressed urgently to ensure projects awarded actually move ahead. The fate of the large Rihand dam project is a case in point, stuck due to a limited understanding and lack of information on the topography involved there. Floating Solar also offers a real chance for states across the country, especially those in East India, to rack up some meaningful solar energy installations. JULY 20 21

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Residential Rooftop Solar To Cost Rs 31,200/Kw In Andhra Pradesh after Subsidy

he Andhra Pradesh Eastern Power Distribution Corporation Limited (APEPDCL) has discovered the lowest bid of Rs. 50,000/kW for up to 1 kW of residential rooftop solar systems. That means, after central subsidies, it would cost only Rs. 31,200 to consumers. Interestingly, for larger 100Kw to 500Kw sizes, the discovered price is Rs 36,000/Kw , though not eligible for any subsidies. APEPDCL floated a tender for selecting agencies to install the residential rooftop solar systems under the capital expenditure (CAPEX) model and selected the 17 lowest bidders. Out of the 17 bidders, 14 are assigned to install systems with capacities from 1 kW to 10 kW. Two agencies are selected to install systems of 2 kW to 500 kW, and one agency to install 10 kW to 500 kW systems.

The lowest quoted project cost for a rooftop solar system up to 1 kW was Rs. 50,000/kW, Rs. 47,000/kW for a 1 kW to 2 kW system, for a 2 kW to 3 kW system it was Rs.45,000/kW, and for a 3 kW to 10 kW system lowest cost was Rs. 44,000/kW. Consequently, for the systems of 10 kW to 100 kW, the lowest project cost quoted was Rs. 38,000/kW and Rs. 36,000/kW for systems of 100 kW to 500 kW. As per the MNRE’s (Ministry of New and Renewable Energy) order for Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM), vendors with domestically manufactured solar panels who are listed under ALMM will be sanctioned with the central financial assistance (CFA) for the systems. The CFA of 40% on the benchmark cost will be provided for systems up to 3 kW. Thus, for a 3 kW system,

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the final price will be around Rs 90,000 after subsidies. Of course, discoms might yet add on costs like meter charges for solar bi-directional meters, etc, but that will still keep costs to a very reasonable level. For systems above 3 kW and up to 10 kW, a CFA of 40% will be applicable for only the first 3 kW capacity, and for others, it will be 20%. For group housing societies and residential welfare associations, the CFA will be restricted to 20% for common facilities up to 500 kW. Thus, with net metering for a household that is paying say, Rs 2,500 per month, payback on a 3 KW system could come as early as 4 years. On a system with a warranty of 5 years, and notional life of 25 years. According to APEPDCL, a subsidy of Rs. 18,800 would be provided for a 1 kW rooftop solar system considering a 40%

subsidy on MNRE’s benchmark cost of Rs. 47,000. Conclusively, after subtracting the subsidy amount from the cost of a 1 kW rooftop system, the cost for the consumer would be Rs. 31,200. Last week, APEPDCL announced that residential customers interested in installing grid-connected rooftop solar (RTS) plants in Andhra Pradesh would now be entitled to receive central financial assistance (CFA). Back in 2019, APEPDCL has filed a petition with the Andhra Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (APERC) seeking approval for the implementation of a discom driven solar rooftop program devised under the technical assistance titled ‘Power Sector Reform Program’ supported by the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID).

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Sterling and Wilson Solar Q4 2021 Results-Heavy Losses

he Shapoorji Pallonjee Group’s Sterling and Wilson Solar, on Tuesday, announced their March results and the story is not good. Having already informed exchanges about hits the firm took in the quarter from a contractor’s bankruptcy, and other issues, the firm slipped into losses for the year. The firm had earlier issued a warning regarding impact from contractual issues in Q4. The total income of the company in the March quarter stood at Rs 1,416.33 crore, down from Rs 2,120.50 crore in the year-ago period. The firm’s (standalone) net loss before tax of Rs 134.77 crore for the quarter that ended March 31, 2021. The company, SWSOLAR, on the other hand, reported (standalone) profit before tax of Rs 229.68

crore in the corresponding quarter i.e Q4 ’20. Consolidated losses for the quarter hit Rs 344 crores. Its expenses also dropped, from Rs 1,961.40 crore a year earlier to Rs 1,816.79 crore. The Group continues to have a solid order book, good net worth, and a favourable net current asset position, which might be the only silver lining for its investors. The Company’s management and Board of Directors have also assessed the Group’s capacity to continue as a going concern, as well as its expected cash flows for the next 12 months and financing arrangements to meet its working capital needs and essential capital expenditure. Trade receivables from a customer aggregating to Rs 92.45 crores which were outstanding as at 31 March 2021 have also

been provided for with an expected credit loss provision of Rs 31.33 crores, although the auditor is skeptical about it. Thus, while the solar EPC business suffered a de growth of over 10 percent from Rs 5391 crores to Rs 4825 crores for the year, Solar O&M, touted as a key focus area for its dependable revenues, grew 37 percent from Rs 183 crores in 2019-20 to Rs 252 crores in 2020-21. For new global CEO, Amit Jain, and the firm itself, hopes will be high that the change will lead to a change in fortunes too. The solar epc business, with its shorter contract time frames puts pressure for a contracts pipeline, but at the same time, the opportunity for a quick turnaround is always there, as a firm can make corrections quickly.

EXIM Bank Extends $40 M to Togo to Power 350 Villages with Solar PV

xport-Import Bank of India has, on behalf of the Government of India, extended a Line of Credit (LOC) of USD 40 million to the Government of Togo for the purpose of the electrification of 350 villages in Togo through solar photovoltaic systems. India has been on a major outreach among developing countries ever since it became a founding member of the International Solar Alliance, along with France. The LOC Agreement to this effect was signed by Mr. Sani YAYA, Minister of Economy and Finance, Government of Togo and Mr. G. Selva Kumar, Resident Representative, Exim Bank’s Abidjan Representative Office, in the presence of Ms. Mila AZIABLÉ, Minister of Mines and Energy, Government of Togo, and Mr. Praveen Chandra Kala, Charge d’Áffaires, Indian Embassy in

Togo, in Lomé on June 23, 2021. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency, Togo had just 3 MW of solar generation capacity at the end of 2020. However, under the National Development Plan (NDP), its government is aiming for universal access to electricity this decade and for half of its power to come from clean energy sources. With the signing of the current LOC Agreement for USD 40 million,

Exim Bank, till date, has extended five Lines of Credit to the Government of Togo, on behalf of the Government of India, taking the total value of LOCs extended to USD 150.10 million. The LOCs extended to the Government of Togo covers projects in sectors including rural electrification, farming, transmission lines and solar energy. Exim Bank now has 274 Lines of Credit in place, covering 62 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the JULY 20 21

CIS, with credit commitments of around USD 26.98 billion, available for financing exports from India. Besides promoting India’s exports, Exim Bank’s LOCs enable demonstration of Indian expertise and project execution capabilities in emerging markets. This month, the President of Togo, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, inaugurated a 50 MWp Solar Power Plant in the West African country. The Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Solar Power Plant Project is being developed by AMEA Power, Dubai and designed, installed, commissioned, and executed by Jakson Group from India. The West African Development Bank and Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) provided concessional loans for the project. Earlier this month, Exim Bank of India had also extended a $100 million line of credit to Sri Lanka . SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL

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MDPs Committed Climate Finance Worth $66 B in 2020: Joint Report

ccording to the recently published 2020 Joint Report on Multilateral Development Banks’ Climate Finance, climate finance committed by major multilateral development banks (MDBs) rose to a total of $66 billion last year from $61.6 billion in 2019, of which, 58%—or $38 billion—was committed to low- and middle-income economies. The total climate cofinance committed during 2020 alongside MDB resources was $85 billion. Together, MDB climate finance and climate cofinance totalled more than $151 billion. The amount of private direct mobilization stood at $5.9 billion. Accelerating the transition to low-carbon and climate-resilient economies through climate finance is a key element of the MDBs’ effort to align their activities with the objectives of the 2015 Paris Agreement to keep global warming well below 2°C, with efforts to limit it to 1.5°C, along climateresilient development pathways. In the past 6 years, the MDBs have jointly committed a total of $257 billion in climate finance, of which $186 billion was directed at low- and middle-income economies. The annual report is a key indicator on the progress MDBs are making on accelerating the delivery of climate finance, for which demand is clearly going to grow over time. This year’s report marks the end of the reporting period tracking individual climate finance pledges since 2015; for most, 2021 will mark the start of a new increase in ambition. In 2019, at the UN Secretary-General’s Climate Action Summit, MDBs announced their expected joint annual climate action finance to 2025. These include at least $65 billion, with $50 billion of MDB climate finance for lowincome and middle-income countries; an increase in adaptation finance to $18 billion; and private direct mobilization of $40 billion. “The MDBs will continue to improve their tracking and reporting of climate finance in the context of their commitments to ensure consistent financial flows to the countries’ long-term, low-carbon and climateresilient development pathways, as established in…the Paris Agreement,” says the 2020 report, which is the 10th in the series.

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Of the 2020 total of $66 billion, $63 billion came from the MDBs’ own accounts and almost $3 billion from external resources channelled through and managed by MDBs. These included the Climate Investment Funds, Green Climate Fund and climaterelated funds under the Global Environment Facility, EU blending facilities and others. The 2020 financing helped play a key role in supporting countries to embed green and climate-focused solutions as part of their recoveries from the impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). While these programmes affected MDBs’ normal lending operations and thus the delivery of their climate finance targets, seeing the total commitments for low- and middleincome countries dip from 2019’s $41.5 billion, the 2020 report says interventions and support from the MDBs laid a solid foundation for “building back better” for a greener, more resilient, post-COVID-19 future. Nearly $50 billion (76%) of total MDB climate finance in 2020 was associated with climate change mitigation investments that aim to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions and slow down global warming.

Of this, 50% went to low- and middleincome economies. More than $16 billion (24%) for climate change adaptation finance was invested in adaptation efforts to help countries build resilience to the mounting impacts of climate change, including worsening droughts and more extreme weather events, from flooding to rising sea levels. Of this, 83% was directed for low- and middle-income economies. The 2020 MDB report, coordinated by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), combines data from the African Development Bank, ADB, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), the EBRD, the European Investment Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank Group, the Islamic Development Bank and the World Bank Group. AIIB data is fully incorporated for the first time. As part of the MDBs’ ambition to extend and enhance climate finance reporting, the 2020 report also summarises information on climate finance tracking from the New Development Bank, presented separately from the joint figures and not yet included in the MDB climate finance total.

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BlackRock raises $250 M for Climate Projects in Asia, Latin America, Africa

ew York-based investment management company BlackRock has secured over $250 million from global investors and governments for the Climate Finance Partnership (CFP), which was introduced at the One Planet Summit in September 2018 under the leadership of French President Emmanuel Macron. CFP is a flagship blended finance vehicle that is designed to invest in climate solutions and infrastructure, including renewables, across emerging markets in Asia, Latin America and Africa, wherein reside communities most vulnerable to the ongoing climate crisis. The consortium of investors, which has issued a combined $112.5 million to the CFP, includes the Governments of France, through the French Development Agency

(AFD); Germany, through KfW Development Bank (KfW); and Japan, through Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), as well as the Grantham Environmental Trust and the Quadrivium Foundation. Commitments have also been secured from European pension funds, including Dai-ichi Life Insurance and banks such as Standard Chartered and the MUFG Bank. The CFP is aiming to generate at least $500m and claims to now be halfway to that target. Around $9 trillion is required to enable emerging markets to derive two-thirds of their energy demand from renewables by 2050, says Bloomberg NEF (BNEF). While $150 billion was invested in clean energy in developing economies last year, this amount needs to grow to $1 trillion by 2030 to achieve global net-zero

emissions, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). “This ambitious partnership, forged with Germany, Japan and leading global foundations, will help redirect financial flows toward sustainable development investments across the emerging world, with a priority to Africa as a key continent to France and Europe and one of the most vulnerable regions to climate change despite contributing the least to global warming,” said Remy Rioux, CEO of AFD. CFP will focus investment on: gridconnected and/or distributed renewable power generation; energy efficiency in residential, commercial and/or industrial sectors; transmission or energy storage solutions; and ultra-low emission or electrified transportation and mobility services.

MYSUN Partners with TATA Cleantech Capital to raise Rs. 15 Crore

ndia’s rooftop solutions company, MYSUN, has partnered with TATA Cleantech Capital Ltd (TCCL), a joint venture between Tata Capital Limited and a US company International Finance Corporation, to raise Rs 15 crore in debt funding for its solar portfolio expansion. The company had recently launched its solar asset vehicle MYSUN+ to develop solar projects under the distributed and open access models with an investment of Rs 600 Crores in the first phase. This term loan will be used to fund the existing projects of MYSUN+ and the credit line will be used to develop its pipeline projects. Speaking of this partnership, the Founder & CEO of MYSUN, Mr. Gagan Vermani stated, “We have got a very promising traction in our newly launched asset vehicle, MYSUN+, and

this funding from TCCL will help us de-leverage our equity capital and develop a larger pipeline of projects.” Over the next few quarters, we are looking to develop about 200MW of projects which are currently at various stages of development. As the demand is expected to grow exponentially,

we are actively looking at EV charging and some newer product lines too.” he added. While TCCL is the first private sector company globally to partner with Green Climate Fund (GCF) to develop a solar rooftop market through a USD 100 million credit line and this term loan and credit line raised JULY 20 21

by MYSUN forms a part of this GCF Facility. Being a part of the Paris Agreement, GCF is the world’s largest climate fund mandated to support developing countries raise and realize their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) ambitions towards low-emissions, climate-resilient pathways. “TCCL has an active solar rooftop funding program which aims to mainstream financing in this segment. Our partnership with MYSUN gives us the opportunity to further accelerate India’s energy transition. Rooftop solar represents only 11% of total solar installation in India which is significantly lower than the targeted 40% share and TCCL aims to bridge the gap to decarbonize energy consumption.” said Mr. Manish Chourasia, MD of TCCL. SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL

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Fourth Partner Raises $125 Million Equity Funding

Hero Electric Raises Rs. 220 Crores From GII and OAKS

yderabad based Fourth Partner Energy has raised a fresh funding of $125 million for its expansion plans. The big new investor this time is Norwegian investment fund Norfund, that has invested $100 million. Existing investor the RISE fund has invested a further $25 million. Norfund was last in the news for its backing of Italy’s ENEL for its India plans . Fourth Partner Energy will use the funds to strengthen its onsite and offsite solar presence in India and key markets across South and Southeast Asia, says the firm. The company has targeted 3 GW of installed solar capacity by 2025, besides and expanding capabilities across energy storage and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The big funding round should help the firm go full throttle on its expansion plans. The firm currently has a 550 MW solar portfolio. Operations commenced in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Vietnam recently, while in Indonesia, it has tied up with integrated energy major Indika Energy to offer solar solutions to corporates there. Besides RISE fund, which had invested $70 million in 2018, Fourth Partner has been ding successful fund raises regularly, the last one being a Rs 250 crore raise from the UK’s CDC. The latest funding round for Fourth Partner is a welcome addition to market that has been consolidating towards the larger players. Fourth Partners, with its diversified portfolio and solutions for off grid and open access markets, is counting on international opportunities, besides an improving policy environment in India to vindicate the trust of its investors.

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ero Electric, the market leader by sales in the electric two wheelers, has raised an investment of Rs. 220 Crore from a UAE-based financial services company Gulf Islamic Investments (GII), and an existing investor, OAKS investment partner. the funds will be deployed as Hero Electric seeks to make an impact in the crowded electric two wheeler segment, where firms like Ola Electric and Ather last week have announced major ramp up plans for 2021-22. Hero Electric scooter DashThe firm is planning to sell around 1 million e-scooter units every year from now. Speaking of the investment, “This round of investments which is a first of a larger scheme will help expand our manufacturing capacities, increase R&D spends that will enable us to continue to launch innovative products to disrupt the category. Hero is committed to its mission of – No Emission and builds a sustainable electric future” said Naveen Munjal, managing director, Hero Electric. “Hero Electric is exceptionally wellpositioned to achieve multi-fold growth in the coming years,” states Pankaj Gupta, founding partner and co-CEO of GII. For GII, this investment in Hero Electric through its India Growth Portfolio II is an opportunity to expand its play in the country. “It is an important investment

destination in the firm’s global strategy,” Gupta added. Hero will join other other electric twowheeler makers like Ather Energy, Earth Energy EV, Ola Electric, Komaki, that have been aggressively increasing their manufacturing capacity as well as distribution reach in the country. Some of the increase has been driven by changes in the incentives for electric vehicles. As the Department of Heavy Industries (DHI) has increased the demand incentives by 50 percent for the electric two-wheeler (E2Ws). Hence, the demand incentives for E2Ws have been increased to Rs 15,000 per kWh from the earlier uniform subsidy of Rs 10,000 per KWh for all EVs and hybrids, except buses. Hero’s MD, Mr. Naveen Mujal has accepted and appreciated the step taken by the DHI as he thinks it will give a better opportunity to the e-scooter makers for expansion and increasing their sales. If we talk about the number of units sold, in March this year Hero Electric announced that it has sold over 50,000 electric two-wheelers in 2020 consequently retaining the top slot in the segment. The company also announced that its sales network has crossed the 600 touchpoint mark covering 500 towns and cities across the country.

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Andhra Pradesh Announces Financial Assistance for Solar Rooftop Plants

ndhra Pradesh Eastern Power Distribution Corporation Limited (APEPDCL) announced last week that residential customers interested in installing grid-connected rooftop solar (RTS) plants would now be entitled to receive central financial assistance. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has sanctioned 8MW capacity in the residential sector under Phase II of the RTS program for APEPDCL with timelines for completion of allocation capacity in 15 months. That opens a window for potentially 2600 plus residents of the state who own a proper terrace to avail of the scheme, assuming typical size of 3 KW of solar rooftop. V Vijaya Lalita, Chief general manager, Energy Conservation, Energy Audit, Solar/APEPDCL, informed that the facility was extended to

Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam and both Godavari districts’ residential consumers by installing grid-connected plants in their homes through EPDCL. Empanelment of agencies for Grid Connected Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic power units of capacity 1 KWp to 500 KWp capacities in APEPDCL has already been done. Sixteen agencies are empanelled in 1 KWp to 10 KWp category and three agencies are empanelled in above 10 KWp to 500 KWp category. All has not been well in Andhra Pradesh of late. Renewable energy companies, solar and wind, with Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with the state government, have urged the AP high court to expedite the hearing on the batch of petitions filed challenging the single judge order. The companies have told the high court that they have been facing

financial troubles and are on the verge of bankruptcy. The conflict arose after the state government decided to review the power tariffs and a subsequent GO issued in 2019, forming a committee to renegotiate prices with the companies. The state government proposed paying Rs 2.44 per unit instead of Rs 4.8 for solar power as per the initial agreement, which was unacceptable to the companies. In other renewable energy news coming from the state, National Institute of Technology- Andhra Pradesh recently organised a five-day online training in ‘Power Electronics Applications in Smart Grids and Electric Vehicles’. Power electronics is an interdisciplinary area that combines electric drives, power quality in power systems, renewable energy systems, microgrids and electric vehicles. JULY 20 21

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ETO Motors Arrives In Hyderabad During ‘Go Electric’ Campaign

yderabad-based electric mobility as a service (EMaaS) provider, ETO Motors showcased its passenger and cargo vehicles ETO TRILUX & ETO Bulke Plus at the launch of the ‘Go Electric’ Campaign in Hyderabad. The campaign has been supported by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) and Telangana State Renewable Energy Development Corporation Ltd. (TSREDCO). ETO Motors deploys electric vehicles (EVs) all across the country, owns and operates the fleets. With shared mobility picking up, the company is counting on people moving from vehicle ownership model to the vehicle access model. The company provides comprehensive electric mobility solutions including, EV manufacturing, EV fleet management (for the passenger and cargo), along with the EV

battery swapping & charging infrastructure. AT the event, the firm launched a special scheme for drivers to enable them to become owners. ETO vehicles come with a wheel sizes of 13 Inches with disc brakes in the front and drum brakes in the rear, a reverse camera, powerful driver motors, and the a certified range of up to 148 km. ETO Motors’ portfolio includes e-rickshaws, e-Autos, and electric four-wheelers in both passenger and cargo segments. The firm claims that over150 passenger vehicles from ETO Motors are already being used for ride-sharing at the metro stations in Delhi, Noida, Nagpur. The company is on its way to start the service in Hyderabad and Pune also in due course. Its more than 200 cargo vehicles are part of delivery fleets of Amazon, Flipkart, Big

Basket, Grofers, Udaan, and many more, claims the firm. The use of ETO Bulke Plus for last-mile connectivity and delivery is helping firms meet their sustainability goals, says the firm. The company claims a strong order book of over 3,000 Cargo vehicles from multiple players from the e-commerce industry.  ETO Motors’ various electric mobility solutions include the availability of charging infrastructure – the Thunder Smart Charger. This EV charging box can be installed quickly in available space at a very low investment, allowing the space owner to earn revenues. The Thunder Smart Charger can be used to charge any EV, irrespective of the make or brand. No numbers have been shared by the firm for us to verify the veracity of this claim.

COGOS Expands Its Fleet with 2500 New Electric Vehicles

n an effort to reduce the carbon footprint of its fleet and to achieve sustainable growth, Bangalore-based COGOS, the end-to-end enterprise logistics company, has announced plans to expand its fleet by 2500 electric vehicles (EVs). The company will expand across major cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, Delhi, and Gujarat, and later in Maharashtra and Tamilnadu. This fleet is expected to achieve a reduction of 15000 tonnes of CO2, when running at full capacity, per year. The fleet addition will take place in a phased manner over the next 24 months. COGOS has partnered with OEMs (Original Equipment manufacturers) including Altigreen, Mahindra & Mahindra, and Piaggio to enable its sustainable growth. Currently, the company

operates with three-wheeler commercial vehicles that have a payload capacity of 500 kgs and is already working with the OEMs for four-wheeler EVs with a capacity of 1 tonne. These EVs will be used for the e-commerce, grocery, distribution, and mobility sector. COGOS has already entered into deployment agreements of 500+ vehicles for leading

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E-Com Enterprise and another 300+ with Food, FMCG, and Mobility enterprises, as per the claims. The firm is also bridging another gap by educating potential fleet owners on the benefits of EV. One such benefit is that the cost of operating the commercial EV is only INR 50 paise per kilometer, which is multiple times lesser than fossil-fuel-based vehicles.

Speaking on its plans to achieve environmentally sustainable growth, Co-founder & CEO of COGOS, Mr. Prasad Sreeram, said, “It is important for us, as a logistics company, to focus not just on efficiency and cost, but also on sustainability. With this fleet augmentation of 2500 EVs, we are on track to achieve as much as 30 percent of our revenues from green technologies by 2023.”

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Prevail Electric Launches 3 Electric Scooters Starting From Rs. 89,999

lectric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, Prevail Electric, an automotive solution providing startup, is gearing up to launch three premium model electric scooters– Elite, Finesse, and Wolfury. Prevail is bringing three electric scooters at different prices with different features. The most affordable one is Wolfury, Prevail ElectricWolfury, priced at Rs. 89,999. This electric scooter can offer a top speed of 50 km/h with a maximum load of 200 kg. Equipped with a Lithium battery, the scooter is claimed to be capable of a 110 km range on a single charge. The model takes around 4 hours to juice up fully. The model comes with a control model of a 12-tube brushless controller with a one-click fix function.Prevail Finesse Scooter The next one is a middle-range electric scooter, Finesse. Priced at Rs. 99,999, this scooter can offer a top speed of 60 km per hour with a maximum load of 200 kg. With a Lithium-ion battery, the scooter is capable of a 110 km range on a single charge. It has a charging time of 0 to 100% in 4 hours, along with swappable battery options. The model comes with a control model of a 12-tube brushless controller with a one-click fix function. The third one comes at Rs. 129,999, The electric scooter Elite can offer a top speed of 80 km per hour with a Prevail Elite Scootermaximum load of 200 kg. With a Lithium-ion battery and swappable battery options, the scooter is capable of a 110 km range on a single charge. Once the battery is drained, it can be fully charged in 4 hours. The model comes with a control model of 55A

controller with a one-click fix function. The vehicle also has an integrated Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) screen, primarily used for navigation, control, and entertainment purposes. Thus, the users can groove to their favorite tunes and even attend phone calls without doing it manually, simply experiencing a convenient and feasible mode of commuting. Made of High-tensile Steel and Aluminium alloy wheel hubs, the three scooters weigh 80 kgs (without battery). They can produce mechanical power up to 1000W in a single charge. These scooters come with built-in mobile charging ports. All three models have a three years warranty and accept Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) services. The scooters are also equipped with Hydraulic Damping for avoiding shock.

NHAI To Install EV Charging Stations Along National Highways

he National Highway Authority of India is planning to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations along the country’s national highways. As India has already set its targets of achieving 70% of all commercial cars, 30% of private cars, 40% of buses, 80% of twowheeler, and three-wheeler sales to be electric by 2030. To boost the EV Infrastructure of the country, the NHAI has recognized around 650 properties across 22 states with a combined area of over 3,000 hectares to develop highways infrastructure, according to the reports. Consequently, the authority has already invited bids

for 138 sites out of the 650 sites recognized and received several responses from private entities to help them in this development project. Interestingly, out of 650, 94 cities fall alongside the upcoming Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, 376 sites along new highways and expressways under construction, and around 180 sites along with an existing network of highways across the country. Also, NHAI will partner with the private sector in the next five years to boost the EV infrastructure and related developments for a long-term goal to be achieved. Additionally, the authority is also planning to enhance

commercial spaces such as restaurants, food courts, retail outlets, along national highways to boost infrastructure. Indian governments, be it state or central, are aggressively encouraging EV adoption in the country. Many states like Delhi, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat, etc. have brought up their respective EV Policies 2021 or amended old EV policies to increase EV adoption in their region. These policies comprised various incentives and subsidies on EV purchases, several targets of the states to develop an EV infrastructure, and mandated the state administration’s mode of commute to be electric. JULY 20 21

Although, achieving the target of 2030 is not an easy task to accomplish. According to a report by Grant Thornton Bharat-Ficci, India needs around four lakh charging stations for 20 lakh EVs by the year 2026. Also, India needs to focus on key points, including increasing government support, decreasing the cost of technology, and distressing pollution levels to accelerate this transition. However, there is a silver lining of hope as, according to a report by techARC, a new-age technology market research firm, EVs took over 1.3 percent of total vehicle sales in India in the fiscal year (FY) 20-21. SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL

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New Maharashtra EV Policy Hikes Subsidies, Incentives

ollowing the footsteps of various states, the Maharashtra government has also announced an upgrade to its EV policy of 2018, earlier than its previous plans from April 2022. The new policy aims to use the state’s pre-eminent role as a manufacturing centre, as well as provide local support to EV adoption. Valid till March 31, 2025, the new policy has a lot of the old, and many new benefits on offer. Key highlights include:

with last mile delivery in 6 urban areas by 2025. The state’s bus transport undertaking, Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation, will also be targeted, to make at least 15 percent of its fleet electric by 2025. Charging infrastructure has been given a push by offering property tax rebates for housing societies that install charging infrastructure within their premises.

Broad Push:

Incentives:

An aim to make electric vehicles (EVs) up to 10 percent of all new vehicle registrations – around three lakh vehicles a year – in the state by 2025, the new policy exempts EVs from road tax and registration charges. The target is to have 10 percent of all new registrations by 2025 as EV’s. On the demand side, the state will make it mandatory for all vehicle aggregators, be it ecommerce firms, delivery firms to transition to at least 25 percent EV’s for their urban fleets by 2025. In doing this, the state plays into a trend that is already taking shape on its own actually. Public transport too is set to play a role, with a target to have 25 percent of public transport fleets running with EV’s, along

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On incentives, the state policy will now offer incentives ranging from a maximum of of Rs 2,75,000 for 4 wheelers to Rs 5 lacs for chargers. That means a further drop in EV costs in the state, something that will be welcomes by manufacturers who qualify for the same. All this, even as it indicates that from April 2022, all new government vehicles will be electric vehicles. The policy stipulates that subsidies will be available for the first 100,000 electric twowheeler buyers, who are eligible for an incentive of Rs 5,000 per kWh of battery capacity (incentive limit: Rs 10,000; twice the previous cap of Rs 5,000). There is also an early bird incentive of up to Rs 15,000

(for an e-two-wheeler with a 3 kWh battery) for those who purchase the two-wheeler before 31 December, 2021. This means provided the chosen e-two-wheeler has a battery capacity of close to 3 kWh, buyers will be eligible for a total benefit of Rs 25,000 this year. That comfortably makes the state policy the most lucrative for buyers in 2021. It’s the same story for 4 wheelers or cars, with a per KW subsidy of Rs 5000, applicable for capacity till 30 Kw. That translates to a total incentive of Rs 1.5 lakh (Rs 50,000 higher than the previous limit). An early bird incentive here too edges the state ahead of its nearest competitors, with an additional incentive of up to Rs 1 lakh for those buying before December 31, 2021. Keep in mind that the state has to compete with the big consumption centre that is Delhi, besides neighbouring Gujarat. These early bird incentives effectively take Maharashtra ahead of both these. Finally, there is a Rs 7,000 scrappage incentive to nudge people to upgrade to an EV faster. The new policy will be welcomed by industry, and consumers we suspect, as the case for EV’s becomes ever stronger with the all time high fuel prices.

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Ather Energy Expands To Delhi

ndian electric scooter maker Ather Energy has inaugurated its new experience center (retail outlet) ‘Ather Space‘, at Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi. This is Ather Energy’s 10th experience center in India, to provide a unique ownership experience along with service and support for owners. The Ather 450X, Ather’s main offering, alongside the Ather 450 plus will be available to test ride and purchase. The firm began deliveries of the Ather 450X in the Capital in early April and also invested in setting up public fast-charging points, the Ather Grid across the city. The company has set up 14 fast-charging points across key hotspots in Delhi, Noida, Gurugram & Ghaziabad and aims to double the number of charging stations byAther Energy Charging the end of this year. The fast-charging points in Delhi are available in locations like Green Park, Dilshad Garden, Krishna Nagar, and Connaught Place. A key aspect of Ather’s fast charging points is that they require minimal engagement, other than plugging in, from a user. No clicks to authenticate, app to pay etc. The Ather 450X comes in four different

colors- grey, white, green, along with the limited-edition Series 1. It comes with an 85 km of true range and an 80km/h top speed. the scooter is powered by a 6 kW motor and a 2.9 kWh of Li-ion waterproof battery with a 3-year warranty on the battery as well as the vehicle. The scooter can go from 0 to 40 km/h in just 3.3 sec in Warp mode. It can fast-charge at 1.5km per minute, additionally, the electric scooter has a 4G SIM card and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing riders to manage phone calls and music on the touchscreen dashboard. The 7” touchscreen dashboard, comes with a color depth of 16M and a Snapdragon QuadCore processor. Ather 450X utilizes Android Open Source to offer Google Map navigation, on-board diagnostics, and other unique features like Over-the-air updates, Auto Indicator off, and Guide-me-home lights. The prices in Delhi would be out soon however, prices in Bengaluru after FAME II incentives are Rs. 1,25,490 and Rs. 1,44,500 for 450 and 450X , respectively. The EV maker has also given a comparison with other domestic electric scooters of the country and claimed that Ather tops every aspect. Ather Energy Comparison

Ather Energy inaugurated its first experience center in Bengaluru in June 2018. Earlier this year, Ather expanded its presence across 27 cities including Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Kochi, Jaipur, and Ahmedabad. Co-founder of Ather, Tarun Mehta announced that the firm is targeting to expand its distribution across 100 cities by the end of the fiscal year 2023 (FY23), along with installing 500 charging points by the end of FY22. Additionally, he declared that the firm will expand its manufacturing capacity to 500K units by FY23. The electric scooter maker has reported its best quarter (Jan-Mar) till now, with a rise of 250% in its sales and six times increased test rides. The firm has also stepped up from 79 to 142 charging points in just three months. Mr. Mehta informed today that their manufacturing is completely domestic from the dashboard screen to the scooter batteries. Only the battery cells being the imported part. Their production capacity reached 1750 units per month in 2021, which was 750 in 2020. Currently, it is at an annualised 150,000 units. JULY 20 21

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States with Attractive Subsidies Under Their EV Policies

he country is in a constant hustle to ramp up EV adoption. Although the central government has brought up schemes like Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME I and FAME II). Recently the government has extended its ambitious scheme to promote electric mobility by two years till 31 March 2024. Also, DHI (Department of Heavy Industries) has increased the demand incentives under FAME II by 50 percent (at Rs 15,000 per kWh) for the electric twowheeler (E2Ws). As EVs reach 1.3 percent of total vehicle sales in India in the FY20-21, the only way is a steep climb from here on. Especially with fuel prices being kept on a high floor, thanks to high taxes and duties imposed by the government. Considering the key role of the auto sector, states in the country have moved to add their own incentives for EV adoption and manufacturing. The list comprises states like Bihar, Karnataka, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, and now Rajasthan. A total of 13 states have notified their EV Policies as of now but we are going to discuss the ones that have recently been modified or released/drafted their EV Policies.

Rajasthan

Following Maharashtra and Gujrat, Rajasthan has also released its new EV

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policy 2021. It brings incentives for electric two-wheelers with a battery capacity of up to 2 kWh of Rs 5,000. Models with a battery capacity of 2 to 4 kWh will be provided with a Rs 7,000 incentive, those with a battery capacity of between 4 to 5 kWh will receive a Rs 9,000 incentive while e-two-wheelers with a battery capacity of over 5 kWh will be eligible for a Rs 10,000 incentive. All of these incentives are additional to the center’s FAME II incentives for E2Ws.

Maharashtra

Following the footsteps of various states, the Maharashtra government has also extended its EV policy till March 31, 2025. The state policy will now offer incentives ranging from a maximum of Rs 2,75,000 for 4 wheelers to Rs 5 lacs for chargers. Subsidies will be available for the first 100,000 E2W buyers, who are eligible for an incentive of Rs 5,000 per kWh of battery capacity (incentive limit: Rs 10,000; twice the previous cap of Rs 5,000). There is also an early bird incentive of up to Rs 15,000 (for an E2W with a 3 kWh battery) for those who purchase it before 31 December 2021. This means buyers will be eligible for a total benefit of Rs 25,000 this year. For electric four-wheelers or cars, with a per KW subsidy of Rs 5000, applicable for capacity till 30 kW, making a total incentive of Rs 1.5 lakh. Early bird incentive will also be

provided with an additional incentive of up to Rs 1 lakh for those buying before December 31, 2021. Additionally, there is a Rs 7,000 scrappage incentive to nudge people to upgrade to an EV faster.

Gujarat

Gujarat brought its EV policy with an aim of becoming a hub for manufacturing EVs and various related materials to encourage electric mobility. The state will be providing subsidy support double the amount of subsidies in any other state for EVs on a per kilowatt basis over four years. Gujarat will provide up to Rs 20,000 subsidy on E2Ws, 50 thousand for E3Ws, and up to 1.5 lakh for four-wheelers/cars. Also, the subsidy amount will be directly credited to bank accounts through DBT. The state announced the installation of 250 additional EV charging stations and provided a 25 percent capital subsidy with a limit of Rs. 10 lakh for charging stations, under the new EV Policy.

Delhi

Delhi Government launched its EV policy in August 2020, however, the government is deliberately bringing modifications to it. Like adding scrapping incentives, including up to Rs 7,500 per vehicle for auto and light commercial vehicles, under Delhi EV Policy 2020. The policy offers Rs 5000/kWh subsidy on E2Ws, subject to a maximum

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limit of Rs 30000. This means the maximum subsidy you could get in Delhi would be Rs 15000. The state also offers a subsidy of up to Rs 30000 on E3Ws, and Rs 1.5 lakh on electric four-wheelers/cars. Delhi has exempted the registration fee and road tax for EV buyers within the state.

Okaya Group forays into Electric Two Wheeler Segment

Goa

Goa has just unveiled the draft of its ‘Goa Electric Mobility Promotion Policy 2021’ which aims to have 30% of annual vehicles registered in Goa, starting from the year 2025, accounted by electricity. The policy also aims to give Financial Incentives including Purchase incentives, Scrapping incentives, and Interest subvention on loans, along with a waiver on road tax and registration fees. Incentives to units engaged in manufacturing of EVs, batteries, EV components, EVSE, etc., shall be applicable as a capital subsidy of up to 20% of Fixed Capital Investment (FCI), 100% net SGST reimbursement for 5 years, and 100% stamp duty exemption will be provided to Pioneer, Mega, and Ultra-Mega units manufacturing EVs. A capital subsidy of 30% of the cost of capital provided the subsidy on building/ office is restricted to Rs 5 lakh will be provided to micro manufacturing MSME units while Rs. 10 lakhs will be provided to small and medium MSME units. A purchase incentive of Rs. 10,000/kWh of battery capacity shall be provided per vehicle to the registered owner and subject to a maximum incentive of Rs. 30,000 per vehicle for E2Ws. Under the policy, a scrapping incentive up to Rs. 5,000 for the owner of ICE two-wheeler. A purchase incentive of INR 30,000 per vehicle shall be provided to the registered owner for the purchase of one E3W or E-rickshaw or one E-cart per individual. A Purchase Incentive of INR 10,000/kWh of battery capacity shall be provided per electric four-wheeler/car (subject to a maximum incentive of Rs.1,50,000 per vehicle) to the registered owners of e-cars to be registered in Goa after the notification of this policy. Additionally, the state government will provoke all electricity infrastructure costs, up to Rs.8,00,000 associated with the installation of charging stations. Let’s wait for other states to come up with their EV policies, it will be interesting to know what they have in their bags.

he electric vehicle division of Okaya Power Group, Okaya EV has unveiled a new range of electric two-wheelers (E2Ws) amidst great anticipation and fanfare. ‘Okaya Electric 2 Wheelers’ boasts are equipped with cutting-edge latest technology. On Monday, Okaya announced together with the launch of these E2Ws, Okaya EV has also launched its experience centers in Delhi and Jaipur. Designed exclusively for Indian road and weather conditions, ‘Okaya Electric 2 Wheelers’ are also equipped with all the required technologies to manage the increasing volatility of Indian power conditions. Okaya’s E2Ws are available in four variants, both in VRLA Lead Acid Battery and Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) Battery. Offered in a multitude of colors from white, red, blue to black, green, brown, and beige, Okaya EV has launched these E2Ws in two variants: AvionIQ series and ClassIQ series. Okaya EV has already set up a

manufacturing plant in Baddi, Himachal Pradesh with its plans of starting another plant in Haryana for the seamless supply of this state-of-the-art E2Ws. Meanwhile, Okaya EV has also announced three more manufacturing plants spread over 34 acres to be launched in Neemrana from 2023 to 2025. Mr. Anil Gupta, Managing Director, Okaya Power Group said, “Combined with two state-of-the-art research and development centers exclusively for EVs in India and one overseas, OKAYA EV is uniquely placed to bring out E2Ws and bikes of the future. Further, to ensure a seamless supply of these E2Ws, we aim to open showrooms as well as distribution and service centers all across the country. Moreover, we have immediate plans to roll out four products under this segment in this financial year and all these products would be fully made in India and add velocity to the Government’s dream of one crore electric scooters on Indian roads by 2025.” JULY 20 21

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CESL Invites Bids from OEMs to get Empaneled for Supply of E-rickshaws

onvergence Energy Services Limited (CESL) has issued an expression of interest (EoI) to empanel original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to supply electric three-wheelers (e-rickshaws) in India. While the pre bid meeting will be held on July 13, the deadline for bid submission is July 26, 2021, on which bid opening is also scheduled. CESL, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), is focused on delivering clean, affordable and reliable energy. The full EoI document can be accessed here. The selected manufacturers would be required to design, engineer, manufacture, test, inspect, supply, transport, and provide complete system warranty and after-sales support. A quarter of the tendered quantity

is reserved for micro and small enterprises (MSEs) suppliers, of which 4% is earmarked for procurement by SC and ST entrepreneurs, and 3% is reserved for women entrepreneurs. All MSEs are exempted from paying the security deposit subject to providing proof of registration as MSE (indicating the validity date of their registration) with any agency mentioned in the notification of the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. CESL will deploy the e-rickshaws per the needs of the end-users and the product availability to suit the functional requirements within the stipulated period of seven days from the date of the issuance of the letter of award. Additionally, if the MSE vendor

participates in the tender quotes within the price band of lowest (L1)+15%, he will be awarded 25% of the total tendered work requirement subject to acceptance of the L1 price. In the case of more than one such MSE, the supply will be shared proportionately. If the work cannot be split, then the MSE quoting price within the price band of L1+15% may be awarded the complete supply of the tendered value. Post the roll out of the amendments to the FAME-II electric vehicle policy, electric scooter maker Ola, joined the likes of Hero Electric, Mahindra Electric Mobility and Kinetic Green Energy and Power Solutions, to gain contracts from CESL for the supply of electric two and three wheelers along with charging infrastructure.

MG Motor, Fortum Set up a 50KW Public EV Charger in Pune

he Indian subsidiary of Chinese automotive manufacturer SAIC Motor, MG Motor India, and clean-energy Finnish company Fortum Charge & Drive India together have set up a 50 kW Superfast public EV charging station in Pune. The smart chargers can be accessed by anyone who has an EV car compatible with the CCS2 (Combined Charging System), by registering on Fortum’s mobile app. Speaking on the partnership, Mr. Gaurav Gupta, Chief Commercial Officer, MG Motor India, said, “Our collaboration with Fortum reiterates our commitment towards enabling the infrastructure for environment-friendly mobility solutions in the country. The ZS EV’s availability in more cities in a phase-wise manner is a step closer to achieving

sustainability goals. After launching the ZS EV in 6 more cities in 2021, the MG ZS EV is now available across 37 Indian cities.” MG Motor India and Fortum had announced their partnership in 2019. Since then,

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the carmaker and Fortum have built a network of 11 DC chargers across Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Ahmedabad. Commenting on this inauguration, the Vice President of Fortum Charge &

Drive India, Mr. Awadhesh Kumar Jha said, “We are happy to extend our partnership with one of the leading automotive companies to further bolster the super-fast charging network in the country. With this charger on the Fortum Charge & Drive network, an EV user can travel between Mumbai and Pune without any range anxiety as both the cities have Fortum chargers.” MG ZS EV can be charged from 0 to 80% in 50 minutes at Fortum superfast charging stations, as per the company’s claims. Other charging options with the ZS EV include a freeof-cost AC fast-charger (installed at the customer’s home/office), a plug-and-charge cable onboard, and charge-onthe-go with Roadside Assistance. Additionally, it has extended the charging network in select satellite cities.

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Tata Power Installs EV Charging Station in Gujarat’s Statue of Unity Area

ata Power has installed the first-ever DC fast charger for electric vehicles at the site of the world’s tallest statue and a famous Indian landmark – Statue of Unity, located in Gujarat. The statue is of India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The Tata Power EZ Charge (Charging Station) at Kevadia, near the railway station, is expected to become an important pit stop for EV users, who can access this charger through Tata Power EZ Charge application. The app offers a seamless user interface, making it convenient for all EV owners to locate, navigate, book, charge, pay & check the availability of the nearest e-charging stations in real-time, says the company. Last month, the Statue of Unity Area Development and Tourism Governance Authority (SOUADTGA) said that it would develop the “country’s first electric vehicles-only area” in Kevadia. The authority added that the area surrounding the 182-metre tall statue will

be converted into an EVs-only zone in a phased manner. The announcement came a day after

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Kevadia is to become the country’s first electric vehicle city.

E-bike Startup Toutche Launches its ‘Heileo H100’ Hybrid Bike

Bangalore-based two years old startup Toutche Electric has today launched its new e-bike (bicycle) Heileo ‘H100’ in India. Heileo H100 is a hybrid-style electric bike, launched at a price starting from Rs. 48,900. Toutche has also opened bookings for the new bike from 5th July 2021 along with its earlier successful models – Heileo M100, M200, and H200, on the company website. Heileo H100 offered in two colors, spring green & Feta white. E-bike is built with 6061 Aluminium alloy, packed with 345 & 460 watt-hours of power. Heileo H100 is equipped with an intelligent controller,

detachable Li-ion battery made of Panasonic cells, and a 250W Rear BLDC hub motor. Similar to the other models in the Heileo stable, the H100 comes with two range options of 60 and 80 km per charge (on the pedal-assist mode).

Heileo’s bike comes with three modes of operation. It gives you a choice of being a regular bicycle (with 7-speed Shimano gears) or run on electric modes (pedal-assist or throttle). The electric model is powered by 5-levels of Power Assist and a right-hand-side Throttle. Speaking on the launch, CEO,& Founder of Toutche Electric, Mr. Raghu Kerakatty said, “The all-new H100 Heileoebike comes with style & energy. We are glad to widen our portfolio at a time when the demand for eBikes has surged in recent months. Be it work or recreation, it’s simply a Toutche away!” The Heileo e-bikes are JULY 20 21

manufactured at the Toutche manufacturing unit in Mysore. Toutche offers 18 months warranty on the battery, electric motor, and controller of the bikes, along with a 2-year warranty on the frame. As per the company’s claims, Toutche has its Technology unit in Bangalore, where it carries out cutting-edge work around electric transmission, battery technology, and onboard electronics. Toutche has a dealer network of premium bicycle stores across six cities in India. It has an authorized service network across 18 cities in India offering after-sales service and support for its products. SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL

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Researchers Create 68.9%-efficient PV Cell for Laser energy Transmission

t the recently held 48th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE presented their achievement of a record conversion efficiency of 68.9% for a photovoltaic cell under monochromatic laser light. The scientists at Fraunhofer ISE claimed the success, explaining that it was made possible with a special thin film technology in which the solar cell layers were first grown on a gallium arsenide substrate which was then subsequently removed. A conductive, highly reflective mirror was applied to the back surface of the remaining semiconductor structure, which was only a few micrometers thick. This was their process: Photovoltaic cells convert light into electricity. The incoming light is absorbed in a cell structure, made of gallium arsenide semiconductor material, for example. The absorbed light sets positive and negative charges free, which are

in turn conducted to the front and back cell contacts, generating electricity. This “photovoltaic effect” is particularly efficient when the energy of the incident light lies slightly above the so-called bandgap energy inherent to the semiconductor material. Thus, very high efficiencies are theoretically possible when a monochromatic laser as light source is matched with a suitable semiconductor compound material. In this new form of energy transfer, called power by light, the laser energy is delivered either through the air or via an optical fiber to a photovoltaic cell whose properties match the power and the wavelength of the monochromatic laser light. Compared to conventional power transmission via copper wires, power by light systems are especially beneficial for applications which require a galvanically isolated power supply, lightning or explosion protection, electromagnetic compatibility, or completely wireless power transmission, for example.

“This thin film approach has two distinct advantages for the efficiency,” explains the physicist Dr. Henning Helmers, head of the Fraunhofer ISE research team. “First of all, photons are trapped in the cell and the absorption is maximized for photon energies close to the band gap, which simultaneously minimizes thermalization and transmission losses, making the cell more efficient. Secondly, the photons additionally generated internally by radiative recombination become trapped and effectively recycled. This extends the effective carrier lifetime, thus additionally increasing the voltage.” The research group investigated thin film photovoltaic cells with back-surface reflectors made of gold and an optically optimized combination of ceramic and silver, with the latter showing the best results. An n-GaAs/p-AlGaAs heterostructure was developed as absorber, which shows particularly low charge carrier losses due to recombination.

Ultrasonic Delamination Could Make Battery Recovery Quick & Green

esearchers from the universities of Birmingham and Leicester, working at Faraday Institution on ‘ReLiB’, a battery recycling research project, claim that ultrasonic delamination is a fast, sustainable, and less energyintensive method to recycle batteries. While old batteries are usually shredded and treated with fire or aqueous solvents to recover precious metals, a process that uses a lot of energy and releases toxic waste, these U.K. scientists have advocated the use of ultrasonic sound waves for battery recovery in their paper “Lithium-ion Battery Recycling Using High-intensity Ultrasonication,” recently published in the journal Green

Chemistry. The paper, which argues that this process could also yield higher-purity materials, was co-authored by Chunhong Lei, Iain Aldous, Jennifer Hartley, Dana Thompson, Sean Scott , Rowan Hanson, Paul Anderson, Emma Kendrick, Rob Sommerville, Karl Ryder, and Andrew Abbott. According to the scientists, decarbonisation of energy will rely heavily, at least initially, on the use of lithium ion batteries for automotive transportation. The projected volumes of batteries necessitate the development of fast and efficient recycling protocols. Current methods are based on either hydrometallurgical or pyrometallurgical methods.

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The development of efficient separation techniques of waste lithium ion batteries into processable waste streams is needed to reduce material loss during recycling. In their paper, they show a rapid and simple method for removing the active material from composite electrodes using high powered ultrasound in a continuous flow process. Cavitation at the electrode interface enables rapid and selective breaking of the adhesive bond, enabling an electrode to be delaminated in a matter of seconds. This enables the amount of material that can be processed in a given time and volume to be increased by a factor of approximately 100. It also produces a material of higher purity and value that can

potentially be directly recycled into new electrodes. The researchers say that the efficiency of the delamination process is strongly affected by the type of polymer binder with water-dispersible binders such as SBR/CMC being more rapidly stripped. Delamination could thus be further optimised using wetting agents and pH modification. Production scrap from the batteries could be rapidly recycled by simply wetting the active material/ binder mixture with an organic solvent. High rates of material recovery and throughput coupled with the ease of process scale up make high-powered ultrasonic delamination a stepchange in battery recycling, the scientists conclude.

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German Partners Launch Hamburg Project to Test H2-powered Aviation

collaboration between aircraft services provider Lufthansa Technik, the City of Hamburg and other German partners plans to modify an Airbus A320 to test maintenance and ground-handling procedures for liquid hydrogen-powered aircrafts. Operation of the demonstrator is planned to begin in 2022 in Hamburg, the world’s third-largest aviation center, which is also funding the project. Liquid hydrogen (LH2) is increasingly being more concretely envisaged in the development departments of large aircraft manufacturers as a sustainably producible fuel for future generations of commercial aircraft. In order to investigate the effects of the use of LH2 on maintenance and ground processes at an early stage, Lufthansa Technik, DLR (German Aerospace Center), ZAL (Center of Applied Aeronautical Research) and Hamburg Airport are now pooling their resources.

“Hamburg is not just one of the three largest aviation clusters in the world, last year the city also developed the clear vision of becoming a major hydrogen metropolis,” explained Michael Westhagemann, Senator for Economics and Innovation of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg. “The port, the energy sector, industry and the entire mobility sector are involved and are preparing for this groundbreaking technology. With this project, we are now also making an essential contribution to the transformation of aviation into a climate-neutral mobility solution of the future,” he added. In the first phase of the project, by the end of 2021, the partners aim to identify the most urgent fields of development for closer scientific examination and, on this basis, to elaborate the concept for subsequent practical testing. The practical implementation of the concept will start at the beginning of 2022 and will involve the

modification of a decommissioned Airbus A320 aircraft. It will be equipped with an liquid hydrogen infrastructure to be used as a fully functional field laboratory at Lufthansa Technik’s base in Hamburg. In parallel, a virtual environment is being created at DLR that will be used to achieve digital and highly accurate mapping of the defined development fields. The new development platform is to provide inspiration for the design process of the next generation of aircraft by means of parameterized and highly accurate virtual models. Against this background, Lufthansa Technik will primarily contribute its operational expertise in the maintenance and modification of commercial aircraft, and can also incorporate the customer perspective through its close contact with airlines around the world. DLR will add its long-standing and cross-sector experience with hydrogen, and focus on the development of the virtual environment.

Mondragon Assembly Launches New Solar Module Equipment

ondragon Assembly has launched new interconnection equipment for solar modules. The device has been designed for the production of different kinds of technologies, including half-cut products, glass-glass and glass-backsheet panels, as well as mono or bifacial PERC, PERL and PERT modules. The Spanish PV production equipment provider claims that the new machine is also suitable for the production of modules that incorporate BIPV technologies and modules with high-efficiency cell technology, such as heterojunction (HJT) or TOPCon. With regard to the sizes of the cells, this new machine is

compatible with any cell size on the market, including M10 (182 mm) and M12 (210 mm) cells. The company states that this new machine is capable of interconnecting an unlimited number of ribbons or threads, with a cycle of 120 modules per hour, a non-stop autonomy of more than eight hours and an overall ‘uptime’ of 99%. Other features are precise welding and zero breakage

rate, no manual operations, and easy integration with the Manufacturing Execution System (MES), which is an information system that connects, monitors and controls complex manufacturing systems and data flows on the factory floor. In describing its new product, the company said, “Versatility, autonomy, quality and, above all, performance, are the characteristics that give it a uniqueness and distinction on the market,” and added that it offers its clients “comprehensive support throughout the life of their business, providing specialized advice on new and future technologies.” This year, in March, signed an JULY 20 21

agreement with Romaniabased Karpat Solar to supply a production line for photovoltaic solar modules with a capacity of 100 MW per year. The 100 MW in modules was announced to be the first phase of a large-scale project with aims to initially secure the production for the local market and to eventually expand in the European Union. “In addition to the standard modules, we will see companies launching modules for HJT, BIPV and other niche products suited to European demand, where Mondragon Assembly has the solution for all those new technologies,” Igor Herrarte, international sales manager at Mondragon Assembly, had said at the time. SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL

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Form Energy Reveals Chemistry of its Long Duration Iron-air Battery

S technology firm Form Energy has announced the battery chemistry of its first commercial product and a $200 million Series D financing round led by ArcelorMittal’s XCarb™ innovation fund. The four-year-old startup claims that through the use of iron, one of the most common elements on Earth, it has built an inexpensive battery that can discharge power for days on end. The company is currently working on developing a new class of cost-effective, multi-day energy storage systems to fight climate change. Solar and wind resources are the lowest marginal cost sources of electricity in most of the world. The electric grid now faces a challenge: how to manage the multi-day variability of renewable energy, even in periods of multi-day weather events, without sacrificing energy reliability or affordability. Form Energy’s first commercial product is a rechargeable ironair battery capable of delivering electricity for 100 hours at system costs competitive with conventional power plants and at less than 1/10th the cost of lithium-ion. Made from iron, one of the safest, cheapest, and most abundant minerals on Earth, this front-of-the-meter battery can be used continuously over a multi-day period and will enable a reliable, secure, and fully

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renewable electric grid year-round, said the company in a press statement.

days of extreme weather or grid outages.”

How Does it Work? Form Energy battery is composed of cells filled with thousands of small iron pellets that rust when exposed to air. When oxygen is removed, the rust reverts to iron. By controlling the process, the battery is charged and discharged. The firm’s plan is to mount small cells into larger modules, then assemble modules into batteries that can be scaled to power electric grids. The firm’s first battery, a 300Mwh, full-scale pilot project, using 500 modules, is under construction at the Great River Energy power plant in Minnesota in 2023. Form Energy intends to source the iron domestically and manufacture the battery systems close to the final site. The Minnesota project is right near the American Iron Range. Mateo Jaramillo, CEO and Co-founder of Form Energy, said, “We conducted a broad review of available technologies and have reinvented the iron-air battery to optimize it for multi-day energy storage for the electric grid. With this technology, we are tackling the biggest barrier to deep decarbonization: making renewable energy available when and where it’s needed, even during multiple

The ArcelorMittal Connection Form Energy and ArcelorMittal are working jointly on the development of iron materials which ArcelorMittal would non-exclusively supply for Form’s battery systems. Greg Ludkovsky, Global Head of Research and Development at ArcelorMittal, said, “Form Energy is at the leading edge of developments in the long-duration, grid-scale battery storage space. The multi-day energy storage technology they have developed holds exciting potential to overcome the issue of intermittent supply of renewable energy. They are exactly the kind of ambitious and innovative company we are seeking to invest in through our XCarb™ innovation fund.” Jaramillo added, “This is an extremely exciting time at Form Energy and we are pleased to welcome ArcelorMittal as a business partner and investor. ArcelorMittal is a world-leading steel and mining company and this investment demonstrates their commitment to innovation and deep decarbonization. We appreciate their confidence in our team and in our technology as we work to reshape the global electric system to enable a clean energy future.”

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US Researchers Develop Hydrogen Energy Storage Evaluation Tool

esearchers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) have developed a valuation tool that analyzes different energy storage technologies as part of an integrated and increasingly decarbonized energy system. Hydrogen energy storage is the latest addition to the modelling suite, and it brings a unique capability to the tool. The Energy Storage Evaluation Tool (ESET) is a suite of modules and applications that utilities, regulators, vendors, and researchers can use to model, optimize, and evaluate various energy storage systems: hydrogen, pumped storage hydropower, microgrids, batteries, and thermal mass stored in buildings. The tool examines a broad range of use cases and grid applications to maximize energy storage system benefits from stacked value streams—multiple uses at the same time. Hydrogen energy storage starts with an electrolyzer, a unit that uses electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen.

The hydrogen can be used as an alternative to carbon-intensive fossil fuels, feedstock in chemical and processing industries, and heat and power generation through a gas network or on-site fuel cell. The new ESET module for hydrogen, called HESET, can model these different pathways and calculate economic benefits from revenue and cost savings. The tool can stack different revenue streams to show their cumulative effect, including grid services (such as frequency regulation, capacity value, deferral of transmission or distribution equipment upgrades, demand charge reductions, and demand response) along with demands for hydrogen (such as in industrial, blending, and fueling applications). “Other energy storage evaluation tools are out there. This tool is unique in that it allows for modeling of stacked revenue streams, like grid services and several different hydrogen end uses,” said Di Wu, chief research engineer in PNNL’s

Controls and Optimization group. PNNL used HESET to evaluate the economic performance of a hydrogen energy storage system with a 1–10 MW electrolyzer, different system configurations, hydrogen pathways, and grid services. The team found that the hydrogen energy storage project can be financially viable, yielding up to 1.5 times return on investment when the system is properly sized and optimally dispatched to maximize stacked value streams. “Economic benefits from bundling grid services can make a hydrogen energy storage project more cost-effective,” said Wu. “Value streams must be identified and appropriately monetized to make hydrogen storage a more financially competitive option and thereby adopted at scale.” Simulation results using HESET show the costs, benefits, and net benefits (return on investment) from one year using hydrogen energy storage for multiple use pathways and grid services.

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Tata Motors Bags Order of 15 H2-based Fuel Cell Buses From Indian Oil

aharashtra-headquartered automobile manufacturing company Tata Motors Limited has announced that it has won a tender of 15 hydrogen-based proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell buses from the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL). IOCL had invited bids for supply of PEM fuel cell buses in December 2020, and Tata Motors was selected as the winner following a diligent evaluation process. All 15 buses will be delivered within 144 weeks from the date of signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). In addition to supplying the buses to the Research & Development Centre of IOCL, Tata Motors will also collaborate with them to undertake R&D projects and collectively study further the potential of Fuel Cell technology for commercial vehicles. This will be done by jointly testing, maintaining and operating these buses for public transport in real-world conditions in DelhiNCR. The buses will be refuelled by hydrogen, generated and dispensed by IOCL. Mr. S.M. Vaidya, Chairman, IndianOil, stated that IndianOil has been pioneering national efforts towards ushering in the hydrogen economy for various applications, including mobility. This 1st of its kind project in the country is bringing the country’s largest fuel supplier and largest commercial vehicle manufacturer on board

to take the hydrogen & fuel cell technology to the next level, he said. This initiative would also act as a stepping stone for various other key programs of IndianOil, which proposes to introduce hydrogenbased mobility on different iconic routes and important sectors in the country. These futuristic steps are in the right direction for making hydrogen as the ultimate net-zero fuel, Vaidya added. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Girish Wagh, President, Commercial Vehicle Business Unit, Tata Motors said, “We have successfully supplied

215 EV buses under FAME I and won orders for 600 EV buses under FAME II. This order to supply PEM Fuel Cell buses from a company as respected as Indian Oil Corporation, further encourages our ongoing efforts on developing Indiafocused alternative sustainable fuels to transform the future of mobility in India,” he added. Further, IndianOil would be setting up ~1 ton per day hydrogen production pilot plants based on 4 innovative pathways besides collaborating with Tata Motors for fuel cell research.

NTPC Releases Tender to Deploy Hydrogen Fuel Cell Buses in Delhi, Leh

tate-owned NTPC on Monday announced that its subsidiary NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Ltd (NVVN) has floated a tender for deployment of hydrogen fuel cell buses in Delhi and Leh. The bid document sale commenced on June 30, 2021, and the last date to submit the bids is July 16, 2021, NTPC said in a statement.

The e-buses would be zeroemission vehicles in true form as hydrogen would be generated from renewable energy, making it a pure green initiative. Green hydrogen would be supplied to the buses by NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd. NVVN is providing comprehensive mobility solutions in all EV segments, targeting a

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reduction of carbon footprint and achieving energy security. One of the two is a standalone Fuel-Cell based backup power system and the other is a standalone fuel-cellbased microgrid system with hydrogen production using an electrolyzer at NTPC premises. NTPC is exploring the use of Hydrogen based Fuel Cells-

Electrolyser systems for backup power requirements. The company has also issued a tender for the installation of a 4 MW ground-mounted solar project with a 1 MW/1 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) and induction-based cooking system at its NTPC Energy Technology Research Alliance (NETRA) facility in Greater Noida.

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World’s First Flying Hydrogen Boat is Ready for the World Championship

team at the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, The TU Delft Solar Boat Team is committed to a green future by building sustainably powered boats. This year, the 2021 team is moving into uncharted waters with the Hydro Motion project. The TU Delft Solar Boat team consists of 21 students from eight different fields of study. In one year they go through the process of designing, producing, and finally racing a boat that sails on green energy. The solar boat team is fully committed every year to show the applications of their advanced technologies at spectacular races. The team is building its first boat that runs on hydrogen. To show the potential and power of hydrogen, this flying hydrogen boat will race at the World Championships on the open sea in Monaco. Before making the switch to hydrogen, the solar boat team had a rich history, as they have built boats powered by solar energy i.e. solar boats, hence the team’s name.

The team will compete in the World Championship next week from 8 to 10 July 2021. The students will be going for the win of the challenging long-distance race, competing against other sustainably powered boats. The Hydro Motion boat is an impressive inspiration for the maritime sector. 21 students have made it possible, a seaworthy hydrogen boat, fully equipped with a hydrogen system and superFlying

Hydrogen Boat strong hydrofoils under the boat. At a speed of 22 kilometers per hour, the hydrofoils make the boat, a trimaran weighing over 1000 kilograms, fly above the water. The hydrogen system is combined with wings that make it the world’s first flying hydrogen boat. “For 15 years, we have inspired the maritime industry with our flying solar boats. This year, the 2021 team took the big step with the Hydro Motion project. We are developing our first flying boat that sails on hydrogen! We are moving from generating green energy to storing green energy starting this year,” says the Solar boat Team. Using hydrogen as an energy source has the benefit that it doesn’t produce carbon oxide and is a clean fuel. On top of that, it has an energy density that is 235 times higher than lithium-ion batteries and is very lightweight compared to batteries. This means that energy can be stored more densely, which is a huge advantage.

NTPC Signs MoU with Ladakh For Country’s First Green Hydrogen Mobility Project

TPC Renewable Energy Ltd. (REL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Union Territory of Ladakh to set up the country’s first Green Hydrogen Mobility project. NTPC REL, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NTPC, announced that this MoU will enable it to help Ladakh develop a carbonfree economy based on renewable sources and green hydrogen. This makes Leh the first-ever city in the country to have a green hydrogen-based mobility project. The MoU was signed in the presence of Governor R K Mathur, government dignitaries, officials, and public representatives.

According to a statement, the occasion was also marked by

the inauguration of NTPC’s first solar installations in Leh in the JULY 20 21

form of solar trees and a solar carport. SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL

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Saatvik Green Energy Wins BHEL’s 141.76 MW Solar Modules Order

ndian module manufacturers, Saatvik Green Energy Pvt. Ltd. has won a 141.76 MW Solar modules tender from Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL). BHEL floated the tender for their 100 MWac Gujarat State Electricity Corporation Ltd (GSECL) Raghanesda Ultra Mega solar park in Gujarat. Saatvik Green Energy secured the bid in a reverse bidding auction while competing with other solar majors like Vikram Solar, Waaree, Goldi, and Emmvee Solar. These solar modules are to be supplied by December 2021. Speaking on their win, CEO of Saatvik Green Energy, Mr. Prashant Mathur said, “We are very pleased to secure the BHEL order and it motivates us to continue focusing on delivering the best to our customers. We believe that our superior technology and high-class quality modules paved the way to securing this prestigious order and we look forward to associating with BHEL.” Saatvik Green Energy Limited claims to possess a capacity of 500 MW per annum as of date. It engages the technologies such as Lead automation from Jinchen, the

company offers a wide range of solar PV modules inclusive of Polycrystalline, monocrystalline, glass-glass, and bifacial modules. The module maker has also plans for an additional 300 MW capacity to be added by August 2021. Saatvik’s manufacturing facility is located at Ambala, in the state of Haryana. BHEL is an Indian government-owned engineering and manufacturing enterprise based in New Delhi, India. It is under the ownership of the Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, Government of India.

Recently this month, BHEL floated a tender for the supply and commissioning support of Solar Compact Station (SCS) for an 8 MWac solar PV farm at Tamarind Falls, Henrietta, Mauritius. Before that in May 2021, the engineering and manufacturing PSU invited bids under a two-part bid system from manufacturers/suppliers of Monocrystalline Silicon PV Modules for purpose of pre-bid tie-up for participating in the 500 MW Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Limited (RUMSL) Solar Park tender at Neemuch in Madhya Pradesh.

NTPC Tenders For 500 MW of Solar EPC Projects

lose on the heels of announcing an aggressive reset of its renewable energy targets, state owned NTPC Limited has invited bids for an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) package with land development for 500 MW of grid-connected solar projects anywhere in India. The tender, floated on Friday last week (July 2) has a last date for final bids of August 10, 2021. The pre-bid meeting will be held on July 27, 2021. These bids come with the proviso of successful bidders also doing the operation and maintenance activities of the solar project for three years after completion of the trial

runs. The projects will be pretty much completely outsourced, with the scope of work including design, manufacturing, supply, packing, forwarding, transportation, unloading, storage, installation, and commissioning of the projects. The minimum bid capacity is 50 MW, with the maximum set at 500 MW. Or in multiples of 10 from 50 MW onwards. In qualification criteria for bidders, they should have designed, supplied, erected, and commissioned as an EPC contractor or developed gridconnected solar projects of cumulative installed capacity of 40 MW or higher, out of which one power should have been of

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10 MW or higher capacity. For projects in 50 MW to 300 MW capacity, the bidder should have executed in the last ten years an industrial project either as a developer or an EPC contractor in the area of power, steel, oil, and gas, petrochemical, fertilizer, cement, coal mining, or any other process industry for a value of Rs 258 crores or more. For projects in the 310 MW to 500 MW capacity, the bidder should have executed a project for a value of Rs 516 crores or more. The project should have been in successful operation for at least one year before the bid opening date. Also, the bidder should have

executed at least one electrical substation of 33 kV or above voltage level, consisting of equipment such as 33kV or above voltage level circuit breakers and power transformers, either as a developer or as an EPC contractor, which should have been in successful operation for at least one year before the bid opening date. The land identified for the solar project will be transferred or leased in the name of NTPC or the subsidiary company. Only open category solar cells and modules have been allowed. The EPC contractor will be responsible for developing ground-mounted solar projects and a power evacuation.

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Tirupati to Adopt Energy-efficient Practices, Installing 2 MW Rooftop Solar

he nation’s richest temple trust, which manages the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Andhra Pradesh, has taken more steps to go green. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) is going green with efficient energy practices along with a water management system. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has given acquiescence to AP State Energy Conservation Mission (APSECM) for providing technical and financial support for conducting large-scale Investment Grade Energy Audit (IGEA) in TTD and its allied temples and choultries. TTD is planning to install a 2 MW rooftop solar system across all colleges/schools in Tirupati and TTD buildings in Tirumala. Interestingly, out of total energy consumption of 68 MU per annum in TTD, around 30 percent of the consumption is being met from solar and wind power generation. As TTD already has a windmill power plant with a capacity of 7.5 MW, capable of generating 1 crore units with savings of Rs 5 crore per year and 10 MW solar power plant having the capacity to generate 1.45 crore units per annum with

savings of Rs 3 crore per annum. Not only TTD but many religiously important places have been adopting solar energy for their energy consumption. In December last year, the Uttar Pradesh energy minister Shrikant Sharma announced that places of religious importance in the state will be powered by solar energy by 2024. Among the cities cited by him were Ayodhya, Mathura, Varanasi, Prayagraj, and Gorakhpur. Rooftop solar would be the preferred

medium to achieve the target of 670 MW, powered by central subsidies of Rs 859 crores and state subsidies of Rs 473 crores. The state has a total target of 10,700 MW by 2022. Before that in past years, Telangana announced to have many places of worship to go solar in the state. The Chief Minister of the state had asked the officials concerned to check the feasibility of installing rooftop solar systems at religious institutions. Other religious institutions like the Brahmakumaris have also gone with renewable energy in a big way, with over 2 MW of solar plants installed at their centre in Mount Abu, Rajasthan. Solar power makes eminent sense for religious institutions, especially unaided institutions, as it takes one cost, power, out of the regular costs equation. Devotees should consider organising themselves to donate or support such efforts. Even the economic case for solar is strong enough to make solarisation a pretty secular move for religions of all faiths in India. Be it Gurudwaras, Churches, or Masjids and Temples.

Siemens Gamesa to Supply Turbines for 301 MW Wind Farm in Karnataka

pain-based renewable energy company Siemens Gamesa has been awarded a firm order to supply wind turbines for a wind farm located in Hombal, in the state of Karnataka, India, with a total capacity of 301 MW. The company has received the project through one of its subsidiaries, and the order comprises the supply of 87 wind turbines of the SG 3.4-145 model, whose setup is scheduled for March 2023. According to the turbine maker’s brief bourse filing, the order was placed by a customer

who asked not to be identified. Siemens Gamesa has made many notable announcements since the beginning of this year, such as securing its largest order to date in Vietnam for a 117 MW wind farm; revealing that it will deliver 79 of its industry-leading Typhoon-class onshore wind turbines for Japan’s largest 339.7 MW wind farm cluster of four wind projects; securing a landmark deal to supply, install and commission 32 onshore turbines for the largest wind farm in the Philippines to date; bagging its largest offshore

agreement in Taiwan to date, which now covers the Hai Long 2B (232 MW) and Hai Long 3 (512 MW) projects; etc. Additionally, Siemens Gamesa and Spanish energy giant Repsol announced they have signed their first contract together that will see the installation of 24 SG 5.0-145 wind turbines across four wind farms in Spain, with a total installed capacity of 120 MW. Recycling wind turbine components has become an important concern of late. At the Spanish Wind Energy Association (AEE)’s Annual JULY 20 21

Congress, held last month, Giles Dickson, CEO of WindEurope, and Juan Virgilio Márquez, General Director of AEE, called upon the European Commission to propose a Europe-wide ban on landfilling decommissioned wind turbine blades. The ban should enter into force by 2025 and also apply to other large composite components in the nacelles of modern wind turbines. With this call, the European wind industry actively committed to re-using, recycling, or recovering 100% of decommissioned blades. SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL

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Except Two, All Union Territories and Goa Fail to Meet RPO Targets FY21, Shows JERC’s Analysis

xcept Chandigarh and Andaman & Nicobar Islands, all other union territories and Goa have failed to achieve their solar renewable purchase obligation (RPO) targets, shows the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC)’s analysis of RPO targets for 202021 based on the data received from the regions under its jurisdiction. The commission received data on RPO compliance for FY21 and plans to meet targets for FY22 from six union territories: Puducherry, Lakshadweep, Goa, Chandigarh, Daman & Diu, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli. Some of the commission’s findings regarding the states are given below:

GOA:

While the state achieved its non-solar RPO target for FY20, it was 66.94 MU short of attaining its solar RPO targets. It explained that it had established a long-term contract with Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) to supply 25 MW solar power and a medium-term agreement with NTPC

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Vidhyut Vyapar Nigam (NVVN) to supply 6 MW solar power. The state would fulfill short-term solar obligation through solar renewable energy certificates (RECs) and Green-Term Ahead Market. The commission directed the state to achieve full compliance for solar and nonsolar RPO in FY 2021-22. However, due to the Covid-19 crisis and nationwide lockdown, the commissioning of these projects has been delayed.

PUDUCHERRY:

The union territory didn’t meet its solar and non-solar RPO targets for FY 2020-21 and had a backlog of 472.15 MU and 561.37 MU, respectively. The Puducherry Electricity Department submitted that it had signed power purchase agreements (PPAs) with SECI and NTPC for 490 MW. Of this, 250 MW is for solar RPO compliance and 240 MW against its non-solar RPO target. The department claimed that once all power projects would be operational, they would be able to generate around 1,000 MU per year that could help clear the total backlog

of its solar and non-solar RPO. The commission directed the union territory to expedite the process of purchasing actual power available and warned that appropriate legal action for non-compliance would be taken if the backlog is not cleared.

DAMAN & DIU:

It did not meet its solar and non-solar RPO target for FY 2020-21. Only 36.64 MU of its 311.85 MU solar RPO targets and 192.88 MU of its 436.93 MU non-solar RPO targets were met. The electricity department of Daman & Diu explained that RECs were not available since July 2020. As a result, the union territory was able to purchase only 192.88 MU of RECs for non-solar RPO compliance. The commission directed the electricity department to procure physical renewable energy power in every quarter of 2021-22 to reduce the cumulative shortfall in FY 202122. The department was also asked to ensure total compliance of RPO target for FY 2021-22, including backlogs.

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5MW Second Phase Solar Plant Commissioned by GMR Hyderabad Airport

MR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd (GHIAL) said yesterday that it has commissioned the 5 MW second phase of its solar power plant, taking its total solar power capacity to 10MW. The solar plant, set up for captive consumption, is spread over an area of 45 acres and comprises over 30 thousand solar panels that have been installed to generate 10 MW power. The first phase of 5MW was commissioned in 2015. Following the commissioning of the additional capacity, the Hyderabad airport will be able to reduce its dependency on conventional power by 12 million units per year, resulting in savings of around Rs 90 lakh per month, according to GHIAL. Both the solar plants are said to have advanced ABB central inverters and poly-

crystalline PV panels, which are far more efficient than mono crystalline solar PV panels. Solar power generation will now not only supply nearly 50% of the total energy requirements of Hyderabad airport, it will also help reduce the carbon footprint by cutting emission of about 28 lakh kg carbon dioxide which is equivalent to saving 1.4 lakh full grown trees, says the company. GHIAL CEO Pradeep Panicker was quoted as saying that the commissioning of the second phase was a major milestone and critical step in the right direction, and that as a member airport of the ACI (Airports Council International), the airport operator has committed to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050. The list of India’s greenfield airports continues to grow. Last year, the Airports Authority of India Limited invited bids to

set up a 330 kWp grid-connected solar power system at the then recently commissioned Deoghar airport in Jharkhand state. Like most of its other airports, AAI proposed to have a solar rooftop, and a carport for the solar facilities. Since then announcements have come from Kerala as well, where the Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) informed that it had successfully commissioned one of the biggest floating solar plants in the state — with 452 KWh capacity — to further aid the airport in becoming sustainable by using green energy generated by the plant. NTPC subsidiary NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Ltd (NVVN) also issued a tender, inviting builds from eligible bidders, for setting up a 2 MW solar PV power plant with net metering at the Agartala Airport in Tripura.

SECI Issues Tender for 100 MW Solar Plant in Chhattisgarh

he Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) on Friday (July 9) released a tender for the Design, Engineering, Supply, Construction, Erection, Testing & Commissioning of 100 MW (AC) Solar PV Project with Land having 15 years Plant O&M At Chhattisgarh. SECI had earlier issued a tender for land parcels in the state for 100 MW solar projects too, linked to another project. Chhattisgarh is a coal powerhouse, with its many coal mines providing coal to thermal plants across the country. The state has also lagged behind on renewable energy uptake thanks to its naxal problem, leading to some of the lowest solar capacities in the country when considered by area. This 100 MW project, if successful,

will be one of the largest solar plants in the state, even as a 250 MW solar plant for captive power was announced earlier by a private enterprise. The project also refers to the BCD regime expected to kick in from April 2022, and makes it clear that it

will not be considered a change in aw event. Besides that, the proviso for sourcing components from local suppliers listed in the MNRE’s March 10 ALMM order is also explicitly mentioned. Going by all these factors, and the presence of JULY 20 21

SECI itself as the purchaser with back to back arrangements with the state discom, this one does look like an interesting tender, considering the recent MSEDCL tender that attracted bids at Rs 2.41/unit without the presence of SECI. SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL

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Tata Power Empaneled for 84MW Rooftop Solar Project By KSEB

ata Power, India’s largest integrated power company, has been empaneled and won a contract worth Rs 400cr from the Kerala State Electricity Board Limited (KSEBL) on July 2, 2021 to develop 84MW solar rooftop project for domestic consumers across all districts of Kerala. As a part of this agreement, the company will implement projects through KSEBL of 64MW for individual households with solar capacity ranging from 3kW – 10kW and 20MW for residential / housing society projects with solar capacity ranging from 11kW – 100kW. For Kerela, long seen as a solar laggard despite being the first with a fully solar airport, or a floating solar plant, the scheme’s success is key to becoming more self-sufficient for its power needs. The company has won this capacity in a bid announced by KSEBL in Feb 2021 under the ‘Soura Subsidy Scheme in Domestic Sector’, Kerala, in line with the Phase II Subsidy Programme of the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy. The scheme has an eventual aim of installing solar panels on 75,000 homes, which will contribute 350 megawatts (MW) of power to the state’s

grid. The project has to be commissioned within three months of receipt of an order from individual residential customers. The company had earlier received a Letter of Award from KSEBL on 6th January 2021 to develop a 110 MW rooftop solar project which is expected to generate about 274 MUs of energy per year. Excess power is to be sold to KSEB at Rs 3 per unit. Upon completion of this 84MW of solar rooftop project, it is expected to generate 120 MUs of energy per year, besides playing an important role of meeting RPO obligations for KSEB. “We are delighted to secure the 84MW rooftop project from KSEBL and are proud to have this opportunity to support domestic consumers migrate to Green Energy. This project is testament of

KSEBL’s trust in our commitment to drive India’s transition towards Clean Power through rooftop solar-based generation”, said Dr. Praveer Sinha, CEO & MD, Tata Power. For Kerela, even as it has lagged on utility scale projects for various reasons, the rooftop focus is welcome as the state has a relatively higher proportion of independent housing units as compared to other states, making a strong case for rooftop solar. A more affluent and aware population should also make the case stronger for rooftop solar. Conditions on timely response post an order from a customer are also welcome, as discoms in many states have taken to sitting on such permissions for inordinately long times. The state, which is a net power importer till date, hopes to meet 25% of its energy requirements from solar by 2022 end. That would be close to 1000 MW. For Tata Power, an early mover in rooftop solar with the widest network in the country, the empanelment is also welcome as it gets to service virtually captive demand in the state.

ACME, Renew Win MSEDCL 500 MW Solar Tender

CME Solar continued its strong return to markets in 2021, with another 300 MW win in Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL)’s 500 Mw solar tender. ACME bid at Rs 2.42 /unit. The second winner was another renewable energy firm that has opened up better capital market access recently, ReNew Power, which bid Rs 2.43 for a 200 MW supply of solar power. Both the winners will now enter into a 25 year PPA with MSEDCL for supply of power. ACME, which has a stated policy of churning its competed assets in favour of new developments, a new phase of fresh development is clearly

on, even as it continues to sell older assets in its portfolio. The tender had received a strong response, and as far as we could collect, total bids were for an aggregate supply of almost 3.5 GW. For MSEDCL, this was a good result, as not only has response been high, but with no SECI in the picture, it has also managed a very acceptable bid price. Among bidders missing out are Avaada Energy, NTPC Limited, TP Saurya (Tata Power), all of whom bid for 500 MW (490 MW in case of NTPC), all at prices over Rs 2.50 /unit. The current tender stood out for a few different tweaks

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MSEDCL tried, to get a higher response and better prices. The key one was the decision to remove a price cap, as its previous tender had capped prices at Rs 2.90/unit at a time of high volatility. It also reduced the EMD (Earnest Money Deposit) requirements to Rs 4 lacs /MW, and a reduced performance guarantee of Rs 8 lacs instead of Rs 14 lacs per Mw. The results do indicate a very high interest, and funding available with the larger players to bid for solar projects. Especially overseas funding. And despite all the fears of steep price hikes, competition and projections of better sourcing

options in 2022-23 seem to have helped keep bid prices relatively low. With winners bidding for, and getting large parcels, it also signals tougher times for smaller players, who used to win small 50 MW lots. Though auctions continue to offer options of bidding from 10 MW to 50 MW minimum sizes, we could be seeing a clear shift to very few but large winners even for larger tenders. The results will also be watched carefully by many other state discoms that are in better financial health, as we have seen many beginning to chafe at SECI’s 7 paise trading margins now.

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Eco Power Wins Grant from Innovate UK for Micro-grid Project in Thailand

co Wave Power Gibraltar, a subsidiary of leading global wave energy developer Eco Wave Power, has announced the approval of a grant project budget of 296,787 GBP by Innovate UK, the UK’s innovation agency. The grant is provided as part of the Energy Catalyst Round 8: Clean Energy, an experimental development competition for a project titled “Sea Wave Energy Powered Microgrid for Remote Islands and Rural Coasts”, to be executed in collaboration with the UK Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), and the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) of Thailand. The 296,787 GBP grant budget will be used by the parties for the performance of feasibility studies and joint research and design of a wave powered micro-grid system

with the intent of testing the innovative solution on certain islands in Thailand in the future. The grant funding will be divided among the parties in accordance with each party’s contribution to the project, and Eco Wave Power will be granted 103,993 GBP and will contribute additional 44,569 GBP, making

the total budget for Eco Wave Power’s activity equal to 148,562 GBP. The Grant Offer Letter will be signed between the parties subject to a finance review and submission of additional documentation. Inna Braverman, Founder and CEO of Eco Wave Power commented, “This grant from Innovate UK is a third grant approval notice that we received during The Month of June, with the first one being the 178,500 Euro grant from the EU as part of the ILIAD Consortium and the second is the grant from the Wohl Clean Growth Alliance.” “We are extremely grateful to Innovate UK for such a grant, as this project presents a unique opportunity for us to research a new technology application for our WEC, customized for islands and other micro grid applications, which are a significant target market for Eco Wave Power,” she added.

Tata Power & US firm AutoGrid to Deploy Smart Energy Management System in Delhi

ata Power Delhi Distribution Limited is partnering with California-based AutoGrid to deploy an artificial intelligence based smart energy management system in Delhi. The two companies are jointly launching a behavioural demand response program for the former’s residential customers to reduce peak demand and network capital costs. This pilot project aims to empower customers, by helping them understand their consumption patterns and evaluate the effectiveness of demand response (DR) programs. Demand Response (DR) programs aim to shift energy consumption from peak hours of the day to leaner demand periods by offering environmental and economic incentives to the consumers for

their cooperation. Participating customers can stay in control of their consumption, and voluntarily choose to turn down nonessential loads to reduce total load at peak times. In this way they will also be able to optimize their monthly electricity bills. To measure the acceptability of this program and increase customer participation, Tata Power will also provide attractive incentives to customers based on the level of their participation in the pilot program. The results of the pilot will then be shared with the state regulator (DERC) to formulate appropriate incentives which can be applicable for all customers. “Through this pilot program, we intend to give more control in the hands of the consumers…

This initiative will support our mission to build a resourceefficient, greener electrical grid through smart tech integration,” said Mr. Ganesh Srinivasan, CEO, Tata PowerDDL, in a press statement. In the first phase, the program will be initiated for a period of 3 months, from 1st July to 30th September 2021 with 4,000 residential consumers with smart meter connections. Interested consumers would be informed a day in advance via email, SMS and calls. Based on the acceptance and success of the pilot, the program will also be extended in a phased manner to the following areas: Automated Demand Response leveraging Residential Air Conditioning Systems and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system at Commercial and Industrial JULY 20 21

sites Integration of Energy Storage, Solar PV, Electrical Vehicles and other DERs for grid balancing and stabilization Microgrids and Site Optimization for Energy-as-aService (EaaS) applications Commercial & Industrial Site optimization for Energy-as-aService (EaaS) “We are thrilled to collaborate with Tata Power-DDL to bring pioneering solutions to their customer base by leveraging our best in class energy platform,” said Mr. Amit Narayan, CEO, AutoGrid. “With this strategic partnership we aim to demonstrate the value of DR and DERs for the expansion of renewable energy in India and realization of a decarbonized society while meeting the ambitions of a fast growing economy,” he added. SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL

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Wind & Solar to Produce 90% Electricity in North America by 2050: NARIS

anadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) has welcomed the release of the North American Renewable Integration Study (NARIS), considered to be the most comprehensive long-term analysis of power system evolution to date on the North American grid. NARIS shows that, between now and 2050, solar energy and wind energy are poised to contribute the greatest proportion of new electricity generation to the grid—a full 90 to 95%—in both Canada and the United States. It concludes that this represents the lowest-cost pathway to the significant decarbonization and expansion of the electricity grid, while maintaining grid reliability. According to the report, wind energy capacity is projected to range from 78 GW (in the low-cost variable generation scenario) to 150 GW (in the electrification scenario). This requires a five-to-ten-fold increase in wind energy capacity from the approximately 15 GW that was estimated by 2024 – a number which is expected to be exceeded in 2022. Solar energy capacity is projected to grow from an assumed value of 2 GW (a number that has already been exceeded) to 34 or 51 GW in 2050, based on the low-cost variable generation and electrification scenarios, respectively. This

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requires a ten-to-18 fold increase in solar energy capacity over this period. Although Canada’s current energy mix is one of the cleanest in the world, with more than 80% of its electricity being generated by zero-emissions sources, and its population density is quite low, the country’s per capita power consumption is one of the highest in the world. According to one study, the average Canadian uses more energy than people in perhaps all but six countries — Qatar, Iceland, Singapore, Trinidad and Tobago, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait — and more than any of its G7 partners. As a partnership between Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), the United States Department of Energy (DOE) and Secretaría de Energía de México (SENER), NARIS aims to inform grid planners, utilities, industry, policymakers, and other stakeholders throughout North America about the possible renewable energy gridintegration scenarios on a continental basis, as well as national perspectives. It consists of a suite of models for dozens of continent-wide planning scenarios, presenting multiple pathways for grid evolution through 2050. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) used a supercomputer to study four possible scenarios and 38

additional sensitivity scenarios for transitioning to a low-carbon grid, defined as reaching 80% carbon reductions from the continental electric power system. For Canada, this included 80-92% reductions by 2050, compared to 2005 levels. For each scenario, NREL modelled the transmission, demand and contribution of energy generation technologies, including the potential impacts on costs, emissions and system adequacy, taking into account variables around policy, economics and public adoption rates. NARIS also focused on potential cooperation between regions, and among the nations of Canada, Mexico and the US, where transmission can support the sharing of supply and the diversity of demand. There, it found that greater coordination between regions in Canada—new transmission lines—can significantly lower emissions at the lowest possible cost. The NARIS study argues that the most cost-effective way to decarbonize and expand Canada’s electricity system, while maintaining grid reliability, is to massively expand the production of wind and solar energy while investing in new transmission infrastructure that enables us to use these resources in the most efficient manner possible.

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2020 A Year Like No Other, Confirms BP Statistical Review

cknowledging the massive disruptions caused by the Covid pandemic in 2020, the annual BP Statistical Review has called 2020 ‘a year like no other’, as it lays bare the hits and misses for the energy sector in 2020. The headline number in our view, Carbon emissions from energy use fell by 6.3%, to their lowest level since 2011. As with primary energy, this was the largest decline since the end of World War II. These falls are huge by historical standards – the largest falls in both energy demand and carbon emissions since World War II. In fact, the fall of over 2 Gt of CO2 means that carbon emissions in 2020 were back to levels last seen in 2011.

Key Developments

Primary energy consumption fell by 4.5% in 2020 – the largest decline since 1945. The drop was driven mainly by oil, which contributed almost three-quarters of the net decline, although natural gas and coal also saw significant declines. Wind, solar and hydroelectricity all grew despite the fall in overall energy demand. By country, the US, India and Russia contributed the largest declines in energy consumption. China posted the largest increase (2.1%), one of only a handful of countries where energy demand grew last year.

Renewables Continue To Surge

Renewable energy (including biofuels but excluding hydro) rose by 9.7%, slower than the 10-year average (13.4% p.a.) but the increment in energy terms (2.9 EJ) was similar to increases seen in 2017, 2018 and 2019. Solar capacity expanded by 127 GW, while wind capacity grew 111 GW – almost double its previous highest annual increase. China was the largest individual contributor to renewables growth followed by the US. Europe, as a region came in third. Nuclear energy fell, driven by declines in the US, France and Japan.

The India story:

India offered a mixed story, of lower coal use, higher renewable capacity and generation, yet lower overall electricity consumption. While growth rate of power

generation from renewable sources fell to 8.3 percent from over 17 percent since 2009, India along with Russia and the US contributed to the biggest drops in electricity consumption.

Observations

The BP statistical review, ever since it started in 1952, has been a good market of what actually happened in the energy domain, instead of being a model used to make long term predictions. The fact that the report acknowledges the impact from covid to be far higher than estimated points to that. In the present, the sharp rebound in energy use, and pattern of consumption from fossil fuels itself points to an

unfortunate result. Many of the lessons learnt in 2020 have been unlearnt equally quickly, to ‘restore’ growth. 2021 might yet see fuel use match 2019 numbers, despite the growth of renewables. The growth at all costs narrative has stopped delivering in too many situations to be considered the most optimum solution to global issues of inequality and poverty. In future editions, it seems to predict a higher focus on progress with green hydrogen production and prices, besides a possible return to tracking nuclear power more closely, as many countries not blessed with strong solar or wind benefits, hit a wall when it comes to adding more green energy, or carbon free energy at the minimum. JULY 20 21

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Woodmac Predicts Low Solar Achievement Rates for India By 2030

arket Research firm Wood Mackenzie (Woodmac) says that Asia Pacific solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity could triple to 1,500 gigawatts (GW) by 2030.

China To Remain Leader

Even as China will remain leader in the region, woodmac says low completion rates in India mean the country will miss its 100 GW solar target for 2022, besides adding just 138 GW to 2030. China, on the other hand, could be adding 619 GW of solar PV capacity over this decade to 2030. The country’s strong policy push and ambitious solar targets mean it will contribute over 60% of Asia Pacific’s solar PV capacity by 2030.

India story Hobbled By Corona

For India, rebounding from an installation decline due to the coronavirus pandemic in 2020-21, the numbers do seem based on market reality, although recent events, be it Reliance’s entry into the sector, or a green hydrogen policy that is coming through slowly, might yet change the trajectory of India’s growth.

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Ranks 3 to 5

Japan and South Korea will follow as third and fourth to install 63 GW and 58 GW, respectively, in the next 10 years. However, high costs have caused a slowdown in new additions in Japan, while South Korea shows the opposite trend. Still, Japan continues to have one of the highest solar PV penetrations in power generation, growing to 13% share by 2030. Coming in at fifth, Vietnam will add 45 GW of solar PV capacity this decade. Feed-in tariffs (FiT) in the country has succeeded in stimulating 5.5 GW and 13.8 GW solar installation in 2019 and 2020, respectively. This outstanding record also made Vietnam the largest solar market in Southeast Asia since 2019. However, installation is expected to slow in the next five years, and then gradually pick up due to the gap between subsidy phase-out and economical grid parity. “By 2030, Vietnam will have the second highest solar PV penetration in power generation in the region. At 15% share of its total power generation, Vietnam is second only to Australia and will lead

Japan,” said Xin Zhang, Woodmac consultant.

Key Solar Drivers- Distributed Solar, Green Hydrogen While not as aggressive as other Asia Pacific markets in solar PV capacity expansion, Australia can expect 23 GW of solar PV additions this decade. The country’s state level renewables target, and green hydrogen potential could drive its solar PV penetration in power generation to over 20% by 2030, making it the highest in the region. By 2030, 51% of new installs in the top 10 Asia Pacific solar PV markets will be distributed solar due to land constraints and improving competitiveness against rising tariffs. China, with strong national policy and lower tariffs, besides enough barren land in the North and North West of the country leads utility-scale deployments, which account for 53% of its total capacity additions this decade. Outside China, distributed solar is a more popular option, accounting for over 60% of solar PV new-build installations in the region.

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RE Capacity Addition to Grow to 11GW in FY22, Predicts ICRA

hile renewable energy capacity addition reduced by 1.3 GW last year due to coronavirus-induced disruptions, ICRA expects the capacity addition to improve to 10.5-11 GW in FY22, led by a strong project pipeline of approximately 38 GW. Additionally, more than 20 GW RE projects are under the tendering phase from various nodal agencies, providing visibility for capacity addition over the medium-term, said the agency. Set up in 1991, ICRA Limited is an Indian independent and professional investment information and credit rating agency. Mr. Girishkumar Kadam, Senior Vice President & Co-Group Head – Corporate Ratings, ICRA Limited, said, “The RE sector is expected to witness investments of Rs. 3.5 trillion over the next four years, increasing the share of RE capacity to 34% of the overall installed capacity by March

2025 from 25% as of March 2021 led by the solar power segment. However, the delays in signing of PPAs/PSAs as observed in the past and cancellation of bids owing to expectations of a reduction in tariff rates, remains a key challenge.” “Nonetheless, given the expected rise in solar bid tariffs in the upcoming auctions amid the rise in module prices and imposition of basic customs duty (BCD) on imported solar PV cells & modules from April 2022, progress is expected in signing of PPAs/PSAs for the earlier awarded tenders by the central intermediate procurers,” he added. Despite the rise in tariff, the solar power tariffs are expected to remain below Rs. 3.0 per unit and cost competitive, against the marginal cost of generation from thermal sources in the bottom 25% of the merit order dispatch. On the other hand, the execution challenges persist for the under-construction projects

with respect to land acquisition and evacuation infrastructure, especially in the wind power segment. In this context, the centre has approved an extension in the commissioning timeline by 2.5 months, considering the second wave of Covid-19. Also, the government has extended the waiver on inter-state transmission charges for wind and solar power projects commissioned till June 2025 from June 2023 earlier. The credit profile of ICRArated RE IPPs is supported by the presence of a liquidity buffer in the form of debt service reserve or working capital and relatively strong sponsor profile, says the agency. Overall, ICRA’s outlook for the RE sector remains stable, driven by factors such as “continued policy support from the government, large growth potential, the presence of creditworthy central nodal agencies as intermediary procurers and tariff competitiveness.” JULY 20 21

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Punjab Power Crisis The Worst Case Scenario For Poor Policy Decisions

ess than 72 hours after Union Minister R.K. Singh spoke about a target of 24×7 power, Punjab, one of the most prosperous North Indian states, is plunged into a power crisis. In this crisis lies the case for some of the biggest reforms that have been pending due to resistance from multiple states, including Punjab itself. So let’s see just how Punjab got here. At the top is the state’s electric subsidy for farmers. At the outset, many state consumers who get subsidised free power must ask, what is the point of free power with this level of dependability? In May this year, the state regulator Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission (PSERC) had worked out a subsidy of `10,668 crore payable to different consumer categories. This comprised `6,735 crore for agriculture pump set consumers, `1,627 crore for scheduled caste, backward class and below poverty line domestic consumers and `2,266 crore for industrial consumers. There are also `7,117 crore arrears from the last fiscal due to an overall funds crunch. Power subsidies thus are over 10 percent of the state budget today. And delivering failure at the peak of summer and the sowing season. Failure that is best explained by the 12-14 hours of power cuts across the state, in a record shattering summer heat.

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The state also stands unique in having subsidies for large industrial consumers. Now state discom Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) has imposed a two-day compulsory weekly shut down of key industry, including rolling mills, arc and induction furnaces with immediate effect. Along with the usual appeals on using power judiciously, including AC’s. This is the same cash strapped discom that had come out with a deposit scheme for advances from its consumers, offering really high interest rates. Mortgaging future cash flows to keep running and pay salaries. PSPCL’s problems don’t stop there. Like all discoms where losses have mounted, it has found itself stuck with legacy arrangements it cannot look beyond. That explains the discom making a claim on record that net metering for rooftops needed to be changed, because it was simpler for the discom to buy solar power off the market and supply it. When the issue at hand was just 200MW of total rooftop capacity, in a state where peak power consumption today just crossed 14000 MW. The disregard for RPO apart, coming from a discom that can’t buy enough basic power for shortage of money, this is galling, for renewable proponents. We have already covered how, like many discoms across states, unfortunately, the incumbent has

been very lethargic with permissions and pushing files for rooftop solar connections. While no large thermal capacity has been added to the state since the Goindwal sahib plant of GVK in 2016, so far the state has done everything possible to miss the renewables bus. Adding salt to injury, besides looking to renegotiate contracts for the small capacity of solar that exists, the state discom has failed to dent distribution losses at 14 percent, falling well behind neighbour Haryana, and Delhi, among others in the region. That simply means higher losses than projected at the time it gets its tariff approvals. A skewed consumption pattern of power, (14GW peak in summer versus 7 GW in winter) actually makes an even stronger case for a faster rollout of solar in the state, to add power in the peak summer months, and provide backups for shortfalls in winter. Fixed cost contracts can also be relooked now as 25 year PPA’s draw to a close. Today, PSPCL finds itself understaffed, unprepared, and under equipped with spares, be it transformers, wires or anything else required to maintain its network. With elections possibly less than 12 months away, it will take a herculean effort, and dollops of good luck, for the state’s consumers to see better days as far as power supply goes.

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Texas’s Winter Crisis Helps Build A Case For Solar Storage . Will It Be The Turning Point?

arlier this year, Winter Storm Uri swept across North America in the month of February and thrust the U.S. state of Texas in the grip of a major power crisis, causing electricity outages, disrupting telecom facilities, and creating food, medical support, and heat shortages. Like many other power-dependent infrastructures, the Ullrich Water Treatment Plant in Austin shut down due to an electrical failure, creating urgent water paucity. A few Texans, in whose homes backup electricity systems were already installed, found it easier to battle the crisis and served as an example for many other helpless residents who are now trying to prepare better for future disasters. Could this time of crisis be a pivotal moment for the widespread adoption of solar and storage backup systems, driving down costs in and beyond the state? Three months after the blackouts subsided, demand for such systems was skyrocketing, according to Bloomberg. Freedom Solar, which installs home solar and storage, saw sales of Tesla Powerwall batteries jump 16-fold, while Greater Texas Solar saw a 25% jump in sales after the freeze.

Even though politicians have blamed power outages on the irregular supply of renewable energy, rather than confronting the real cause — shuttered gas plants and fuel shortages —Texans are suddenly more open to learn from their difficult experience and prepare for future climate changeinduced crises by investing in new technologies that merge solar, battery, and generators to achieve independence from the grid. For instance, Greater Texas Solar is promoting a solar and battery storage system that’s backed up with propane-fired generators. During a power failure, part of the electricity created by the propane generator can also be used to charge the battery system for later use, thus enabling the system to run on “island mode” for days, if needed. A similar investment in backup power is being observed as a result of another climate change-led disaster — the California wildfires which have caused blackouts in the state. Since not everyone has the resources to build such reserves at home, Smart Electric Power Alliance is calling for using public funds to strategically install microgrids at police stations, fire stations, schools or community centers, which can become

shelters during disasters with prolonged outages. These “microgrids” — comprising solar panels and large batteries — seem to be the only reliable solution for the communities living in and outside Texas to ensure that vulnerable people (elders, the ill, and the poor) and infrastructure can withstand power outages. In light of the billions of dollars spent by Texas in managing the blackouts, microgrid systems are being considered much more affordable by grid experts. The California Self-Generation Incentive Program, which provides incentives for residential battery storage, and includes energy storage incentives for low-income residents, is one of the models being considered towards encouraging residents to supplement local microgrids. As adoption of such systems grows within and beyond Texas, their prices can also reasonably be expected to go down to affordable rates. The implications of such a shift could be profound. Besides the extra demand, it could actually drive down prices faster, as scale economies kick in. Of course, in the short term, there is always the chance that prices could move up, till the market adjusts. JULY 20 21

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IEX Trades 7093 MU in June’21 with 48% YoY Growth

he Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) traded 7093 MU of electricity volume in June’21 recording 48% YoY growth. According to the power demand data published by the National Load Dispatch Center, the national peak demand saw a 16% YoY increase, with the highest ever peak demand at 191.51 GW, while energy consumption at 115 BU grew 8% YoY. The growth has been powered by relaxations from COVID-19 related lockdowns across the country along with peak summer season and heatwave in Northern India. an erratic monsoon is likely to keep demand up. Cumulatively for the first quarter of the fiscal year 2022, the Exchange Market witnessed a robust performance despite the CoVID-19 induced restrictions. According to a stock report, the electricity market achieved a volume of 21,340 MU during the first quarter, resulting in 44% YoY growth. The report claims that distribution utilities and industries are increasingly

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relying on the IEX electricity market to source power .

GREEN MARKET

The young Green term-ahead market (GTAM) also saw the highest ever monthly volume being traded in June’21. With a volume of 412 MU during June’21, the market saw 15% growth over the previous month led by the ongoing wind season. For the first quarter, the market has registered a cumulative trade volume of 955 MU, already surpassing the total green volumes achieved in FY 2021. The market is witnessing a growing increase in participation and has become a key facilitator of green power trade among distribution utilities, industrial consumers, and green energy generators . A total of 49 participants participated during the month with distribution utilities from West Bengal, Bihar, Haryana, Telangana, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Maharashtra, Daman & Diu, Assam, and New Delhi among several others, as key participants.

RENEWABLE ENERGY CERTIFICATES

The REC trading session scheduled on 30 June’21 did not occur due to a stay order from Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (APTEL), in response to the petitions filed by a few Renewable Energy Associations. The next hearing on the matter on APTEL is scheduled to be held on the 5th, 7th, and 9th of July 2021.

DAY-AHEAD, TERM-AHEAD & REALTIME ELECTRICITY MARKET

The day-ahead market traded 4314 MU volume in June’21 with the average monthly price at Rs 3.06 per unit. The sell-bids at 2X of the cleared volume during June’21 ensured ample availability of power and discovery of competitive prices thereby providing optimization opportunities to the distribution utilities. For the first quarter of the year 2022, the day-ahead market on the Exchange, traded 14,377 MU and registered 7% YoY growth.

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President Kovind’s Childhood Home in Rural UP Goes Solar

resident Ram Nath Kovind’s residence ‘Milan Kendra’ in his native village of Paraunkh, Uttar Pradesh, has now become solarised, a move that should boost awareness about the rooftop solar industry in the region and beyond. Located 70 km away from Kanpur, the President’s childhood home is now powered by a 5 kW solar plant, which was set up on its roof by HomeScape, the residential venture of distributed energy company Amplus Solar. The system was installed just ahead of President Kovind’s two-day (June 25-27, 2021) “rail yatra” to his native village though a special train which began its

journey from Safdarjung railway station, Delhi. According to data recorded last year, Uttar Pradesh housed the seventh-largest installed rooftop solar energy generation capacity in the country, and by the end of February, 2020, the state’s rooftop solar capacity stood at 146.1 MW, 2020,

whereas its total installed solar power capacity was 1,095.10 MW. The Paraunkh solar plant was installed within a single day, right from site inspection to commissioning, with the assistance of the state discom (Dakshinanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam), UP Power Corporation, and the Uttar Pradesh Public Works Department (UPPWD). That in itself is probably a record of sorts, in a state where practically nothing can happen in a day. One does hope that this will inspire the state discom/s to target at least a 30-day process for the common people of the state too. The plant is expected to generate a total of 172500 kWh of electricity through its

lifetime. The plant was commissioned in the presence of President Kovind’s elder brother Shri Ramswaroop Bharti and was inaugurated by the President himself upon completing his train journey. The state government has set a target of 10,700 MW for solar power, including 4,300 MW from rooftop solar projects, by 2022. It was reported last month that solar lights-making self-help groups lit up the community toilet of Paraunkh. This was the second toilet in the state to be illuminated with solar energy by the women of these self-help groups. Earlier, solar electrification work was done in the toilets of the Todarpur village in Kanpur.

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Denmark Leads in Share of RE Production, India Yet To Break Into Top 15

ind and solar produced 2,435 TWh of electricity in 2020, providing almost a tenth of the world’s electricity. While European countries like Denmark, Ireland, and Germany are leading among the world’s top 15 producers, India is not part of his group. Even though India’s renewable energy capacity is being added to each year, with the aim of reaching 175 GW by 2022, its generation of renewable energy clearly lags behind. London-based climate and energy think tank Ember’s recently released Global Electricity Review shows that wind and solar have doubled since 2015, when they generated 5% (1083 TWh) of the world’s electricity. Some countries are generating significantly more electricity from wind and solar. South American country Uruguay, famous for its beach-lined coast, ranked second in Ember’s list of Top 15 Wind and Solar Countries as it generated 44% of its electricity from wind and solar in 2020. Denmark held the first position with 61% of its electricity in 2020 coming from RE sources. Many countries across Europe generate around a third to a quarter of their

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electricity from wind and solar: Ireland (35%), Germany (33%), United Kingdom (29%), Spain (29%), Greece (27%) and Portugal (26%). The majority of the top 15 wind and solar countries are in Europe, but the list also features Australia and South American countries like Chile.

Wind and solar’s global presence:

Many countries now get around a tenth of their electricity – the global average – from wind and solar: India (9%), China (9.5%), Japan (10%), Brazil (11%), the US (12%) and Turkey (12%).

The big players:

If we look at scale alone, China (728 TWh), the EU-27 (540 TWh) and the United States (469 TWh) stand out as the largest producers of wind and solar power. Together they are responsible for more than two-thirds of global generation. China has been scaling up rapidly, adding more wind and solar generation since 2015 (+503 TWh) than the United States’ total wind and solar generation in 2020.

Growth in wind and solar:

Vietnam has seen rapid growth in wind and

solar. It went from 0 to 14 TWh in just 3 years, generating 5% of its electricity from wind and solar in 2020. Meanwhile, Chile and South Korea have quadrupled their wind and solar generation since 2015, and many other countries have tripled it, including Brazil, China, India, Mexico, Turkey and Uruguay. Plunging costs place wind and solar at a tipping point. A recent report by IRENA showed that almost two-thirds of wind and solar projects built globally last year will be able to generate electricity cheaper than even the world’s cheapest new coal plants. The tipping point has arrived at a crucial moment. The IEA’s Net Zero 2050 Roadmap showed that 100% clean power is required in advanced economies by 2035, and worldwide by 2040, to stay on course for 1.5C. Three-quarters of new electricity generation will be solar and wind. In the next decade, clean electricity deployment must accelerate to both replace fossil fuels and meet rising demand for electricity as we electrify the world’s economy and provide electricity access for all. Wind and solar are the cheapest and cleanest forms of power and are poised to lead this transformation, says Ember.

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As Solar Takes Lead, Moment of Reckoning For Wind Energy

Make or Break. The Three Energy Initiatives That Will Make or Break India’s Climate Goals To 2030

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FROST SUMMITS: Always Have Power Wherever You Go reach for extreme experiences.

PRODUCT FEATURES:

PRODUCT BRIEF:

FROST SUMMITS, an IoT smart solar charger and pocket-sized power bank pack, is made especially for those who

It runs completely on solar energy and is water and dust resistant. The power bank is ultra lightweight, easyto-use, and fits inside your pocket. It has a Box Connect app that pairs the FROST SUMMITS hardware to your smartphone for the ultimate outdoor adventure experience.

PRODUCT APPLICATION:

The charger and power bank operate in

places where other products simply do not work, such as in temperatures as low as -58°F.

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It quickly charges all your devices with solar power. It’s designed such that you can make the most of your outdoor experiences.

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The product is available in different variants starting from USD 63 to USD 625

e-KLIP: The Smart Solar Torch PRODUCT BRIEF:

A powerful smart solar torch for your garden which stays bright all night long.

PRODUCT FEATURES:

Everything is automatic, e-KLIP doesn’t have any button for any application. e-KLIP uses the sun to charge during the day and lights up when it’s dark. e-KLIP is designed with three LEDs which create a beautiful flower-like pattern on the ground. The solar panel is tilted to catch more power in winters when

we most need it. It’s die cast in aluminum for quality and durability.

PRODUCT APPLICATION:

e-KLIP is modular and can be used with three different footings. This torch can be planted, fastened to your wall or simply laid on the ground. Easy to install, you just need to find the right spot with good solar exposition, tilt the solar panel to the south, and it’s ready.

PRODUCT BENEFITS:

A solar-powered torch for your garden even when there is no power.

AVAILABILITY:

The product is available at: https://www. kickstarter.com/projects/e-klip/e-klipthe-smart-solar-torch

LEMON: The First Solar-powered Waterproof Speaker PRODUCT BRIEF: LEMON is a solar-powered wireless speaker. PRODUCT FEATURES:

It’s a wireless speaker with the best quality of sound in its category. 7 hours of sunlight get you up to 20 hours of playback. It provides a 3D sound listening experience, understands speech by pattern-matching and analysis as it has a voice recognition feature. It also comprises HD Audio features.

SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL J U LY 2 02 1 SAURENERGY .C O M

PRODUCT APPLICATION:

Along with being a solarpowered speaker, it is also a power bank for all your devices.

PRODUCT BENEFITS:

It facilitates playing sound and charging together, without any electricity.

AVAILABILITY:

The product is available in different variants starting from INR 18,568 to INR 111,782

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Hardoll 90 LED Solar Powered Security Lights PRODUCT BRIEF:

A solar-powered light with 4400 mAh battery. It functions as a waterproof outdoor motion sensor lighting for walls, patio, and garden.

PRODUCT FEATURES:

It has dual operating modes: ‘on’ position provides continuous lighting; ‘auto’ position utilizes the builtin motion sensor to trigger

the ‘on’ switch amid any nearby movement. Other features include battery capacity: 4400 mAh ; solar power supply: 6 W ; power consumption: 6 W. It has a PIR motion sensor that detects any movement upto 40 feet.

PRODUCT APPLICATION:

It is a complete illumination and security lighting for your garden, patio, garage, and pathway; lamp’s 90 brilliant

solar LEDs emit 800 lumens.

PRODUCT BENEFITS:

Ideal for use in any exterior section of the house or compound, such as the garage, shed, driveways, paths, and walls. It is a quick and convenient lighting solution for lawns, gardens, and pools.

AVAILABILITY:

The product is available for INR 1,990

Solar Republik - 34 kw Portable Solar Generators PRODUCT BRIEF:

A large portable solar generator with 24-hour storage and supply.

PRODUCT FEATURES:

Portable and can be installed almost anywhere with sunlight in 90 minutes. It uses highquality German solar cells and batteries. The unit will be able to power up to 10 standard US houses simultaneously for upto 15 years.

PRODUCT APPLICATION:

A fully portable 34 kw solar generator with batteries which provides 24-hour renewable energy to communities anywhere, anytime!

PRODUCT BENEFITS:

Cost of power is expected to be cheaper than a diesel generator over the life of the unit (at least 15 years), and

the break-even cost with a diesel generator, including fuel, is 3.5 years.

AVAILABILITY:

The product is available for $55 AUD

DARIT ES-215 Solar Powered Helmet PRODUCT FEATURES:

When there is strong sunshine point-blank, the fan will start ventilating and cooling. No batteries are required. The head band is made of a non-irritant and soft fabric to provide maximum comfort to the user. The product is 100% brand new, high quality, durable, energy-saving and technologically advanced.

PRODUCT BRIEF:

DARIT comfortable solar panel and power safety helmet with outdoor cooling fan.

PRODUCT APPLICATION:

Can be individually adjusted to different head sizes. The safety helmet is designed

to provide utmost protection to the head from falling objects, impact with other objects, debris, rain, and electric shock in high-risk environments like construction sites, industries, workshops, roadsides, etc.

PRODUCT BENEFITS:

Solar-powered helmet which protects your head during work and extreme conditions with cooling and ventilation.

AVAILABILITY:

The product is available for INR 1,450 at: https://bit.ly/2V3rb3i JULY 20 21

SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL

S AUR E N E R GY. C O M

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Private Sector Specialist International Solar Alliance

Assistant Manager- O&M Sterlite Power Transmission Limited

The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is an international organization headquartered in Gurgaon, National Capital Region of India. The vision and mission of the ISA is to provide a dedicated platform for cooperation among solar resource rich countries where the global community, including bilateral and multilateral organizations, corporates, industry, and other stakeholders, can make a positive contribution to assist and help achieve the common goals of increasing the use of solar energy in meeting energy needs of the ISA Member Countries in a safe, convenient, affordable, equitable and sustainable manner.

Sterlite Power is a leading global developer of power transmission infrastructure with projects of over 10,000 circuit kms and 15,000 MVA in India and Brazil. With an industry-leading portfolio of power conductors, EHV cables and OPGW, Sterlite Power also offers solutions for upgrading, uprating and strengthening existing networks. The Company has set new benchmarks in the industry by use of cutting-edge technologies and innovative financing. Sterlite Power is also the sponsor of Indi Grid, India’s first power sector Infrastructure Investment Trust (“InvIT”), listed on the BSE and NSE.

Location: New Delhi, Gurgaon

Location: Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh.

Job Description: The Private Sector Specialist will support the International Solar Alliance (ISA) through the collection, analysis, and presentation of data on renewable energy (solar) investment needs and opportunities specifically in relation to private sector contributions and engagements in solar energy. The Private Sector Specialist will be responsible for leading the private sector engagement activities of ISA. The Specialist will design and lead implementation of publicprivate partnerships, policy interventions in support of the private sector. S/ he will report to the Chief of Unit, Programmes and Projects Implementation.

Job Description: • Implementation of preventive and predictive maintenance activities at substation. • Communicate and Coordinate with different external agencies for the Operational activities. • Implementing Emergency Restoration system. • Pre- commissioning support for lines and substations. • PLCC commissioning.

Essential Responsibilities: • Lead the development of initiatives and activities by exploring, implementing, and advocating for opportunities to engage the private sector specifically in the field of solar energy project implementation. • Establishment of a strategic platform facilitating policy dialogue, transfer, and engagement for private sector solar energy expertise in various countries/regions Eligibility Criteria: • Master’s degree or higher in business administration, economics, finance, electrical engineering, engineering, renewable energy, civil engineering or another relevant discipline from an accredited university. • A bachelor’s degree, with four additional years of relevant experience will be considered. Apply: https://isa.oxfordhr.co.uk/jobs/private-sector-specialist/

Essential Responsibilities: • Active role in forming centralized control room for all operational substations for the remote operations. • Make the substation elements available with zero down time. • Root cause analysis of the tripping’s. Eligibility Criteria: • At least 4 to 5 years of experience in O&M of substations. • Through knowledge of substation equipment’s, testing and protection schemes. • Experience in control systems of substation. • Knowledge of switching operations. • Experience in erection, testing, Precommissioning, PLCC, OPGW commissioning, SCADA. Apply: https://careers.sterlitepower.com/job/Khandwa-Assistant-ManagerO&M/690660201/

Service Engineer ABB ABB is a leading global technology company that energizes the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future. By connecting software to its electrification, robotics, automation and motion portfolio, ABB pushes the boundaries of technology to drive performance to new levels. With a history of excellence stretching back more than 130 years, ABB’s success is driven by about 105,000 talented employees in over 100 countries. Location: Bangalore, India. Job Description: This is an Service Engineer role, reporting to the Service Technical Support Lead in Business Area – MOTION and located in Bangalore.

SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL J U LY 2 02 1 SAURENERGY .C O M

Essential Responsibilities: • Responsible for analysing fault data of failed product based on that providing Technical support to site service engineer for troubleshooting activity i.e. hardware or software and co-ordinate with stake holder to correction of hardware/software issues as per requirement of customer as well as for improvement of product. • Apply expertise to understanding the converter logic as well as improvement proposed to related stake holder for product improvement. Eligibility Criteria: • Degree in Electronics & Communication Engineering OR E&E (Electrical Engineering) completed by recognized University and

proven track record in resolving critical problem and good understanding of electrical Schematic, logic, and controls. • Demonstrable expertise in Troubleshooting of rolling stock Equipment’s, fault finding analysis in terms of drive train (preferably IR 3 phase Electric locomotives, Conventional Electric locomotives, EMU and Metro will be added advantage). • Demonstrable expertise in Troubleshooting of rolling stock equipment’s, fault finding analysis in terms of drive train (preferably IR 3 phase Electric locomotives, Conventional Electric locomotives, EMU and Metro will be added advantage). Apply: https://careers.abb/global/en/apply/1?j obSeqNo=ABB1GLOBAL79308243EXTERNALEN GLOBALprocurement-leader-india

September 2021

ELEGANT YET POWERFUL

SMART AND POWERFUL MAX

M I N 2 . 5 - 6 k T L -X

M A X 5 0 - 8 0 K T L 3 LV / M V

Better User Experience OLED Display & Touch Button

High Yields 6 MPPTs, Max. Efficiency 99%

Aerospace Grade Material Lighter and Flame-Retardant

Smart & Capable Quad-Core, One-Click Diagnosis

Safe & Reliable Type II SPD, AFCI Optional

Safe & Reliable Type II SPD, AFCI, Anti-PID

Easy Maintenance Online Smart Service

(MAX 50-80KTL3 LV/MV) (MIN 2.5-6KTL-X)

Service Hotline: 1800 120 600 600 (TOLL FREE)

Saurenergy International Magazine July Issue 2021

Articles inside

Grid and Transmission

Hydrogen

Storage

Innovations

Finance

Projects and Tenders

Updates

EV Updates

Policy and Legal