Saur Energy Magazine June 2019

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SAUR ENERGY JUNE 2019 | Rs. 200

I N T E R N A T I O N A L DCP LICENSING NO. F.2(S-29) PRESS/2016 l VOL 3 l ISSUE 10 l TOTAL PAGES 64 l PUBLISHED ON 1ST OF EVERY MONTH

JOBS. THE UNTOLD

STORY OF SOLAR Inside:

Dr Ajay Mathur Director General, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI)

Neeraj Sharma President & Managing Director, Wärtsilä India

Glimpses SNEC Shanghai 2019

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FROM THE EDITOR

SAUR ENERGY I N T E R N A T I O N A L

GROUP EDITOR As the sun shines at its brightest this month, its a little ironic that PRASANNA SINGH the solar sector is in the middle of a bit of a slowdown. We prasanna@meilleurmedia.com have always believed that as a sector, it has sold itself short in some ways, getting stuck on the price platform and not DIRECTOR MARKETING PRATEEK KAPOOR much else. prateek@meilleurmedia.com As prices for solar power hit the bottom, its a good time to take attention back to issues like quality, faster growth EDITOR and financing. However, for our cover this month, we MANAS NANDI have picked on a key contribution that the industry manas@meilleurmedia.com seems to have ignored. Jobs in solar. A reason could be the dominance of utility scale developers till ASSOCIATE EDITOR now, which is not really where the big job numbers MANU TAYAL manu@meilleurmedia.com register. But with rooftop solar finally coming into the picture, that will change. Rooftop solar, due to its STAFF WRITER very nature, generates a lot more employment, AYUSH VERMA besides the impact it can have in its off-grid editorial@meilleurmedia.com avatar. Read more about it in the story done by associate editor Manu Tayal.

MANAGER- MEDIA SOLUTION Beyond that, we spoke to Wartsila, the Finnish GIRISH MISHRA girish.mishra@meilleurmedia.com firm that was synonymous with specialised diesel powered gensets, and now looking to DESIGN HEAD make an impact in renewable energy too, SANDEEP KUMAR with its hybrid storage solutions and more.

We end with a plea to the powers that WEB DEVELOPMENT MANAGER be to do something abut our bleeding JITENDER KUMAR discoms, that are fast becoming the one issue that needs to be tackled to move WEB PRODUCTION BALVINDER SINGH ahead for the whole power sector. It's a plea probably everyone in the industry SUBSCRIPTIONS needs to make, to ensure that the KULDEEP GUSAIN government actually listens and subscription@meilleurmedia.com does something, soon.

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.

Prasanna Singh prasanna@meilleurmedia.com

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.

CONTENT PAGE

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NEERAJ SHARMA

President & Managing Director Wärtsilä India

27

18

SHUBHRA MOHANKA

DR AJAY MATHUR

Director Galo Energy Pvt Ltd

Director General The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI)

COVER STORY

22

Jobs in Solar : The Untold Story POLICY

08 Solar Packs For Over 300 Van Gurjars' Families Indian Solar Exports to US to Bear Safeguard Duty

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JUNE 2019

CERC Drafts Power System Development Fund SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 10

MARKET

49 Energy Reforms Crucial For Reelected Indian Govt 3.9 Mn Off-Grid Solar Products Sold in 2H of 2018

CONTENT PAGE

34

SNEC SHANGHAI 2019

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WOMEN IN POWER DISTRIBUTION THE GAME CHANGERS IN RURAL ODISHA

38

CAN INDIA BEAT CHINA IN LI-ION BATTERY MANUFACTURING AND ITS PRICING?

PROJECTS

FINANCE

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SECI Extends Floating Solar PLUS BESS Tender

Cipla Acquires 26% Stake in AMPSolar’s SPV

GIPCL Commissions 75 MW Solar Plant in Gujarat

Greenko Raises $495 Mn for 2 Storage Projects

ISA Invites Bids For Solar Proj in Member Countries

Glennmont Closes its 3rd Clean Energy Fund VOL 3 l ISSUE 10 | SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL

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JUNE 2019

POLICY UPDATES

SOLAR PACKS FOR OVER 300 VAN GURJARS' FAMILIES As many as 391 Van Gurjars families residing in Amangarh area of Uttar Pradesh will get solar power packs as logistic problem does not allow them to have access to electricity by conventional means.

According to officials, each power pack costs Rs 47,000 and will be provided to each Van Gurjar family under PM Saubhaagya scheme. Each household will be provided a separate solar power pack equipped with a 200 watt solar panel, five LED lights, one battery, one DC ceiling fan and mobile charger.

According to New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (NEDA) officials, with this step through Saubhaagya scheme, their settlements will be well lit at night and keep wild animals at bay.

They said there are 391 Van Gurjars

living in Amangarh Tiger Reserve. These nomads own over 2,000 livestock and are spread over an area spanning more than 70 hectares of land. The area has doubled over the past five years.

Van Gurjars are nomads who live in makeshift huts and wander about with their livestock. For a long time, forest department has been trying to rehabilitate them but in vain. Due to restrictions imposed by forest law, they failed to gain access to many government-sponsored schemes.

Talking with media, SK Singh, district officer of NEDA, said "We have illuminated around 15 villages with solar power pack.

Now, the facility is being extended to the Van Gurjars."

Solar pack will not only illuminate their homes but also prevent forest fires which could be triggered by the fire nomads lit up. "The solar system is eco- friendly.

If a nomad family is rehabilitated, they can take the power pack with them and install it at their new home," said Singh.

INDIAN SOLAR EXPORTS TO US NTPC GRANTED ELECTRICITY TO BEAR SAFEGUARD DUTY TRADING LICENSE BY CERC

08 JUNE 2019

In a major blow to India's newly elected government, the Trump administration has terminated India's designation as a beneficiary developing nation under the key GSP (Generalised System of Preference) trade programme. The decision is set to put additional tariffs burden of over $300 million on the American businesses every year, including solar exports from India which are expected to incur a safeguard duty of 25 percent.

The White House in a statement said India had not assured the United States that it would provide “equitable and reasonable access” to its markets, which was why the Trump administration had taken the action.

The US government had notified India on March 4, 2019, of its intent to terminate the country's designation. The 60-day notice period ended on May 3. “I have determined that India has not assured the US that it will provide equitable and reasonable access to its markets. Accordingly, it is appropriate to terminate India's designation as a beneficiary developing country effective June 5, 2019,” Trump said.

This development is a setback for India on the trade front but will have a limited impact on the Indian solar industry in general. However, it will impact manufacturers who were banking on growing exports to the United States. The Indian solar industry’s total exports in the calendar year 2018 amounted to $107 million. Exports to the United States totalled $50 million, accounting for 47%. Exports to the United States also grew about 32% from $38 million in 2018 to $50 million in 2019.

SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 10

The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has approved the application filed by NTPC ltd. to grant the PSU with an electricity trading license in the country. The central commission has proposed granting the power utility with a trading license, to help it in implementation of renewable energy projects, especially solar power projects in India.

NTPC had petitioned the CERC seeking a grant of Category I license for inter-state trading in electricity in all states and Union Territories.

The company expressed that a trading license would help in setting up this capacity. It had stated that being an intermediary procurer, NTPC would be required to aggregate the solar power purchased from different solar power generators and sell it to the discoms. In such cases, the intermediary procurer will be playing the role of a trader, namely buying power from the developers and selling the same to one or more discoms.

In its findings the commission noted that NTPC has set a target of achieving 32 GW of Renewable Energy (RE) based capacity by 2032 out of which 30 GW is solar. And that , under the initiative of MNRE for procurement of 20000 MW, NTPC has been identified as the Nodal Agency.

In its order the commission stated, “we are of the view that in case of NTPC, despite the fact that it does not meet the current ratio and liquidity ratio criteria of the regulations, is financially sound with respect to liquidity for carrying out electricity trade. Accordingly, the Commission proposes to grant Category-I trading license to the Petitioner.”

POLICY UPDATES

CERC DRAFTS POWER SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT FUND The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has issued draft regulations for the Power System Development Fund. The proposed regulations deal with the creation of a power system development fund and its implementation, with the objective of tackling the issue of country’s power sector grappling with transmission related issues.

The fund when implemented will come as a big boost for stakeholders and implementing agencies that have been tasked with the job of setting up renewable energy as well as conventional power projects in the country.

The draft for the fund has been put up for comments by stakeholders and the general public up to June 21, 2019.

After which, upon further approvals the

regulations will come into force from the date of their publication in the Official Gazette. The funds will be credited to the power system development fund (PSDF) every month or as decided by the central government. The PSDF will be maintained and operated through the public account of India. And will be used fund projects or programs for the creation of necessary infrastructure, necessary transmission systems of strategic importance based on operational feedback by load despatch

centres for relieving congestion in the interstate transmission system (ISTS) and intrastate systems which are incidental to the ISTS. Alternatively, the funds can also be utilised for installation of shunt capacitors, series compensators and other reactive energy generators for the improvement of voltage profile in the grid. It may be used for the installation of standard and special protection programs, pilot and demonstrative projects and for setting right the discrepancies identified in the protection audits on a regional basis; renovation and modernisation of transmission and distribution systems for relieving congestion and any other project such as conducting technical studies and capacity building.

UP DISCOMS SUBMIT PLANS FOR MEETING RPO

ROBOTS TO REDUCE WATER USAGE AT SOLAR PLANTS

The Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (UPERC) recently reviewed in a suo moto proceeding, the fulfilment of RPO targets by obligated state distribution companies, as per the commissions RPO regulations.

In its order, the state commission had ordered two sate discoms Uttar Pradesh Power Corp. (UPPCL) and Noida Power Corp.

(NPCL) to submit the roadmap for showing the commission how it plans to fulfil its RPO backlog and further obligations in the coming years upto FY 2020-21.

NPCL in response submitted that it would achieve its FY 201718 shortfall by March 2019. The commission accepted the submission and directed NPCL to submit reports every quarter to the commission. However, for UPPCL, the commission asked for the roadmap upto FY 2020-21 and FY 2021-22, And in response to the proposal submitted by the discom, the commission also offered a better proposal for meeting the targets in the stipulated time.

The commission further noted that the total shortfall in RPO fulfilment (upto November 2018-19) for non-solar power stood at 4295.52 MU and that for solar stood at 3993.69 MU. The commission also noted that there was no submission of long-term RPO growth trajectory made either by UPPCL or NPCL for FY2019-20 and FY 2021-22, as stipulated by the Ministry of Power. In UPPCL’s case, the commission’s order has also pointed out that there was no mention of the non-solar power to be purchased in the submissions from FY 2019-20 onwards. Considering this, it has directed UPPCL to submit a plan of achieving the shortfall made in the previous years in three weeks.

In an effort to reduce water usage in solar plants, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has asked the states and the solar industry to “preferably” use robotic cleaning and other new technologies for cleaning solar panels. “The excess usage of water, sometimes, leads to wastage of the precious resource and it can be avoided through judicious usage,” the letter from the MNRE addressed to all state principal secretaries and solar associations said. Water use requirements for solar power plants depend on the technology and climate conditions at the site. In general, all solar power technologies use a modest amount of water about 75 liters per megawatt hour for cleaning solar collection and reflective surfaces like mirrors, heliostats, and photovoltaic (PV) panels. But given storms and the presence of particulate matter, water consumption may increase. According to estimates water consumption levels in solar plants — roughly about 100 litre for 1,000 units of electricity — is 22 times lower than thermal power plants. For plants which use surface water, the annual cleaning cost can go as high as Rs 1 lakh for every MW of installed capacity. But as solar developers who already have compromised on their margins by quoting low tariffs to bag projects, the rising costs of water further hurts the profitability of several projects. Due to failing monsoons and dipping groundwater levels, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) seeks conservation of water. Many solar developers in Rajasthan have seen water costs almost doubling in 3-4 years. In Karnataka, the tariff for industrial water usage was hiked 100 times in 2018. Significantly, cleaning costs can comprise 25-35% of the operational and maintenance costs of a plant.

VOL 3 l ISSUE 10 | SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL

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POLICY UPDATES

INDIAN NAVY SAILS TOWARDS RENEWABLE ENERGY With an aim to contribute towards achieving India’s energy and environmental goals Indian Navy has developed a roadmap called Indian Navy Environment Conservation Roadmap (INECR). The roadmap envisions ‘Reduction in Energy Consumption’ and ‘Diversification of Energy Supply’ as the key result areas. Further, this INECR has been formulated with specific action plans covering the entire gamut of operations, maintenance, administration and infrastructure/ community living.

Under this Indian Navy’s roadmap, various policies have been discussed with an aim to cut energy consumption and environment sustenance for all its ships as well as shore establishments. Further, it has pledged to contribute 1.5 per cent of its ‘Works’ Budget for the generation of renewable energy including solar photovoltaic (PV) projects being one of the focus areas.

Under Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM), solar PV projects of 24 MW comprising both rooftop and

ground-mounted are already under execution at Indian Navy’s various shore establishments. Besides, Indian Navy has also taken up few pilot projects which utilize wind or hybrid (both wind and solar) as a source of energy. These projects not only aim to reduce carbon footprint but also help achieve self-sustenance in energy security.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement that, it has paid focused attention towards the use of renewable sources of energy and institution of various energy conservation measures such as use of occupancy sensors, battery operated vehicles, solar street lights, LED lights, audit of yards, SCADA based electric metering etc.

PUNJAB COMMISSION HIKES AVERAGE TARIFF BY 2.14%

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JUNE 2019

The State Electricity Regulatory Commission of Punjab has announced an average tariff hike of 2.14 per cent across categories for 2019-20. Besides, the state power regulator also raised fixed charge for the domestic category of consumers by Rs 10 per kW, according to the new power tariff.

In the tariff order which was released on May 27, 2019, the Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission has assessed the net aggregate revenue requirement of the state-owned Punjab state power corporation at Rs 32,327.25 crore, including Rs 1,329 crore for Punjab state transmission corporation for 2019-20.

"With expected revenue of Rs 31,762.63 crore at existing tariff, the consolidated gap (deficit) works out to be Rs 564.62 crore," the order said. The new tariff will be effective from June 1.

"Since the Commission intends to implement the new tariff rates prospectively with effect from June SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 10

1, 2019, the effective increase during the remaining 10 months of the year translates to 2.14 per cent," as per the tariff order. For industrial category, the power tariff has been increased by 8 paise per unit, as per the order.

The fixed charges for non-residential category and industrial category have

been hiked in the range of Rs 5 per kVAh and Rs 20 per kVAh, as per the order.

Any consumption in excess of threshold limit of the last two financial years shall continue to be billed at a reduced energy charge of Rs 4.45 per kVAh to encourage use of surplus power by the industry, as per the tariff order.

POLICY UPDATES

GERC SIDES WITH DEVELOPER ON WHEELING CHARGES The Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (GERC) in a recent hearing and subsequent order has sided with Aarvee Denims and Exports Limited (Aarvee) in the matter of wheeling of power from its wind project.

Aarvee had filed a petition with the state commission against Torrent Power and the Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation Ltd. (GETCL).

In its petition, the developer requested the commission to declare that the adopting methodology for providing the set off for the wheeled energy generated from the wind turbine generators (WTG) to the place of consumption is against the provision of Gujarat’s policy. It had also requested that the Commission declare that the adjustment of wind energy generated and wheeled through open access as well as the modification of the units given by the respondents have all been illegal and should be quashed and set aside.

After going through the submissions made, the commission noted that the respondents move to set off the wheeled energy for the wind turbine generators first against the consumption in preference

over the energy purchased under shortterm open access is contrary and not in line with the decision taken by the GERC and therefore, rejected.

It further stated that energy purchased through short-term open access has to be accounted first against the blockwise consumption of the consumer and

the balance consumption in a month has to be accounted either as the energy wheeled from its wind turbine generators or as the energy supplied by the distribution licensee. The surplus energy, if any, remaining after the set-off, can be banked in accordance with the wind policy of the state government.

WIND MAJORS COME TOGETHER FOR AFRICA TASK FORCE The Global Wind Industry Council (GWEC) has set up a new Task Force to speed up and facilitate the development of wind energy in Africa.

The Task Force brings together leading developers, manufacturers and associations that are active in the African market, including Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, Vestas, the South Africa Wind Energy Association, Africa Europe Energy Partnership, RES4Africa, Mainstream Renewable Power, Acciona Energia, GE Renewable Energy, NRG Systems, DNV-GL, Nordex, Goldwind, Aurora Wind Power.

The Task Force will be Chaired by Jon Lezamiz, African Market Development Director at Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, the leading wind turbine manufacturer in the continent with over 50% of the installed capacity in the market.

The African wind market is set to add 6 GW of additional wind capacity between 2019 and 2023, more than doubling current total capacity of 5,3 GW, according to GWEC Market Intelligence’s Market Outlook Q1 2019. According to analyst Wood Mackenzie, Africa is set to grow at an annual compound growth rate of 24% between 2019-2018, adding 33GW of new capacity.

The Task Force intends to: • A dvise governments on regulatory frameworks and auction systems; • D evelop and grandfather holistic approach initiatives for accelerating private investment in wind power sector in Africa; • Foster regional power pool dialogues to maximise development of wind power potential • Measure and highlight the economic and social benefits of wind power and the development of local value chains; • Spread best practices and transfer knowledge from global established markets; • C r e a t e a p p r o p r i a t e f o r u m s t o promote the growth of wind power in the continent, from seminars and technical workshops to conferences and exhibitions.

VOL 3 l ISSUE 10 | SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL

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THE CONVERSATION

NEERAJ SHARMA

President & Managing Director, Wärtsilä India RENEWABLE ENERGY INTEGRATION A CHALLENGE AS BASE LOAD PLANTS LACK FLEXIBILITY TO MANAGE SUPPLY VARIABILITY

With a total delivery of over 250 power plants and 3500MW of generation capacity, Wartsila India has had a ringside view of the evolving power scenario in India. The Finnish multinational is now making a strong case for its gas based plants, to balance out demand surges, as renewable energy plays a bigger role. Not just that, Wartsila has its own Hybrid solution with storage now, as the firm adapts to the new opportunities. Wartsila India President and Managing Director Neeraj Sharma shares their plans for the future, in this interview with Group Editor Prasanna Singh.

Q

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JUNE 2019

Tell us about the latest at Wärtsilä India.

Wärtsilä is a technology company catering to the marine and energy markets. We are already one of the few multinationalenergy companies who have a factory locally.

We have astate-of-the art factory at Khopoli in Maharashtra. We will belooking at how to utilize the factory for enhancing ourbusiness to Make in India and make Wärtsilä morecompetitive.

We are also looking at how we can indigenisemore, without dropping the quality of our products. That is apart of the strategy. Another strategy is that if the renewableintegration happens, and gas engines play a role in creatingthe system flexibility, it will open up a big opportunity for us. We are very committed to the India market.

Wärtsilä has been in India from the early 1980s, since then we have contributed immensely to the Power segment of the country. We have 30 years of experience in providing complete lifecycle power solutions for the Indian Marine & Energy markets.

As a leading solutions provider of rapid and flexible power plants for SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 10

Utilities, Industry and IPPs, the Wärtsilä name is now synonymous with decentralised energy market.

Wärtsilä has more than 750 employees in India (as of April 2019) and has delivered around 250 power plants to India with total output of over 3500 MW. Wärtsilä takes care of the operation and management on behalf of its customers in over 35 power plants (including Boiler Turbine Generation stations) with a total output of over 1300 MW in India.

In the Marine market, Wärtsilä has delivered engines to vessels belonging to the Navy, Coast Guard, Port Trusts, Merchant Shipping, floating cranes and offshore rigs.

Our factory at Khopoli manufactures auxiliaries/pipe modules and reconditions and upgrades engines, ship propellers and components.

It also integrates High speed DG (Diesel Generator) sets for the marine requirements.

Q

As the world transitions to a higher share for renewables, how is Wärtsilä adapting? How's the feedback been on your Hybrid Solar PV Storage solutions?

It is heartening that India has achieved a certain degree of capacity adequacy at an aggregate level.

There is also a

THE CONVERSATION

visible, determined thrust on meeting the high targets on generation from Renewable Energy sources. However, there are signs, on the horizon, of serious challenges ahead on managing the grid dynamics. Reliable grid management will require system operators to be equipped with a portfolio of supply-and-demandside options. Apart from measures such as widening the transmission network to ensure geographical distribution and demand response management, flexible generation options must be encouraged. Hydro plants are technically the best-suited, but are constrained by site considerations, seasonality and a competing demand from irrigation needs.

To meet this demand for flexible generation, instant-start, fast ramping technologies such as battery storage and gas-powered plants based on IC Engines are growing in popularity in many countries, especially in the context of RE-balancing. And they are proving to be invaluable tools for the system operator to respond rapidly to any contingency. The Indian grid with one of the largest RE content in the world will benefit from such solutions.

We have introduced a new hybrid solar PV and storage solution. It integrates solar PV generation and storage to deliver a true ‘renewables as baseload’ solution that is not only climate-friendly, increases resilience and efficiencies but also can be supported by a power producer’s existing grid infrastructure. As our global energy ecosystem evolves, Hybrid solar represents a ground-breaking approach to electricity production and power generation. Recently, Wärtsilä delivered a 15MW solar PV hybrid power plant – the largest in the world - toEssakane Solar SAS in Burkina Faso, which operates with 55MW Wärtsilä thermal power plant.

Q

India has close to 60GW of captive power capacity, most of it diesel powered. Do you see an opportunity here for the country to convert to renewables? How could that be achieved?

We can see a strong drive for renewables in the energy market, especially solar and wind power. That is predominantly because of the decreasing costs of

The challenge with renewable energy is the big variations in supply that need to be balanced in real time by the rest of the grid

these technologies. We are welcoming that. We think the energy systems of the world will change dramatically. That is a big change because the energy system will be dependent on the availability of the sun. That puts totally different requirements on other parts of the energy system. This also means that there has to be a balance for the variations in solar and wind.

With renewable energy coming in and coexisting with conventional power generation, you have to be able to integrate renewables with the system.

Earlier, when renewable energy’s contribution was small, it could easily be managed. But the government’s targets for wind and solar are of a different order altogether now. Lower prices have also changed the landscape with the price of solar falling by some 80 per cent.

The challenge with renewable energy is the big variations in supply that need to be balanced in real time by the rest of the grid. When solar or wind power peaks, conventional power has to be backed down to absorb it. Integration is a huge challenge because our baseload plants don’t have the flexibility to accommodate these peaks and troughs. Also, since the machinery is not designed to absorb these variations, it causes stresses.

In some markets, renewables are competing neck and neck with traditional power generation and lowering the entry barriers for hybrid solutions. Fast-starting, internal combustion engines, integrated with energy storage, offer considerable potential for fuel and cost savings. With these innovative solutions, existing and future customers will be able to utilise energy storage technology together with traditional engine-based power generation

Q

While generation is one aspect of energy use, energy efficiencies are equally important today. How have Wärtsilä products evolved over the years on this parameter? Do you see a strong market for Greensmith here?

Wärtsilä was established in 1834. For over 180 years we have been at the frontier of engineering innovation.

This vision and ingenuity means that we deliver ever smarter solutions that VOL 3 l ISSUE 10 | SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL

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THE CONVERSATION

keep our customers one step ahead.The energy landscape is in transition towards more flexible and sustainable energy systems. We envision a 100% renewable energy future.

Wärtsilä is leading the transition as the Energy System Integrator – we understand, design, build and serve optimal power systems for future generations.

Wärtsilä recently acquired Greensmith Energy Management Systems Inc., a market leader in grid-scale energy storage software and integrated solutions. This acquisition has enabled us to rapidly expand our footprint in the energy storage market globally and position us as a premier energy system integrator.

We want to grow significantly in the energy storage business and as a systems integrator. Wärtsilä customers will have access to world-class integration platform (GEMS) capability in power generation and energy storage. This in turn will enable our customers to operate their business in a more efficient and profitable way. Energy storage and EMS also enable power generation to reduce emissions.

Q

system reliability.

More focus is required on renewables, a clear policy on batteries for RE with the exception for solar energy. Earlier, there was a lack of power, but now that India has achieved near adequacy, there is a need to focus on its quality.

Batteries can be used in the transmitter for efficient distribution in order to achieve grid stability. They can also be used in another scenario, where say, there is no way to absorb power. Hence, battery manufacturing will definitely play a crucial role going ahead.

We are also in discussion with various States, utilities and regulators regarding the role that renewables can play in meeting future electricity needs and strategies to efficiently integrate renewables in the grid. The industry should holistically look at the net cost of the system and not just at the variable cost.

Q

Does the company have other partners in India for its energy solutions?

Energy storage is increasingly becoming a decisive cost Wärtsilä partners with its business stakeholders on a case-toin a cost conscious market like India. What's your view case and project basis. on the price trends, when it comes to storage costs between Your view on the big policy moves that could support now and say, 2025? the power sector in general, and the renewables sector Energy storage will become an important part of every power in particular going forward ? Does he believe India will reach system and Wärtsilä’s topmost priority is exactly this. Wärtsilä its 175 GW target for renewable energy by 2022? energy storage solutions significantly improves efficiency by increasing back up capacity and creating new opportunities India has ambitious targets to have 275 GW of renewable energy installed by 2027. To meet its mid-term target of 175 in electricity markets.

Hybrid power plant and energy storage solutions will utilize GW of installations by 2022, the energy ministry plans to storage technology alongside traditional engine-based accelerate renewable energy reverse auction tenders to power generation. Adding energy storage technology to our up to 30 GW annually for solar and 10 GW annually for wind. existing engine based power plants enables our customers It is widely expected that the ambitious target for 2022 to have instant power while saving fuel, maintenance costs would be missed by around 55 GW. Although there have been Government’s attempts to and reducing emissions.

The urge of Government to get Electric Vehicles on road is maximise the contribution of green energy to overall leading to the fall in the battery costs. With the clean energy generation, several issues vital to the sector’s growth push in the power sector, the use of RE has also increased still remain unresolved. There have been challenges on which is also contributing to the reduction of costs. With the policy and operational fronts as also issues like low tariff upsurge in technology, there are many efficient and smaller expectations,poor designing of tenders, mandatory BIS standards, amongst others. batteries available.

Due to over-reliance on coal plants which have a rather What are your expectations from India, and your own inflexible operating profile, the variability of RE generation firm, here, for the next three and five years, respectively? would need to be tackled either by curtailing it or absorbing What’s that one policy change or otherwise that could really it by cycling down coal plants to a technical minimum level make growth faster for you? with low efficiency. Coal plants are already operating at a poor load factor of 51% and RE addition will only worsen Renewables are challenging thermal. Thegovernment has the problem. ambitious targets for renewables. Onthermal, the plants that A report released by the Ministry of Power on ‘RE integration” are in the pipeline, should expectedlycome up till 2022. Coal in April acknowledges these issues and has, among other usage will become less in India intimes to come but it will things, emphasized the need for more flexible generation in remain as solar and wind cannot beavailable all the time. the system. In this context, ‘flexibility’ means a plant’s ability Coal will continue to be the baseloadfor some time to come. to start and ramp up to desired load within a few minutes At the same time, I will not besurprised if in years to come, (when RE generation falls), stop or reduce generation renewables too becomebaseload. It is important to understand instantly (to fully absorb RE generation when it picks up), the means to maximize the use of renewable energy in the start/stop any number of times without a maintenance system using flexible generation, without compromising penalty and operate efficiently at all loads.

Q

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SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 10

Q

POINT OF VIEW

Will an open access policy across India give the much needed thrust to solar power?

Open access policy open ways to buy power at competitive price, this policy can be a game changer in the solar sector. Here we have taken a quick opinion on this from a few industry veterans, see what they say…

Jaideep N. Malaviya

Secretary General, Solar Thermal Federation of India (STFI) “Open access for solar PV can be a useful concept for meeting the Renewable Purchase Obligations particularly in states where vast lands are available. This will give impetus to more Solar Parks coming up. However, to appease the State DISCOMS uncertainty in policy prevails by state governments. Besides, unpredictable grid availability poses risks. Central Electricity Regulatory Commission needs to fix a national open access charge associated with compensation in case of grid failure.”

PINAKI BHATTACHARYYA CEO AMP India “Open Access provides a competitive platform to customers to choose their energy supplier thereby leading to competitive price discovery and bridging the demand supply gap. If discoms are using competitive means to procure the cheapest power then in the same light industries should be allowed to chose their source of power and reduce their power procurement cost. They will still be buying from the discoms as renewable power cannot replace majority of their power supply due to the intermittent nature of RE. This may even encourage the industry to increase the industrial footprint in the state. So it will be a win-win situation for everybody.

Additionally, since open access is viable for large C&I customers, it could help India meet its 100GW target by rapid capacity deployment.

But to achieve this, a comprehensive open access framework to promote open access projects by providing single window clearance mechanism, exemption on OA, transmission & distribution, cross subsidy surcharges, permitting banking of energy etc would be needed to be consistently followed by all state governments.”

Pawan Pandey Director Radite Group

" A genuine open access policy across large states will definitely have a huge impact on solar growth. The corporate and industrial market has very high potential for a high adoption of solar energy and lack of enabling policy is the only factor keeping them from moving, and not just for environmental credentials, but lower costs too! "

- MANU@MEILLEURMEDIA.COM VOL 3 l ISSUE 10 | SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL

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EV UPDATES

EESL & AMC PARTNER TO PROMOTE EVS IN AHMEDABAD Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a joint venture under Ministry of Power, Government of India has entered into a partnership with the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) to establish enabling infrastructure for Electric Vehicles (EV) in AMC area over a 10-year period.

Under the terms outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding signed on World Environment Day 2019, AMC and EESL shall jointly work to fast-track the adoption of e-mobility in Ahmedabad by installing around 100 public charging stations and promoting electric vehicles on rental and purchase basis in AMC area.

Venkatesh Dwivedi, Director (Projects), EESL stated, “Electric Vehicles (EVs) are at the forefront of the global agenda to move towards a sustainable future. EESL is leading initiatives to promote EV adoption in India under Indian Government’s National eMobility Mission. We are delighted to partner with Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) for harnessing synergies and opportunities in this broader effort.”

The entire investment for services pertaining to MOU shall be borne

by EESL along with the operation & maintenance of Public Charging Infrastructure by qualified manpower, whereas, AMC would be responsible

for provision of space for setting up charging infrastructure and provision of requisite power connection including load sanction and meter connection for charging infrastructure. With these EVs, AMC is expected to save over 4.46 tonnes of CO2 emissions per e-car per

year. Several states in India have released policies for promoting adoption of EVs in their respective states.

Government of Gujarat is also working towards introducing a policy for the state to promote the use of electric vehicles (EV).

BSES COMMISSIONS SMART CHARGING STATION IN DELHI

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JUNE 2019

BSES Rajdhani Power Ltd. (BRPL) has commissioned its first smart public charging station the ‘Blue Smart Charger’ for electric vehicles in South Extension Part 2.

The smart charging station, which can charge two vehicles simultaneously has been setup in partnership between BRPL, Gensol Charge Ltd. and Techperspect.

Satyendra Jain, Delhi Power Minister inaugurated the station at the BSES Grid-Sub Station.

Amal Sinha, BRPL CEO said, “Along with promoting renewable power in a big-way, we are now gearing-up to aggressively push the case of electric vehicles and their charging. For this, we are engaging with key stakeholders and domain experts to evolve strategies and SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 10

framework to create an ecosystem for the promotion of E-mobility. As part of this resolve, we have also started inducting a fleet of electric cars and partnering organisations to set-up a network of e charging stations – both for the captive use and for our consumers.”

The smart charging stations has set-up

with an ‘analytic platform’, which will help EV owners get a seamless online experience. Through the ElectreeFi Mobile App, a consumer can locate the nearest charging station, make advance online booking and even pay online.

As part of this endeavour, BSES has entered into partnerships with several organisations to set-up over 150 smart EV charging stations across its licensed area. Of this, around 50 smart EV charging stations will be set-up in FY 2019-20.

According to the discom, the tentative total cost of charging, including the cost of electricity (as per DERC tariff) and the overheads (parking charges, recovery of equipment cost etc) is expected to be between Rs 160-Rs 200 for a full-charge.

Our solar power plant not only produces energy on your roof but also generate cash in your pocket. That's because when you go solar you can save on your monthly utility bill and secure lower energy rates for years to come. The savings over time add up and allow you to plan for your future.

THE CONVERSATION

DR AJAY MATHUR

Director General, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) GOVT TO SUSTAIN INVESTORS CONFIDENCE VIA STEADY POLICY, ENSURING TIMELY PAYMENT TO DEVELOPERS

Demand generation of solar power through compliance to the provision of solar RPOs needs to be continued with strict monitoring. The government needs to work on sustaining the confidence level of investors through steady policy of procurement process and ensuring timely payments to the developers. On technical side, grid balancing mechanisms through demand side management or use of storage would require to be worked out through detailed studies of grid networks. In addition, development of manufacturing eco-system would be important to bring economic benefits to the country, believes Dr Ajay Mathur, Director General, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), an independent not-for-profit research institute focused on energy, environment and sustainable development. In conversation with Manu Tayal, Associate Editor, Saur Energy International, Mathur shared his views on various issues which the power sector is currently dealing with along with the organisation's various initiatives in the renewable energy segment. Following are the excerpts from that exclusive interview.

As a leading energy and environment think tank, what is the view at TERI on Solar Energy in India in the coming years?

India is a country lying in subtropical region and is blessed with good amount of sunshine for 7-8 hours per day and almost round the year in most locations. With significant fall in solar tariffs during the last couple of years, solar power has become a potent alternative to fossil fuel-based power, especially supported by strong policy push of the government. For solar power, the National Institute of Solar Energy has estimated about 750 GW potential in the country. In the overall capacity installation of 350 GW, solar contributes to over 28 GW capacity, which has been set up during the last 9 years after launch of the National Solar Mission in 2010 by the government. In addition, large capacities are under development including tendering by SECI and the states. Rooftop solar, which has not been keeping pace with the development of utility scale power, is also being driven through comprehensive demand aggregation exercises. Solar and wind hybrid and floating solar options are also attracting attention and are likely to contribute to capacity addition in near future.

Q

In remote areas where grid electricity is still a challenge, can solar power become a permanent solution to this problem? How? Solar could become a prominent solution if solar based projects, especially the mini grids,

18 JUNE 2019

SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 10

" the

challenge is to provide all households with adequate and

"

Q

affordable electricity

could provide electricity not just for lighting but also for running household appliances and for productive use such as irrigation and micro enterprises. With nearly 100% of households now connected to the grid, the challenge is to provide all households with adequate and affordable electricity.

Both grid power and decentralised solar projects can together meet the need for cost effectiveness and reliability. In short, the need now is for village-level solar projects to be grid interactive, and be adequate to run all household appliances in a reliable and affordable manner so that customers don’t perceive solar projects to be a short-term solution meeting their basic needs only.

Q

Kindly shed some light on TERI’s Lighting a Billion Lives (LaBL) programme and how solar has contributed in changing the lives of people via this program? Who are the key supporters for this program?

LaBL has impacted around five million lives since its inception in 2008. The programme has been implemented not just in India but also in some of the African centres such as Kenya, Ethiopia, Sierra Leone, and Mozambique, among others. The programme provided beneficiaries with solar lanterns (recharged from solar charging stations), solar home systems & forced draft improved biomass cookstoves, and solar DC

THE CONVERSATION

microgrids and followed an village entrepreneur based model of service delivery with large percentage of the capital cost of the equipment subsidised. In addition, the programme has also been covering solar-based productive applications, such as solar looms, in Uttar Pradesh and solar based electricity provisioning in schools and health centres in Jharkhand, UP, Odisha, Assam, Meghalaya etc by raising CSR funds from corporates.

Q

We saw how TERI helped Varanasi boatmen to shift from diesel to solar-powered boats.

Is there any cost burden on boatmen also? How did TERI arrange funding for such programs?

TERI arranged the capital cost for the solar based battery charging stations from CSR contributions of a large company. The charging station is operated and managed by the boatmen association. The boatmen have to take the batteries on rent and bring it back for recharging at the solar charging station. There is no capital cost burden on the boatmen. However, they have to pay the rent for the battery to run their boats.

Q

What is the rate of return on investment for companies who contribute under LaBL programme?

LaBL is a social development programme to provide lighting to rural households and reliable energy for livelihoods to the underprivileged. The companies that support it do so from their CSR funds. As there is no commercial benefit for the companies supporting the programme, they don’t expect return on the funding support.

Q

What is your suggestion to policy makers in order to achieve India’s ambitious targets for solar energy?

Solar energy has reached to this stage of success due to pro-active policy and regulatory support provided by the government through framework of national solar mission. Innovation has been the key word in shaping up the policy in India, whether it bundling of then expensive solar power with thermal power, viability gap funding to make solar power affordable, development of solar parks to ease pressure on finding large pieces of land for scaling up the project capacities, or VOL 3 l ISSUE 10 | SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL

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JUNE 2019

THE CONVERSATION

waiving-off charges for using network of central transmission upgradation in the energy efficiency of new products as utility to evacuate solar power from one state to another state. they are adopted. As a result, for example, the average As a result, solar power costs have breached the tariff barriers efficiency of ACs sold in 2018 was 30% more than that of of thermal power from new plants. Demand generation of those sold in 2007. However, wide-scale adoption has not solar power through compliance to the provision of solar occurred in EE motors, pumps, EE fans, EE compressors, even RPOs needs to be continued with strict monitoring. The though they are already available commercially in the government needs to work on market. The key challenge is that sustaining the confidence level business models are not widely of investors through steady policy available that can convert the of procurement process and operating savings due to their ensuring timely payments to the higher efficiency into benefits the need now is for villagedevelopers. On technical side, grid that can make their higher level solar projects to be grid balancing mechanisms through capital costs acceptable to users. demand side management or The Energy Efficiency Services interactive, and be adequate to use of storage would require Limited (EESL) has enabled the to be worked out through large-scale introduction of higher run all household appliances in a cost, higher efficiency light bulbs detailed studies of grid networks.

In addition, development of reliable and affordable manner into the Indian market through manufacturing eco-system would an innovative business model. be important to bring economic We need many more EESLs.In benefits to the country. addition, capacity building of the staff (engineers, supervisors In your view, how can energy efficiency be enhanced and operators) on best operating practices (BOPs) of energyespecially in industries, public utilities and buildings? intensive equipment is equally important in realising energy There are several energy efficient (EE) technologies such as savings. Such training should be given ‘hands-on’ at the energy efficient lights, air conditioners (ACs) and refrigerators premises of the plant after the energy efficiency studies or that are already widely used, and we are seeing a constant during implementation.

"

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Q

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Galo Energy Pvt. Ltd.

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Jobs in Solar

The Untold Story

Pramod Deore Chief Operating Officer CleanMax Solar

22 JUNE 2019

Sunil Rathi Director Waaree Energies

Ritu Lal Senior VP and Head, Institutional Relations Amplus Solar

SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 10

Neha Agrawal Head - Corporate Strategy & Support Services, Vikram Solar

Neha kaul Head - Brand and Growth Marketing Shine.com

Pranesh Chaudhary Founder Zunroof Solutions

Brajesh Kumar Sinha Head of Human Resources Fourth Partner Energy

COVER STORY

I

n 2015, when the government hiked the solar energy target from 20GW to 100 GW (in a new 175 GW renewables target) by 2022, it was considered wildly ambitious. Also, it was enough to spark strong interest in the sector finally, and with it, big bets. As it turned out, the sector did not let down hopes. From 2.6 GW in 2014, Solar capacity today has crossed 30 GW, an impressive achievement, but still, just 30 per cent of the target for 2022. That makes the next three years a crucial race for the industry and the government.

In exchange for whatever support the government has provided in terms of policies, rebates and even subsidies, today, the industry has delivered one of the lowest solar energy costs in the world to the country. But this has come at a high cost to the industry itself. Undercapitalized, low access to institutional finance, thin margins, and despite every effort, a weak domestic manufacturing setup. With the biggest share of India’s targets still ahead, it’s a good time to focus on a somewhat undersold part of the solar story i.e. Jobs. Because the jobs created by the sector will finally matter a great deal in the coming months, not just because the government desperately needs to showcase job creation anywhere it can, but also because as a share of jobs in the energy sector itself, renewable jobs are proving to be a much more better and sizeable option now.

Solar jobs, even as they help India’s transition towards a green energy economy, offer a great opportunity to trim down poverty in rural areas, besides unleashing a wave of entrepreneurship wherever solar power strikes roots.

A report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), mentions that on the global Jobs front, employment in the renewable energy industry surged to 11 million people in 2018, as against 10.3 million people in the previous year. Out of this, India remained on the fifth spot with 719,000 people in 2018. That’s a ranking, and number that is bound to improve as India’s targets push it to third spot overall, and the possible boom in rooftop solar, the more job intensive version of solar power, that is just beginning to take off in India. A million plus jobs and more is the general consensus by 2021.

and installation of solar power has kept the solar economy and jobs creation buoyant.

Even as globally, the solar sector rules the roost with one-third of the total renewable energy workforce i.e. 3.6 million jobs, Asia is home to almost 3 million solar photovoltaic (PV) jobs, i.e. 85 per cent, of the aggregate solar jobs. China dominates, thanks to its strangle over global manufacturing of solar products across the supply chain, and its furious installation rate for the past 4 years. It has a 61 per cent (i.e. approx. 2.2 million) share of the jobs followed by Japan, the United States, Bangladesh and India.

But with the right intent and policies to reach our targets for 2022, ‘acche din’ might actually be here for solar jobs. This is because, of the pending target of 70GW, close to 50 percent, or 35GW, is supposed to come from rooftop solar, which could account for close to 2/3rd of total jobs created.

Last year, rooftop solar installations expanded by 66 per cent to 3.8 GW of capacity in 2018, utility-scale capacity was added less and stood at 24.4 GW, and 0.8 GW in off-grid solar.

So, on the back of strong pace of capacity additions in India, i.e. 9.2 GW in 2018, grid-connected solar employment estimated to 1,15,000 jobs, which could be doubled if off-grid deployments were included.

In solar heating and cooling sector too, despite decline in global employment mainly on account of downward trend in major markets in 2018, India and several other markets showed increased activity.

The reason being, the geographic footprint of the renewable energy sector is changing after the diversification of the sector’s supply chain.

• In 2018, 32 per cent of renewable energy jobs are held by women workforce, which is substantially higher than 22 per cent average reported for global oil and gas industry.

• In US, women solar workforce rises to 26 per cent in 2018, against 19 per cent in 2013.

• In Indian solar rooftop sector women accounted for just 11 per cent of the workforce, a low share, but higher than women’s presence in India’s fossil fuel sector.

(SOURCE: IRENA)

In fact, despite a slowdown of sorts in China, the market that turbo charged the solar sector with a steep 80% drop in equipment costs between 2015 to 2018, trading, manufacturing

Speaking on the sector, RituLal, Senior VP and Head, Institutional Relations, Amplus Solar said that, “The Govt of India’s ‘Power for All’ initiative has accelerated the capacity addition in the country. Since, in this industry, particularly talking about solar, the technology is much simpler and hence people can be trained in shorter time frames to start the actual work projects. Hence, Job growth in this sector has grown steadily to match the power installations. With the government’s focus to promote sustained industrial growth and boost the Indian power sector, this will definitely increase growth avenues in terms of jobs creation and employment.”

Sunil Rathi, Director at Waaree Energies, a manufacturing and EPC player itself supports this, quoting reports to say that “around 300,000 workers will be employed in the solar and wind sectors by 2022. Along with a robust solar module manufacturing industry is expected to have a potential of employing 45,000 people in India. Studies by international VOL 3 l ISSUE 10 | SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL

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COVER STORY

think-tanks believe that the development of the Indian renewable energy sector can even help tackle the ageold issue of poverty among the rural population through steady incomes as well as skill-building opportunities to both unskilled and skilled workers.”

24 JUNE 2019

Neha Agrawal, Head of Corporate Strategy and Support Services, Vikram Solar has no doubts too, “It is noteworthy how solar is showcasing incredible growth. From a mere 10 MW installed solar capacity in 2009, India reached 30 GW in 2019. Last year, solar accounted for nearly 53 per cent of new energy capacity additions in the country.

This unprecedented growth trajectory has created a big opportunity of job creation for India.”

Despite the upward trend shown in the capacity additions in recent years, the government will need to ensure that the rising requirement of jobs should be met along with the surety of ‘ease of doing business’ in the country. Out of the total solar jobs created in the country, majority are and will be in the rooftop segment, the segment that was on slow lane till last year. Stifled mainly by red tape on net metering, subsidy payments, lack of open access clarity, financing options and of course, low awareness. In fact, actual jobs creation in the rooftop segment will probably be higher than most estimates, as competition will attract more firms trying to carve a business here, with the inevitable attrition and success rates like any competitive market.

A sector that has been comprehensively commoditized thanks to its dependence on government policy finally has an opportunity to create brands and some differentiation thanks to the retail market that will be served by rooftop SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 10

installers.

Today, awareness in key metros is at a level where in Bengaluru, self-aware customers are opting for solar despite no subsidies. In another example The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) in association with Cadmus Group has launched a program called ‘Indian Solar Market Aggregation for Rooftops’ (I-SMART). The motive behind this demand aggregation program is to speed up the demand for rooftop solar systems of 1 GW capacity across 4 states and 2 Union Territories. Something that should be expanded pan India finally!

Besides, marketing has also been understated, as innovations in solar tiles and further cost cuts make it an interesting option for ecologically conscious buyers and underserved areas on the grid, like hilly regions and more.

However, the biggest stumbling block today, just as it was a few years back when the 100 GW target first made its

COVER STORY

appearance, is discoms. The poor financial health of the discoms is also a major hindrance in the growth of the solar sector. In fact, some people fear that the discom problem (total debt of Rs 206,000 crore) has simply been kicked down the road from 2015, and will soon rear its head to stifle power sector growth, including renewables.

On the positive side, newer possibilities like floating solar, robotics, cheaper solar tiles look set to open newer segments that will all go to create more opportunities.

So just what Jobs does Solar Create?

Most jobs in solar power are created in the areas of Business Development, Managerial positions, sales, purchasing, logistics, quality control, operations & maintenance (O&M), accounting, dealer representatives, customer service etc.

So on the kind of jobs that have been created in the country so far in solar and their typical values for each level including services level jobs such as operations & maintenance (O&M), other roles, Pranesh Chaudhary, Founder, Zunroof Solutions says, “Apart from blue-collared jobs, the industry is also looking for recruitments in Sales, Corporate Finance, Product Management, Service and R&D. These are the long term jobs.

During the construction phase itself which lasts between 6-9 months in large projects and barely a week in rooftop, quality trained workers are always in demand”.

Pramod Deore, Chief Operating Officer, CleanMax Solar says that, “From engineers to project managers, from liaison officers to sales and BD officers, demand is rising in the white-collar segment. In fact, all segments of labour force —unskilled and semi-skilled have a place in this sector for maintenance and cleaning activities. Skilled labour is required for engineering, procurement and construction (EPC), the labour required for O&M of the plant can be semi-skilled or even un-skilled. These skills can be easily imparted with on-the-job training modules.

The Government has also taken keen interest in building skills for these jobs with schemes like Surya Mitra Skill Development.”

Interestingly, we received more than one input that schemes like Surya Mitra, while potentially useful, are not really a crying need, as skills required by this young sector are interchangeable

with skills found in other sectors. Be it the blue collared skill sets which call for power equipment handling and construction, to managerial skills. At least one executive we spoke to pointed out that 90 per cent of their firm’s employees are from external sectors and doing very well.

Finding the right people is as easy, or as difficult as for any other sector, other than short training modules that might be needed. Brajesh Kumar Sinha, Head of Human Resources, Fourth Partner Energy said, “We look for talented, dedicated individuals with a hunger to learn. Technical skills vary, depending on the nature of the role – and for most projects/services profiles we look for electrical, mechanical engineers, design architects, supply chain and logistics expertise with emphasis on strategic sourcing and quality assurance.”

Business Development remains the top of the heap, in terms of emoluments. Neha Agrawal said “One of the more highpaying solar careers is sales. Whether you are representing the manufacturer and selling to wholesalers, retailers, and installers or are dealing directly with individuals who are interested in a solar installation there is always a strong demand for capable sales people.”

With a rooftop solar perspective, Pranesh Chaudhary said, “For every solar rooftop installation for residential customers, ZunRoof needs 3 teams – 1). Engineers to design the site per home-owner demand and solar requirements; 2).

Operations folks to manage the vendors & customers during the delivery process; and 3). Project engineers to ensure quality and liaise with different government departments/ electricity boards.”

Chaudhary, adds that, “Another set of jobs would be created for diploma holders, under-grads and skilled/ unskilled laborers in the installation and maintenance world and should be ~5 lakhs. One more set will be created in the manufacturing and transportation sector of panels, inverter, structure and BoS and could lead to another 1 lakh jobs. The biggest skill in demand would be of design engineers and operations management - inefficiencies will be huge given the sector is still being created and both these roles will lead to higher output for client and lower costs for companies.”

On the current sourcing strategies of the companies to get the appropriate candidate and the kinds of skill sets in demand in the industry, Pramod Deore, of CleanMax Solar shared his perspective that, “Talent sourcing strategy is a mix of freshers as well experienced candidates, the freshers are recruited from engineering institutes like IITs through campus recruitment and then groomed for future leadership roles.

The unskilled & semi-skilled employment is generated mostly at the local level through third party contracts. We always impart necessary skill development & training for our workforce.

The skill sets currently in demand in solar industry are design & engineering, procurement and supply chain, project and construction management, quality assurance and project safety, O&M of PV plants; also data analytics and IoT, project management, etc. throughout the value chain.”

For Ritu Lal of Amplus Solar, its not much different with “Our sourcing is done via multiple sources – references & lateral VOL 3 l ISSUE 10 | SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL

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COVER STORY

hiring (preferred source), hiring via social media domains like LinkedIn, Facebook etc, Campus relationships with various colleges across India, hiring via consultants etc. At Amplus, Skills set in demand vary in Technical and Support domains.

An ideal Recruitee in technical/project related domain may possess an Engineering degree with Electrical as their domain of specialization primarily, however, certain job roles also require civil as a field of specialization. On the other hand, an ideal recruitee in support will typically be a Management graduate with specialization in varied fields.”

In line with the industry opinion on the growth trend in green jobs, Neha Kaul, Head - Brand and Growth Marketing, at Shine. com, a job portals, said that, “Mapping the data available on Shine.com, we can say with some confidence that jobs in the renewable energy sector are not as niche as they once were. Further, there are currently around 17,565 job postings in the solar energy sector on Shine.com, with most companies offering salaries between INR 3 lakh and INR 12 lakh. These jobs are spread across several departments including sales/ BD, production, QA/QC, design, construction, maintenance, etc. This indicates that there is no dearth of high-value jobs in the renewable energy sector in India today.”

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JUNE 2019

On the estimation for each MW of installation at a solar farm in India and speed of jobs creation along with for rooftop solar, Sunil Rathi explained, “The construction and maintenance of solar plants are an elaborated process that requires a considerable amount of manpower. For every 1 MW of solar installation, about 50 to 75 new jobs would be created mostly in the contract labour side with another 5 to 10 jobs on the white collar side. Rooftop Solar is the next big thing and will certainly create well over 10,000 jobs in the E&C space.

Considering the labour-intensive nature of rooftop projects, they provide 24.72 job-years per 1 MW compared to 3.45 for ground-mounted solar projects.”

Chaudhary of Zunroof says that “Every MW of residential rooftop installation happening in parallel will create at least 200 jobs for the teams which companies like Zunroof will need to hire amongst engineers and graduates. So, for India to meet 40 GW of rooftop installations (assuming a run-rate of 300+ MW a month in 5 years or so), at least 1 lakh jobs would be created.

SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 10

Rooftop solar should create ~1 MM jobs in the next 5 years.”

Pramod Deore adds that, “The solar and wind power generation segments cumulatively could create new job opportunities between 2 million and 4.5 million over the next 25 years, according to a detailed study of the country’s energy sector conducted in 2018 by Climate Policy Initiative and Indian School of Business along with experts from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Delhi.”

Rathi does point to the hurdles to rooftop growth. “Rooftop solar is currently facing issues pertaining to tender approvals, involvement of multiple stakeholders, reluctance of discoms due to revenue loss and lack of uniform regulation. Supportive schemes like the SRISTI (Sustainable Rooftop Implementation for Solar Transfiguration of India, a subsidy scheme) scheme undertaken by the Government is a positive and necessary step to motivate the segment, thereby increasing the job creation capabilities in the segment. Similarly, reports state that approximately 45,000 more jobs will be created under the solar module manufacturing segment only if the demand for modules is met domestically.”

Brajesh Kumar Sinha, gives his own firm’s example to illustrate the issue. With 10 offices across India and a workforce of over 260 people, “We have an operating portfolio of over 160 MWp of distributed solar assets installed in 23 states. Just 3 years ago, in FY16 our headcount at Fourth Partner was around 40; In FY 17 we added about 37 employees, 61 people in FY 18 and about a 115 new employees last fiscal. The target for this year is over 150 employees – a clear indicator of the potential of job creation in India’s solar sector. For this boom to continue, it is imperative now for the industry to create a conducive environment for regulators, developers, financiers and clients to work within a stable policy framework. Better HSE standards, contract enforcement laws and gearing up local manufacturing capabilities will also give comfort to financiers and developers looking to enter the market; thereby resulting in clocking higher solar generation targets which will help create both direct and indirect jobs in the sector.”

It is clear that with a 22 per cent share in the energy mix, and solar itself with close to 9 per cent share, the time to treat this as a fringe sector is long past. The fact that it can create quality jobs in a ‘green’ sector is a strong reason for the government to support the solar sector with a broader perspective. Like electric vehicles (EV’s), it needs to focus on enabling manufacturing in India, followed by a hands off policy when it comes to rooftop solar particularly. The biggest tool it has used to ‘control’ growth, subsidies, are at the end of their life, and the government should use that to acknowledge that its job now is to simply ease solar adoption.

It will be doing itself, the country and the environment a big favour if it can do that well.

-MANU@MEILLEURMEDIA.COM -PRASANNA@MEILLEURMEDIA.COM n

THE CONVERSATION

SHUBHRA MOHANKA Director, Galo Energy Pvt Ltd

IF GOVT PROMOTES USE OF SOLAR WITH BATTERY PACK IT WILL MAKE BIG IMPACT ON INDIA

If government promotes use of Solar power with battery pack through time of day concept than a big impact will come in India for Solar energy and environment both, believes Shubhra Mohanka, Director, Galo Energy Pvt Ltd, an arm of Gautam Solar and one of the largest manufacturers of solar lights in the country. In conversation with Manu Tayal, Associate Editor, Saur Energy International, Mohanka shared her views on various topics including her company’s contribution towards ‘Make in India’ initiative, bottlenecks faced by the company, it’s product offerings etc. Following are the excerpts from that exclusive interview.

Q

Tell us about Galo Energy’s work in India so far, and its contribution towards ‘Make in India’ initiative?

Galo Energy is a part of Gautam Solar Group Company which has 20+ years of experience in the solar sector with 100 per cent ‘Made in India’ products.

We are manufacturing a wide product range of solar components in the off grid / hybrid space. These include • Lithium Battery Packs : Supplied 50,000+ • Solar Street Lights • Solar DC Pump sets & Pump Controllers • Solar BLDC Fans • Solar Lights & Charge Controllers

geographical factors make Grid electricity availability very difficult, or a very high cost option in some parts of India.

Q

What are Galo Energy’s latest product offerings coming up, with their specifications?

Galo Energy is already making Lithium Ferrous Battery Packs for Solar Home Lights & Street Lights. Now we will be offering ESS (Energy Storage Systems) for 1 – 5 KWp solar power plant.

This should be particularly relevant for rooftop solar powered sites, including mini-grids in off grid areas.

Q

Going forward, what policy initiative in your view could have the biggest impact on energy access through Which are your top performing products in India? A distributed solar? breakup between direct sales and government sales? In our view, if government promotes use of Solar power with What are the key markets in India for you? battery pack through time of day concept than a big impact Our top performing products are Lithium Ferrous Battery packs will come in India for Solar energy and environment both. and Solar Street light.

As one of the largest global markets for distributed We currently sell primarily to Solar System Integrators & solar, we have heard officials talk about the need to Government projects. develop appliances that can run on DC power. Do you In fact, Solar system integrators remain our most agree with that assessment? important market segment for now in India.

Yes, as that will reduce the need for a converter In your view, what are the key bottlenecks and bring down costs appreciably. In fact, with in the growth of solar industry in India? low purchasing power, anything that brings down The continued import from China remains costs for the end user or consumer is desirable. the biggest challenge to the growth of a Does financing play a role in your sales? strong domestic solar industry.

How else do you market your products?

Do you see distributed solar Yes, Financing does play a vital role in sale becoming a significant contributor of Solar products in rural area. in achieving India’s target for household Your prediction for the next big electrification? innovation to look forward to on Yes – In Government of India’s the solar products side.

Saubhagya Scheme, Galo Energy has We believe Storage for Solar supplied close 80,000 + Solar power System & Battery packs has packs to provide energy access to the potential, and will cause households, directly or indirectly. a serious level of disruption in For last mile connectivity or energy terms of energy access and access, distributed solar products spread of solar. will remain relevant, as various

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CASE STUDY

Women in power distribution the game changers in rural Odisha

28 JUNE 2019

In 2012, Enzen Global Solutions Pvt. Ltd., an energy and environment firm, headquartered in Bengaluru, embarked on a journey to innovate the regional Power Distribution and Management business in Odisha, by actively including women, as the company believes in employment generation, along with social upliftment, across the geographies that it enters. A strategy to include women self-help groups to help in meter reading and bill collection as a part of innovation in the power distribution sector, was a first in the country. What happened after that is a fascinating story of how women transformed how operations rolled out and transformed the lives of these women.

“I’ve been living here for more than SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 10

fifteen years, and it was only when I had started working that I began to feel confident, self-reliant and that I deserve respect,” says Anupama Sahu. “Times have changed for good. These days, even women can do technical work if they work hard enough.”

Anupama Sahu, 33, used to manage a household of 7 in Patrapada, Odisha, with her husband being the only earning member of the family. She is one of many women, who became a part of Self-Help Groups (SHG), associated with Enzen.

The women participate in electricity meter reading, generating and serving electricity bills, and collecting revenue from the consumers. “From 2009 to 2018, there has been an increase of 60% in my collection. The increase in numbers makes

me happy as a working woman. It makes me feel like the work I do is contributing to the power sector,” says Anupama, with a smile on her face.

“Saraswati, can I check your meter reading now?” asks Subhadra, as she knocks on the door of one of the houses that fall under her purview. As she is a part of the local community, people are more open to her collecting their electricity dues. At 39, Subhadra Biswal and her husband are working hard to make sure that their son has more opportunities in life, and not just in their village, Mamooriya.

“My family was really happy when I started working. There was a training programme conducted by Enzen to familiarize us with the power reading mechanism,

CASE STUDY

and the process of collecting the dues.

Initially, people were surprised to see us women coming to take the readings and collect the money, instead of male meter readers. But now, people have stopped tampering with the meters, and incidents of power theft have also come down. Many times there are only women in consumer houses. During these times these consumers are more comfortable with women meter readers” she says.

“I’ve been able to save some money.

It makes me feel like I am financially independent. The process of dues collection, being a monthly affair, has also taught me the importance of punctuality and responsibility in life,” says Sujatha Sahu from Mamooriya.

Unlike Anupama and Subhadra, who were introduced to the programme by their friends and family, Sujatha had seen an advertisement for the bill-collection programme and decided to try working for it. “Initially there was a lot of heckling, and a lot of people were annoyed because I went to collect money. But now, the consumers have got used to seeing me and the company has also made sure that I am safe,” she says.

The empowerment of women in India has always required a multi-dimensional approach that addresses the different social structures that influence the lives of women in India, especially in rural areas. Women’s security, their decisionmaking power and their mobility are said to be the three major indicators for women’s empowerment.The programme introduced was designed keeping these important aspects in mind so that women could smoothly transition into a working life.

“The women were not accustomed to technology since the erstwhile method was manual collection of meter reading and bills and we were trying smart technology approaches. Initially some training and up skilling of women was a required effort which was happily undertaken. Having newly joined work, the commitment from women was initially an issue for some women with commitments at home. However, as we continued our journey together, and when the women realised the benefits of their economic independence, the performance issues went down to almost zero”, says FarukhGarari, from Enzen’s

office in Odisha, when asked if has it been easy to onboard women, train them and work with them. “Women have brought more empathy in the relationship between consumers and bill collectors and that has definitely improved our customer relationship” “We have also started to identify women who have managerial capabilities and started providing them with more job responsibilities which have led to better performance. For example, Chendipada sub-division, where commercial operations are handled predominantly by SHGs, has outperformed its commercial targets by significant margins, resulting in the sub-division getting additional financial incentives.” says Farukh.

UN guidelines state that the empowerment of women comprises of five components: women’s sense of self-worth; their rights to have and determine choices; their right to have access to opportunities and resources; their right to have the power to control their own lives- both within and outside their homes; and their ability to influence the direction of social change, to create more just social and economic order at both national and international levels. These are the values that were embraced, as women entered the micro-franchising of billing and collection programme.

“Before the programme was launched, there was a lot of power theft and tampering of meters in Odisha. People were reluctant to pay their dues on time. The men who went to read the meters were treated by the consumers as hostile entities. That was when the company decided to try micro-franchise collection through female self-help groups in Odisha,” says Debabrata Rout, the Head of Power Distribution, India Operations at Enzen, with over 25 years of experience in the distribution sector.

“The inclusion of women has been a game changer in the rural power distribution sector. People have now got used to seeing the women working hard at jobs that were previously done by men. The local community is generally receptive towards local employees serving them. As a safeguard, the female employees are supported by providing them access to linemen and staff accompaniment, in areas which are deemed unsafe.

Women have definitely contributed to the success of collection operations. In some areas, collections have increased to almost ten times the older amounts.

Along with the success of the programme, the experiment has definitely been a social success, leading to women empowerment,” Mr. Rout adds.

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FINANCE UPDATES

ADB LOAN FOR TRACK ELECTRIFICATION IN INDIA The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed an agreement to provide $750 million (Rs 5208 crore) in long-term financing—the largest single nonsovereign loan ever committed by ADB—to Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC) to fund the Railways Track Electrification Project, as part of a broad modernisation program that will help India’s railway sector transition to electric power and away from dependence on fossil fuels.

Concurrently with the loan agreement signing, risk participation agreements were signed with private risk participants for the project. IRFC, an entity owned by the Government of India, will use the proceeds from the loan to install electric traction equipment along approximately 3,378 kilometers of existing railway lines, which

will enable the migration of passenger and freight traffic from diesel to electric traction. The electrification assets will be leased to Indian Railways, the country’s national railway system, under a longterm lease agreement.

“This is a flagship project demonstrating ADB’s strategy of supporting key stateowned enterprises in strategic sectors,” said ADB Vice-President for Private Sector Operations and Public–Private

Partnerships Mr. Diwakar Gupta. “It also reflects a major push by the private sector operations of ADB into transport infrastructure, and particularly railways, a sub-sector in which traditionally such operations have not contributed a great deal.”

The Government of India has placed significant emphasis on investing in infrastructure, and has developed a 5-year, $132 billion capital expenditure program for the modernisation of Indian Railways. The program comprises network expansion and decongestion; enhancement of safety and passenger amenities; development of dedicated freight corridors; station redevelopment; and procurement of rolling stock and other related assets.

ADANI SOLAR AIMING FOR 50% MARKET SHARE BY 2021

ATHER ENERGY RAISES $51 MN IN LATEST ROUND OF FUNDING

Adani Solar, the solar manufacturing arm of the Adani Group has set sights for acquiring 50 percent market share in the next two years, a top company official has confirmed.

“As 80 percent of solar panels available in the country are made in China, the company is manufacturing module and panels, which were cheaper and durable, for Indian markets,” general manager (business development) of Adani Solar, Cecil Augustine told reporters.

“With a market share of 10 percent and expected growth, the company was sure to capture 50 percent market share in another two years,” Augustine added.

The company official was here to announce the launch of its retail distribution business in Tamil Nadu with K Powers Solar, an exclusive channel partner for the region. The partnership with K Powers is a stride towards facilitating the switch to sustainable solar power, across consumers, SMEs, MSMEs and institutions in the state at the lowest capex costs.

“Tamil Nadu is an emerging solar power-producing state with many big firms switching over to solar energy and Vision Tamil Nadu 2023,” managing director of K Powers, Sanjay Kondaas said. “A strategic plan for infrastructure development in Tamil Nadu includes a solar energy target of 5,000 MW. The partnership would help to contribute for achieving the states goals in harnessing solar energy and increasing power generation.”

In a span of three months, Adani Solar has expanded the retail distribution of its solar panels in seven regions, helping over 500 cities across the country meet their renewable energy requirement, he said.

Bengaluru-based e-mobility startup, Ather Energy recently announced that it has raised an investment of $51 Mn in its latest round of funding, led by Sachin Bansal’s investment of $32 Mn. Ather Energy was one of the earliest start-up investments of Sachin Bansal when he invested $0.5 Mn in the firm as an Angel investor in 2014. Hero MotoCorp has converted its Convertible Debt of $19 Mn as a part of this round. In addition to this, InnoVen Capital has extended an $8 Mn venture debt.

Sachin Bansal said, “The traditional auto industry is up for a redefinition. Watching Ather closely since my early investment in 2014, I am convinced that the ecosystem that Ather is building with their products is the future of urban mobility.

Their focus on end to end customer experience will open up new revenue opportunities and accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles in India. The future is electric and I am excited to be a part of this journey in shaping the future.”

The company’s flagship Ather 450 opened for pre-orders in Bengaluru in June 2018 with deliveries beginning in September 2018. To meet the projected demand in the coming years, the company is planning a new manufacturing facility which will be designed to produce 1 million vehicles a year. Ather Energy will also set up 6500 Ather Grid fast charging points across the country over the next 5 years with a projected investment of Rs 130 Cr. In the past 6 months, the Ather 450 owners have clocked more than 6 lakh km in Bengaluru and Ather Grid, the company’s public charging network, has 31 fast charging points in Bengaluru and 7 fast charging points in Chennai.

30 JUNE 2019

SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 10

FINANCE UPDATES

CIPLA ACQUIRES 26% STAKE IN AMPSOLAR’S SPV Indian multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology company, Cipla, has announced the acquisition of a 26 percent minority stake in AMPSolar Power Systems Pvt. Ltd. (AMPSolar), a wholly owned subsidiary of AMPSolar Technology Pvt. Ltd. (AMP). AMP, the parent firm of the SPV, is a global firm with over 1 GW of generation assets, and close to 2 GW in the pipeline. The SPV model has been used by the firm to build captive solar projects.

AMPSolar is a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) that was formed in February this year by AMP with the purpose of setting up captive solar power projects in the state of Maharashtra and in the business of generating, producing, accumulating, storing, buying, selling, reselling, transmitting, distributing and supplying electrical power generated

using solar energy. The Annual turnover the SPV as on March 31, 2019, was NIL. Percentage of shareholding control acquired and/or number of shares

acquired; • Share Purchase- 2600 equity shares of face value Rs. 10 constituting to be 26% of the paid-up capital upon first stage closing.

• Subscription of equity- up to 1,26,400 equity shares of face value Rs 10 at par in one or more tranches on or before the actual commercial operation date which is tentatively May 30, 2020.

• Subscription of Compulsorily Convertible Debentures (CCDS}- up to 1,27,710 compulsorily convertible debentures of face value Rs 1000 each in one or more tranches on or before the actual commercial operation date which is tentatively May 30, 2020.

The deal (share purchase) is expected to be completed by June 12, 2019. The cost of acquisition is Rs 12.9 crore for the 26 percent stake in the SPV.

ALFA VENTURES INVESTS IN NOI- ESB ISSUES €500 MN BOND FOR DA-BASED SKILANCER SOLAR FINANCING RE PROJECTS Venture capitalist fund, Alfa Ventures recently announced that it has invested in Noida-based startup Skilancer Solar.

The VC fund has however, not disclosed the amount that it has invested in the startup that primarily works in artificial intelligence-powered autonomous robot for cleaning of solar panels. The investment, is expected to be used to scale up the firms operations and market presence.

Neeraj Kumar, co-founder of Skilancer Solar, said, “the investment will allow the company to invest in design and technology upgrade, geographical expansion, team building, and develop competitive edge.”

Dhianu Das said, “For a population of over 1.3 billion, it is essential to look for alternative means of energy. I am absolutely bullish on India’s solar energy story. New installations in 2019 will reach nearly 14 gigawatts, which is about 50 percent more than the capacity added last year. This is where I see potential for business like Skilancer Solar.”

The company aims to tap India's solar energy market, as it has witnessed a sharp rise in interest and awareness about alternative energy usage. The increase in interest in solar energy has led to a growth in the number of solar plant installations across the country. But in order to optimise solar power production efficiency, the panels need regular cleaning. As traditional manual cleaning is not the most effective, Skilancer Solar has come up with an autonomous robotic solution to address the problem, the company said in a statement.

Electricity Supply Board (ESB), a leading Irish diversified and vertically integrated utility, has successfully placed a €500 million 1.125% fixed-rate green bond maturing in June 2030.

The bond is the first ever Irish corporate public green bond with the net proceeds from the transaction being allocated to finance eligible green projects, including renewable energy generation, network connections for onshore wind farms and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The transaction was executed after an extensive European roadshow involving more than 100 leading investors.

The bond is being purchased primarily by European institutional investors with orders received of over €4 billion. This enabled ESB to price the bond at 1.125%, ESB's lowest ever coupon for a senior bond, with strong participation of socially responsible investors from different countries demonstrating confidence in ESB’s investment programme. ESB’s Group Finance Director Pat Fenlon said, “Today ESB issued Ireland’s first corporate public green bond for €500m, the proceeds from which will be used to finance projects which will facilitate the transition to a low carbon energy future and help Ireland to meet its ambitious climate change targets, including having 70% of electricity produced from renewable sources by 2030. The interest shown by investors from right across Europe in this our first green bond demonstrates confidence in ESB’s investment programme to lead the transition to a low carbon energy future. The placement was managed by Danske Bank, JP Morgan, BBVA and Société Générale.

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FINANCE UPDATES

GREENKO RAISES $495 MN FOR 2 STORAGE PROJECTS Greenko Energy Holdings, one of India’s leading renewable energy companies, has announced the signing of definitive agreements for a primary equity raising of $ 495 million from an affiliate of GIC and Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA).

Post the investment, GIC will continue to remain as the majority shareholder of Greenko.

The company has secured the equity commitment for two storage projects with total capacity of 2.4 GW (1.2GW in Pinnapuram and 1.2GW in Saundatti).

These projects are expected to be completed and operational in the year 2022. And will have overall capital outlay of $2 billion. Greenko has also secured financial closure for the Pinnapuram Storage Project and is in advanced

discussions for the Saundatti Project.

The firm is continuing to scale up on its innovation and digitisation efforts in the power sector – working towards transforming renewable energy to reliable, schedulable and flexible energy through forecasting and digitisation, building an intelligent energy utility platform as round-the-clock (RTC) flexible renewable

power is expected to replace fossil fuels.

“Greenko’s innovative solutions have helped to place us at the forefront of the clean energy sector. Indian Energy Markets are transitioning from deficit markets to demand-driven contracts, requiring reliable, flexible and cost competitive energy. Greenko is focussing in building Integrated Renewable Energy assets with storage to address these markets by competing with conventional energy assets like thermal in quality, quantity and cost.” said Anil Chalamalasetty, MD and CEO, Greenko.

The company believes that the combination of its existing Hydro, Solar and Wind projects and its 24/7 Renewable Power Strategy to help Indian discoms is the right step in its growth trajectory.

GLENNMONT CLOSES ITS 3RD CLEAN ENERGY FUND

32 JUNE 2019

UK-based fund manager Glennmont Partners has successfully raised €850m at the final close of its Third Fund investing in clean energy infrastructure projects in Europe. It is the largest amount that has ever been raised for a green energy only fund with a European mandate.

The over-achievement of the target for Fund III (originally €600m) was achieved because of the high level of interest in sustainable themes among investors, and due to the demonstrated success in investment, operations and divestment in the assets in Funds I and II. Over 70% of Clean Energy Fund III will be invested in projects in the Eurozone with the UK also being an important market. The capital has been committed by a combination of new and existing investors from Glennmont’s two previous funds. Fund III generated demand globally from Japan, USA and European markets. Investors also include UK Local Authority Pension Plans such as Surrey Council, Southwark Council and East Riding Council, as well as the European Investment Bank.

Glennmont CEO Joost Bergsma said, “We are delighted to announce the successful closure of our Third Clean Energy Fund SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 10

which has raised over three-quarters of €1 billion. Institutional investors globally recognise that the energy transition and climate change is of key relevance to the performance of their portfolio.”

The Third Fund will see investments in offshore wind projects across the EEA for the first time. Otherwise the Fund

adopts a similar investment strategy to its predecessors targeting solar PV, onshore wind, bioenergy and small-scale hydro.

The life of the Fund will span ten years and will target to-be-built and recently operational assets with stable, predictable cash yields underpinned by regulated and contracted revenues.

SNEC SHANGHAI 2019

The SNEC Shanghai is one of the biggest PV shows in the world, featuring manufacturers, developers, technology providers and many more from across the world.

Solar Pumps were prominently displayed this year, with the market for solar pumps growing much faster now.

Flexible solar cells and films is evolving as a big area, with applications from roof tiles to camping equipment and more.

An interesting highlight this year was the showcasing of containerised storage solutions, with the storage battery designed to fit into a container sized 'box'. Clearly, the market is set to boom here.

Besides their latest products, the SNEC show is also an opportunity for firms to showcase concept applications, like this drone by Hanergy.

One of the most impressive things about the SNEC show is the sheer effort behind the stalls. The big firms set up virtual offices here, with meeting rooms, working areas and more for their key staff, who operate from the show itself.

The solar inverters market, dominated by China based firms, saw very strong representation, with firms accounting for more than 90% of global production represented at the SNEC Show.

It doesn't stop with impressive stalls.

Laser lighting, model setups with an amazing attention to detail, and interactive games to engage visitors, its all there at the show.

Deals do happen at the show, as we can attest, and visitors are generally serious about what they want from their efforts.

Can India beat China in Li-ion battery manufacturing and its pricing?

The arrival of Li-ion batteries has been nothing short of a blessing in the world of technology and gadgets. These batteries are more energy dense compared to both Lead acid and Nickel Metal Hydride. That’s why Li-ion cells are widely used in Automotive, Laptops & Cameras, and other Electronics equipment nowadays. India recently started venturing into manufacturing of Li-ion batteries with some policy push by the Indian Government. But can India surpass the Chinese market in production and pricing with the current scenario?

What does precisely lithium-ion battery consist of?

38 JUNE 2019

Cathode Current Collector – Based on electronic conductivity SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 10

and potential stability, Aluminium foil is most widely used as lithium-ion battery cathode current collector.

Anode Current Collector – Copper foil is mostly used as lithiumion battery anode current collector.

Cathode Active material / Lithium Transition Metal Oxide – NMC – (Lithium Nickel Cobalt Manganese, LiNiCoMnO2), LFP – (Lithium Iron Phosphate, LiFePO4), NCA – (Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminium Oxide, LiNiCoAlO2), LMO – (Lithium Manganese Oxide, LiMn2O4), LNMO – (Lithium Nickel Manganese Spinel, LiNi1/2Mn3/2O4), LCO – (Lithium Cobalt Oxide – LiCoO2) are six types of cathode material widely used in Li-ion batteries.

Also, an in-depth research is going on Lithium-Air and Lithium Sulfur material, which can have four times more energy density than the materials mentioned earlier. In all the types of chemistries mentioned above, NMC is the most widely used in Automobiles. So, let’s take the reference of NMC chemistry in the comparison.

Anode Active material – Graphite, Graphene and Silicon can be used as the anode material of the Li-ion battery. Graphene and Silicon are still on a naive stage of studies. Graphite is most commonly used as anode active material because it can reversibly place Lithium ions between its many layers.

Electrolyte – Lithium Hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6) in Ethyl Carbonate or Methyl Carbonate or Ethyl Methyl Carbonate or Dimethyl Carbonate is used as an electrolyte in Li-ion batteries because of its good ionic conductivity, high boiling point, resistance to temperature fluctuations and non-reactivity with the electrode material.

OPED

Additives – Vinylene Carbonate (VC), Fluoroethylene Carbonate (FEC), Pyridine Boron Trifluoride (PBF), & Pyridine Phosphorus Pentafluoride (PPF) have been commonly used as additives to modify Solid Electrolyte Interface (SEI) layer, improve capacity retention and decrease impedance growth.

Separator – Separator acts as a catalyst that promotes the movement of ions from the cathode to anode on the charge and in reverse direction on the discharge and at the same time keeps two electrodes isolated. Separators are generally made up of Polyethylene (PE) or Polypropylene (PP) Nano-fibers.

Binder – Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) and Styrene Butadiene Rubbers (SBR) are used as binding materials because of its excellent adhesion properties.

Housing – PVC wraps, Nickel ribbons, Tabs, Caps and End Plates make a housing assembly of Li-ion battery pack.

separator, binder and housing, both the countries can manage to make it in approximately the same cost.

Now, let’s consider the major elements in the Li-ion battery.

In the case of active anode material ‘graphite’, 65% of graphite in the world is mined in China, followed by 12.5% in India. Both the countries are graphite-rich, so graphite is very readily available in both the countries and labour cost in both countries is almost similar.

‘Lithium’ the core element of the battery has its presence in Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, Australia, Zimbabwe, Portugal, Brazil, some small areas of the United States and China. India doesn’t have any lithium source. India has to import this material from the countries mentioned previously, which is a very costly affair. Democratic Republic of Congo, a country situated in central Africa is one of the most significant lands in the world where the Cobalt element is abundantly found.

Interestingly, some of the prominent industrialists from China has bought many mines in DRC so that they can mine and get the cobalt very easily. India hasn’t yet started any investment in the countries like DRC to acquire the essential elements required to make Lithium-ion batteries. So, importing cobalt easily and at a reasonable rate compared to China is quite complicated and expensive for India.

Indonesia contains the major portion of Nickel in the world, which is geographically closer to China than India. So importing Nickel from Indonesia is more advantageous to China and little economical than compared to India.

Therefore by analysing the current scenario carefully, it is intelligible that making Li-ion batteries is plain sailing and affordable to China than India. It will be difficult for India to beat the Chinese market at this moment in Lithium-ion cell manufacturing and it’s pricing.

So, what is the solution?

Competing with China in Li-ion cell manufacturing and its pricing is challenging but if big players in Indian industries manage to acquire Lithium and Cobalt mines in various countries it will be easy to get these scarce and vital elements and can propel the cell manufacturing business in the country.

Another alternative is, India focuses its resources more on research on Sodium Air or Sodium cell batteries and creates some radical improvements in this technology. This technology has the potential of outperforming Li-Ion Technology in future.

Also, sodium resources are abundantly available in India compared to the lithium sources, which can shift the needle in India’s favour.

Pie Chart shows the percentage weight distribution of every element. Approximate weight of single Li-ion cell generally varies from 45gms to 50gms.

Comparison between China and India

Now if we consider the materials required such as a cathode current and anode current collector, electrolytes, additives,

ADITYA GANJAPURE

Co-founder - Lithos Motors Private Limited

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MODULE UPDATES

CANADIAN SOLAR SIGNS 1.8 GW SUPPLY AGREEMENT Canadian Solar, one of the world's largest solar power companies, recently announced that the it has signed a multiyear module supply agreement with EDF Renewables North America to deliver 1,800 MW of high efficiency poly solar modules for projects in the US, Canada, and Mexico.

“EDF Renewables North America is pleased to announce this substantial module supply agreement with Canadian Solar Inc. The agreement demonstrates our confidence in the bifacial module technology to support our robust pipeline of contracted projects over the next 5 years,” said Tristan Grimbert, President and CEO of EDF Renewables North America.

Utilising unique multi-year contractual

terms, the company will supply its bifacial enhanced wafer BiHiKu (CS3W-PB) and enhanced wafer HiKu (CS3W-P) modules to EDF Renewables' multiple solar projects.

The module supply agreement is the largest single module supply agreement signed by the Chinese module manufacturer’s 18-year history, and is

an anchor of the company's 3+ GW of forward-committed contracts in the North American market through 2023.

“We are excited to partner with EDF Renewables to help them bring a stable supply of clean, reliable solar energy to the North American market,” said Dr. Shawn Qu, Chairman and CEO of Canadian Solar.

“As the US market recovers from the uncertainties brought by Section 201 tariffs and rushes to meet the step-down of the Investment Tax Credit deadline, we are seeing a significant rebound of demand in the US solar market which impacts module supply across the entire region.

This contract continues to strengthen the global partnership between EDF Renewables and Canadian Solar.”

LONGI SOLAR UNVEILS NEW TRINA SOLAR RECORDS 24.58% MODULE ENCAPSULATION TECH EFFICIENCY FOR I-TOPCON CELL

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JUNE 2019

Chinese solar PV major, LONGi Solar has announced that the company has developed the technology of “Seamless Soldering”, which completely eliminates the gap between cells and increases the efficiency of PV modules.

The technology is planned for mass production in the second half of the year. According to a test conducted by the renowned certification agency TÜV SÜD, "Seamless Soldering" technology, when combined with innovative module design, has the potential to push the company's high efficiency PERC module power record to 500Wp. The proprietary technology uses a solder ribbon to achieve "tiled" interconnection of the cell, completely eliminating the typical 2mm wide cell gap, thus increasing efficiency while reducing the BOM cost of the module. This technology is also compatible with existing module encapsulation processes and equipment. It has high mass production maturity and stability, and capacity is easily scalable. In addition, it has a good technical compatibility that integrates with M6 monocrystalline silicon wafer, thin silicon wafer, soldering wire and reflective ribbon.

“PV module technology continuous pursuits in the evolution of high efficiency and high power are the key factors in reducing the LCOE. LONGi has carried out intellectual property research on "Seamless Soldering" technology and has applied for a number of related patents. The launch of this technology marks a new step in the innovations of LONGi's modules. LONGi will continue to invest in technology to promote a wider range of PV applications of PV in the world,” the company issued in its statement.

SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 10

Leading global PV and smart energy total solution provider, Trina Solar, has announced that its State Key Laboratory (SKL) of PV Science and Technology (PVST) of China has set a new world record of 24.58% for a high-efficiency n-type mono-crystalline silicon (c-Si) i-TOPCon solar cell.

The record-breaking bifacial solar cell was fabricated on a large-sized 244.62 cm2wafer with a low-cost industrial process of advanced i-TOPCon (Industrial Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) technologies, having a front boron emitter and a rear full-area passivating contact. The bifacial solar cell reached a total-area front side efficiency of 24.58%, without using any dedicated aperture during the illumination. This result has been independently confirmed by the ISFH CalTeC in Germany. “We are very delighted to announce the latest achievement from our research team at the SKL PVST, to the best of our knowledge, this is the new world record for a TOTAL AREA efficiency for a large-area two-side contact silicon solar cell,” said Jifan Gao, the CEO of Trina Solar.

“The excellent R&D results lays a solid foundation for Trina to provide a new differentiated high-end PV modules and solutions to our customers.”

In January, LONGi Solar achieved the new monocrystalline silicon PERC world record conversion efficiency using commercial wafer (M2) dimensions that exceeds 24 percent for the first time, according to tests carried out by the National Center of Supervision and Inspection on Solar Photovoltaic Product Quality (CPVT) in China. The company’s latest breakthrough bifacial PERC solar cells tested by CPVT achieved a conversion efficiency of 24.06 percent.

MODULE UPDATES

JINKO SETS NEW RECORD FOR EFFICIENCY AND OUTPUT JinkoSolar, one of the largest solar module manufacturers in the world, has announced that the maximum conversion efficiency of its cheetah size cells and N-type cells reached 24.38% and 24.58%, respectively, during testing conducted by the Chinese Academy of Sciences in March 2019.

Additionally, the company has also revealed that the power generated by its 72 version high efficiency monocrystalline module reached 469.3W during testing conducted by TÜV Rheinland, a respected third-party institution, in May 2019.

“JinkoSolar's production chain, including R&D teams from silicon wafers, solar cells and solar modules, all made significant technological breakthroughs which were key to the extremely high solar cell efficiency and module power output,” the company issued in a statement.

Several advanced technologies have been implemented, including: silicon wafer growth with extremely low oxygen and defect concentration, HOT solar cell technology, low-loss cell connection technology, and in-module light harvesting

technology.

"With our commitment to revolutionise the industry using technological innovation, JinkoSolar has been continuously breaking world records for the efficiency of solar cells and modules," commented Dr. Hao Jin, JinkoSolar R&D Vice President. "To

complement our efforts in continuously upgrading product technology and create more value for our global customers, JinkoSolar has established a joint research platform with many advanced R&D institutions across the globe.”

WAAREE LAUNCHES INDIA’S FIRST 400 WP MODULES One of the leading PV module maker and EPC services provider in the country, Waaree Energies has launched a series of next generation solar modules called Super 400 in India. The company claimed that this is the country’s first 400 Wp cut cell module series which is touted to be the future of rooftop solar.

It’s Super 400 series with Mono PERC modules is generating output of 400 Wp, while it’s Super 400 Pro Module is a Bifacial module with up to 30 per cent higher output. Moreover, in the case of partial shadow these modules can generate more than 50 per cent higher output as compared to regular bestin-class modules.

Besides, these modules will be having a life span of minimum 25 years with maintenance & service facility from the company itself.

Commenting on the launch, Waaree Energies, Director, Sunil Rathi said, “Waaree believes that the best way for India’s transition towards a solar reliant country is to promote rooftop solar adoption and maximize output in rooftop projects. Super 400 is a one-of-a-kind doublet module with 400Wp capacity that is aimed at providing higher energy output in such projects. The module is apt for both commercial and residential projects, especially when space allocation is a challenge.”

Additionally, these solar modules require 5 per cent to 20 per cent less installation area and provide 8 per cent higher output as against various best-in-class modules available in the market. On the back of significant potential in these new modules, the company is expecting an exponential growth trajectory in FY 2019-20.

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TECHNICAL FEATURE

How to Maximise the Benefits of Bifacial PV Modules Bifacial PV modules provide many advantages over traditional PV panels. The International Technology Roadmap for Photovoltaic (ITRPV) predicts an upward trend for the shares of bifacial solar modules in the global PV market in the next decade, i.e. 10% in 2019 and more than 35% in 2028. It is widely believed that bifacial PV modules can effectively increase power generation and reduce levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) of the solar based system, but complex system design has become the biggest obstacle to the widespread application of bifacial solution.

Complex system design due to DC side factors that affect the energy yield of bifacial PV modules Due to the preceding factors, the actual output power of the bifacial PV modules varies greatly with projects or even with times. Therefore, the design personnel are not allowed to rigidly follow the serial and parallel connection as well as the configuration of solar inverters for common PV modules. The design should be project-based. More professional design tools for bifacial PV modules, especially intelligent design tools, are required.

Energy yield evaluation is the premise of the design tool for the bifacial PV module system. Researchers from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), and the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE (Fraunhofer ISE) have conducted research on the ray-tracing and view-factor models to describe the energy gain from the back of bifacial PV modules accurately. The two models, however, are based on 3D modeling. The algorithm is complex and time-consuming, which cannot meet the requirements of engineering applications.

Huawei has simplified and optimized these two models. Based on scattering light and reflection light, Huawei has established a 2D physical model applicable to large ground PV plants. Integrating all-scenario, adaptive, and self-learning intelligent algorithms that balance the calculation speed and design details, this model generates the optimal design solution precisely and increases the energy yield by 3% compared with conventional design solutions. As the industry-leading design tool for bifacial PV modules that cover both the DC side and AC side, it is verified in many cases in terms of precision.

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TECHNICAL FEATURE

Thus, for a project in India, Dr. Shawn Gu, Chief Scientist of Huawei Smart PV Business, optimised the overall design of the solution based on the project, including the layout of trackers and PV modules, as well as the cable layout. Dr. Gu selected the best one with the highest energy yield and lowest LCOE from nearly 500 advantageous solutions. The PV plant is located in Rajasthan, a flat desert area of rare rainfall and sparse vegetation. Based on the experience from the conventional solution design, the customer thought that the energy yield gain of the bifacial PV modules would be only about 5%. It turned out that the energy yield grew around16% compared with conventional solutions and the LCOE dropped by 10% with the help of bifacial PV modules, fixed trackers and Huawei’s 1500V FusionSolar Smart String Inverters. The outcome was appreciated by the customer.

More than 400 plans considering all types of elements, the red dot in the graph shows the best LCOE solution.

In addition to optimizing the overall solution, Huawei stresses that the solar inverter is a key electrical device in the bifacial PV module system. Because the current produced by the bifacial PV modules is large, it takes a long time for fuses to be blown in case of weak-current overload. This imposes great risks of fires. In this case, fuses are not recommended for the bifacial PV module system. The mismatch of the bifacial PV modules is three times that of conventional PV modules. Therefore, the MPPT granularity of the solar inverter is required to be smaller, and the mismatch loss caused by inconsistency needs to be avoided when designing and connecting the PV strings to the solar inverter.

SUN2000-185KTL-INH0 (SUN2000-185KTL) Huawei’s 1500V Smart String Inverter with multiple MPPTs effectively reduces string mismatch and increases yields more than 2%, based on such real cases. Comparing to the bifacial solution with central inverters, the string inverters can generate up to 4.5% more power making a very strong case for their use in bifacial powered systems. The new released SUN2000-185KTL smart string inverter at Intersolar 2019, which has Huawei patented multi-peak algorithm achieves tracking the highest power peak in 200 milliseconds. With 9 MPPTs, it could reduce string mismatch sufficiently, according to Huawei.

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INNOVATION UPDATES

SOLAR PANELS’ EFFICIENCY DROP: NEW SOLUTION New research shows the first observation of a previously unknown material defect which limits silicon solar cell efficiency.

Prof. Tony Peaker, who co-ordinated the research in the University of Manchester, now published in the Journal of Applied Physics said, “During the first hours of operation, after installation, a solar panel’s efficiency drops from 20% to about 18%.

An absolute drop of 2% in efficiency may not seem like a big deal, but when you consider that these solar panels are now responsible for delivering a large and exponentially growing fraction of the world’s total energy needs, it’s a significant loss of electricity generating capacity.”

The energy cost of this shortfall across the world’s installed solar capacity measures in the 10’s of gigawatts, this is equivalent to more energy than is produced by the UK’s combined total of 15 nuclear power plants. The solar shortfall must, therefore, be met by other less sustainable energy sources such as burning fossil fuels.

The multi-disciplinary experimental

and theoretical approach employed by the researchers identified the mechanism responsible for Light-Induced Degradation (LID).

Combining a specialised electrical and optical technique, known as ‘deep-level transient spectroscopy’ (DLTS), the team have uncovered the existence of a material defect which initially lies dormant within the silicon used to manufacture the cells.

The electronic charge within the bulk

of the silicon solar cell is transformed under sunlight, part of its energygenerating process. The team found that this transformation involves a highly effective ‘trap’ that prevents the flow of photo-generated charge carriers (electrons).

The industry standard technique used to determine the quality of the silicon material measures the ‘lifetime’ of charge carriers, which is longer in highquality material with fewer ‘traps’.

FLEXIBLE BATTERY: BREAKTHROUGH IN WEARABLE TECH

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A group of scientists at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University have developed a thin, highly flexible textile lithium battery that could safely power wearable electronics used in healthcare monitoring, smart clothes and IoT. The lightweight Textile Lithium Battery offers high energy density and excellent flexibility.

The battery, which is less than 0.5 mm thick, possesses fast charging/discharging capability, and also has a long cycle life comparable with conventional lithium batteries.

As conventional bulky heavy lithium battery is hard for use in wearable devices, over the past decade, scientists have put in efforts in developing bendable lithium battery, often by using metal foils as current collectors. The Textile Lithium Battery overcomes the bottlenecks over energy density, flexibility, mechanical robustness and cycling stability.

To create the battery, researchers deposited highly conductive metal, copper (Cu) and nickel (Ni) uniformly onto pre-treated fabrics. Such fabricated metallic fabrics, featuring low sheet resistance and large surface area, serve as current collectors in battery. After adding active materials to act as cathode and anode, the metallic fabrics, together with separator and electrolyte, are assembled into the Textile Lithium Battery, researchers said. Laboratory tests conducted by the team showed the extremely high mechanical stability, durability and SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 10

safety of the Textile Lithium Battery under deformation. When the battery is repeatedly folded in half, twisted at different angles or freely crumpled, its voltage window remained unchanged. Bending test showed that the battery can be bent over 1,000 times with marginal capacity degradation.

Safety tests conducted by continuous hammering, trimming with scissors and penetrating with nail proved the battery can stably provide power output for the electronic components with no risk of catching fire or burst.

MILESTONE UPDATES

STERLING AND WILSON TOPS SOLAR EPC PROVIDER LIST Sterling and Wilson Solar Limited, a subsidiary of the Shapoorji Pallonji group, has been ranked as the world’s largest Solar EPC service provider by IHSMarkit in its recently announced Solar EPC and O&M Provider Tracker Q1 2019 report.

The ranking is based on the annual installations of utility-scale PV systems of more than 5 MW in the year 2018. As the largest global Solar EPC solutions provider, Sterling and Wilson Solar had a global market share of 4.6% in the year 2018 - a number more than double that of the 2nd largest company globally - according to IHS Markit. The company was also ranked as the largest Solar EPC solutions provider in India with a market share of 16.6%, 3 times the size of its closest competitor.

The company was also the largest solar EPC solutions provider in Africa and the Middle East with a market share of 36.6% and 40.4% respectively.

Declining costs, advancing technology

trends and favourable regulatory environments across the world are some of the factors driving the growth of solar energy globally. Having built more than 6 GW of solar plants across the globe, Sterling and Wilson Solar’s recognition as the world’s largest solar EPC provider is a significant milestone in it’s trajectory.

At present, the company boasts of 6062.83 MW of solar EPC projects as part of its portfolio in different stages of implementation (commissioned and contracted). Its global portfolio also includes a 1,177 MW single location Solar PV plant in Abu Dhabi – one of the world’ s largest such solar PV plants.

CIAL PRAISED BY PM MODI AS A MODEL AIRPORT During his brief stopover visit on Saturday, Modi hailed the Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) for being the world's first fully solar-powered airport, a statement issued by the CIAL said here on Jun 10, 2019.

Impressed by the fully solar-powered operations at the Cochin International Airport, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said it should be an inspiring model for energy guzzlers and suggested that stadiums can tap the natural resource for achieving power neutrality.

During a discussion with CIAL Managing Director V J Kurian, the prime minister endorsed the effort in tapping green energy for operating the airport, which has won it the United Nations Champions of the Earth award in 2018, the statement said. Kerala Governor P Sathasivam, Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran and state police chief Loknath Behra were also present during Modi's meeting with the CIAL officials, it added.

The CIAL model of solarisation should inspire all other high-energy consumers, Modi said, adding that the possibilities of

laying solar panels at probable locations needed to be explored. He also suggested that the roof of the galleries of stadiums could be used for that.

"Achieving power neutrality for big energy consumers is important for our country," the CIAL statement quoted the prime minister as having said.

Modi also instructed the CIAL to render

its expertise for a massive deployment of solar energy, in tune with the International Solar Alliance (ISA), an organization of 78 countries which was formed by his initiative. As part of the ISA's of 40 countries visited the CIAL's solar power plants last month. Modi met the CIAL officials before leaving for Maldives from the airport here on Saturday afternoon.

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EVENTS SNEC 13TH INTERNATIONAL PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER GENERATION & SMART ENERGY CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION website : www.snec.org.cn START DATE : 04-Jun-2019 END DATE : 06-Jun-2019

Location : Shanghai, China Phone : +86 21 53893020

WORLD ENVIRONMENT EXPO 2019 website : www.worldenvironment.in START DATE : 05-Jun-2019 END DATE : 07-Jun-2019

E-mail : info@snec.org.cn

E-mail : event@ies-india.com

EXPO SOLAR

RENEWABLE ASIA - 2019

website : www.exposolar.org START DATE : 19-Jun-2019 END DATE : 21-Jun-2019

Location : New Delhi, India Phone : +91 1204138415

website : www.renewableasia.in Location : South Korea Phone : +82-2-719-6933

START DATE : 21-Jun-2019 END DATE : 24-Jun-2019

Location : Bangalore, India Phone : +91 9845199545

E-mail : interexpo@infothe.com

E-mail : info@renewableasia.in

PV 2019 PHOTOVOLTAIC SOLAR EXHIBITION & FORUM

THE 11TH GUANGZHOU INTERNATIONAL SOLAR PV EXHIBITION 2019

website : www.pvfair.jp START DATE : 10-Jul-2019 END DATE : 13-Jul-2019

Location : Yokohama, Japan Phone : +81 3 52978855

website : www.pvguangzhou.com START DATE : 16-Aug-2019 END DATE : 18-Aug-2019

Location : Guangzhou, China Phone : +20 2918 8152

E-mail : info@pvfair.jp

E-mail : janicepv2018@gmail.com

RENEWABLE ENERGY INDIA EXPO 2019

THE BIG 5 SOLAR

website : www.renewableenergyindiaexpo.com

website : www.thebig5solar.ae

START DATE : 18-Sep-2019 END DATE : 20-Sep-2019

Location : Greater Noida, India Phone : +91 99 90962410

START DATE : 27-NOV-2019 END DATE : 29-NOV-2019

Location : DUBAI Phone : +971 4 445 3609

E-mail : Pankaj.sharma@ubm.com

E-mail : jessicascopacasa@dmgevents.

INTERSOLAR INDIA 2019

THE ENERGY EXPO

website : www.intersolar.in

website : www.theenergyexpo.com

START DATE : 27-NOV-2019 END DATE : 29-NOV-2019

Location : Bangalore, India Phone : +49 7231 58598215

START DATE : 12-FEB-2020 END DATE : 13-FEB-2020

E-mail : feth@solarpromotion.com

E-mail : mail@TEE2019.com

RENEWX 2020

6TH SMART CITIES INDIA 2020 EXPO

website : www.renewx.in

website : www.solarindiaexpo.com

START DATE : 24-APR-2020 END DATE : 25-APR-2020

Location : Hyderabad, India Phone : +91 98707 46073

E-mail : sheetal.rathod@ubm.com

START DATE : 20-MAY-2020 END DATE : 22-MAY-2020 E-mail : ravim@eigroup.in

Location : Miami, USA Phone : (305) 412-0000

Location : New Delhi, India Phone : +91 11 4279 5000

MARKET UPDATES

SINGLE-PHASE INVERTER MARKET RECORDS 11.2% INCREASE IHS Markit released its annual PV inverter market report in early May. According to the report, the world grid-connected PV inverter shipments remained almost flat in 2018. However, while the world grid-connected three-phase PV inverter shipments were slightly down at 93,427 MW, the shipments of the single-phase segment increased by 11.2% to 11,098 MW last year.

The growth was boosted by strong residential PV demand across the globe.

SolarEdge and SMA, retained the No.1 and No.2 single-phase inverter supplier spots respectively, but were closely followed by Chinese inverter manufacturer, Growatt, which primarily focuses on rooftop solar inverter solutions, has been gaining

substantial market share for the past three years, and is now close to challenge SMA for the second spot.

The report further added that there’s an apparent growth transition from utilityscale solar farms to distributed solar installations. This process has taken place in US, Europe and China. And in fact in Germany, the installations of utility-scale

solar farms are very limited now, leaving room for smaller solar systems to be developed for residential and commercial use. Another trend in rooftop solar is the self-consumption model, which means solar storage solutions will play increasingly important role in this sector.

As the growth momentum of utility-scale solar weakens, inverter companies are looking at the rooftop market for higher growth. However, the landscape of rooftop solar are quite different. Rooftop solar systems are widely scattered and product reliability and service capability really matter. Customers prefer inverters companies that provide high quality products, local after-sales services and online service capabilities.

INVESTORS PAID FOR GE MISJUDGING POTENTIAL OF RE

REGULATORY CHALLENGES A LIMITING FACTOR FOR RE

According to a new report, investors in, once the most valuable company in the world, General Electric (GE) lost billions due to the company misjudging the pace of the global energy transition towards renewables.

The report by IEEFA, ‘General Electric Misread the Energy Transition: A Cautionary Tale’, highlights GE and its primary shareholders as a case study in how rapidly the global energy transition away from fossil fuels travels up the economic chain and destroys value.

Co-author Tim Buckley, Director of Energy Finance Studies at IEEFA says GE badly misread the tea leaves and its shareholders have paid a massive price. “GE lost investors an almost unprecedented and simply staggering US$193 billion in just three years to 2018, 74% of its market capitalisation,” said Buckley. The report notes how the company and its backers misjudged the potential of renewables to derail its business, leading to a $ 23 billion write-down in 2018 for the goodwill balance of a purchase made just three years earlier (the Alstom acquisition). GE assumed wrongly that demand for natural gas and coal would continue to track global economic growth. The company did not recognise the ever-lowering costs of renewable technologies and the increased take-up of energy efficiency, which decoupled energy demand from economic activity.

“The world is transitioning away from fossil fuels – particularly expensive imported thermal coal and gas – into low-cost, zero-pollution domestic renewables such as wind and solar,” said Tom Sanzillo, IEEFA’s Director of Finance and Co-author on the report. “This is where the smart money is, but GE failed to pick the trend – and ultimately failed.”

The increasing share of renewables in the total energy mix of the country may lead to an increase in regulatory risk for coal-based projects in the long term, global ratings agency Moody's Investors Service has revealed.

The higher share of renewable energy in the total energy mix presents a key regulatory challenge in terms of integrating new renewable capacity, while protecting investments already made in coal-based capacity, it said. Despite the mounting pressure to move to a lower carbon economy, the agency does not consider this risk high, at least over the next 3-5 years.

It said predictability of tariff regulations enhances the credit profile of regulated electric companies and added that the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission has been responsive to changes in power sector trends. “Over the last 20 years, regulations for the Indian utilities sector have been progressive and supportive of the power companies, and factored in technological advancements,” Vice President and Senior Analyst Abhishek Tyagi said. The regulatory framework in India is more independent, transparent and established as compared with Asian peers such as China and Indonesia, the agency said. "Regulations in India have also balanced the interests of all stakeholders, Tyagi added. The Indian electricity regulations allow a fair return on investment for generation and transmission companies, while ensuring that any benefits from technology, operational efficiency and debt refinancing are shared between the utilities and their customers, he said. In a recent report issued in May, the credit rating agency had also revealed that the share of generation capacity from non-fossil-based fuel sources in India will likely increase to 45 percent by 2022.

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MARKET UPDATES

ENERGY REFORMS CRUCIAL FOR RE-ELECTED INDIAN GOVT Although renewable energy installation have seen tremendous progress due to policy initiatives, further energy reforms are necessary for the newly re-elected Government of India to meet its ambitious target to generate 275 gigawatts (GW) from renewable energy sources by 2027.

A new report by IEEFA, ‘Post-election, India must formalise energy reforms already long deliberated’ provides an early roadmap for the Government to accelerate reform in the energy sector.

According to the Author of the report, Vibhuti Garg, the promises made preelection must now turn into action to combat air pollution, address climate risk, and accelerate much needed massive renewable capacity addition.

According to the report, there are five key areas: “They include passing the suggested amendments to the Electricity Act 2003 already before the Parliament. These amendments are good reforms and fundamental to the electricity sector in the rapidly growing economy of India.

Secondly, UDAY II must be launched so as to push harder to reduce the losses of state-owned distribution companies while improving operational efficiencies and facilitating new grid distribution investment.

“Thirdly, time-of-day pricing be introduced for electricity producers

to help manage peak demand and variability for renewable energy while providing a better deal for consumers.

Fourthly, the Government of India must introduce payment security mechanisms as an extremely important step towards de-risking the Indian renewable power sector,” said Garg.

In January 2019, India launched the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)

to combat air pollution and drastically reduce the adverse health effects being suffered.

“The last reform we recommend is that additional measures be implemented in tandem with the NCAP including deployment of decentralized renewable energy, and the promotion of schemes like solar irrigation pumps and distributed solar rooftops,” added Garg.

3.9 MN OFF-GRID SOLAR PRODUCTS SOLD IN 2H OF 2018 ‘The Global Off-Grid Solar Market Report’ a biannual report by GOGLA and the World Bank's Lighting Global program was recently published for the second half (July-December) of 2018. The report draws attention to sales and impact of off-grid solar lighting products, sold by GOGLA and Lighting Global affiliates.

The report starts of by highlighting that, globally, the sale of 3.9 million off-grid solar lighting products took place in the second half of 2018 with an installed stand-alone solar capacity of 32.39 MW worldwide.

Key Highlights from the report: 1. Solar home systems continue to see

an increase in sales. From July to December 2018, 480,000 solar home systems were sold by affiliates, a 77% increase compared to the same period in 2017 and a 133% increase compared to 2016.

2. For the first time, the report looks into the sales of off-grid solar appliances, namely TVs, fans, refrigeration units and solar water pumps. It is important to highlight that the reported sales do not represent the whole global market for off-grid solar appliances.

3. In total, sales of 350,000 off-grid solar appliances were reported from July to December 2018, with TVs (160,000)

and fans (180,000) being the most widely sold appliances according to the data collected.

4. T he report also highlights the lifechanging impact of off-grid solar.

The most significant impact trend for the second half of 2018 is the increase in the number of people now benefiting from Tier 2 energy access as a result of the increasing sales of larger solar home systems, which has seen a boost of 33% compared to the first half of 2018. Close to 5 million people now have access to enough energy each day to power a range of appliances.

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MARKET UPDATES

INDIA: THE LOWEST COST PRODUCER OF SOLAR POWER The International Renewable Energy Agency’s (IRENA) latest report, ‘Renewable Power Generation Costs in 2018’ highlights the latest trends for each of the main renewable power technologies. And draws on the latest cost and auction price data from projects around the world, revealing that India is now the lowest cost producer of solar power in the world.

The global weighted-average total installed cos India Now the Lowest Cost Producer of Solar Power t of utility-scale solar PV projects commissioned in 2018 was USD 1210/ kW, down from USD 1389/kW in 2017,

a 13% decline. Although there has been a convergence in total installed costs towards the most competitive benchmark countries, which have historically been China and Germany, there still remains a wide spread in total installed costs.

"India was estimated to have the lowest total installed costs for new utility-scale solar PV projects that were commissioned in 2018 at USD 793/kW, 27% lower than for projects commissioned in 2017,” the agency issued in its report.

Besides India, the report also focussed on China and Italy which also saw very competitive installed costs for 2018 of

USD 879/kW (23% lower than in 2017) and USD 870/kW (9% lower than in 2017) respectively.

Of the major markets for utility-scale solar PV in 2018, Japan had the the highest installed costs at USD 2101/kW, which was 3% lower than for projects commissioned in 2017.

Further, IRENA conducted an analysis of the decline in the cost of setting up solar PV projects between 2010 and 2018 across eight major markets including China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, UK and the US. The costs were found to have dropped at the fastest pace – 80 percent – in India.

US STORAGE MARKET RECORDS HIGHEST DEPLOYMENT

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The United States non-residential storage market had its strongest quarter ever in Q1 2019, according to the new U.S. Energy Storage Monitor from Wood Mackenzie Power & Renewables and the Energy Storage Association (ESA).

Q1 2019 was also the second strongest quarter on record for the U.S. residential storage segment.

Overall, Q1 2019 was the largest ever single quarter for U.S. energy storage deployments in megawatt terms, an increase of 232 percent year-over-year.

The quarter was the second largest ever in megawatt-hour terms. The U.S. saw 148.8 megawatts of energy storage deployed in Q1 2019, breaking the previous megawatt record set in Q4 2018 by six percent.

California once again led the U.S. storage market in Q1 2019, while Arizona, New Jersey and New York also posted strong growth. State level regulatory activity, such as the Value of Distributed Energy Resources (VDER) proceeding in New York state and the Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) Program in Massachusetts, continue to spur pipeline buildout in these states and position them for substantial growth in the next few years.

Behind-the-meter (BTM) deployments, which include residential, commercial and industrial storage, constituted 46 SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 10

percent of Q1 2019 deployments in megawatt terms in Q1, growing 36 percent quarter-over-quarter and 138 percent year-over-year. Front-of-themeter (FTM) storage also grew significantly year-over-year. Wood Mackenzie notes that there is now five times as much FTM storage in the U.S. than there was at the end of Q1 2018.

According to the report, an increasing proportion of new FTM and BTM solar projects are being paired with storage, which is helping to drive the market forward.

Although some supply constraints strained the storage market in 2018, ongoing resolution of those constraints are contributing to this year’s market uptick.

OPINION

MODI 2.0. WHAT WILL THE IMPACT BE ON SOLAR SECTOR? With a thumping majority behind it again, the Narendra Modi led NDA government offers one big relief to the renewables sector straightaway.

Continuity. Unfortunately, that’s where the good news ends.

While the industry seems uniformly happy at the removal of further uncertainty on the next government, hopes are high for further changes in on the renewables policy front and roadmap, if India is to get close to its renewables targets. In fact, the industry will be praying that some of the famed focus and single minded determination that the prime minister brings to his election targets will be transferred to the targets for renewables too.

In fact, if the government could aim for even half the growth as it did at the beginning of its first tenure in 2014, the industry would boom again. On a much larger base, the move could actually push India over the line as far as meeting its renewable energy goals go.

Because, quite simply, India has slipped badly behind on its 175 GW commitment for renewables by 2022, with various estimates placing the final likely achievement at 120GW to 140 GW at most at the moment. Mind you, even that number will be nothing to scoff at, when one considers the level when Modi first took over in 2014 (barely 2 GW, as compared to almost 28 GW today).

When it comes to Solar, even reaching the 80 GW from here on means adding well over 15 GW every year till 2022, a target that looks very difficult when considers the creeping slowdown that has taken over. Growth has tapered off to practically zero over 2018, and even the pipeline for actual execution is drying up. Massive projects like the 7.5 GW LehLadakh initiative require a huge amount of negotiations and policy support to move ahead faster. It’s a point Sumant Sinha,CEO at Renew power makes.

Manufacturing aside, we believe the Modi government also needs to look at the sector from the prism of its green impact, which makes it essential one.

Additional jobs that could potentially

be created will only make it a sweeter deal for all. But its clear that for the really big push in renewables to happen, the government will have find a solution to the challenge of India’s ailing discoms, the political will to walk away from coal where its environmental impact is unacceptably high especially on coal plants over 25 years old, and do a realistic cost benefit analysis of taking the central grid everywhere versus encouraging the 10,000 mini-grids it declared as an aim in the 2017 policy document.

None of these are easy decisions, or have easy answers. But then, Mr Modi has the mandate to do both. The next few months might just be the ‘now and never’ that the industry truly needs clarity on.

THE EMERGING GIANTS OF THE OCEANS: WIND TURBINES

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Solar might have grabbed most of the headlines, but wind energy has had its own march to relevance in the past couple of decades. In fact, on a like to like basis, wind energy has probably made bigger efficiency gains than solar power, where the biggest gains have been in price drops. And when we are talking wind energy, there really is one big parameter. Size. The size of the wind turbines has grown to levels that were literally barely dreamt of a couple of decades ago. The big boys of wind energy, which counts names like the Denmark-based MHI Vestas or even the SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 10

Spain headquartered Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy is today establishing wind farms where a single turbine is rated for 8MW of power or more. That's a size that will require over 40 acres in a solar farm!

The phenomenal growth in size has had one major factor pushing it. The rise of offshore wind power. Free from the limitations of risks on land, not to mention the protests from various groups, be it area residents or animal rights activists who believe wind turbines take an unacceptably high toll of bird life.

To understand just how much wind

turbines have grown, you need to go back just three decades, a single life cycle really for a wind turbine, to see how the industry has evolved. From 55 to 75 KW in the 1980's, to MW sized turbines in the 90's, and now the immense effort GE Renewable Energy is putting behind its 12 MW Haliade X turbine. Yes, 12 MW. That's over 200 times the size of the initial wind turbines that saw commercial duty in the 80's.

In fact, replacing that first batch of wind turbines from the 80's right up to 2010 is probably the next big opportunity in Wind Energy.

One Mega Event - 4 Expo ELECTRIC

VEHICLES EXPO

Int’l Exhibition On Electric Vehicles

October 2019

Mahatma Mandir Exhibition Centre, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India

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Book Your Space Now! Get Early Bird Discount!

A Hi-Tech Business Pla�orm For Indian Solar, EV, LED & Ba ery Industry

Exhibitors Profile Annual Maintenance Contractors Banks / Financial Institutions Charge Controllers Data Logger Electrical Test & Measuring Systems Emission Monitoring Systems Grid Infrastructure /Management Grid Optimization Hybrid Systems IT & Communication Technology Installers Epc Companies Inverters / Distributors Screen Printing Equipments Metallization Equipments Silicon Feedstock Ingot & Wafer Manufacturing Research Institutions Trade Media Publishing Certification Institutes Solar Products & Technologies Solar Panels Solar Systems Provider Solar Consumer Products Solar Commercial Products Solar Drying & Desalination Systems Solar Energy Storage Solar Park Developers Supported By

SMD Mounting Machines Solar Lanterns Solar Lights / Solar LED Solar Forms / Cities / Homes / Villages Solar Street & Billboard Lighting Solar Software Solutions Solar Cells Manufacturers Photovoltaic (pv) Modules Project Consultants Manufacturing Equipment Vendors Materials And Equipment Monitor, Mounting Systems, Trackers Traffic Lights Equipment Smart Grid Technologies LED Chandeliers , Crystal Lights etc LED Displays LED Assemblies & Products LED Software Solutions LED Manufacturers LED Screen / Video Walls LED Encapsulation Materials LED Manufacturing equipment LED Machinery LED Applications & Lighting LED Signage & Displays LED Components / Chips LED Accessories & Raw Materials LED Products & Fixtures

LED Drivers & Power Supply Liquid LED LED Neon Lights, Indicator lamps, Chandeliers, Crystal Lights etc.

LED Spot Lights / Fixtures LED Module Connectors LED Turnkey Solution Providers, etc.

LED Architectural lighting LED Automobile Lamps.

LED Bulbs / Tubes /O LEDS Solar Batteries Battery Manufacturers Battery manufacturing machines Battery vent plugs & packing jali Battery Containers Battery Raw Materials Automotive Batteries E-vehicles Batteries Battery Separator MC Battery Battery Invertor / Battery Charger Battery Lead Manufacturers Battery Terminal Manufacturers Labs & R & D Battery Chemical & Inks All Batteries Products & Technologies Deep Cycle Application Battery Battery Part Manufacturers

Supporting Association

2/3/4 wheel electric and hybrid vehicle manufactures Commercial, Cargo, Passenger and Personal Electric Vehicle Indian/International Electric Vehicle parts and component Battery Technology companies Charger Manufacturer Accessories Manufacturer Government sector and Departments / Nodal Agencies Homologation/Testing Agencies Banks and financial Institutions Insurance Companies Research and Training Institutes Body/ Chassis Fabricators Solar Power Technology Companies Branding Solution Providers E-Vehicle Manufacturers Automotive and Parts Manufacturers Components manufacturers & suppliers Material suppliers Engineering services / Consultants Testing, R&D and Education Institutions Connectors /Cables Wires and Harness manufacturers and suppliers Manufacturer & Suppliers of Auto Ancillaries Machinery & Equipment Manufacturers Design and simulation Charging station manufacturer Power management companies

Media Partners

99 LIGHTING WORLD

Contact us : Tel +91 8976777990 | Mob : +91 9820130615 | 9930959799 Email : zakir@starexhibitions.in | info@starexhibitions.in | web : www.solartodayexpo.com | www.starexhibitions.in

PROJECT UPDATES

SECI EXTENDS FLOATING SOLAR PLUS BESS TENDER The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has extended the deadline for bid submission on its tender for setting up of 20 MW floating solar PV power plants with associated 60 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at Lakshadweep again. The last date for bid submission has been extended from June 3, 2019, to August 5, 2019. And the bids will now also be opened on the same date.

The brief scope of work for selected bidders will include the Design, engineering, procurement & supply of equipment and materials, testing at manufacturers’ works, multi-level inspections, packing and forwarding, supply, receipt, unloading and storage at site, associated civil works, services, permits, licences, installation and incidentals, insurance at all stages, erection, testing and commissioning of 20 MW (AC) Floating Solar PV Power Plant with 60 MWh BESS.

Along with comprehensive operation and maintenance (O&M) of the projects for a period of 10 years from the date of commissioning.

All bidders must submit an Earnest Money Deposit of Rs 5 crore and 4 lakhs along with their bids. The estimated cost of the project which will be developed across 8 sites in the UT is Rs 252 crore, and winning

bidders will have a period of 18 months to complete the project.

In January, SECI had issued the first notice for the deployment of Renewable Energy Projects under its ownership at Lakshadweep Islands. The projects will be developed under a Build-Own-Operate (BOO) basis and will be spread across the 11 islands of Lakshadweep.

GIPCL COMMISSIONS 75 MW SOLAR PLANT IN GUJARAT

EESL ISSUES TENDER FOR 2.7 LAKH SOLAR WATER PUMPS

Gujarat Industries Power Company Ltd. (GIPCL) has announced the commissioning of a 75 MW solar PV power plant at Gujarat Solar Park in Patan, Gujarat.

GIPCL had emerged as one of the successful bidders for the 75 MW solar power project in the e-reverse auction conducted by the Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd (GUVNL) in September 2017 for 500 MW solar power projects in the state.

GIPCL has commissioned the solar power project at Gujarat Solar Park, Village Charanka, Dist. Patan, Gujarat, in a phased manner on June 4, 2019, the company said in a regulatory filing.

Recently, in response to the 1000 MW tendered capacity, and in the third time of asking after having to extend the deadline for the tender twice, GUVNL received bids from only two bidders. Tata Power Renewable Energy and stateowned Gujarat Industries Power Company Ltd (GIPCL), with bids for 250MW and 50MW capacity respectively at a tariff of Rs 2.75 per unit. In May, the discom, in its second attempt to auction solar projects worth 700 MW at the Raghanesda Solar Park, received tariff bids which it deemed low enough to award contracts. In the latest round of auctions for 500 MW solar capacity, Electro Solaire won 200 MW capacity with the L1 bid of Rs 2.65/kWh. Down Rs 0.18/kWh compared to the winning bid from the last time the tender was auctioned in January. State-owned Gujarat Industries Power Company Limited (GIPCL) and Gujarat State Electricity Corporation was awarded 100 MW capacity with a bid of Rs 2.68/kWh.

The Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a joint venture of PSUs of Ministry of Power (Govt. of India) has issued a tender, seeking bids from eligible bidders for procuring 272,579 solar water pumps.

The scope of work for the selected bidders will include the design, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of solar water pumping systems. The successful bidders will also be required to provide maintenance services for the pumps. EESL has issued the tender to procure solar water pumps for its commitment to the International Solar Alliance (ISA). EESL was chosen by the ISA to facilitate the development of 5 lakh solar water pumping systems in ISA’s member countries.

The solar water pumps will be installed at the member countries participating in ISA’s ‘Scaling of Solar Application for Agricultural Use’ programme, aimed at promoting decentralized solar applications for agricultural and rural use.

The last date for bid submission is July 1, 2019, and the techno-commercial bids will be opened on the same date.

All bidders must submit an Earnest Money Deposit of Rs 2.4 lakhs along with their bids.

EESL is responsible for the implementation of ISA’s programme for the 13 member countries who had demanded for the pumping systems. Moreover, both ISA and EESL aspire to bring down the cost of solar water pumping systems to scale up the programme and encourage other member countries.

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PROJECT UPDATES

ISA INVITES BIDS FOR SOLAR PROJ IN MEMBER COUNTRIES The International Solar Alliance (ISA), a treaty based inter-governmental organisation which specialises in implementing programmes in the field of solar energy has invited bids for the development of solar PV projects including rooftop PV solar capacity in its member countries.

The organisation issued a call for bids after receiving a proposal from stateowned power generator NTPC Ltd for endorsing such projects. NTPC had made the proposal upon ISA’s earlier expression of interest request to its member countries for demand aggregation of 1 GW rooftop capacity. The stateowned power generator is looking for development of solar/renewable generation capacities in ISA member countries by way of investment as well as through consultancy services.

As per the proposal, NTPC will charge upfront consultancy service fees from the RESCO developers, at the time of award. It has proposed fees of 10% for a cluster of 1 MW project and up

to 1.5 MW, 9% for projects above 1.5 MW and up to 5 MW, 7.5% for projects above 5 MW and up to 50 MW, and 6% for project capacity more than 50 MW. The ISA will charge 1% of the project cost, uniformly across all sizes of the project, towards capacity building/ promotion of solar in the country where the project is to be set up.

In its proposal, NTPC said “NTPC has made a quantum jump in the

renewable energy generation program.

From approx. 1800 MW operating renewable capacity today, it has set the target to achieve 30 GW solar PV generation capacity by 2030 and become a global power major with 130,000 MW capacity. NTPC global footprint also includes developing 1320 MW power project (ongoing) in Bangladesh and 500 MW power project in Sri Lanka.”

TPREL ARM BAGS 100 MW SOLAR PROJECT IN GUJARAT Adding another feather in its cap, Tata Power Renewable Energy Ltd (TPREL), a renewable arm of utility giant Tata Power, got a Letter of Award (LOA) to develop 100 MW project in Gujarat’s Raghanesda Solar Park.

“Its wholly owned subsidiary TPREL has received a Letter of Award (LOA) from Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd (GUVNL) to develop a 100 MW solar project in Raghanesda Solar Park of Gujarat,” the firm issued in a statement.

As per the deal signed, the company will supply electricity to the state utility GUVNL under a 25 year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). Also, the project will be commissioned by the company within 15 months from the date of execution of the PPA. The bid price from TPREL was Rs 2.70 per unit.

Tata Power, CEO & MD, Praveer Sinha said, “We are proud to announce that we have been awarded 100 MW Solar Project in Gujarat, and are thankful to

the Government of Gujarat and the officials at GUVNL for this opportunity. We are delighted to contribute towards the realisation of our country’s commitment towards clean and green energy through solar power generation.”

Post winning this 100 MW solar project, TPREL’s capacity under implementation would become 500 MW which is in addition to the operating capacity of 2,268 MW. “With this win, we continue to demonstrate

our strong commitment towards renewable energy as well as project development, engineering and execution capabilities. This is an important milestone in our endeavour to generate 35-40 per cent of Tata Power's total generation capacity from clean energy sources. We hope to continue to build on our capabilities, deliver over expectations and create high benchmarks all around,” said Ashish Khanna, PresidentRenewables, Tata Power.

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PROJECT UPDATES

MAHINDRA & MITSUI TO DEVELOP SOLAR PLANTS IN INDIA Mahindra Susten, the renewable energy arm of the Mahindra group, has announced entering into a partnership with Japan-based Mitsui & Co to jointly develop and operate solar power generation projects in India.

A player in the Indian solar energy sector, the Mahindra Group firm will continue to hold 51 percent stake in Marvel Solren Private Ltd, with Mitsui holding the balance equity, said a statement.

Mahindra Susten CEO Basant Jain said, "This collaboration between two leading groups will help us target opportunities in the commercial and industrial sectors, which are going to play a key role in meeting India's ambitious renewable energy targets.”

Marvel currently operates four distributed solar projects in India with a combined

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capacity of 16 MW that help private clients reduce their carbon footprint, it added.

Mitsui's Infrastructure Projects Business Chief Operating Officer Kazumasa Nakai said, "We are delighted to partner with Mahindra Susten and contribute to India's shift to a low-carbon society. Utilizing Mitsui's global network, together we aim to expand the business to 150MW

by 2023."

Marvel will be engaged in the development of multiple grids connected and distributed projects. ”These projects will help the customers to reduce their carbon footprints and move towards green renewable energy," the joint statement stated.

In April, Mahindra Susten had initiated the formal process to sell a portion of its solar assets worth a combined 160 MW. The company’s renewable offerings include diversified services within the renewable energy and cleantech space, such as turnkey solar engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services, both utility-scale solar and rooftop solar products, solar car charging stations, telecom tower solarisation, operations and maintenance.

MSEDCL TENDERS FOR 1 GW SOLAR POWER

EESL ISSUES TENDER FOR SOLAR PROJ WORTH 100 MW

The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has issued a Request for Selection (RfS), seeking bids from eligible bidders and projects for the procurement of 1 GW of solar power on a long-term basis from grid-connected projects.

The state distribution company plans to meet its renewable purchase obligation (RPO) and future power needs, by purchasing the solar power from these projects. The discom has set a ceiling tariff of Rs 2.80/kWh for procuring the power and it will sign a power purchase agreement (PPA) for 25 years with the selected operators/developers.

The last date for bid submission is July 9, 2019, and the techno-commercial bids will be opened on the same date. A pre-bid meeting has been scheduled for June 19, 2019, to address the concerns raised by prospective bidders. The price bids will be opened on July 10, 2019.

All bidders must submit an Earnest Money Deposit of Rs 5 lakhs along with their bids as a bid security amount.

The RfS document states that for intra-state projects, the minimum bidding capacity must be a minimum of 5 MW. In case of import of energy during a month, payment must be made to the MSEDCL in line with the stipulated rates. And for inter-state projects, the minimum bidding capacity has been fixed at 50 MW, and all related transmission charges and losses are to be borne by the selected bidder. The successful bidder is expected to attain financial closure within nine months from the date of signing the PPA.

Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a joint venture of PSUs of Ministry of Power (Govt. of India) has issued a tender, seeking bids from eligible bidders for developing solar power systems worth a total of 100 MW at various locations in three states.The scope of work for the selected solar power developers will include the design, engineering, supply, construction, erection, testing and commissioning of the solar power generating systems (SPGS) ranging between 500 kW and 2 MW will be developed at preselected sites at various sub-stations/locations in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand. The selected developers will also be required to provide Operation and Maintenance services for the plants for a period of 25 years. Then last date for bid submission is July 8, 2019, and the techno-commercial bids will be opened on the same date. The Earnest Money Deposit for the tender is Rs 12 crore. Recently, the company announced standalone financial results for the fiscal year 2018-19. It registered a revenue of Rs 1,935 crores in FY19, a 37% increase over the previous fiscal, and pre-tax earnings growth of 178% to Rs 171 crores over the same fiscal. During this period, revenue has been driven primarily through maintenance services for street lights, and through the sale of agricultural pumps, streetlights to industrial units and urban local bodies, and solar study lamps. The EESL group turnover stood at Rs 2435 crores, including an impressive revenue of Rs 500 crore from its UK subsidiary, registering an overall revenue growth of 70%.

The Profit After Tax (PAT) of the group stood at Rs 110 crores which is a 214% increase.

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PROJECT UPDATES

FORTUM & NORDKRAFT TARGET NORWEGIAN WIND SECTOR Fortum and Norwegian energy company Nordkraft have formed a joint venture, Fortum Nordkraft Vind DA, to develop new wind power projects in Norway.

“Fortum's goal is to grow substantially in Nordic wind and Norway has an important role in this strategy. With the joint venture, we aim to combine the expertise of Fortum and Nordkraft to develop high quality wind power projects in Norway,” says Joonas Rauramo, Vice President Wind at Fortum.

Fortum purchased three Norwegian wind power projects from Nordkraft in 2017.

Fortum now owns Nygårdsfjellet wind farm in Narvik and Ånstadblåheia wind farm in Sortland. Sørfjord wind farm in Tysfjord is currently under construction.

Altogether, the three wind parks will have an installed capacity of 170 MW. Following the acquisition of the projects in

2017, Nordkraft has continued to support Fortum in construction, and operation and maintenance of the projects.

“We have had a very good cooperation with Fortum in wind power and we are happy to now formalize our joint development efforts in Fortum Nordkraft Vind DA. This is important for the goal of building more renewable energy and to implement Nordkraft's project development strategy,” says Jon Ingebrigtsen, Project Director at Nordkraft.

Based on its strategy, Fortum will continue to build on its long-standing expertise to grow in CO2-free power generation.

The company’s ambition is to increase the its solar and wind portfolio to a multigigawatt scale. Fortum's business model in renewables consists of development, construction, and asset management of solar and wind assets. Fortum utilises partnerships and other forms of cooperation to maintain a more asset-light structure.

6TH EXTENSION FOR SECI’S 97.5 MW ROOFTOP TENDER

SECI’S 1200 MW SOLAR TENDER OVERSUBSCRIBED

The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has issued a notice amending the deadline for bid submission for its 97.5 MW grid-connected rooftop solar PV system scheme for government buildings. The nodal agency for renewable energy projects in the country has now extended the deadline for bid submission on this rooftop solar tender for a sixth time.

On March 28, 2019, the agency had issued amendments to its tender, modifying a bulk of the key provisions of the tender to better suit the capabilities and demands of the prospective bidders. In this notification, the nodal agency had also extended the deadline for bid submissions to April 11, 2019. On April 9, 2019, the nodal agency issued a deadline extension from April 11, 2019, to April 16, 2019, with the techno-commercial bids scheduled to be opened on April 18, 2019. This was the second deadline for the rooftop scheme tender since it was first issued on February 26, 2019.

Followed by extending the deadline again. The last date for submissions was extended from April 16, 2019, to April 30, 2019.

And then again a fourth time. Bidders had until May 21, 2019, to submit their bids for the development of the rooftop solar projects under the scheme. Later it extended the deadline for fifth time, to May 30, 2019.

And now, it has extended the deadline for bid submission for the sixth time. Bidders will now have until June 17, 2019, to submit their bids for the development of the rooftop solar projects under the scheme. The techno-commercial bids will be opened on June 18, 2019.

The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has received bids for development of solar projects worth 2100 MW for its tranche-IV interstate transmission system (ISTS)-connected solar tender. The project tender for setting up of 1200 MW ISTSconnected solar projects in the country was oversubscribed by 900 MW after receiving bids from 7 developers.

According to sources close to the development, Avaada energy submitted the biggest proposal for developing 300 MW solar projects. Besides that 5. companies, Azure Power, SB Energy (SoftBank), Ayana Renewables, UPC Solar and ReNew Power have all submitted bids for developing 300 MW worth of solar projects. Mahindra renewables submitted a bid for 250 MW capacity. SECI has issued the NIT for the the tender in February. The Request for Selection (RfS) was later issued in March. According to the documents, the scope of work for selected bidders will include the design, supply, installation and commissioning of the 1200 MW ISTSConnected Solar Power Projects in India. Additionally, Land, Connectivity and Long Term Open Access shall also be in the scope of the selected SPD. The Solar PV projects will be built on a “Build Own Operate” (B-O-O) basis for an aggregate capacity of 1200 MW. SECI will enter into a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the successful Bidder selected based on this RfS for the purchase of Solar Power for a period of 25 years based on the terms, conditions, and provisions of the RfS. The maximum tariff payable to the Project Developer is fixed at Rs 2.65/ kWh for 25 years.

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PRODUCTS

1. Mi LED Smart Bulb Product Brief: The LED smart bulb from Mi (Xiaomi) is a new home lighting bulb that the Chinese company has released for the global market. The products trial run for a small batch finished successfully earlier this month. The RGB colour lighting and 4000K bulb configuration enables the smart bulb to feature over 16 million possible colour options.

Product Features: The smart bulb comes with built in patch for compatibility with both the Google Assistant and Amazon’s Alexa. The light offers (through mobile phone application) an option to adjust the colour temperature and brightness of the light to match the requirements.

Application: Home Lighting System Benefits: The bulb was designed to match the build quality of a standard bulb for daily and practical applications. Offers adjustable brightness depending on the need, and can be fixed between 80 to 800 lumens. Compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant make it possible to control the light with voice commands. Rated at 10W for shining at 800 lumens, the bulb consumes less power and has a tested lifespan of over 25000 hours.

Availability: The product was available for purchase on the company website during a trial run for Rs 999.

2. Reolink Go Product Brief: Reolink Go, is a 100% wire-free mobile HD security camera, operates on 4G-LTE and 3G networks. An ideal video monitoring solution with no cords, no wiring hassles, when in areas with limited or no WiFi access, no electrical power source.

Product Features: The camera is powered by a rechargeable battery or Reolink Solar Panel, which enables customers to charge the camera directly without replacing the battery. The camera has a built in mic, daylight sensor and a builtin PIR Sensor. The camera has an ultra-wide viewing angle with 355-degree pan and 140-degree tilt design. The IP65 weatherproof rating enables it to endure extreme weather conditions.

Application: Home/Office Security System Benefits: The camera adopts an industry-leading starlight CMOS image sensor and is able to shoot stunning images, even in the dark. The video footage can be recorded at the maximum rating of 1080p full HD and then stored even on a LTE network. Customers can configure or access the camera with smartphones or computers and whenever there are motion events, the system sends out a real-time app or email push notifications to alert the user.

Availability: The product currently retails for $239.99 on the company’s official website and a few select e-commerce websites.

3. Lumos Thrillseeker Solar Backpack

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Product Brief: With a built in Solar Fabric, the Lumos Thrillseeker solar backpack, can take rain, dirt, and even impact. It is perfect for trail rides and tours. This 12-liter hydration bag has been designed for great stability and clings to the wearer even during the roughest of trail rides.

Product Features: The backpack features adequate reflectors for safety and crossstraps for weight distribution. The bag is water-resistant and ships with a rain cover.

The Solar Fabric charges a proprietary Lithium-based battery inside the bag which can be used to charge GPS devices, Bike Lights or Smart-phones.

Application: Adventure/Travel Luggage Benefits: The curved profile of the backpack fits the rider snugly, thereby reducing the strain of carrying a backpack during activities. The lithium based battery can be used to charge any USB compatible device on the go, and the water rating of the backpack and solar fabric make it easily the preferred choice on adventure trails. The solar fabric is curved to maximise the solar exposure and is also lighter than conventional solar panels.

Availability: The backpack is available on select e-commerce websites like amazon. in where it retails for Rs 4000. (Currently on discount at Rs 1999) SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 10

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PRODUCTS

4. Prabha Solar Rechargeable Solar Fan Product Brief: The Prabha Solar 15 W AC/DC rechargeable table fan solves the problem of bearing the heat when there is no electricity. The fan can be run on a AC source in its normal mode, but can also be powered using a battery backup system that the company retails separately.

Product Features: The 15 W table fan comes with an inbuilt LED light and both the. Fan and the light can be worked on a 12 V battery provided by the company. The setup also features a output port which can be used for charging USB based devices like mobile phones.

Application: Home Cooling System Product Benefits: The product can work on a DC source like a battery. The company has however, enabled the product to work on just an 12 V battery system. The system can also be powered using power generated by a solar panel which is available as an additional accessory from the company.

Availability: The product is available for purchase on amazon.in for a retail price of Rs 2790 (3800 without discount)

5. Vicco Star Home Light Set Product Brief: The Vicco star home lighting system comes with a 3 W solar panel, a 6 volt lead acid smf battery box, 3 2W dc led bulb with 5 meter wire and a 7.5 volt ac adapter. The product is manufactured by perfect power solutions and is designed for multi-purpose uses like camping, emergency light, home decor, work, study, travel convenience.

Product Features: It features a solar charging battery backup 16 hours, a usb socket for mobile charging, 3 led lamps each with 5 meter wire & pins single lamp coverage area of 400 sq.ft. The 3 lamp have 3 separate sockets & 3 switches charging options.

Application: Home Lighting System Product Benefits: The product comes all equipped as a full lighting system that can be used indoors and outside on the travel. The solar panel is capable of charging the battery with a battery backup said to be between 6-8 hours on every charge.The USB port is also capable of charging mobile phones and smaller devices which are USB compatible.

Availability: The product is available for purchase on amazon.in for a retail price of Rs 3599 (Rs 2850 on discount)

6. Eton Rugged Rukus

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Product Brief: The Eton Rugged Rukus is a solar-powered speaker which also doubles as a portable mobile phone charger. The speaker boasts of a stereo sound system with 2 full range speaker drivers.

The product has been designed to be an efficient entertainment unit outdoors which can be powered by the retrofitted solar panels.

Product Features: The speaker comes with a high efficiency monocrystalline solar panel with internal Li-ion battery. It is also IPX 4 rated to withstand hits and water. The speaker is also bluetooth compatible and can play audio from a mobile device wirelessly.

Application: Music System Product Benefits: The solar panel on the speaker is capable of completely charging the internal battery of the speaker in 5 hours.

The product is extremely rugged and can easily bear falls and even big water splashes. The product weighs 531 grams and is smaller in size than a laptop and hence can be easily carried on hikes and trails. The battery backup of the product is 8 hours of music playback on a full charge.

Availability: The speaker is available on select e-commerce websites like amazon.in where it retails for Rs 10000. (Currently on discount at Rs 6634) SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 10

OPPORTUNITIES

1. Field Services Engineer - GE Renewable Energy

GE Renewable Energy, a global leader in the wind energy and solar energy segment, to power the world’s biggest economies and the most remote communities, is looking for Field Service Engineers for work in Henan, China.

The qualification criteria for eligible candidates is a bachelors degree in electrical engineering, electromechanical engineering or three years equivalent experience. The candidates should also have a minimum 3 years’ experience in sales and/or service of monitoring and diagnostic wind energy systems.

The selected candidate will have the following responsibilities: • Provide customers with high quality, value added service solutions involving installation and maintenance of wind energy products.

• P rovide technical direction and/or field execution management of wind energy projects within the region as required.

• S upport the business growth requirements by offering feedback to regional leadership on improvement areas and business opportunities.

• Provide wind farm troubleshooting and maintenance work.

Keep turbines running with high performance.

• Complete all necessary technical and business documentation on time and accurate.

• Partner with the Services Engineering teams and interface with external and internal.

The salary package for selected candidates has not been revealed by the company.

Apply for the post here - https://invent.ge/2QIyVBf

2. EHS Services Specialist - LM Wind Power

GE Renewable Energy, a global leader in the wind energy and solar energy segment, to power the world’s biggest economies and the most remote communities, is looking for Environment (E), Health (H) and Safety (S) services specialists for its subsidiary LM Wind Power in Bengaluru.

The qualification criteria for eligible candidates is a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college in engineering or related EHS field; alternatively, professional qualification/ apprenticeship with significant experience in EHS. A minimum of 3 years of experience in EHS; wind industry, construction projects or customer services activities is preferable.

The selected candidate will have the following responsibilities: • Provide strong EHS leadership for (region) organization supporting business goals and objectives • Cultivate an exceptional EHS culture in the customer wind farms • Lead key EHS strategic imperatives with customer site / field service operations.

• Drive constantly EHS standards to lead to a Safe Workable Environment • Work collaboratively inside and outside LM/GE, to identify and leverage best practices from other businesses, acquisitions, partners and customers.

• Be the first point of contact of authorities and customers in case of Accident, Damage, Pollution…

The salary package for selected candidates has not been revealed by the company.

Apply for the post here - https://invent.ge/2WhLKbY

3. Application Engineer, R&D Team (BESS) Exicom Tele-Systems Limited

Exicom Tele-Systems is looking for an application engineer to join the company’s research and development team working on battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in Gurgaon.

A key technical member of a cross functional business team that focuses on evaluating and working to deploy product against them.

The qualification criteria for eligible candidates is a bachelors or masters degree in engineering in either electrical or electronics engineering with 12-15 years of experience in Energy Storage Systems (ESS) Projects.

The selected candidate will have the following responsibilities: • Work with external counter-parties to identify best technical fit of battery energy storage technologies for power (Frequency regulation, Renewable firming) & energy applications (time shift, back up hour, peak shaving).

• Sizing of Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) for different applications or needs and Design of Balance of System (BoS) to deploy BESS. • Micro grid design (solar with battery system, solar with DG system and full-fledged micro grid) based on the requirement.

• Project execution and commissioning of micro-grid and BESS systems.

• Set up and operate test equipment to evaluate performance of ESS parts, assemblies, or systems under simulated operating conditions and record results.

The salary package for selected candidates has not been revealed by the company.

Apply for the post here - https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/ view/1234951160/ VOL 3 l ISSUE 10 | SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL

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Bergen Group is a 35 year old organisation with 5 branch offices provides a complete one shop solution for manufacturing as well as energy generation technologies for renewable energy companies.

Corporate Office :

CBIP Building, 2nd floor, Plot No. 21, Institutional Area, Sector 32, Gurugram, Haryana, India-122018 Tel : +91(0124) 4986400-416 | Fax : +91(0124) 4986405 Email : pv@bergengroupindia.com Web : www.bergengroupindia.com