Saur Energy Magazine October 2018

www.saurenergy.com

SAUR ENERGY OCTOBER 2018 | 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 2 l TOTAL PAGES 64 l PUBLISHED ON 1ST OF EVERY MONTH

THE NEXT BREAKTHROUGH IN O&M

Manish Aggarwal MD Enkay Solar Power

Vikas Jain

Director Insolation Energy Pvt Ltd

Anshul Gupta

Director Okaya Power Pvt Ltd

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

SAUR ENERGY I N T E R N A T I O N A L EDITOR MANAS NANDI manas@meilleurmedia.com

BEING super HUMAN!

DIRECTOR MARKETING PRATEEK KAPOOR prateek@meilleurmedia.com ASSOCIATE EDITOR

After you engage in much more than 1000 discussions per day NILOY BANERJEE continuously for 3 days you got to feel like a Super Human. Well myself niloy@meilleurmedia.com and entire team of SAUR ENERGY did that for all 3 days in REI individually.

I got to say that it was really a fantastic show for us and all other exhibitors whom I had spoken to during these 3 days.

SUB EDITOR This shows how strong domestic demand is in India. This is rising due to MANU TAYAL government’s positive policies and spurring the need for developing manu@meilleurmedia.com indigenous low cost and clean electricity production capacities.

Currently, almost 85 percent of this demand is serviced through MANAGER- MEDIA SOLUTION imports.

GIRISH MISHRA India accounts for approximately 4 per cent of the total global girish.mishra@meilleurmedia.com electricity generation and contributes 4.43 per cent to the global renewable generation capacity. The International Energy Agency’s World Energy Outlook projected a growth DESIGN HEAD of renewable energy supply to 4,550 GW in 2040 on a global SANDEEP KUMAR basis.

With internal demand defeating supply, the government’s WEB DEVELOPMENT MANAGER intentions on setting up more local manufacturing and JITENDER KUMAR assembling units through a mix of tax sops, industry-wide incentives, ease in foreign direct investment (FDI) rules, and implementing safeguard duties seems realistic.

WEB PRODUCTION Therefore, the solar sector in India is complimenting BALVINDER SINGH foreign investor’s ingress in the Indian market with improved prospects.

SUBSCRIPTIONS With these initiatives the government hopes to KULDEEP reduce overall solar equipment imports into India. subscription@meilleurmedia.com There is good reason for this ambitious goal.

According to data released by the Department Saur Energy International is printed, published, edited and owned by Manas Nandi and of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), FDI published from 303, 2nd floor, Neelkanth Palace, Plot No- 190, Sant Nagar,East of Kailash, inflows in the Indian non-conventional energy New Delhi- 110065 (INDIA),Printed at Pearl Printers, C-105, Okhla Industrial Area, Phase 1, sector between April 2000 and June 2018 New Delhi. stood at US$ 6.84 billion. But more than US$ 42 billion has been invested in India’s renewable energy sector since 2014.

Editor, Publisher, Printer and Owner make every effort to ensure high quality and accuracy of Good days ahead for all of us. the content published. However he cannot accept any responsibility for any effects from errors or omissions.

Happy reading!

ManasNandi manas@meilleurmedia.com

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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34

ANSHUL GUPTA Director Okaya Power Pvt Ltd

VIKAS JAIN

Director Insolation Energy Pvt Ltd

MANISH AGGARWAL Managing Director Enkay Solar Power

52

12TH EDITION OF RENEWABLE ENERGY INDIA EXPO REITERATES RENEWED FOCUS ON CLEAN ENERGY SECTOR

POLICY

MARKET

EV

46 36

Govt to SET UP Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

Fossil Fuels Won’t Last Long: Suresh Prabhu

Productive Action can add $26 Tn to World Economy

‘Rapid E’ to be First Aston Martin Electric Vehicle

India, UN Ink 5-Yr Sustainable Development Framework

Aus May Fetch 50% Power from Renewables by 2025

U'khand summit to attract Rs 74,000 cr investment

09 Govt Extends FAME-I for 6 Months

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OCTOBER 2018

SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 02

CONTENT PAGE

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THE NEXT BREAKTHROUGH IN O&M INNOVATION

PROJECTS

FINANCE

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CLP India, Suzlon Join Hands for 2 Solar Projects

Hanergy Bags $130mn Contract from Forest Group

Bi-Layer Solar Cell Sets Record for Efficiency

Conti Solar to build Southern Sky's 35MW Project

M'rashtra Eyes Rs 25,000 Cr Investment in EV Segment

Researchers find new way to harness solar

Google Signs Re Deal to Power Data Center

Jinko Solar’s Q2 Net Profit Jumps 2653% QoQ VOL 3 l ISSUE 02 | SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL

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OCTOBER 2018

POLICY UPDATE

MODI, MACRON GET UN’S CHAMPIONS OF THE EARTH AWARD Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron has been awarded with the United Nation’s highest environmental honour for 2018 ‘Champions of the Earth’ award.

Both the leaders have been jointly recognized in the Policy Leadership category for their pioneering work in championing the International Solar Alliance and promoting new areas of levels of cooperation on environmental action, including Macron’s work on the Global Pact for the Environment and Modi’s unprecedented pledge to eliminate all single-use plastic in India by 2022.

Six of the world's most outstanding environmental changemakers have been recognized with the Champions of the Earth Award.

The United Nations Environment

Programme (UNEP) said in a statement that, “This years’ laureates are recognized for a combination of bold, innovative and tireless efforts to tackle some of the most urgent environmental issues of our times.”

Cochin International Airport has also been honoured this year with the award for Entrepreneurial Vision, for its leadership in the use of sustainable energy. The other winners of the 2018 Champions of the Earth Awards are Joan Carling, recognised with the lifetime achievement award for her work as one of the world's most prominent defenders of environmental and indigenous rights.

Also, Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods are jointly recognised in the Science and Innovation category, for their revolutionary development of a popular, plant-based alternative to

beef, and for their efforts to educate consumers about environmentally conscious alternatives.

Further, China's Zhejiang's Green Rural Revival Programme is awarded for Inspiration and Action for the transformation of a once heavily polluted area of rivers and streams in East China's Zhejiang province.

Commenting on the awards, Head of UN Environment, Erik Solheim said, “The Champions of the Earth Award and Young Champions of the Earth Prize recognise those not afraid to chart unknown waters or be the voice of the voiceless. These people are changing our world today for a better tomorrow.”

The awards will be presented during the Champions of the Earth Gala in New York City, on the sidelines of the 73rd UN General Assembly.

AP TO GENERATE 10,000 MW SOLAR POWER BY 2022

B'DESH MULLS IMPORTING SOLAR POWER FROM INDIA

In order to make the state power surplus, the Andhra Pradesh state government has planned to develop another 10,000 MW of solar power by the year 2022.

Moreover, the state has in its present pipeline a total of 4,000 MW ultra-solar power projects to be developed in Kurnool, Anantapur and Kadapa.

Further, the government has been promoting the inclusion of renewable energy including solar energy in the state since 2014. Significantly, the price of the power in the solar tenders has come down to Rs 2.75 per unit citing the successful bidding by the solar industry players.

The Andhra Pradesh government could add 2,440 MW solar power capacities during the last four years. It started with 63.70MW in 2014-15, and added 369.90 MW in 2018-19.

The solar power capacities have been consistently added and generation is poised to reach 5,000 MW by 2019-20, officials said.

Energy Minister Kimidi Kala Venkata Rao said, “So, we are making efforts to tap solar power in a big way. The government has formulated solar and wind power policies to promote the renewable energy sector, taking the view that green energy is the only way forward.”

The solar policy was announced in 2015 to attract investments in the renewable energy sector. “As a result of promotional efforts, the cumulative renewable energy capacity in the State has reached 7,119 MW, which includes 2,517 MW of solar power,” he added.

Moderating a seminar on “New Technologies: Innovations in Power and Energy” at the International Convention City Bashundhara in Dhaka Energy Adviser to Bangladesh’s Prime Minister, Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury mentioned the government may consider to import solar energy from India keeping in view the time of sunlight available.

“Some areas in India have the advantage of solar power generation with their different time zoning with which Bangladesh local timing has a big difference,” he said.

Mentioning that there is a huge time difference between the places of India which produce solar power with Bangladesh, the PM's energy adviser said, "When they have peak noon, we have afternoon. We can easily take the advantage of that time zoning in solar power generation.”

Moreover, the energy adviser also asked the researchers and university students to come up with their new innovations to develop technology to make the power and energy sector more efficient. Speaking at the programme, Managing Director, Rahimafrooz Munawar Moin said, “Bangladesh must move for generating 100 percent power from renewable energy by 2050”, as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina recognised Maracas Declaration which set this target globally.

Also, the insolation in Bangladesh varies from 3.8 kWh/m2 per day to 6.4 kWh/m2 per day at an average of 5 kWh/m2 per day. These indicate that there are good prospects for solar thermal and photovoltaic application in the country.

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SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 02

POLICY UPDATE

GOVT EXTENDS FAME-I FOR 6 MONTHS In a bid to promote electric and hybrid vehicles, the Government of India has extended the first phase of the FAME-India scheme by another 6 months till March 31, next year.

However, it has withdrawn benefits of incentive available to conventional battery vehicles.

The Heavy Industries Ministry said in a statement that, incentives in the remaining period of the scheme shall only be available for registered vehicles.

Now from October 1, electric two & three wheelers powered by conventional lead-acid batteries were not eligible for incentives under FAME-I. As per the media reports, the launch of FAME II have been delayed as the PMO has sought reworking of the proposal to offer incentives of around Rs 5,500 crore, and it is also in favour of utilising most of the funds to encourage local manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries, which form the core of electric vehicles, as India presently imports these batteries from China. The Ministry said in a statement that, “It has been decided that the period of the FAME-India scheme be further extended for a further period of six months i.e. upto March 31, 2019 or till Notification of FAME-II, whichever is earlier.”

However it further added that, the extension is subject to

the following: “The benefits of incentive available to conventional battery vehicles as elucidated in para 26 of the original notification of the scheme dated 13th March, 2015 stands discontinued w.e.f. 1st October, 2018.”

“Incentives in the remaining period of the scheme shall only be available for registered vehicles. Henceforth, with effect from October 1, 2018, vehicles not requiring registration shall be excluded from the scope of the scheme irrespective of the type of battery,” it said.

CHANDIGARH STRUGGLES TO MEET INDIA’S SOLAR TARGET

DELHI CABINET OKAYS MUKHYAMANTRI SOLAR POWER SCHEME

Chandigarh Renewable Energy, Science and Technology Promotion Society (CREST) have been unable to meet the solar power installation target set by the Union Government till date.

As per the Central Government orders, it is mandatory for the Union Territory (UT) to install 1 KW and 2 KW solar power systems on buildings measuring 500-999 square yards and 1000-2999 square yards respectively.

Further, the UT Administration has sent another reminder to the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) to fix the solar power tariff for this fiscal as the work will only advance with set rates.

As a result of this, the UT electricity department has stopped giving connections on gross metering, putting Crest in a fix, said an official of the UT electricity department. UT superintending engineer (electricity) said they would resume this after JERC fixed new rates.

As a result of delayed fixing of rates, the gross-metering connections are also put on hold by the authority.

Gross-Metering in the process of solar installations is the collection of overall power generated and supply to the main grid.

Also, the union territory is obligatory towards Union government’s solar target of 69 MW brought up from 50 MW to be met by 2022. Whereas the city has been able to install a total of 22 MW in the last six years.

The Delhi cabinet has approved the ambitious Mukhyamantri Solar Power Scheme to set up rooftop solar panels for group housing societies in the national capital.

The Cabinet Minister in the Delhi Government Satyendar Jain told to media that, under Renewable Energy Service Co (RESCO) model, the domestic consumer will not have to spend any money for the installation of solar panels.

It will be done by select service providers.

He further added that, “There will be a tripartite agreement between the concerned group housing society, the service provider (company) and the Delhi government.”

“The Delhi government will provide a subsidy of Rs 2 per unit to the society,” Jain further said.

While, the electricity cost generated via solar power for the group housing society will be Rs 1 per unit.

Moreover, the initial estimated cost of solar power was likely to be Rs 3 per unit, the Minister said.

The Cabinet Minister further added that it will keep increasing year-wise.

“The cost of solar power will also depend on the space provided by the society for the installation of solar panels.

In case the society provide more space for solar panels than its requirement, they will get the benefit in return in terms of further reduction in the price of solar power,” he said.

VOL 3 l ISSUE 02 | SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL

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OCTOBER 2018

POLICY UPDATE

FOSSIL FUELS WON’T LAST LONG: SURESH PRABHU Speaking at a function of International Solar Alliance (ISA) Innovation and Investment Forum, Union Minister Suresh Prabhu stressed upon the need to increase the use of carbon-free renewable energy resources for the India’s power requirements.

He also upheld the view that India’s target to generate 100 GW solar energy by 2022 requires joint efforts in order to reduce the cost of finance and technology for massive production of solar energy.

"Many firms of Australia and Japan are keen to invest in India in the solar energy sector. The Minister emphasized on the need for sending market signals so that more funds are invested in R&D in solar energy. India has set a target to generate 100 GW solar energy by 2022 for increasing share of carbon-free energy in the energy mix," he said.

Further, the minister also highlighted the support given by ISA to all the country for development of a prosperous, energy secure and sustainable world for the betterment of the people and their future.

The minister stated that the cost of renewable energy is inversely proportional to the amount of its generation in India. As the country proceed with more generation of renewable energy the costs of development will gradually reduce.

He said, "Fossil fuel is not going to last forever even if its resources are managed in the best possible manner. The use of shale gas and oil is limited and it adversely impacts the environment.

The threat of climate change has become a reality and it has affected the bio-diversity of the planet. Imbalanced use of energy is the root cause of many environmental problems in different parts of the world. It is causing unprecedented heat wave conditions in Europe, intensity and frequency of typhoons have also increased."

IL&FS VIOLATES METERING GOV’T CUTS COMPONENT NORMS AT BHADLA SOLAR PARK MFG REQUIREMENT TO 3 MW

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OCTOBER 2018

Rajasthan Urja Vikas Nigam (RUVNL), under the gross violation of metering norms by IL&FS, has ordered the constitution of a committee to look into the matter.

Solar power park developer, IL&FS has been found violating the metering norms in the solar power plants set up by SoftBank Energy (SB Energy) and ACME Solar in Rajasthan’s Bhadla solar park which is a joint venture between Rajasthan Government and IL&FS. However, in a letter to RUVNL, metering and protection (M&P) department of Jodhpur discom has questioned the logic of constituting the committee when the metering plan does not comply with the provisions of Central Electrical Authority (CEA) and the Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission (RERC).

The M&P department has said that the metering plan has not been cleared by it and even the energy meter and metering equipment have not been tested before its officials which is mandatory as per the rules of CERC and RERC. Further, SB Energy has denied any responsibility of the violation of metering norms leaving the ball in IL&FS’s court.

Also, a source in the discom said that companies are in a hurry to meet commissioning deadline, failing which they have to deposit hefty late penalties.

Since late penalties are very high, these companies adopt shady practices. Lower level officials get easily managed.

The need of the hour is to enforce all the rules and regulations strictly,” said the source.

SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 02

In a bid to attract healthy number of developers in a recent solar auction and prevent higher tariff bids from the bidders, the government has reduced the component manufacturing requirement from 5 GW to 3 MW. The government has also brought down the maximum permissible tariff rate for the tender to Rs 2.75 per unit from an earlier cap of Rs 2.93.

Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), the nodal agency for the implementation of the National Solar Mission, had earlier this year floated the 5 GW solar component manufacturing tender linked to a 10 GW power purchase agreement (PPA), in a move to support the local solar manufacturing industry currently facing the onslaught of cheap imports from China.

According to the media reports earlier, government was planning to bring down the manufacturing component in the tender. The size of the PPA, however, remains unchanged at 10 GW. Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Anand Kumar said, “This will ensure better competition and cheaper tariffs discovered through the bidding process.” Further, the move came in as the government feared developers keeping away from the tender as they do not appreciate government regulating the tender tariffs. As per the market experts, the developers are reluctant to enter the solar manufacturing as it directly increases their expenditure without providing for any relief from the other side.

POLICY UPDATE

INDIA, UN INK 5-YR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK The Government of India (GoI) and the United Nations signed a five-year Sustainable Development Framework for 2018-2022 (UNSDF 2018-22).

From Indian side, NITI Aayog, CEO, Amitabh Kant and United Nations Resident Coordinator in India, Yuri Afanasiev, signed the Government of India-United Nations Sustainable Development Framework (UNSDF) for 2018-2022 at a special signing ceremony held on September 28 at NITI Aayog premises.

Further, the signing ceremony was presided over by Vice Chairperson, NITI Aayog, Dr. Rajiv Kumar, Members of NITI Aayog and attended by the heads of UN agencies in India.

This Government of India-United Nations Sustainable Development Framework (SDF) 2018-2022 outlines the work of UN agencies in India, to support the achievement of key development outcomes that have been identified in consultation with the government and are aligned to the national priorities.

Also, NITI Aayog is the national counterpart for the UN in India for the operationalization of the UNSDF. Besides, nineteen United Nations agencies have signed on the UNSDF 2018-2022.

The UNSDF 2018-22 comprises of 7 priority areas that outline the work that UN agencies will undertake jointly or individually, fully aligned with the priorities of the GoI. The seven priority areas outlined in the UNSDF include - Climate Change,

Clean Energy, and Disaster Resilience; Health, Water, and Sanitation; Poverty and Urbanization; Education and Employability; Skilling, Entrepreneurship, and Job Creation; Nutrition and Food Security; and Gender Equality and Youth Development.

MNRE SEEKS GATE QUALIFIED CANDIDATES FOR 9 POSTS

INDIA-SPAIN TRADE TO SURGE 20% YEARLY TILL 2023

Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has sought job applications from the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) qualified candidates for filling up vacancy in MNRE for 9 posts of Scientists ‘B’ on direct recruitment bases.

The vacancy in MNRE will also provide science aspirants to work in the country’s premium green energy organization.

Moreover, the Ministry has also set a cutoff percentage for the recruitment on the basis of GATE. GATE is the general aptitude test conducted for a standardized check of engineering pass outs with various subjects.

Moreover, the Ministry has been keen to spread the use of new and renewable energy sources in line with the Government of India’s target of achieving 175 GW renewable energy capacity by the year 2022.

The candidates are expected to apply for the vacancy in MNRE through the subjects Chemical, Electrical and Communication, Electrical, Mechanical and Engineering science.

A spate of visits shared by Spain and India has led to an increasing number of bilateral trade ties among the countries.

Spanish Ambassador to India, Jose R Baranano said he expected his country's bilateral trade with India would increase on an average of 20 per cent every year over the next five years.

Further, the ambassador stressed upon the issues acting as pull backs in the trade policies. The bilateral trade between both the countries is around $6 billion presently; he said adding language and distance have been two of the biggest hindrances in regard to the growth of trade ties.

Baranano said, “There is lot of potential in tourism, education, renewable energy and agriculture sector. The economic condition across the globe is a bit messy but we hope that over the next five years the trade ties between the two countries would increase on an average of 20 per cent every year. The world market is swiftly shifting from Europe to India, China and other Asian countries."

VOL 3 l ISSUE 02 | SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL

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OCTOBER 2018

POLICY UPDATE

MSEDCL, MERC TO CONSULT WIND POWER PLAYERS Bombay High Court has directed Maharashtra’s discom Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company (MSEDCL) and the state’s electricity regulator Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) to consult with the wind power developers over the reclassification of wind zones following a petition filed by a leading wind energy player, Hero Wind Energy against the order rolled out by MERC. The high court’s decision came out as a relief for the developers as it affirmed that the authority would make sure that the developers are heard before any decision is made regarding the reclassification of the wind power zones.

Further, wind energy projects work only in areas where wind speeds are above a basic minimum. In Maharashtra, the regulator had classified the state’s wind projects according to their locations in 2010 and reaffirmed them with modifications in 2015.

Moreover, areas with the lowest wind speeds were classified in Zone 1 and those in places with the highest speeds in Zone 4. The regulations set the estimated capacity utilisation factor (CUF) of the projects as 22% for Zone 1, 25% for Zone 2, 30% for Zone 3 and 32% for Zone 4. The feed-in tariff for power from projects in each zone was set in inverse proportion to wind speed.

The state distributor wants to reclassify wind projects according to their CUF alone. In a study, it found that 42 of the 328 projects in Zone 1 areas had CUFs higher than 22% and concluded that these developers were drawing undue profit from the relatively higher tariff set for Zone 1 projects.

Speaking on the issue, CEO, Hero, Sunil Jain said, “The government cannot retrospectively change the clauses in any PPA on some pretext or the other. The discom is armtwisting developers to get lower tariffs by reopening PPAs.”

INDIAN RAILWAYS EMBRACES EESL TO ASSIST ISA MEMBERS MISSION 100% ELECTRIFICATION WITH 5 LAC SOLAR WATER PUMPS

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OCTOBER 2018

In a bid to enhance Indian Railways’ operations, the PM-led cabinet has approved the Railway Ministry’s suggestion to electrify the remaining 13,675 kms of railway tracks.

The approval comes as a part of Railway Ministry’s electrification plan, ‘Mission 100% Electrification’ which intends to make railways environment friendly, ensure faster and smoother movements of passengers.

According to Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, this will cost the national transporter around Rs 12,000 crore. After the completion of this project, all broad gauge lines of Indian Railways will be electrified.

Moreover, the electrification process is expected to reduce dependence on imported diesel, enhance line capacity and higher haulage capacity. It would also make train operations seamless ensuring better speed.

The electrification will also improve signal system for enhanced safety and direct employment generation during construction for nearly 20.4 crore man days.

Also, Indian Railways has said that the new indigenous electric locomotives deliver 5000 HP, which is 92% more than the old version.

Further, the authorities have also planned to buy 12,000 hp electric locomotives from Alstom which has set up manufacturing plant in Bihar. This would also boost another target of ‘Make in India’.

SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 02

Joint venture for public sector undertakings of Power Ministry, Energy Efficiency Services (EESL) has been chosen by the International Solar Alliance (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.

General Manager, EESL, Rajneesh Rana said, “We look forward to replicating the success of our ongoing solar projects and agricultural pumps programme in the member countries of ISA. We will leverage the wealth of our experience in implementing large-scale energy-efficiency and renewable energy programme in India and combine that experience with ISA’s long-term vision.”

Further, for the 13 member countries who have demanded for the pumping systems, EESL would be responsible for the implementation of ISA's latest programme.

Moreover, ISA and EESL aspire to bring down the cost of solar water pumping systems to scale up the programme and encourage other member countries.

Also, members would be able to implement the project effectively from in-built monitoring mechanisms and thereby, develop large number of local employment opportunities within the country.

POLICY UPDATE

MNRE ORGANISES ISA ASSEMBLY, IORA MINISTERIAL, REINVEST The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is organising the first assembly of International Solar Alliance (ISA); the 2nd Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Renewable Energy Ministerial Meeting and the 2nd Global Renewable Energy Investment Meeting and Expo, (REINVEST2018) from 2nd to 5th October 2018 in New Delhi.

The three events will be inaugurated in a common function by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the presence of Antonio Guterres, Secretary General, United Nations on October 2, 2018 in Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi.

The Business and Technical Sessions of ISA Assembly, IORA Meet and RE-INVEST 2018 Expo will be held at India Expo Mart, Greater Noida, UP. Consequent to the Founding Conference, the first Assembly of ISA will be held from 2nd to 5th October 2018.

The first Assembly, in a way, will lay the foundation for global Solar Agenda. The Assembly, as supreme decision making body of the ISA, will steer the process to significantly harness solar energy for achieving universal

energy access at affordable rates.

The Assembly will adjudicate upon various administrative, financial and programme related issues. The Ministers from ISA Treaty Framework signatory countries have been invited for the Assembly.

The countries that have ratified the ISA Treaty Framework will attend the Assembly, as Members. Countries that have signed but are yet to ratify the ISA Treaty Framework will attend the Assembly as Observers. Till date, we have received delegation confirmation from 18 ministerial-level delegations for attending the 1st Assembly of ISA besides many partner organisations and observers.

The IORA was set up with the objective of strengthening regional cooperation and sustainable development within the Indian Ocean Region with 21 Member States and 7 Dialogue Partners.

The last Renewable Energy Ministerial Meeting was held on 21st January, 2014 in Abu Dhabi, UAE. In line with the commitment made, India will be hosting 2nd IORA Renewable Energy Ministerial meet from 2nd to 4th October,

2018. In this meeting, Ministers and delegates from all 21 member-countries are expected to participate.

The 2nd RE-INVEST aims at accelerating the worldwide effort to scale up renewable energy and connect the global investment community with Indian energy stakeholders.

This year 2nd RE-INVEST will include a 3-day Conference on renewables, cleantech and future energy choices, and an Expo of renewables-related manufacturers, developers, investors and innovators.

The government is expected that the 2nd RE-INVEST will provide a great opportunity to various organisations to showcase their business strategies, achievements and expectations.

It would facilitate collaboration and cooperation with key stakeholders in India, which has today emerged as one of the world’s largest renewable energy markets. The 2nd RE-INVEST is expected to be attended by Ministerial Delegations from across the world, including ISA and IORA Member Countries, over 600 global industry leaders, and 10,000 delegates.

TAIWAN TALKS 'INDIA SGD' WITH WTO

EU EXEMPTS CHINA FROM IMPORT RESTRICTIONS

After India has imposed a safeguard duty on solar imports from China and Malaysia, Taiwan is second in row after Malaysia to seek consultations under World Trade Organization’s Safeguard Agreement.

However, the global trade body has affirmed that the subject matter put up by Taiwan does not fall under its dispute settlement system. Even though Taiwan does not fall under the category of countries charged with the safeguard duty it says it has interest in being an exporter of the solar components to India.

Further, the objective of the consultation is to "exchange views on the proposed measures and reaching an understanding on ways to achieve the objectives" set out in an article of the WTO Agreement on Safeguards, the WTO said in a communication.

Also, according to an expert, seeking consultations under the safeguard agreement is a way to inform other countries that they are not fulfilling their commitments under the WTO rules.

Solar cells -- electrical devices that convert sunlight directly into electricity -- are imported primarily from China, Malaysia, Singapore and Taiwan. Imports of solar cells from Malaysia and China account for more than 90 per cent of the total inbound shipments in the country.

European Union (EU) has lifted five-year old protectionism restrictions on solar panel imports from China paving way to protecting the domestic developers and manufacturers from the U.S. The move of withdrawing restrictions came in after Brussels and Beijing mull to be more defensive of the U.S solar markets being more cooperative in their own trade policies.

EU’s executive arm, European Commission has rejected the solar developers’ appeal to rethink the step taken and expects the step to be a boost to the renewable energy targets set by the Union. "The EU anti-dumping and anti-subsidy measures on solar panel from China will expire today at midnight at 2200 GMT”, commission said. The Chinese imports were restricted in 2013 after the domestic manufacturers shown issues of being shunted out of the market gradually because of the cheaper solar components. The commission mentions that the step has been taken in the interest of the users, buyers and the importers of solar panels than the manufacturers. The manufacturers in EU are said to have made the solar components on higher costs than the solar manufacturing in China. It has gradually adjusted the measures to allow prices of imports to "align progressively with world market prices," the commission said.

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OCTOBER 2018

SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 02

POLICY UPDATE

SOLAR INDUSTRY SEEKS CLARITY ON GST RATE With Maharashtra and Karnataka’s Advance Ruling authority pegging GST rate for solar plants at 18 percent and 5 percent respectively, the solar industry seems to be in a jam over which rates are to be followed.

Further, the solar industry seems to be divided with the developers and the manufacturers having distinct views on the advance ruling by the state advance ruling appellate.

Moreover, the Karnataka Appellate Authority for Advance Rulings (AAAR) backed the findings of the state AAAR that supply of photovoltaic modules is a distinct transaction and cannot be said to be naturally bundled with the supply of other components and parts of a solar power plant.

Substantiating the application of goods and service tax on the solar developments,

the Karnataka AAAR observed that the supply of other components and parts and the supply of services of erection, installation and commissioning of the solar power plant are ‘composite’ as they are naturally bundled and accordingly, the tax rate applicable to the dominant

nature of supply shall prevail.

Thereafter, taking a divergent stand from the Karnataka AAAR ruling, the Maharashtra AAAR, in the case of Fermi Solar Farms and Giriraj Renewables, held that the supply of solar power generating system constitutes a composite works contract that’s liable to taxed at 18%.

Partner, KPMG, Harpreet Singh said, “The industry was already perplexed on account of divergent advance rulings.

To add to their bewilderment, even Appellate Authorities for Advance Rulings have given diametrically opposite rulings.

While one AAAR has held supply under solar power project as not composite, the other has observed that even where there are two separate contracts for supply and services, holistically; it is one indivisible contract for setting up of solar power generating plant.”

VOL 3 l ISSUE 02 | SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL

15

OCTOBER 2018

POLICY UPDATE

SC UPHOLDS SAFEGUARD DUTY ON SOLAR IMPORTS Adding to the joy of Indian solar manufacturers and woes of solar developers, Supreme Court (SC), on being approached by Government of India, has stayed the Orissa High Court’s interim order restricting safeguard duty on solar imports.

The SC order mentions, “In the meantime, interim order dated 23.07.2018 in I.A. No.10566 of 2018 passed by the High Court and further proceedings in Writ Petition (C) No.23827 of 2018 shall remain stayed.”

K.K Venugopal is the primary petitioner as the Attorney General of India along with other advocates for the petition filed against the Orissa HC order. Primarily, Orissa HC had stayed the safeguard duty imposed by Government of India on solar

imports from China and Malaysia on the petition filed by solar importer ACME Solar Holdings. As a result of the latest order lifting restrictions on safeguard duty, the importers are in a catch as they will now be liable to pay 25 percent safeguard duty on the solar imports from China and Malaysia for imports.

Also, if the petition by ACME Solar Holdings is upheld in Supreme Court, the safeguard duty collected from the importers will be refunded.

On the other hand, the solar manufacturers have been provided with a security with the launch of the safeguard duty. According to SC’s order, the safeguard duty will remain till further investigations. Moreover, Indian solar developers/importers had concerns on the costs of solar modules after the imposition of safeguard duty.

They also voice the already high costs of solar modules manufactured in India.

Significantly, India imports 90 percent of its total solar component requirement and 80 percent of which is imported from China citing reasonable costs.

REVERSE BIDDING TO CONTIN- UN SUMMIT RECKONS CLIMATE UE IN RE SECTOR: RK SINGH CHANGE TALKS CRUCIAL

16

OCTOBER 2018

The Power and New & Renewable Energy Minister R K Singh said that the government will not accept any unreasonable bids for renewables like solar and wind and continue to conduct auctions through reverse bidding as it is transparent.

“We will accept bids which are reasonable. If we come across bids which we consider to be excessive, we will cancel them,” the Minister said at a curtain raiser press conference of 2nd Global RE-INVEST in New Delhi.

Also, this statement gained importance as the renewable energy ministry planned to auction 61 GW capacity of renewables in 2018-19 and 56 GW capacity in 2019-20.

Further, on close bidding for the sector, Singh said, “We had commissioned a study. They have said the reverse bidding system would be totally transparent and good for the sector.”

On the other hand about allegation of cartelisation against an MNC which was accused for jacking up price of solar power tariff, Renewable Energy Secretary Anand Kumar said there is no such allegation. “We found certain bids to be unacceptable and we did not accept them because their prices were higher.”

While on reducing import dependence of solar equipment in the country, Singh said that India has manufacturing capacity of 3 GW for solar cells and 9 GW for modules.

The Minister further added that, “This is not sufficient for us. In order to establish manufacturing capacity here, we had floated an Expression of Interest for 10 GW. Under this, bidder can bid for setting up a capacity of 600 MW with 200 MW manufacturing capacity. Under this, 10GW would be generation capacity and 3GW manufacturing capacity.”

SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 02

With global climate advancing towards an adverse situation of rising temperatures and imbalanced weather circumstances, leaders at 2018 United Nations General Assembly, in wake of the closing deadline to firm up the Paris climate deal, have projected climate change talks as one of the most urgent topic in the summit.

Eventually, the stakeholders at the assembly in New York would be talking climate change scenario besides discussing how to tackle wars, poverty and deadly diseases around the world.

Further, the leaders present at the annual forum would be talking setting targets for the emissions pooled in by different industries in the global atmosphere.

Also, during the meet, ministers from major economies, meanwhile, will be meeting behind closed doors to discuss who will pay to help poor countries avoid the worst effects of global warming - and prevent a wave of climate refugees in future.

Outside the confines of the United Nations, campaigners and businesspeople will meet during New York Climate Week, while Wednesday will see the second edition of French President Emmanuel Macron's One Planet Summit. Adding woes to the global rhetoric of addressing the climate change, United State’s President Donald Trump has been expected to keep draw from the Paris Climate deal even in the coming UN Summit.

His stance isn't shared by many U.S. governors, mayors and businesspeople who met recently in San Francisco for the Global Climate Action Summit, an event designed to show that parts of America are firmly behind the Paris agreement, with its ambitious goal of limiting the worldwide temperature rise by 2100 to less than 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) and as close as possible to 1.5 degrees C.

GRID UPDATES

AMU CONDUCTS SOLAR PV ROOFTOP WORKSHOP Aligarh Muslim University AMU, conducts a five-day ‘Grid Connected Solar PV rooftop Workshop’ under its ‘Green Initiative’.

The Department of Electrical Engineering, ZH College of Engineering and Technology, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), in collaboration with the university's Electricity Department, will start a five-day Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)-United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Partnership to Advance Clean Energy-Deployment (PACE-D) 'Residential Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) on Rooftop Solar PV' from September 4.

AMU workshop is aimed at providing basic information on solar PV rooftop and raise awareness amongst entrepreneurs on the concept, design and components with specific focus on technical architecture of solar PV rooftop system.

M Rihan, member-in-charge, Electricity Department, said that all the participants will receive certificates from Skills Council-

Green Jobs, Government of India.

Moreover, MNRE has sanctioned AMU an amount of Rs. 21 lakh for the organization of two five-day workshops in order to boost the knowledge of renewable energy segment in the engineers and management students.

The program will also be focusing on policy and regulatory framework for Solar PV Rooftop at the national and state level.

Funded by MNRE, the program is a part of India’s endeavor to attain the target of 100 GW of installed solar capacity by 2022.

MNRE PUT OFF 7,750 MW VGF SOLAR PROJECTS Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has in a row extended the commissioning deadlines of 7,750 MW grid-connected solar PV power projects under different batches of viability gap funding (VGF) planned under 2nd phase of National Solar Mission (NSM).

The extension of commissioning dates of the solar power projects extends to the 750 MW project of batch 1, 2000 MW project of batch 3 and 5000 MW project of batch 4 of the 2nd phase of NSM. MNRE has also permitted the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) to set the next commissioning dates within the maximum period of six months from the previously set commissioning date.

Further, the Ministry does not hold the developers responsible for the delay in the commissioning of the solar PV projects.

However, the extension has been accredited to the delays in either procurement of land or land leases from

the state government or authorities. The notice also mentions delay of setting up external evacuation system either by solar parks or state authorities as one of the reason of extension.

According to the market experts, the

extension has been seen as a roadblock in the Narendra Modi's government’s solar energy capacity target of 100 GW by the year 2022. The roadblock represents the mismatching views of the centre and the state governments.

VOL 3 l ISSUE 02 | SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL

17

OCTOBER 2018

PEDA INFORMATION GUIDE

‘‘IT'S FREE, IT'S ABUNDANT” A light to shine your Today's with power and tomorrow's with brightening bank balances. "Bank your Electricity, Bank your Money Adopt Roof Top Net Metering"

Information Guide: FOR INSTALLATION OF ROOF TOP SOLAR PV POWER PLANTS UNDER NET METERING POLICY IN PUNJAB WHAT IS NET METERING ?

Net metering is the process through which you attain a "dual - benefit "by installing a solar power plant on the roof, open space, walls of the building to generate electricity.

The generated power is first used in the building as per the requirement, even at the time of power cuts and the surplus power is fed into the grid of utility (PSPCL).

KNOW THE DUAL BENEFIT ?

A bi-directional meter is installed in the supply line to register import and export of power. Net metering arrangements, thus, combine elements of captive power consumption and exchange of power with the utility. The bill is issued by utility (PSPCL) after adjustment of import and export of power.

DO YOU WANT TO INSTALL

Under Net Metering policy, all consumers of electricity having minimum sanctioned load of more than 1.25KW and who intend to generate their own electricity and willing to contribute towards environmental protection can install Solar PV plants on Roof-Tops/ Walls/Open area of individual households, industries, commercial establishment, institutions, residential complexes, schools, colleges, hospitals, sheds, cold stores, govt. and semi-govt. buildings, etc.

Know your Capacity range:

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OCTOBER 2018

Under Net Metering Policy, Solar PV power projects of SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 02

capacity ranging from 1KW to 1000KW can be installed. The maximum capacity of solar power plant to be installed in the building would be 80% of the sanctioned electricity load of that building.

Why to Adopt Net Metering

s Reduction in bill, as the bill is issued by PSPCL after adjustment of export and import of power. s Generation of environment friendly, clean energy. Monthly minimum charges would not be leived by PSPCL. s C onsumer becomes generator for his own electricity requirements. s Reduction in electricity consumption from the grid. s If exported power is more than the consumed power then it would be accounted and set-off in the settlement period of October to September. s The electricity duty/octori etc shall be levied only on the billed amount after adjustment of import and export of power. s Continuously supplies power to the building during power cuts through battery bank. s Surplus power is supplied to the grid of PSPCL, thus, helps in eliminating power shortage.

MNRE, GOI subsidy:

Under the scheme MNRE, GOI provides 30% subsidy for installation of solar power plants of capacity ranging from 1 KW to 500 KW

PEDA INFORMATION GUIDE

25WKP Roof Top Solar power plant at Golden Temple, Amritsar

Roof Top Area, Total cost & Subsidy: 1KW Approximate cost of 1KW

= 120 Sqft. = Rs. 57,751/-

80WKP Roof Top Solar PV power plant at Parliament House, New Delhi

Govt. Subsidy 30% Beneficiary Share 70%

= Rs. 17,325/= Rs. 40,426/-

For higher capacity plants, Area, cost, subsidy and beneficiary share would be in proportion to the size of the plant

Economics & pay back calculation

Plant capacity n Plant cost n Subsidy @ 30% n Beneficiary share n on the basis of current power tariff slab if average monthly electricity bill of 3 bed room house is 800 Units. n

- 5kw - Rs. 2,88,755/- Rs. 86,625/- Rs. 2,02,130/-Rs. 5383/-

Payback period of beneficiary share of Rs. 211815: FY 2018-19 annual saving FY 2019-20 annual saving FY 2020-21annual saving FY 2021-22 annual saving

Payback period = 4 year

- Rs. 5,383X12 = Rs. 64,596/- Rs. 5,652x12 = Rs. 67,824/- Rs. 5,934x12 = Rs. 71 ,208/- Rs. 6,230x12 = Rs 74,760/TOTAL = Rs. 2,78,388/-

Calculation is based on 5% average yearly escalation in power tariff.

Energy calculations for different types of Houses : lllustration-1 : 2 bedroom house:

Illustration-2 : 3 bedroom house with 1 AC:

Illustration - 3 : School with 1 AC, 10 Computers and 20 Fans and 40 Lights :

n

Plant Capacity

- 2 Kw

n

Plant Capacity

- 5Kw

n

Daily generation

- 8 units

n

Daily generation

- 20 units

n

Plant Capacity

- 10 Kw

n

Monthly generation

- 240 units

n

Monthly generation

- 600 units

n

A verage monthly electricity

Daily generation

- 40 units

n

Monthly generation

- 1200 units

consumption

n

consumption

- 1250 units

n

A verage monthly electricity consumption

n

- 300 units

- 800 units

(approx.)

(approx.)

In Punjab domestic tariff slab :

In Punjab domestic tariff slab :

 0- 100 units

- Rs. 4.98/

 0 - 100 units

- Rs. 4.98/

 101- 300 units

- Rs. 6.55/

 101 - 300 units

- Rs. 6.55/

unit

 301 and above

- Rs. 7.15/

(approx) unit

unit

unit  301 and above

- Rs. 7.15/

unit

A verage monthly electricity

unit

In Punjab domestic tariff slab :  0 - 100 units

- Rs. 4.98/unit

 101 - 300 units

- Rs. 6.55/unit

 301 and above

- Rs. 7.15/unit

So after adjusting the net consumption and net generated units of power, the average electricity

So after adjusting the net consumption

So after adjusting the net consumption

bill during the month shall be calculated as

and net generated units of power, the

and net generated units of power, the

under:

average electricity bill during the month

average electricity bill during the month

 0 - 100 units = 100x4.98

- Rs. 498/-

shall be calculated as under:

shall be calculated as under:

101-300 units = 200x6.55

- Rs. 1,310/-

 0-100 units =100x4.98

- Rs. 498/-

 0 - 100 units =100x4.98

- Rs. 498/-

301 - 1250 units = 950x7.15 - Rs. 6,792/-

 101- 300 units = 200x6.55

- Rs. 1,310/-

 101-300 units = 200x6.55

- Rs. 1,310/-

 Total

 Total

- Rs. 1808/-

 301 and above = 500x7.15 - Rs. 3,575/-

Generation of Solar PV Plant shall be accounted

Generation of Solar PV Plant shall be

 Total

for as under.

accounted for as under:

Generation of Solar PV Plant shall be

 First 900 units = 900x7.15

 Next 200 units = 200x6.55 - Rs. 1310/-

- Rs.5,383/-

 First 200 units = 200x6.55

- Rs. 1,310/-

accounted for as under

 Next 40 units = 40x4.98

- Rs. 199/-

 First 500 units = 500x7.15

- Rs.3,575/-

 Next 100 units =100x4.98

 Next 100 units = 100x655

- Rs.655/-

 Average monthly saving

 Average monthly saving on energy bill  Net Bill

Note :

- Rs. 1,509/- Rs. 299/-

 Average monthly saving on energy bill

(I) Roof top area means area available at the roof and on ground within the vicinity of the building if the owner desires to install SPV

- Rs.4,230/-

- Rs. 8,600/-

- Rs. 6435/- Rs. 498/-

on energy bill

- Rs. 8,243/-

 Net Bill

- Rs. 357/-

power plant on that area.

(II) Battery bank is necessary in case of power cuts.

(Ill) The cost & rates given above are indicative.

VOL 3 l ISSUE 02 | SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL

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OCTOBER 2018

PEDA INFORMATION GUIDE

KNOW THE PROCEDURE: DETAILED PROCEDURE FOR INSTALLATION OF ROOFTOP SOLAR POWER PLANTS UNDER NET METERING POLICY: Name of Activity Submission of Application

Description For installation of solar power plant the applicant has to registered / apply online at any one of i.e. www.netmeteringpunjab.com, www.solarpunjab.com, www.pspcl.in, www.peda.gov.in with copy of latest electricity bill and available shadow free area at the top of roof/walls/open space within the compound.

Approval for installa- After verification, PSPCL / PEDA will give online approval to the tion of Rooftop Solar applicant for installation of required capacity Solar Power Plant.

Power Plant Installation of Solar Power Plant

After approval from PSPCL, applicant will contact and install solar power plant from selected suppliers / manufacturers of Solar power plants for facilitation list at PEDA Website <www.peda.gov.in, www. netmetringpunjab.com, www.solarpunjab.com> and submit the work completion report along with photograph of the system and single line diagram of the synchronizing and protection arrangements.

Installation of Bi-directional Meter

After receiving project completion report, the Bi-directional meter would be installed at the premises of the beneficiary by PSPCL.

Release of Subsidy

After installation of Bi-directional meter the plant shall be treated as commissioned and the beneficiary will apply for release of subsidy online with PEDA along with the work completion report duly verified

by PSPCL.

Time Schedule First 3 weeks of the month

Within 30 days, after the submission of application Within 180 days after getting approval from PSPCL/ PEDA.

Within 10 days Within 7 days after submission of Application subject to availability of funds of MNRE, GOI

To apply & for more information log on to www.solarpunjab.com or www.netmeteringpunjab.com

World's Largest Single Roof Top Solar Power Plant of capacity 20 MW at Beas, Distt, Amritsar and further capacity shall be enhanced to 35 MW

20 OCTOBER 2018

SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 02

THE CONVERSATION

ANSHUL GUPTA

Director, Okaya Power Pvt Ltd ENERGY STORAGE SEGMENT IN INDIA REQUIRES STRATEGIC SUPPORT FROM GOVT In order to realise its full potential, energy storage segment in India requires strategic support from the government, especially under its flagship make in India initiative. It is required to create more conducive environment to encourage collaborations with global players to share technology and improve the quality of manufacturing, believes Anshul Gupta, Director, Okaya Power Pvt Ltd, one of the leading battery manufacturer. In conversation with Manu Tayal, Sub Editor, Saur Energy International, Gupta shared his views about his company’s future plan, its products offerings, market structure for energy storage business in India etc. Following are the excerpts from that exclusive interview.

Q

What are the initiatives Okaya has taken in contributing towards India’s clean and green energy initiative?

22 OCTOBER 2018

Okaya is working continuously to introduce new technologies in Solar energy storage segment and contribute towards the country’s clean and green energy initiatives. Use of solar energy has become more main stream after the launch of the government’s ‘Saubhagya Yojna’ or Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojna which has been truly instrumental in highlighting the huge requirement of renewable power in the rural and urban areas. Okaya is committed to contribute in this noble initiative by launching more and more innovative products for the masses. Our customised solutions for Lithium battery requirements enjoy dominant market share in solar power projects, 2-wheelers, E-rickshaw and UPS segment already. With Lithium batteries, Okaya has set in motion another big revolution in power storage solutions.

At Okaya, we have achieved distinct technological advancements in cell structure with simultaneously commanding excellence in bringing various new innovations in module design of energy storage solutions.

As a top-notch brand of batteries, we are offering a wide range of solar batteries which enjoy high demand in the market due to their easy and efficient working.

Okaya has also organized various programs such as 'Power for Poor'- to provide electricity in the rural areas and free medical camps to assist the SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 02

maintenance free battery experience.

Moreover, with its customised solutions for Lithium ion battery requirements, Okaya enjoys dominant market share in solar power projects, 2-wheelers, E-rickshaw and UPS segment already.

For four wheelers, it is looking forward to join hands with a couple of OEMs. The exciting Lithium ion based batteries product range rolled out by Okaya As Okaya is the manufacturer of has already started receiving positive 100% Tubular batteries, please tell feedback and rave reviews from all the our readers more about Okaya and its stakeholders of the industry including product offerings. its customers alike. The company has already supplied its batteries to some of Dominating the non-conventional power the big solar projects across the country. supply industry for nearly three decades, Being one of the leaders in the India’s third largest power back up battery industry, what technological company, Okaya Power Private Limited (Okaya) has abundantly surpassed all advances have Okaya recently been competition. Continuing with its mission focusing on and what drives the company to drive innovation in every new segment to bring innovation in the solar industry? it enters, Okaya has taken the market by storm with its well-diversified product ‘Okaya Power Private Limited’ has the portfolio. Okaya has six major divisions that vision to meet the growing power needs manufacture high quality batteries in the of the country which is undergoing Inverter, Solar, Automotive, E-Rickshaw industrialisation and urbanisation at a fast and SMF (VRLA) categories supported pace. As far as the new technological with one of the largest channel and advances are concerned, we have developed our own battery management service network PAN India.

A symbol of trust and quality for years, systems for various applications, keeping Okaya manufactures 100% tubular safety as our priority. For example in our batteries that is best used for inverters Lithium ion batteries, we have trimmed and solar application. It produces the down the traditional battery size, putting most advanced automotive batteries more power in a much smaller space. using the state-of-the-art technology With a higher cycle life and better powered with Calcium (More Power) performance factor, these light weight and Silver+ (Longer Life), HCP (High batteries can outperform regular lead acid Cranking Performance) for an excellent batteries. In view of India being a very underprivileged. Further, it supports a sustainable environment through energy savings and greener products & services.

They have organized the disposal and recycling of lead acid batteries through their Metal Green Project authorized by the Central Pollution Control Board under the Ministry of Environment to recycle batteries.

Q

Q

THE CONVERSATION

hot climate country, Okaya has developed products which can bear extreme heat. It has developed PCB to protect its user friendly batteries with performance 5 times more than conventional lead-acid batteries, keeping in mind extreme temperature, harsh environmental conditions in India and user’s low technical knowhow. Currently in India there is a wide gap between supply and demand in the solar energy segment and the scenario has driven us to bring a wide range of innovations in solar industry.

Q

How suitable are the regulatory framework and market structure for energy storage business in India?

The government has been very supportive in terms of generating demand and creating awareness among the consumers to adopt renewable energy. As per Niti Ayog’s projections, India’s energy storage mission has already become a oneof-a-kind opportunity for the energy storage business in India.

The energy storage mission also aims to create conducive regulatory framework and a comprehensive market structure for the growth of energy storage business in India.

Q

What do you think the government should do to extend more support to this segment?

In order to realise its full potential, energy storage segment in India requires strategic support from the government, especially under its flagship make in India initiative. It is required to create more conducive environment to encourage collaborations with global players to share technology and improve the quality of manufacturing. This will improve the ecosystem of the industry and make it more competitive. The current scenario also calls support from the government for the penetration of lithium battery technology across various product segments. We expect the government to act as a facilitator to transform the industry into a global hub for manufacturing energy storage solutions.

Q

In your view, what will be the future of Liion batteries in India in coming years?

On the back of the government’s huge focus on promoting renewable energy and that the lithium-ion batteries are considered the best option for a solar panel system, the future of Lithium batteries is exceptionally bright. The unique properties of lithium batteries such

as high efficiency and much longer life span have made them the most desired choice for the consumer electronics market as well. Moreover with the growth in the electrical vehicle segment, the lithium-ion batteries are all set to embrace a future much more inspiring in the coming years.

Q

Please tell us something about Okaya’s state-of-the-art manufacturing and R&D facilities.

‘Okaya’ is among the fastest growing battery brands in India with an installation base of more than 5 million plus batteries and a nationwide network of more than 25,000 + dealers, 1000 + distributors, 35 branch offices and five plants. In view of India being a very hot climate country, Okaya has developed products which can bear extreme heat. We have developed PCB to protect our user friendly batteries with performance 5 times more than conventional lead-acid batteries, keeping in mind extreme temperature, harsh environmental conditions in India and user’s low technical knowhow.

Q

How do you ensure the quality standards of your products?

Besides having a world-class manufacturing unit, it also has battery life testing equipments which give the company an edge in maintaining high standards in quality. ‘Okaya’ uses Japanese technology to produce durable and internationalstandard batteries. The company has a vision to meet the power needs of modern India which is growing and developing fast.

Q

Okaya eyes over 100% growth every year in lithium segment till 2022. Please explain.

Lithium- solar energy- is the biggest opportunity and India’s third largest power back-up company Okaya Power Pvt. Limited is already among the frontrunners in this segment. The market is expected to be of Rs 1.90 lakh crores for lithium batteries by 2030 in India and Okaya has big plans to grab majority of market share in this category. We at Okaya aim to achieve Rs 150 crores from a nascent market of Rs 450 crores in the lithium segment within our first 9 months of operation. Further we look forward to achieve 100% growth every year till 2022.The exciting Lithium ion based batteries product range rolled out by Okaya has already started receiving positive feedback and rave reviews from all the stakeholders of the industry including its customers alike and we are very bullish on the growth prospects of Okaya in this segment.

VOL 3 l ISSUE 02 | SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL

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OCTOBER 2018

PROJECT UPDATES

CLP INDIA, SUZLON JOIN HANDS FOR 2 SOLAR PROJECTS Foreign investor CLP India and renewable energy solutions provider Suzlon has inked a joint venture pact for two solar projects of 50 MW and 20 MW in Dhule, Maharashtra.

As per the deal, CLP India has agreed to acquire 49 percent stake in Gale Solarfarms and Tornado Solarfarms, two special purpose vehicles (SPV) set-up

by Suzlon.

Moreover, CLP India has the option to acquire the balance 51 percent stake in the future.

Besides, Suzlon is responsible to provide comprehensive operation and maintenance services for these projects that are already commissioned.

Commenting on the development, CLP India, Managing Director, Rajiv Mishra said, “In the last 16 years, we have built one of the most diversified fuel mix portfolios

in the country and we are committed to expanding our renewable energy portfolio on the back of supportive government policies. With wind energy, we have been

able to grow our footprint to almost 1000 MWs and we are confident of steadily building on our solar energy footprint. We already have two wind energy projects in Maharashtra and we are happy to add another two solar projects here.”

While J.P. Chalasani, Group CEO, Suzlon Group said, “We have commissioned a total of 340 MW solar projects including this and completed delivery of our entire solar order book. We are committed to partner with our customers to enable India’s transition to a low carbon economy. With our expertise now both in wind and solar, we are progressively working towards harnessing the emerging opportunities in Wind-Solar Hybrid. Our pan-India presence, comprehensive product portfolio, robust in-house R&D and best-in-class services gives us the competitive edge.”

AZURE POWER GETS LOI TO ELECTRIFY HAL

ENGIE KICKS OFF SOLOMON FORKS WIND PROJECT

Indian solar power producer Azure Power has received a Letter of Intent(LoI) for a 6 MW solar project won an auction conducted by Odisha Renewable Energy Development Agency (OREDA) for Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL).

The capacity won is 100 percent of the total capacity allocated and the company is expected to sign a 25-year power purchase agreement with HAL which has a domestic debt rating of AAA by CRISIL, a S&P company, at a tariff of Rs 3.13 (~US 4.6 cents) per kWh. The project will be developed by the company within HAL estate area of approx 30 acres.

HAL is a major domestic supplier of aviation equipment to the Indian defence sector and is governed under the management of the Indian Ministry of Defence.

Commenting on the development, Azure Power, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Inderpreet Wadhwa said, “We are pleased to announce our win with HAL and with this, we continue to demonstrate our strong project development, engineering, and execution capabilities. We are delighted to make this contribution towards the realization of our Hon’ble Prime Minister’s commitment towards clean and green energy, through solar power generation.”

The company has been among the most active participants in solar power auctions since the beginning of the solar power market in India and the majority of it’s portfolio are with customers that have some of the best credit ratings in India, most of which are backed by the Government of India.

US-headquartered ENGIE North America has kick-started the construction of 276 MW Solomon Forks Wind Project in northwest Kansas, United States.

Solomon Forks is part of the Infinity Renewables portfolio recently acquired by a subsidiary of ENGIE North America from Infinity Renewables and MAP Energy.

Further, the project is expected to come online in early summer 2019 and the energy from the project will be sold to T-Mobile US and Target Corp.

Also, the project will use 105 Siemens Gamesa 2.625 MW turbines with 120-meter diameter rotors installed by the balance of plant contractor MA Mortenson Company.

Moreover, the company is expecting a total capital investment of approximately USD 334 million in the project.

The company has purchased the project from Infinity Power Holdings, a joint venture between Infinity Renewables and MAP Energy, in February 2018 and then completed development prior to starting construction. Commenting on the development, ENGIE North America, Senior Vice President and Head of U.S. Wind Development, and former CEO of Infinity Renewables, Matt Riley said, “We are excited to break ground on a second major project after completing the sale of our development portfolio to ENGIE just this past February.”

“Solomon Forks is a testament to the benefits of wind energy for customers and local communities, and we expect to have even more success expanding the use of wind energy in the United States in the coming years,” Riley added.

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OCTOBER 2018

SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 02

PROJECT UPDATES

CONTI SOLAR TO BUILD SOUTHERN SKY'S 35MW PROJECT Solar EPC, O&M and energy storage company Conti Solar was selected to provide full turnkey EPC services for Southern Sky Renewable Energy’s 35 MW solar project portfolio.

Warwick-headquartered Southern Sky is the region’s leading renewable energy developer.

Further, the portfolio which Conti Solar will develop contains 5 projects including brownfield, landfill, and greenfield projects and are located in the towns of Warwick, Cranston and Johnston in central Rhode Island.

The company said in a statement that, when completed, the projects will generate local, clean solar power, contribute to the state’s clean energy portfolio and reduce energy costs significantly.

The communities will also reap environmental benefits from repurposing unusable landfills into productive renewable energy farms, it added.

Commenting on the development, Southern Sky, Vice President, Lindsay McGovern said, “When we work with Conti Solar on a project, they work as a value-add partner that seeks to resolve issues and streamline projects' costs to benefit stakeholders.

They excel at completing high performance solar systems and we value the experience and deep technical knowledge they bring to projects.”

The company further said that, solar landfill and brownfield projects require a greater level of expertise to ensure sites are

safely managed and work is executed and documented to specifications.

“We share Southern Sky's quality-driven application toward solar project development and installation. We are very proud to work with them on these solar projects that are helping Rhode Island meet their 1,000 megawatts by 2020 clean energy goal,” said Eric Millard, Chief Commercial Officer, Conti Solar.

DELHI TO HOUSE INDIA’S 1ST SOLAR BICYCLE TRACK CORRIDOR 12 KM long stretch of Delhi’s Outer Ring Road which has bicycle tracks is planned to carry a rooftop solar power system on both sides.

Moreover, the solar power system scheduled to be completed by March 2019 would make the stretch India’s first solar bicycle track corridor.

Further, the project is being planned under the 26-point green budget scheme and would be undertaken by public works department (PWD). The body also expects the power system to generate 6 MW clean energy after its completion.

A senior PWD official said, “This dual-use project will provide shelter from rain as well as sunlight both to cyclists and pedestrians while generating a large amount of clean energy by reducing carbon dioxide emissions from coal-based power plants. While some of the electricity will be used in powering streetlights and associated infrastructure on the stretch, the rest will be sent to the grid.”

The authorities had been planning to

uplift the quality of the corridor previously.

“The stretch was selected because we are already developing this as a model corridor. There is ample space for the cycle track and footpath as it’s a relatively new construction. There is no plantation or any infrastructure on the road side that needs to be removed for the project,”

the official said.

As per planned by the body, slanted pillars will be erected at the junction of a footpath and a cycle track and 4.5m-wide solar panels will be mounted on them. “The panels will cover 2m of the solar bicycle track and 2.5m of the footpath”, official said.

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PROJECT UPDATES

GOOGLE SIGNS RE DEAL TO POWER DATA CENTER Internet related services and products provider, Google has signed a 10-year renewable energy deal to buy renewable energy from three upcoming wind farms of Finland to power one of its data centers.

In order to reduce its carbon footprint, Google has signed the deal under a power purchase agreement (PPA) which allows the technology giant to fetch energy directly from the generator.

Further, the three wind power plants to be built by wind power developers from France and Germany will be generating 190 MW of power one of which is the Neoen which will provide 81 MW wind power. Like Google, many big companies are in line to fetch power from renewable energy sources under the PPA option of agreements.

With an increasing stress upon the use of renewable energy and reducing carbon footprint by the governments and the consumers, corporate sector might have to spend more on switching to alternative sources of energy.

CEO, Neoen, Xavier Barbaro said, “We

are delighted that Google has elected to work with us. Supplying a leading multinational with green electricity in Finland, where renewable energy is encouraged, is completely in line with our strategy and our capabilities. Yet again, we demonstrate our potential to grow within Europe and to broaden our horizons thanks to competitive assets, solid

foundations and a long-term outlook.

Our customer base now includes several large companies as well as nation states and public authorities. By producing the most competitively priced renewable electricity locally, sustainable and on a large scale, we have become a world leader in energy transition and are proud to call Google a customer.”

CSML ASSIGNS ROOFTOP SOLAR INSTALLATION TO BHEL

KERALA FLOODS SPARE WAYANAD’S FLOATING SOLAR PLANT

Cochin Smart Mission (CSML) has signed a deal with Bharat Heavy Electronics (BHEL) for the installation of rooftop solar systems on select government buildings.

As a part of the smart city mission, CSML is expecting BHEL to complete the Rs 5.7 crore work within six months after which an annual maintenance contract for five years adds up.

Additionally, CSML has also stressed upon the enhanced mobility facilities of its citizens with an aim to provide a worldclass road experience to all users by upgrading the 8.5-km stretch of KV Jacob Road from Veli to Fort Kochi to ‘smart road’ and 43.4km of minor roads to ‘high-quality roads’ within Ernakulam central and west Kochi areas by 2019.

Further, smart roads project includes upgradations of footpaths, provision for cycle tracks, road markings, street furniture, bus bays, street landscaping, electrical works and shifting of utilities.

The development comes after Kochin International Airport (KIAL) being named as the green airport by the UN and the following ravaging Kerala floods.

The rooftop solar installations on the government buildings is a part of the ruling government's National Solar Mission wherein the government buildings are to be powered by renewable energy.

The Banasura Sagar Dam floating solar power plant in Wayanad has survived the recent flood ravage in Kerala bearing heavy rains and strong flood waves.

KSEB officials said that though they feared that the 500 kWp (kilowatt peak) project floating on 1.25 acres of water surface of the reservoir could get submerged due to the presence of strong waves in the reservoir, the structure has stood its ground and continue to generate electricity. “We had real concern about the floating solar plant as the waves were as high as 40-50cm, especially on August 8 and 9. But the floating structures have withstood the kerala floods fury,” said P Manoharan, Assistant Executive Engineer (Research and Dam Safety Sub-Division) at Banasura Sagar. Chairman, Adtech Systems, M R Narayanan said, “The project was designed to withstand the water level variation of up to 20 meters between summer and monsoon in the reservoir. But with the heavy inflow of water to the reservoir, the variation level was up by around four feet above the design parameters. But the system withstood the Kerala floods conditions.”

The KSEB’s floating solar plant at Banasura was the largest floating solar power plant in the country until August 23 when the 2MW floating solar project commissioned in Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh displaced it.

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OCTOBER 2018

SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 02

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PROJECT UPDATES

INNOGY TO BUILD AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST SOLAR PLANT Following the acquisition completion in mid-September, German energy firm innogy SE has decided to construct Australia’s largest solar project - Limondale with an installed capacity of 349 MWp. Limondale project is located near Balranald, New South Wales and the company commences the preparation works and pre-pilling tests.

Moreover, the arm of German energy firm RWE is expected to commence the construction works in October this year. innogy SE said in a statement that the commissioning of the plant will take place progressively, with full commercial operation expected in mid-2020.

Commenting on the development, innogy SE, COO Renewables, Hans Bünting said, “It makes me proud that we can now start with the construction of our first utility-scale PV plant in Australia – one of the continents with the highest solar irradiation per square meter. To expand

renewable energies it is of vital importance that beside the excellent yield the country is supportive for increasing the share of renewable energies.”

Further, innogy’s subsidiary BELECTRIC is the EPC contractor of the solar farm, as well as the O&M service provider.

BELECTRIC is an experienced company in the global solar market with nearly 2GW of executed projects globally, including projects in Australia, and is among the world´s leading O&M providers in the sector.

“Electricity prices in Australia have risen strongly over the past decade and are

among the highest in the world. An expansion of renewable energies can contribute towards reducing the energy costs for customers. Especially wind and solar are cost-effective alternatives in a country with excellent natural renewable resources,” said Thorsten Blanke, CEO, innogy Renewables Australia.

In addition to Limondale, innogy signed a contract to take over the project rights for the New South Wales development project Hillston in early 2018, with a planned capacity of 115 MWp. The transfer of the project company to innogy is anticipated to take place end of this year. Both large-scale solar projects were developed by Overland Sun Farming, one of the solar leading Australian development companies.

The planned investment volume of both projects – Limondale and Hillston – totals to more than EUR400 million, or over AUD650 million.

SECI’S 5000MW SOLAR MYTRAH ENERGY TO SET UP AUCTION GETS SINGLE BIDDER 300MW WIND PROJECT IN TN

28 OCTOBER 2018

Weighed down by the industry sentiment, state-run Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has received unsatisfactory response for its tender of 5GW per year solar manufacturing as only a single bidder Azure Power turned up for the auction.

SECI had invited bids for selection of solar power developers for setting up of 5GW p.a. solar manufacturing plant linked with power purchase agreements (PPAs) for ISTS (Inter State Transmission System) connected Solar PV Power Plant.

“The auction for the solar manufacturing of 5GW capacity got poor respose as only one bidder Azure Power turned up for bidding,” as per the media reports.

As part of the government's targets of achieving a cumulative capacity of 100 GW Solar PV installation by 2022, the SECI had invited bids from developers. It was a tariff based competitive bidding followed by e-Reverse Auction.

As per the tender document, the bidders were allowed to bid for a minimum capacity of 1GW of manufacturing linked to 2GW of assured off take of power.

However, the bidders were free to bid for the entire 5GW manufacturing, linked to 10GW power plant for which assured offtake was given. The slab for bidding was 1GW each and capacity/ies was to be allocated on bucket filling basis.

The SECI was to enter into PPA with successful developers for a period of 25 years. The maximum tariff was capped at Rs 2.93/unit for 25 years.

SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 02

Adding weight to its portfolio, Mytrah Energy has signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) for setting up a 300 MW wind power plant at a site in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.

Mytrah Energy’s winning bid for 300MW of capacity was part of the fourth tranche of SECI ISTS wind reverse auctions in which a total of eleven companies had participated.

Significantly, Mytrah Energy had quoted a tariff of Rs 2.52/ kwh for its winning bid.

VC & MD, Mytrah Energy, Vikram Kailas said, “This win marks another success in Mytrah Energy’s continuing journey towards building a strong, well-diversified portfolio of wind power assets. We are confident about executing the project in a timely manner using our in-house technology and asset management capabilities to generate meaningful returns for stakeholders.

This round of auctions further reinforces the continuing commitment of India’s renewable power sector and helping the country realizes its growth aspirations while also contributing towards a greener tomorrow.”

Also, projects awarded under Tranche IV of SECI auctions have to be commissioned within eighteen months from the effective date of the PPA and not the date of the Letter of Award. Developers have welcomed this change since it aligns more closely with the project execution schedule.

PROJECT UPDATES

NJ UTILITY ACCEPTS EDF'S, FISHERMEN’S APPLICATION The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities has officially accepted the application tendered by EDF Renewables and Fishermen’s Energy for the Nautilus Offshore Wind power project.

Moreover, the state agency is expected to review the project over the next few months and make a decision on whether to approve the project for immediate construction, which will be located approximately 2.8 miles east of the coastline of Atlantic City and could be complete as soon as 2020.

The small-scale project, expected to be comprised of three wind turbines with a combined capacity of up to 25 megawatts (MW), is a crucial first step towards implementing the Offshore Wind Economic Development Act (OWEDA).

Significantly, the Project is expected to employ the equivalent of 600 workers for a year during construction as well as additional jobs during operations and maintenance. New Jersey residents across the state could expect to begin receiving power generated by the Nautilus Offshore Wind project as early as 2021.

It’s estimated that for the average New Jersey electric consumer, the additional cost of power will amount to about $1.76 per year, which is less than the price of a cup of coffee.

In return, an independent analysis showed that Nautilus is expected to increase New Jersey’s total economic output by $150 million with construction by 2020. Maintaining the offshore wind project could add $16 million annually for the

state, with a projected economic and environmental net benefit of $235 million.

“Our purpose with Nautilus is not just to deliver offshore wind power, but to leverage this initial build to help the New Jersey workforce quickly gain deep expertise in offshore wind in comparison with other states,” said Doug Copeland, EDF Renewables regional project manager. “With offshore wind poised to become one of the nation’s fastest growing production sectors, there is a real opportunity for New Jersey to lead the country in implementing future commercial scale projects faster and more cost effectively – all with a minimal impact on the ocean environment.”

A number of New Jersey economic organizations and political officials have already voiced support for the project.

VIKRAM SOLAR COMMISSIONS 10MW ONGC PROJECT

LEAP GREEN ENERGY TO REACH 2GW CAPACITY BY 2020

Adding to its solar power portfolio, leading solar developer Vikram Solar has commissioned a 10 MW solar power plant at ONGC’s Dhaej, Gandhar & Hazira plant in Gujarat.

The 56 acres solar project was inaugurated by the Chairman and Managing Director, ONGC, Shashi Shanker.

Moreover, the solar plant has been built to meet the Renewable Power obligation (RPO) of ONGC for Gujarat region and is intended for its captive power usage.

Further, the plant is segregated into eight blocks of 1.25 MW each for better management and increasing efficiency.

The project has been built using the polycrystalline technology which will ensure that the system is self-sufficient in generating power.

Vikram Solar will also provide Operations and Maintenance (O&M) service to the plant for a period of three years from the date of commissioning.

The solar power plant is an addition to Vikram Solar’s solar revolution with ~750 MW EPC capacity including commissioned and under execution projects.

Also, the Company has recently concluded a 130 MW for NTPC at Bhadla (Rajasthan), 80 MW for GIPCL at Charanka (Gujarat), 40 MW for IL&FS at Kachaliya (Madhya Pradesh), and is known for its innovative projects and airport installations.

Renewable energy developer, Leap Green Energy is planning to grow its energy generation capacity to 2 GW from existing 751 MW along with fund injection of USD 300 million.

"Leap Green Energy (LGE), India's leading renewable power generation company, plans to increase its power capacity through opportunistic acquisitions and setting up green field projects," a statement said.

Moreover, the company deals basically with the wind power generation in which 700 MW is already commissioned and 400 MW is under construction. Further, the state electricity boards (SEBs) and various industrial and commercial corporate consumers are the prospective buyers of the produced power capacity, the statement mentions. Founder and MD, Leap Green Energy, Rajeev Karthikeyan said, “Going forward, wind energy will be our main focus area with a few ventures into solar and hybrid energy as well. We have been very fortunate to be associated with the state of Tamil Nadu and are forecasting wind energy for the entire state with our new technology. Wind Energy has a great potential in India and we are glad to be part of its growth journey in India and across the world.”

Meanwhile, the institutional demand for wind energy is growing and applicable across functions including malls and shopping centers, hospitals and banks among others.

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PROJECT UPDATES

MNRE TO CUT SOLAR PROJECTS COMMISSIONING TIME Making the solar developers unhappy, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has proposed to cut short the commissioning period for solar projects in order to move parallel with India’s aspiration to achieve target of 1GW solar energy capacity by 2022.

Eventually, the developers have put up concerns over the suggestion given

by MNRE as shortening the period to develop solar plants would pressurize the developers and would pose quality issues.

The commissioning schedule of a solar project is currently 21 months from the date of execution of the power purchase agreement (PPA) for projects being set up within a solar park, and 24 months for projects of over 250 MW elsewhere.

“In case of projects inside solar parks where there are no major challenges to land possession and financial closure, a commissioning period of 15 months from the PPA is proposed, considering nine months for financial closure and another six months for construction activities. In case of projects outside solar parks, on

account of additional challenges in land possession and financial closure, a commissioning period of 18 months is proposed, considering 12 months”, says the MNRE’s internal memo.

“The extended timelines were a challenge to the timely achievement of the 100GW solar power target by 2022,” the memo

adds.

An MNRE official acknowledged that the proposal had been made. “It has been proposed inside the ministry but the amendment to the guidelines will only be made by the power ministry after getting the minister’s approval,” he said on condition of anonymity.

UK COMMENCES WORLD’S LARGEST OFFSHORE WIND FARM

30 OCTOBER 2018

Just off the coast of England’s Walney Island is the site of newly commissioned 659 MW offshore wind power station.

The addition of 87 wind turbines to the farm of already working 102 wind turbines has made it the largest operational wind farm in the world.

Developed in the Irish Sea, the wind farm’s extension contains 47 MHI 8MW turbines from Vestas and 40 7MW turbines from Siemens Gamesa with the blades manufactured in the UK at Hull and the Isle of Wight.

Further, the wind farm work was given to the Danish power company, Orsted increasing its overall portfolio to 1.5 GW which is believed capable to power 1.2 million UK homes.

Managing Director, Orsted, UK, Matthew Wright said, "The UK is the global leader in offshore wind and Walney Extension showcases the industry’s incredible success story. The project, completed on time and within budget, also marks another important step towards Orsted’s vision of a world that runs entirely on green energy.”

Also, the project being the largest in the world has broken all the offshore wind farm power generation records.

Energy and Clean Growth Minister, UK, Claire Perry said, "Record-breaking engineering landmarks like this huge offshore windfarm help us consolidate our global leadership position, break records for generating renewable energy, and create SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 02

thousands of high quality jobs. As part of our modern Industrial Strategy we’ve set out a further £557 million of funding for new renewable projects, helping to tackle climate change and deliver clean growth to local economy.”

PROJECT UPDATES

TATA POWER SOLAR LAUNCHES RESIDENTIAL ROOFTOP SOLN Boosting the solar portfolio, Tata Power’s wholly owned subsidy, Tata Power Solar has launched an extensive residential solar rooftop solution initiative in order to pave way for the use of solar energy as ‘energy cost cutter’.

Tata Power’s CEO, Praveer Sinha inaugurated the residential solar rooftop initiative at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

Moreover, senior dignitaries from the government and key decision makers from the corporate industry were also present at the launch event. Significantly, the residential rooftop solutions are expected to save up to Rs 50,000 annually for 25 years.

In a bid to reduce the carbon footprint of India, the solar solution is aimed at decreasing the use of diesel generators, hence leading to more fuel savings.

Additionally, the solar rooftop solution also provides an opportunity for the consumers or installers to earn from their vacant rooftops. Tata Power Solar with a considerable presence in the solar market has recently executed a 2.6 MW solar rooftop plant at the carport of Cochin International Airport.

Besides, the company has also installed a solar rooftop plant at the Cricket Club of India making its world’s biggest solar powered stadium.

Commenting on the launch, MD & CEO, Tata Power, Praveer Sinha said, “We are happy to offer solar roof top to generate easy and cost effective solutions for the residential consumers.

We urge all Delhi customers to take full benefit of this service.”

President, Tata Power (Renewables), Ashish Khanna said, “It is our endeavor to provide knowledge of commercial benefits as well as quality aspects of solar roof top installation to our residential consumers. We are hopeful that with initiatives like these wherein we not only offer cost-effective Green energy but also help consumer in energy conservation will achieve our Company’s objective of ‘Lightening up Lives’.”

As an obligatory measure, the company also keeps in view the safety and efficiency of the projects which extends the life of the project.

SHAPOORJI PALLONJI EXAMSOLAR ENERGY RUNS INES POSSIBILITIES IN UZBEKISTAN CENTURY PLYBOARD UNITS Uzbekistan, after eyeing to harness sunlight for its power requirements, is now projecting possibilities to have solar power plants to the tune of 50-100 MW. Leading Indian infrastructure company, Shapoorji Pallonji is examining the possibilities of a solar power station in the renewable energy-longing country.

Moreover, at the moment, the Indian company is exploring the possible locations of the solar power plant, the tax and customs benefits provided in this area, the duration of the contract for the sale of electricity, the terms of granting state or sovereign guarantees with respect to attracted financial resources.

Also, Shapoorji Pallonji has designated some of the Potential areas for the construction of the solar power plant which are Samarkand, Bukhara and Kashkadarya regions.

Further, Uzbekistan enjoys vast potential in renewable energy, and 98.5 percent is solar energy, 320 sunny days per year. The World Bank estimates that Uzbekistan solar total potential is more than about 51 billion tons of oil energy, which cannot only save a lot of oil resources, but also improve the atmospheric environment.

However, the construction of Central Asia's first solar power plant in the Samarkand region of Uzbekistan was announced back in 2014, it was then suspended.

Leading plyboard and veneer manufacturer, Century Ply Board has started using rooftop solar panels in its manufacturing units across India.

The 35 crore solar installation is expected to aid the manufacturing units with 15 percent of power requirement from the solar energy.

Significantly, the new power production will reduce company’s carbon footprint by 5900 tons per annum.

“With an average per unit cost of around Rs 4, the company is expected to save Rs 5 crore per annum. The already commissioned rooftop solar panel at Chennai unit is expected to generate 14 lakh units of power in FY19," the company said in a statement. The company has units at Chennai, Guwahati, Karnal (Haryana), Kandla (Gujarat), Joka (Kolkata) and Hoshiarpur in Punjab. Taking another step towards actively shifting power sources, Century Ply has also started fulfilling energy demands from wind farms for its Chennai unit.

Further, substantiating incomes, Chairman, Sajjan Bhajanka said "Revenue from laminates is currently Rs 400 crore. Once the expansion programme gets completed, the segment will clock revenue of Rs 600 crore.”

On a consolidated basis, the company's gross revenue from operations for FY 2018 at Rs 2060 crore, was higher by 5% over the last year. Profit before tax and profit after tax were lower by 13% and 14% respectively, compared to the previous year.

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PROJECT UPDATES

AZURE TO ELECTRIFY GOVT BUILDINGS IN MP, DELHI Azure Power has won 11.2 MW and 600 KW rooftop solar power projects in bids conducted by Madhya Pradesh Urja Vikas Nigam(MPUVNL) and Indraprastha Power Generation Company (IPGCL) respectively.

The company will provide power for 25 years to various Government establishments in Madhya Pradesh and Delhi which will be spread across approx 600 project sites.

Azure Power qualifies for a capital incentive which results in a weighted average levelized tariff of Rs 4.50 (~US 6.6 cents) per kWh for the MPUVNL project and a weighted average levelized tariff of Rs 5.91 (~US 8.6 cents) per kWh for the IPGCL project.

For the bid tendered by MPUVNL, World Bank is the technical partner which provided pre-identified project sites with technical due diligence.

The company’s win of 11.2 MW is the largest allocation in the bid, which

includes approx 90% of the total project sites allocated and covers government buildings like Colleges, Poly-Technic Colleges, Industrial Training Institutes (ITI’s) and Police Establishments.

Commenting on the occasion, Azure Roof Power, DGM, Vishal Jain said, “We are pleased to partner with IPGCL, MPUVNL and World Bank for these

projects. With these wins, we have once again demonstrated our strong project development, engineering, and execution capabilities.

We are delighted to make this contribution towards the realization of our Hon’ble Prime Minister’s commitment towards clean and green energy, through solar power generation.”

VIDARBHA TO GET BIGGEST RADITE BAGS AZURE POWER’S SOLAR PLANT IN CHANDRAPUR 1.8MW ROOFTOP PROJECT

32 OCTOBER 2018

After scrapping the super thermal power plant station in Chandrapur citing pollution problems, Mahagenco has planned to give the municipal corporation a 100 MW solar power plant.

As per the media reports Mahagenco said, “The ash bund of the thermal power plant’s unit is not being used and we want to install solar panels there. The area is 290 hectares, which is sufficient.”

“The plant will be set up by a private player. We will provide land only. The private entity will have to create power evacuation infrastructure using own money. It will sell power to us which we will supply to Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Co Ltd (MSEDCL),” it added.

Moreover, the move is following Energy Ministry’s plan to provide electricity to four lakh farmers till 2025 and enhance the agricultural well being in Chandrapur.

Further, of the 1,500MW which it plans to directly supply to the farm pump feeders, Mahagenco has already floated tenders for 550MW. Bringing in an undermined tool of successful biding, Mahagenco had also provided a green-shoe option in one of its tender through which any participant bidder could choose to develop another 250MW of grid-connected solar capacity at the lowest (L1) tariff discovered in the auction.

SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 02

As a considerable addition to its portfolio, an active provider in the renewable energy sector, Radite Energy has bagged a 1.8 MW solar rooftop order from Azure Power who had won the tender from Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) on behalf of the Indian Railways.

The solar rooftop power station to be installed for the Indian Railways is to be completed under the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) carried out by Radite Energy.

Further, the project overtaken by Radite Energy is its 3rd large scale projects after it completed installations at Gautam Buddha University and India Expo mart both at Noida.

Likewise, renewable energy sector has seen many upcoming companies that are aggressive in procuring energy orders already won by some of the large players.

Also, the government has been supporting the will of the companies to develop more solar and wind farms. In line with its target of 100 GW solar capacity by 2022, Government has already achieved 13 percent of installed solar power per annum for the year 2018-19 till June 2018.

THE CONVERSATION

VIKAS JAIN

Director| Insolation Energy Pvt Ltd

GOVERNMENT SHOULD ALLOW DUTY FREE IMPORT OF SOLAR CELLS

With implementation of safeguard duty for 2 years, we hope that Indian domestic module industry will get much needed respite from the hawkish Chinese module pricing policy. We would be able to establish & prove our products by making supplies to domestic projects which were earlier unavailable for us due to low Chinese prices. But we still feel that government should allow duty free import of solar cells as these are still not available in India, believes Vikas Jain, Director, Insolation Energy Pvt Ltd, India's one of the leading utility scale solar PV module manufacturer. In conversation with Manu Tayal, Sub Editor, Saur Energy International, Jain shared his views on various issues which the power sector is currently dealing with along with his company’s future expansion plans in the renewable energy space. Following are the excerpts from that exclusive interview.

Q

Please tell us something about Insolation Energy’s efforts towards – ‘Make in India’ initiative.

To manufacture Solar PV Modules with high quality, long lasting, reliable and with prudent practices under “Make in India” campaign, we strive & leverage the solar energy technology for greener, sustainable and better future.

We, at Insolation Energy, aim to achieve the goal of clean, environmental friendly, cost effective and easily available energy to each and every citizen of the country. Our aim is to provide clean and green electricity at affordable price to one and all. We provide flexible & customized high-tech PV solutions and reliable support to fit your specific needs.

Q

In your view, will the implementation of safeguard duty on solar imports for two years help in

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SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 02

safeguarding the interests’ of solar manufacturers?

With implementation of safeguard duty for 2 years, we hope that Indian domestic module industry will get much needed respite from the hawkish Chinese module pricing policy. We would be able to establish & prove our products by making supplies to domestic projects which were earlier unavailable for us due to low Chinese prices. But we still feel that government should allow duty free import of solar cells as these are still not available in India.

Q

With changing technology and cut-throat competition with international players, how do you manage the cost factor?

At Insolation Energy, we strive hard to maintain a balance between quality & cost. Since our manufacturer facility is at par with international standards so we are able to strike a balance between cost & quality.

INA Solar panels have

THE CONVERSATION

successfully passed all the quality standards not only at our manufacturing facility but also at international quality labs & customer sites. We always buy high quality raw material in bulk quantity so as to reduce the purchase price & making INA competitive.

plan for solar sector as they do for various other sectors.

Still Made-in-India modules are not necessarily asked in government tenders more over government is not doing anything for the undue demand of Tier-I module suppliers from the financial institutions.

Q

Q

Q

Q

Please shed some light on Insolation Energyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stateHow do you ensure the quality of the products of-the-art automatic PV Module manufacturing facility manufactured at your facilities? and is there any new technology on which you are currently working on.

We have a separate quality department for IQC (Incoming Quality Check), IPQC (In Process Quality Check) & FQC (Final Insolation Energy is rather a new manufacturing unit where Quality Check) reporting to a QC Manager. All the testing we have installed latest technology automatic equipments equipments are placed in line so that not a single module with minimum manual intervention making a one of the misses any testing station. All the equipments calibrated most advanced manufacturing line in India. All the testing time to time. The tests for which we do not have in house equipments are placed in line so that not even a single facility we get that conducted at third party laboratory. Our module can leave the factory without thorough testing. Since, FQC department ensures that not a single piece of module solar module manufacturing is a very fast changing sector with any defect shall be supplied to any customer & we are we constantly keep an eye on new upcoming technologies happy to say that from more than 2 lakh panels supplied so & try to adopt as soon as they are available. far we have receive complaint from only 2 panels till date.

In your view, what should be done by the government Is there any further expansion plans in the next five years? not only to promote Indian manufacturing but also exports of Indian modules to other countries?

We are planning one more line very soon so that our capacity will increase upto 200 MW per annum. We hope that due to Definitely! There is lot to be done to promote export of solar spurt in domestic manufacturing capacities due to safeguard module from India. Government should envisage some duty. We make plan one more unit in NCR.

VOL 3 l ISSUE 02 | SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL

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MARKET UPDATES

PRODUCTIVE ACTION CAN ADD $26 TN TO WORLD ECONOMY International initiative to examine economy and climate change, Global Commission on the Economy and Climate has asserted that a productive action towards addressing climate change can add USD 26 trillion to the world economy.

Addressing climate change, as mentioned by the global commission, would require joint efforts from nations and businesses by stepping up their engagement.

However, the report released by the global body states that the human kind is significantly undermining the benefits of cleaner, climate-smart growth.

Further, the Report finds that over the last decade there has been tremendous technological and market progress driving the shift to a new climate economy.

Also, there are real benefits to be seen in terms of new jobs, economic savings, competitiveness and market opportunities, and improved wellbeing for people worldwide.

Considering the efforts by nations and global bodies, the momentum is building behind this shift by a wide range of cities, governments, businesses, investors and others around the world, but it is not yet fast enough.

“We are at a unique “use it or lose it” moment”, said Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala,

former Finance Minister of Nigeria and Co-Chair of the Global Commission.

“Policy makers should take their feet off the brakes, send a clear signal that the new growth story is here and that it comes with exciting economic and market opportunities. US$26 trillion and a more sustainable planet are on offer, if we act decisively now.”

“The momentum from businesses, states, cities, investors and citizens is now unstoppable, not least because those taking bold climate action are already

seeing tangible benefits,” said Paul Polman, CEO, Unilever and Co-Chair of the Global Commission. “But if we are to unlock the full benefits of this new low carbon growth opportunity and avoid runaway climate change, economic and financial leaders in both government and the private sector need to do even more, and fast.”

Substantially, the report demonstrates that ambitious action across these systems could deliver net economic gains compared with business-as-usual.

AUS MAY FETCH 50% POWER FROM RENEWABLES BY 2025

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OCTOBER 2018

A report by a leading energy research, education and public policy organization, ANU Energy Change Institute has stated that if Australia maintains the current track of solar energy development it would attain benchmark of 50 percent of its power requirements from renewable energy by 2025.

The report suggests that even though the policy support 100 percent reliance on the renewable energy has collapsed following a voting, the solar developments have retained their unexpected pace.

Further, the report supports the fact that Australia has projected renewable energy development capacity which can deliver 100 percent reliability on renewable energy by 2030.

Moreover, the year spanning 2017-18, Australia has been seen installing a whopping 2,200 MW of renewable energy.

Based on data input from the Clean Energy Regulator, during 2018 and 2019 Australia will install about 10,400MW of new renewable energy, comprising 7,200MW of large-scale renewables and 3,200MW of rooftop solar.

Significantly, the country’s developers believe that there is little or no requirement of external fundings for the development SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 02

of the solar or wind farms.

The industry experts are of the view Australia’s renewable energy industry has the capacity to deliver deep and rapid emissions reductions. Direct government support for renewables would help, but it is no longer vital.

MARKET UPDATES

DRE INVESTMENTS IN INDIA TO ENERGY HARVESTING CHIP TOUCH $100BN MARKET TO TOUCH $3.4BN A recent analysis has shown that the investment opportunities in Decentralized Renewable Energy (DRE) segment in India may have reached $100 billion.

Moreover, the DRE solutions, according to the report, should be made more prominent in the national and state energy systems of the country.

DRE refers to any system that uses renewable energy to generate, store, and distribute power in a localized way.

Further, DRE segment as a large push to sustainability includes small stand-alone devices (solar lanterns or advanced biomass cooking stoves), integrated solar energy home systems (SHS) that power multiple devices or appliances for a single household, and smaller generation and storage resources that feed isolated or localized distribution networks (minigrids or micro-grids).

Also, as per records, India consumed 421 million tons of oil equivalent in 2015, 57% thermal energy and 43% electricity.

Out of this, DRE is expected to have a potential of contributing 15 percent of power.DRE has been doing rounds in rural India rather inefficiently as 80 percent of rural household use traditional biomass stoves, firewood or dung cakes.

This accounts for DRE segment providing opportunity to harness untapped potential for biogas plants as an option for cooking fuel and replacing existing biomass stoves with energy-efficient, smokeless stoves, which can reduce biomass consumption to less than half.

Meanwhile, solar water heaters could mean an investment of about $29 billion by 2032 if used to replace biomass in rural areas and electric geysers in urban areas.

In addition to the evidences to show that alternate sources of energy are going to be consumed more than ever in near future, a research report by Arizona based market researcher, Semico Research shows that the energy harvesting chip market will touch USD 3.4 billion by the year 2022.

Manager, Manufacturing Research, Semico Research, Joanne Itow said, “While there is a great deal of interest in the different types of energy harvesting devices or energy generators.

The greater opportunity for the semiconductor industry is the overall solution which includes power conversion, power management, microcontrollers, radios, and MEMS sensors.

The advent of IoT with remote monitoring and data collection has also prompted more interest in energy harvesting as a viable solution to maintain WSNs (Wireless Sensor Networks)."

According to the research report, a broad range of markets will employ energy harvesting to either replace batteries or extend battery life.

The main applications for the energy harvesting equipment includes wireless sensor nodes (WSN) for bridges, infrastructure, building automation and controls, home automation (including lighting, security, and environmental, automotive applications, cell phones, wearables, and other consumer electronics.

Significantly, the number of devices with an energy harvesting solution is expected to reach 509 million units by 2022 whereas ‘bridges’ are expected to be a large user of energy harvesting in the infrastructure sector by 2022.

Also, energy harvesting devices in all buildings is expected to have a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.7% by 2022.

WILL FACEBOOK RUN ALL ON RENEWABLE ENERGY IN 2 YEARS? Facebook has recently set a target of running completely on renewable energy. The market experts on analyzing its previous targets of being 50 percent renewable dependent by 2018 has speculated an early achievement of the 100 percent dependency.

World’s largest social networking website, Facebook, in 2015, had set the target of running 50 percent of its facilities on renewable energy by 2018.

Having attained the target a year earlier, Facebook (FB) has projected a positive outlook for achieving the 100 percent target by 2020.

The market experts dealing with companies’ operations and management are positive about the social networking site’s endeavor to run completely on renewable energy.

However, renewable energy experts have reservations towards running an organization completely on renewable energy as it also has loopholes that FB is said to have been overlooking.

Further, the power infrastructure, may it be in any country, has pullbacks that hinder the transmission processes.

The company had taken big leaps on 100 percent targets in the last 12 months. It had signed off deals of over 2.5 GW of renewable energy.

Keeping in view industry loopholes, to manage and distribute such an enormous amount of energy would take a new set of power distribution network.

VOL 3 l ISSUE 02 | SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL

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OCTOBER 2018

MARKET UPDATES

INDIA TO FETCH 18% POWER FROM RE BY 2022: MOODY'S

INDIA YIELDS 77% POWER FROM COAL, 5% FROM RE IN FY18

India’s installed renewable energy capacity might contribute 18 percent of the total electricity generation mix by the year 2022, said a report by global ratings agency, Moody’s.

Moreover, the report also suggested that India as an aggressive seeker of reliance on the renewable energy segment is taking positive steps to align its power generation mix with its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) commitments under the Paris Climate Agreement.

Vice-President and Senior Analyst, Moody's Investors Service, Abhishek Tyagi said, "Renewable energy's share of new capacity additions for power generation has been the largest at around 60 per cent over the last two years, while additions to coal-fired generation capacity have slowed sharply.”

He further said, “Large companies have also announced plans to make their operations more energy-efficient and source more renewable energy.”

As per the report, the share of renewable energy in India’s electricity energy mix is likely to increase from the present 7.8 percent to 18 percent by 2022.

Whereas, the share of fossil fuel energy is expected to fall from present 67 percent to 50-55 percent in the year 2022.

"This trend in part reflects the fact that wind and solar tariffs are now in most cases either comparable with or lower than domestic coal-based projects," said Tyagi.

Indian Government seems to be confident of its renewable energy target of 227 GW power by the year 2022 despite of its high and inevitable consumption of fossil fuels.

Market Analyst, Bridge to India mentions that India had, in the year 2017-18, generated 77 percent of its electricity from coal which substantiate favorable reliance on fossil fuels.

Besides being pushed aggressively by the policy makers and environmentalists in order to curb the carbon footprint of the country, renewable sources of energy are finding tough with only fulfilling 5 percent of electricity demand.

However, by the passage of renewable energy development, India will eventually see a harsh divestment in the fossil fuel sector. Global experts speculate a divestment of around USD 6 trillion in the fossil fuel industry.

Moreover, the impact of divestment on the Indian economy is still under debates. India has seen many policies being rubbished by the public and landing nowhere but reconsideration in the parliament.

Though, the consumption of coal has come down but over a long time which, if considered, makes the target of 227 GW hard to achieve.

Among other sources of energy is the hydro power which contributes 8 percent of the power produced overall.

TRUMP’S TARIFF COSTS $236.5MN MORE FOR AMERICANS

38 OCTOBER 2018

EnergySage’s latest semiannual Solar Marketplace Intel Report revealed the economic impact of the Section 201 solar tariffs on residential solar customers in America.

Immediately following the US International Trade Commission’s finding of injury to American solar panel manufacturers in late September 2017, EnergySage saw the cost of residential solar spike on its Marketplace. Though prices have since restarted their decline, they are decreasing at a slower rate than before.

The result is that the cost of a solar installation is now 5.6 percent higher than it would have been if costs had been allowed to fall at their preexisting rate of decline.

For the average customer, this amounts to paying an additional USD 0.16 cents per watt more than they should have, or USD 960 for a standard 6-kilowatt solar panel system. When this price increase is applied across all residential SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 02

solar purchases made nationwide after September 2017, the tariff effectively created a USD 236.5 million tax imposed on American consumers.

“These tariffs are yet another burden imposed on an industry that has long struggled with costs,” said Hugh Bromley, an analyst at Bloomberg NEF, an industry

research firm leveraging EnergySage Marketplace data.

“The residential solar industry is fragmenting. EnergySage data allows us to monitor competition among the so-called ‘long tail’ of local and regional players who don't publicly release their earnings in quarterly reports,” Bromley added.

“Any trade restrictions imposed on the solar industry hurts American consumers and American workers,” said EnergySage CEO and founder Vikram Aggarwal.

“Yet despite these recent hurdles, the residential solar industry remains poised for tremendous growth over the next few years. All-time highs in consumer interest for solar-plus-storage, combined with falling prices and greater transparency, have mitigated the impact of these tariffs.

As we show in this report, we have seen consistent increases in solar shopping levels on our Marketplace across the country,” Aggarwal added.

MARKET UPDATES

INDIA’S RE ADDITION FALLS ALMOST 20% YOY: REPORT Even after an aggressive approach towards renewable energy development in order to achieve the target of 177 GW by the 2022, India has been seen bearing a 20 percent lag in the capacity addition in last twelve months as compared to the capacity addition for the previous twelve months.

According to data compiled by the consultancy firm, Bridge to India, India has added utility scale solar and wind power capacity of 9 GW in the last year till September 30th, 2018.

Further, the report mentions that with the increase of capacity per project was shunning smaller players’ interest

in the renewable energy development resulting in estimated divestment in the sector.

Moreover, the report also broke down the participation of leading players in the industry on the basis of different arms of the industry.

Significantly, the top five renewable energy developers are holders of 36 percent of the total capacity commissioned in the period October 2017 to September 2018. The leading players being Adani, ACME, Renew Power, Hero Future and Essel Infra.

Similarly, over 40 percent of solar EPC activity is being conducted by the

developers themselves which further substantiates the disinterest of the only EPC players.

Also, projecting decreasing tariff rates in the tenders as a reason of negative partaking by the developers the report shows that the highest bid for a solar tender of 860 MW since the start of the year 2017 was pegged at Rs 3.54/Kwh rolled by Karnataka ‘s KREDL. Though the bid was over 12 percent lower than the bids in the year 2016.

Industry experts speculate of over achieving the solar target of 100 GW by 2022 which seems a distant dream keeping in view the present scenario.

RE MAY CAUSE $6 TN FOSSIL-FUEL DIVESTMENT

US ENERGY STORAGE MARKET JUMPS 42% QOQ: REPORT

With an increased pressure from governments and consumers to use renewable energy, oil industry is eyeing investing in alternative sources of energy.

Leading market analyst, J P Morgan suggests that the global push to switch to clean energy alternatives may cause a whopping disinvestment of USD 6 trillion in the fossil fuels industry with around 1,000 fossil fuel institutional investors already pledged to divest.

Further, the analyst mentions that contrary investment in the renewable energy would pose a high risk on shareholder returns for the oil giants.

Besides the loss of running capital in fossil fuels industry, experts testify an “investment quicker than expected” is required to reduce the carbon footprint of the world.

The report also mentions that the change of path to renewable energy is not happening in the distant future. The global rhetoric to adopt clean energy manifests that it is the right time to invest.

Moreover, expanding beyond fossil fuels is therefore unavoidable, but requires, and will continue to require, greater spending alongside investing in traditional oil and gas projects.

Switching to cleaner energies is now inevitable as the worldwide protests supporting the idea to contain global warming can’t be overlooked.

A leading clean energy data and information aggregator suggests US’s energy storage market to have jumped 42 percent from the previous quarter.

The energy storage market in US has tremendously increased from 43.6 MW in Q1 2018 to 61.8 MW in Q2 2018 whereas the market grew 60 percent year-on-year.

Being the second largest renewable energy growth leader after China, the country has achieved another milestone of bringing the boost in the power storage market.

According to the experts, the renewable energy generation is solely dependent upon its storage. With approx. figures, US have the capacity to develop renewable energy to power 80 percent of its electricity requirements by 2050.

The most contributing factor behind the substantial growth of the energy storage market is the development of certain state and federal policies.

The position of the storage market has followed after European Union has considered restricting US within solar trade markets.

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OCTOBER 2018

SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 02

THE CONVERSATION

MANISH AGGARWAL Managing Director, Enkay Solar Power

BANKERS WANT TIER 1 COMPANY PANELS TO BE USED IN THE PROJECTS As far as Indian developers are concerned they are not interested in buying the Modules from us because of the reason that the bankers who finance their projects wants Tier 1 company panels to be used in the projects. Who are these Tier 1 companies, is quite a mystry. More so, the certifications and processes which have to be followed while manufacturing panels are same across the board, believes Manish Aggarwal, Managing Director, Enkay Solar Power, Indian solar modules and panels manufacturer. In conversation with Manu Tayal, Sub Editor, Saur Energy International, Aggarwal shared his views on various issues which the power sector is currently dealing with along with his companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s future plan of action in the renewable energy segment. Following are the excerpts from that exclusive interview.

Q

In present scenario where technology changes frequently, how do you manage to upgrade your technology?

As we are new entrants in this field, we were able to induct the state-of-art machinery, therefore up-gradation is not an issue. For instance when we started our production line 4BB cells technology was prevailing. Last year we up-graded to 5BB and we have the capability to go up to 6BB. However, each upgradation is a cost to us.

cerned they are not interested in buying the Modules from us because of the reason that the bankers who finance their projects wants Tier 1 Company panels to be used in the projects. Who are these Tier 1 companies, is quite a mystry. More so, the certifications and processes which have to be followed while manufacturing panels are same across the board. We had taken up this matter with MNRE and are hoping that this is resolved. Once we all are on the same playing field, managing cost will not be an issue. It will rather give us an opportunity to supply modules to bigger projects.

Q

As safeguard duty is implemented in India, how it will affect the cost to you?

Safeguard duty had already being imposed on us While dealing with project as we are paying 25% safeguard duty on import o w n e r s h o w d o y o u of cells. But after the notification from Ministry of manage the cost factor? Finance we are giving bond instead of cash till 27th As far as Indian August before the hearing of Orissa High Court. In developers the bond it is mentioned that we would pay the are con- safeguard duty on the material we import during this tenure. Big names who are importing the panels and also availing SEZ benefits and selling material in Indian market would become expensive by 25% which will open up the sale of small and medium scale industries like us.

Q

Q

Currently, on which projects you are working on?

Because of the fact that currently market is very slow as the duty matter is not yet over and project are on hold. Meanwhile, we have taken this opportunity to focus on research and development to further enhance our e-rickshaw solar panels.

We are the first one to develop Solar Panel for E rickshaw which increases there mileage upto 40 kms per day.

VOL 3 l ISSUE 02 | SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL

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OCTOBER 2018

FINANCE UPDATES

EIB ALLIES ISA TO ASSIST SOLAR ADVANCES IN INDIA

HANERGY REGISTERS 600% JUMP IN OPERATING REVENUE

India has got another push in its bid to attain target of installed 100 GW of solar power by the year 2022 with European Investment Bank (EIB) planning to partner with the International Solar Alliance (ISA) in order to bring ISA’s expertize and financial aids to support expand India’s solar development.

The EIB-ISA partnership would also aim at other regions where solar power is one of the most abundant renewable energy sources but where technologies, funding and expertise are often lacking.

Significantly, ISA plans to raise $1 trillion by 2030 from public and private investors to invest in such solar projects.

Further, EIB, while attending the One Planet Summit, talked of major breakthroughs in tackling climate change globally.

Announcing progress on initiatives hailed as "transformative" that will deliver on the ambitious Paris Agreement to tackle climate change, EIB, President, Werner Hoyer mentioned the need to bridge urban financing gap with Global Urbis, launch the Land Degradation Neutrality Fund and expand solar energy through the International Solar Alliance.

Remarkably, in 2017, the EIB provided EUR 1.05 billion of new financing for solar energy projects around the world, representing the largest ever annual support by the EIB to the solar sector, and is currently finalizing a new EUR 200 million credit line to provide additional financing for renewable energy projects across India.

The company has registered an over 600 percent increase in its operating revenue reaching a total of HKD 20,414 billion (USD 2,653 billion) in the first half of 2018 compared to same period last year.

Significantly, the Hong Kong based solar service provider has also reported a 30 times year on year (YoY) surge in its net profits touching the unprecedented number of HKD 7.329 billion (USD 0.96 billion).

The reports, according to the market experts, testify the new and managed income structure and Hanergy’s efforts to sustain the growth momentum for the subsequent term of the year, 2018. According to Hanergy, the tremendous growth is primarily attributable to the great technological breakthroughs of the company, strong support from national policies on the industries of thin film power generation, mobile energy, highend equipment manufacturing.

Also, Hanergy asserts establishing new energies and new materials, development of new markets and obtaining a number of new clients and innovative projects, enabling the upstream business of the company to achieve significant progress during the period.

Another key factor attributes to the group's exponential growth is the prodigious improvement of the localization of equipment production lines, which made large-scale delivery of products possible fetching a substantial increase in upstream business.

JINKO SOLAR’S Q2 NET PROFIT JUMPS 2653% QOQ

42 OCTOBER 2018

Solar module shipments and revenues of Jinko Solar for Q2 of 2018 increased 38.7 percent sequentially to 2,794MW, mainly driven by continuous demand and new product launches.

Significantly, Jinko Solar’s net profit has shown an increase of 2653 percent over the previous quarter and 109 percent over the Q2 of 2017.

However, the gross profit of the company is reported to have increased 11 percent.

Also, the company accredit strong global sales network, higher capacity utilization and industry leading cost structure for successfully offsetting the impact of new policies issued by the Chinese government on May 31st.

The financial report released by Jinko Solar mentions that the company’s order book is full of healthy businesses comprising of overseas orders and markets which are growing rapidly and will generate significant opportunities ahead.

SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 02

Based on the current business outlook, the company is expected to deliver 6.7GW-7.2GW of solar panels during the second half of the year, representing a 40% sequential increase.

Further, on a full year base, the total shipment will reach between 11.5GW – 12GW, increasing >17% YoY, which is very likely to make it secure No.1 position once again in the industry.

Moreover, its gross margin and net income is expected to grow significantly in the coming quarters Q3 & Q4 due to continual operational efficiency improvement,

diversified customer base, products and higher level of R&D activities.

JinkoSolar's CEO, commented during Q2 earning call, “We are taking full advantage of our market leader position and production facility in Florida to expand our presence in the U.S. market. Demand in emerging markets continues to grow, especially in Latin American, the Middle East and North Africa. We are deploying our resources there towards securing large & long-term orders through our mature sales network which spans a number of markets. We believe that the Indian solar sector will maintain its long-term growth trajectory despite the short-term impact of recently announced tariffs and we will continue to explore opportunities there.”

Lately, it is observed the demand from emerging market surged, that requires high-performance and better price.

JinkoSolar's advanced technology and production suits it well.

FINANCE UPDATES

HANERGY BAGS $130MN CONTRACT FROM FOREST GROUP Chinese leading thin film power solution providing MNC, Hanergy has won a USD 130 million contract to build solar roof tiles for Japanese infrastructure conglomerate, Forest Group.

The association between the two giants marks the companies’ interest towards international solar markets.

The contract between Hanergy Thin Film Power Group (0566.HK) and FGS, a subsidiary company focused on solar power business under Forest Group, intends to bring to use and put together the expertise and the rich sectorial experiences of both companies to optimize Japan's photovoltaic market.

President, Forest Group, Mori Haruyuki said, "We have great confidence in Hanergy's products and we're sure that we'll together win accolades in the sector.

Further, in the backdrop, we hope that within the next 5 to 10 years, Japan's household market reaches the goal of zero emission, realizing a great potential for solar power market.”

Further, the current contract won by the company will be a debut in its HanTile

product range in bigger segment.

Significantly, the contract has been given to an outsider when Japan has a comparatively strict certification system.

Vice President, Hanergy Thin Film Power Group, Lv Yuan said, "At Hanergy, we make enormous efforts to stay ahead of our peers, be it through robust investment

in R&D, the constant breakthroughs in technology, and numerous patent applications. It's an upshot of these unremitting efforts, that we could swiftly secure the contract with the leading Forest Group in Japan. We see a great potential in Japanese market, which is also a strategic market for Hanergy.”

M'RASHTRA EYES RS 25,000 CR CANADIAN SOLAR SELLS INVESTMENT IN EV SEGMENT 30.4MW PROJECTS FOR $103MN The Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis has said that the state government has adopted a policy to promote electric vehicles (EV) and mulls to bring Rs 25,000 crore investment for their manufacturing.

Fadnavis further said that its government is encouraging the use of electric vehicles through its departments.

He was speaking at a function in Mantralaya (state secretariat), where 5 e-vehicles procured on rent from Energy Efficiency Services (EESL) were handed over to the PWD department.

Moreover, the company will provide 1,000 such vehicles in phased manner on rent. Initially, 2 charging stations each will be set up in Mantralaya (Mumbai) and Nagpur for these vehicles.

This initiative is aimed at encouraging the use of electric vehicles by government departments to protect the environment, CM has said.

Earlier in May 2018, the state PWD department signed an MoU with EESL to procure EVs on rent from the central PSU. The MoU also envisages manufacturing such vehicles and their spare parts.

Solar developer and manufacturer, Canadian Solar has sold three of its solar power projects totaling 30.4 MW for USD 103 million.

Canadian Solar has sold the solar power projects to Canadian Solar Infrastructure Fund (CSIF) of Japan.

Further, the acquisition of the solar power projects expands CSIF’s current capacity to 105.6 Mw from 75.2 Mw. Moreover, the three projects include the 27.3 MW Daisen-cho Plant in Tottori Prefecture, the 2.1 MW Ena-shi Plant and the 1 MW Takayama-shi Plant in Gifu Prefecture. The plants had reached commercial operation in August, September and October 2017, respectively. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Solar, Shawn Qu, said, “Our asset management team is doing an excellent job executing on CSIF's growth strategy in Japan and has quickly crossed the important 100 MW milestone threshold.

We expect there will be additional mutually beneficial asset drop down opportunities with CSIF in the future.”

Canadian Solar was founded in Canada in 2011 and is present in the solar panels manufacturing and solar energy solutions space.

Meanwhile, CSIF was launched on the Tokyo Stock Exchange as an infrastructure investment fund in October 2017 with initial capacity of 72.7 MW. VOL 3 l ISSUE 02 | SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL

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FINANCE UPDATES

STATKRAFT TO INVEST $1.2 BN IN RENEWABLE ENERGY Renewable Energy generator, Statkraft in a bid to strengthen its position in the renewable energy industry has planned to invest USD 1.2 billion in the renewable energy segment during the period 2019-2025.

In order to achieve the target, Statkraft has an ambition to reach 6000 MW onshore wind and 2000 MW solar until 2025.

Besides, having a healthy pipeline for renewable projects, the company Statkraft aims to triple its volumes managed on behalf of customers.

Moreover, as Europe welcomes majority of growth, substantial growth will be added to markets where the company is already present in South America and India.

Significantly, Statkraft is Europe's largest producer of renewable energy. The new strategy comprises developing, generating and trading energy, including purchasing and selling renewable power for other companies.

The company plans to be financed partly from earnings from existing businesses supplemented by systematic divestments of shares in completed solar and wind projects to financial investors. The investment program will be adapted to the

UK COMMITS $208 MN FOR ELECTRIC, HYBRID VEHICLES

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OCTOBER 2018

Speaking at the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Summit in Birmingham, PM Theresa May has granted a package of USD 208 million for the research and development of electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles as well as battery technology.

Moreover, she told the summit that she wanted Britain to lead from the front on low-emissions technology and work with industries and countries around the world to “spearhead change”.

UK believes that there is lot more scope for developing hybrid vehicles and reducing the carbon footprint thereby.

Further, the PM said, “That is why I have set this country an ambitious mission. To put the UK at the forefront of the design and manufacturing of zero-emission vehicles, and for all new cars and vans to be, effectively, zero-emission by 2040. Already, we are taking significant strides forward. Our electric UK manufactured cars account for one in five sold in Europe. Our batteries are among the best in the world.”

Significantly, Lloyds Banking Group has announced at the summit a £1m initiative to offer motorists a £1,000 contribution to switching to a pure EV. SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 02

company's financial capacity and rating objectives.

CEO, Christian Rynning-Tønnesen says, "The combination of our unique portfolio of flexible hydro power, in-depth market understanding, innovative solutions, as well as our customers' increased interest in renewable energy make us a preferred partner for both producers and consumers of clean energy.”

WORLD BANK COMMITS $1 BN FOR BATTERY STORAGE TO BOLSTER RENEWABLES The World Bank Group has committed to investment USD 1 billion for a new global program to ramp up investments in battery storage for energy systems in developing and middle-income countries.

This program is expected to help these countries speed-up their use of renewables – particularly wind and solar power – improve energy security, increase grid stability and expand access to electricity.

Moreover, this USD 1 billion financing is expected to mobilize another USD 4 billion in concessional climate financing and public and private investments.

Also, the program aims to finance 17.5 GWh of battery storage by 2025 – more than triple the 4-5 GWh currently installed in all developing countries.

Commenting on the development, World Bank Group, President, Jim Yong Kim said, “For developing countries, this can be a game changer.”

“Battery storage can help countries leapfrog to the next generation of power generation technology, expand

energy access, and set the stage for much cleaner, more stable, energy systems,” Kim added.

Currently, batteries used in energy generation systems are expensive, and most projects are concentrated in developed countries.

The “Accelerating Battery Storage for Development” program, in response to demand from countries, will finance and de-risk investments such as utilityscale solar parks with battery storage, off-grid systems – including mini-grids – and stand-alone batteries that can help stabilize and strengthen grids.

The program will also support largescale demonstration projects for new storage technologies suitable for developing countries’ needs – such as batteries that are long-lasting, resilient to harsh conditions and high temperatures, and that present minimal environmental risks.

“Batteries are critical to decarbonizing the world’s power systems. They allow us to store wind and solar energy and deploy it when it’s needed most to provide people with clean, affordable, round-the-clock power.” Dr Kim said.

EV UPDATES

U'KHAND SUMMIT TO ATTRACT NTPC LAUNCHES EV CHARGING RS 74,000 CR INVESTMENT STATION IN V'PATNAM Entering into the group of states adopting measures to cut short on fossil fuel use, Uttarakhand, ahead of the investors’ summit to be held on October 7, likely to attract a total investment interest to the tune of Rs 74,000 crore.

Chief Minister, Trivendra Singh Rawat claimed that Memorandums of Mnderstanding (MoUs) of Rs 60,000 crore have already been signed ahead of the state’s first two-day investors’ summit. He said that roadshows in several cities had fetched results far beyond their expectations.

Further, out of the total investments, entrepreneurs have shown an overwhelming foraying in the renewable energy and electric vehicles (EV) sectors. Besides, Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) Ministry initiatives were also given more visits.

The push towards certain class of industry backing sustainability is also believed to have come with the new policies of the center and state government.

The state government has also formed nine policies to encourage investment in the state ahead of the investors’ summit. The new policies include mega industrial investment and employment promotion policy 2018, solar energy policy, Ayush policy 2018, biotechnology policy 2018-23, power generation from Pirul and other types of biomass policy-2018, aroma policy 2018, optical fibre and mobile tower guidelines policy, Uttarakhand electric vehicle manufacturing and tourism policy 2018.

In line with Government of India’s plan to switch to electric vehicles mobility, NTPC, India’s largest power generating company, initiates its first Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station in Simhadri, Visakhapatnam.

Moreover, NTPC is fully aligned for promoting clean energy transportation in the country while further pushing the demand for electric vehicles and power generation.

Significantly, the NTPC powered charging station has been designed by its in-house NTPC engineering team at Simhadri.

Further, the station can have three Electric Vehicles charged simultaneously at the facility and is fully equipped with all amenities like parking bays, lighting, power supply and Wi-Fi access for automated monitoring and CC TV surveillance.

As a part of its corporate ethos, NTPC is committed to promote and accelerate the adoption of Electric Vehicles across the country by providing the much-needed mobility infrastructure to support EV growth.

This Charging station for EVs is one step towards promoting and popularizing the concept of e-mobility.

GOVT TO SET UP ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS

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OCTOBER 2018

Taking another step towards the use of electric vehicles in the country, Power Secretary, Ajay Kumar Bhalla stated in a curtain-raiser press conference of first Global Mobility Summit 'MOVE' that government is considering setting up electric vehicle charging stations across select cities and highways.

While addressing the press conference, Bhalla said that electric vehicles will become popular only after charging infrastructure is put in place.

Power Secretary said, "To establish charging infrastructure, looking at certain select cities and certain select highways where we should provide charging infrastructure.

Density has been proposed for 3/3 square km, we should have one charger for public charging system, which is fast chargers.”

Also, the statement projected the fact that setting up of the charging stations does not require any licenses according SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 02

to the electricity act.

Moreover, in a bid to promote the use of electric vehicles, the Ministry has procured EVs for some of its officials.

Speaking at the same press conference, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways Secretary Yudhvir Singh Malik said, "We have made it mandatory across all new

national highways that the wayside amenities, for which we are acquiring five to 10 acres of land, will have provision of charging infrastructure."

Malik also said that optimal utilization of road space, along with giving priority to road safety is how we envision the Future of Mobility in India.

EV UPDATES

‘RAPID E’ TO BE FIRST ASTON MARTIN ELECTRIC VEHICLE Aston Martin has revealed plan to manufacture its first all-electric vehicle ‘Rapid E’ that is its hybrid version of earlier model Rapid.

The British car maker has decided to manufacture 155 units in the first edition of Aston Martin’s electric vehicles.

Further, Aston Martin has partnered with battery technology major Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE) to kickstart a new era for Aston Martin’s powertrain technology and overcome the technical challenges associated with packaging the battery system and motors within an electric vehicle.

Throughout the development process, the engineering team would focus on achieving effective cooling of the batteries and motor to ensure consistent performance, while keeping in view the weight targets to enhance power consumption. Moreover, the electric vehicle is being fit with an 800 volt battery which will power the car with 610 hp. As per Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) the maximum distance that the car is to cover in a

single charging is 200 miles (321.8 Km).

Speaking on the Rapid E programme, CEO, Aston Martin, Andy Palmer commented, “Environmental responsibility and sustainability is a global challenge faced by us all. As a career automotive engineer, I’m proud that the car industry is leading the way in finding long-term solutions and reducing harmful emissions.

As Aston Martin’s CEO, I take particular satisfaction working with Williams Advanced Engineering and our other

associated technology partners to bring Rapid E to reality. As our first all-electric production model, Rapid E will fast-track our knowledge and help us ensure the character and high-performance capabilities of our future EV models and enhance the unique qualities found in all Aston Martins as we know them today.

Rapid E will also serve as a critical step on our path to re-launching Lagonda as the world’s first zero-emission luxury marque”.

TATA POWER, HPCL INK PACT FOR EV CHARGING STATIONS Country’s one of the leading integrated power company Tata Power and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL), a Navratna oil & gas PSU, has signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for setting up of commercialscale Electric Vehicles (EVs) charging stations.

These EV charging stations to be set up at the HPCL retail outlets and other locations across India.

As per the deal, both the companies have agreed to collaborate in planning, development and operation of charging infrastructure for EVs (e-cars, e-rickshaws, e-bikes, e-buses, etc.), at suitable locations across India.

The two companies are also intended to additionally explore areas of opportunities & collaboration in related fields like Renewable Energy.

Commenting on the development, Tata Power, CEO & MD, Praveer Sinha said,

“We are delighted to announce our partnership with HPCL. It is a significant move towards expanding our services to our customers beyond conventional boundaries. By servicing electric vehicles through the proposed charging stations across India, Tata Power will be playing a crucial role in enabling a stronger

penetration of EVs in the country, thus fulfilling our commitment to power India’s future in an environmentally sustainable way.”

“A major impediment to electric vehicles adoption is the range anxiety which needs to be addressed through establishment of nationwide charging infrastructure. We believe that a robust network of charging stations is very critical for market acceptability of EVs which will also ensure last mile connectivity and thereby facilitate widespread adoption of EVs,” said Rajnish Mehta, Executive Director, Corporate Strategy Planning and Business Development, HPCL. Mehta further added that, “We intend to leverage on our vast marketing infrastructure network in the form of Retail Outlets and other locations for setting up of electric vehicle charging stations on pan India basis.”

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MODULE UPDATE

VIKRAM SOLAR LAUNCHES HALF-CUT CELL MODULE AT REI Vikram Solar has launched a new line of solar modules at Renewable Energy India Expo, Greater Noida. The new modules are based on the latest half-cell technology that increases module output by ~15 Wp per module compared to standard PV modules. The technology also boasts efficiency up of 19.56 percent. The new highdensity module technology is engineered to generate more power from advanced mono-PERC half-cells, thus achieving better Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE).

The innovative design principle minimizes shadow-loss through a series-parallel cell connection, when one-half of the modules are affected by shading. The high efficiency half-cell modules are the perfect fit for all utility and rooftop projects. Commenting

on the development, Vikram Solar, BU Head- Solar Manufacturing and CTO, Ivan Saha said, “We are taking a big step by introducing advanced new High-Density Monocrystalline Modules using innovative Cell-Cleaving Technology. The design, superior price performance, increased shade tolerance and reduced power loss is expected to make a big splash in

the market.”

The key highlights of the new solar module includes - it consists of 144 and 120 half-cells instead of 72 and 60 full cells yet keeps nearly the same dimension as standard 72 and 60 cell modules; higher energy yield via lower cell resistance. Half-cell modules have a higher fill factor and higher efficiency; the cells are cut with low temperature and lower kerf depth maximizing cell yield with no junction damage; module power mismatch loss is reduced by a factor of four as power loss is proportional to the square of the current; no hot spot degradation on the modules; the split junction box provides better heat dissipation improving the life of the module.

TRINA SOLAR LAUNCHES TRINAHOME IN INDIA

RENEWSYS LAUNCHES PV MODULE WELLNESS PROGRAMME

Trina Solar has moved into the household and small-to-medium enterprise (SME) sector with the launch of Trinahome.

Speaking at the launch event, Yin Rong Fang, Trina Solar President of Global Sales and President of Overseas Commercial and Residential Solutions says, “Trina Solar supplied 3.5GW, so we accounted for 15% of the total. That means we are the clear market leader here in India.”

India is also Trina Solar’s second largest market in Asia Pacific after China. “Trina Solar was founded in China in 1997 and has been in India since 2010,” says Yin. Trina Solar India Director, Gaurav Mathur, says, “We recognize that B2B (business-to-business) is very different to B2C (businessto-consumer). Prior to today’s launch, we have been working behind the scenes to develop a nationwide customer service network, so we can reach consumers in all the towns and cities in India. This includes even those in the most remote rural areas.”

“We have achieved this by signing up local partners throughout the country, namely distributors and installers,” says Mathur.

Mathur says, “Trinahome will help to boost demand in the market for rooftop by giving SMEs and households an easy and affordable solution.”

“Trinahome is the very first ‘all in one’ solution in India, which means all the components – the solar modules, inverter, grid box, mounting system, etc – all come from Trina Solar and are backed by Trina Solar warranties,” he says.

Trinahome comes in three sizes, 3KW, 5KW and 10KW. “Trina Solar also has different mounting systems for different rooftypes, so Trinahome can be installed on any type of roof in India,” he added.

RenewSys has launched a PV Module Wellness programme at the Renewable Energy Expo, Delhi.

This unique and exclusive initiative launched by the company’s Bengaluru division, will allow customers to test their PV modules at it’s Reliability Lab at no cost.

RenewSys understands that comprehensive testing of the modules only during their certification is not enough to ensure consistent performance.

As the first integrated manufacturer of Solar PV Modules and its key components, Encapsulants, Backsheets and PV Cells, RenewSys is uniquely poised to identify issues related to PV module reliability and performance.

The ‘PV Module Wellness’ team will test and share a report with vital information.

This report will prove crucial for module manufacturers to evaluate their manufacturing technical parameters, revisit raw material selection, and correct any process recipes, if required. This report is especially important in building trust in the module output and life for solar power project developers, EPC players, etc.

Thus it will help module manufacturers build confidence in their modules, among all stakeholders.

The RenewSys Bengaluru division manufactures EVA & POE Encapsulants and Backsheets and Bus Bar Insulation Sheets.

The Module Manufacturer has to send two PV modules to the RenewSys lab where the tests are conducted in a world class laboratory.

These tests are in accordance with IEC, ISO, BIS or other relevant international standards. Currently, the company’s Bengaluru laboratory is under process of NABL Accreditation.

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MODULE UPDATE

‘PREFER INVESTING IN INDIA OVER US’: TRINA SOLAR India’s leading solar solutions provider, Trina Solar has launched ‘Trinahome’, a solar initiative to foray into the domestic and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) segment in India.

In order to provide solar solutions to tier 2 & 3 cities of the country, Trina Solar plans to further extend its product offering into the market through the initiative.

President, Global Sales and Overseas Commercial and Residential Solutions, Trina Solar, Yin Rong Fang said, “Trina Solar is already number one in India’s solar energy market thanks to the largescale utility projects, namely solar farms, we have already completed. We have provided solar cells and modules to many developers in India,” Further, the company’s inclination towards Indian markets has been considerable since a decade.

Yin said talking exclusively to Saur Energy International, “We would prefer investing

in a solar development being carried out in India rather than US. And nothing but the feasibility or availability of the resources and scope of solar market in India is to be accredited for that.”

Ironically, Trina Solar has been critical of the solar development in US citing over protectionist measures undertaken by the government authorities.

Besides, company’s new solar initiative ‘Trinahome’ will aim to provide solar establishments in homes and home-grown enterprises on the back of a solidified position in utility segment.

Director, Trina Solar, India, Gaurav Mathur said, “We recognize that B2B (business-tobusiness) is very different to B2C (businessto-consumer). Prior to today’s launch, we have been working behind the scenes to develop a nationwide customer service network, so we can reach consumers in all the towns and cities in India. This includes even those in the most remote rural areas. We have achieved this by signing up local partners throughout the country, namely distributors and installers.

The reason we decided to move into the household sector, is because we can see there is enormous market opportunity to bring solar energy to Indian consumers.”

Moreover, the company claims to have a big scope in the solar rooftop segment of which the government has set a target of 40 GW capacity till 2022. Additionally, the company has planned to deliver all the required equipment from its own pipeline.

VIKRAM SOLAR COMMISSIONS NLCIL BUILDINGS GET SOLAR 1461KW ROOFTOP PROJECTS PANELS FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY Vikram Solar has installed 1461kW Rooftop Solar PV system for Century Plyboards (India) at two locations.

The 1056kW at Century Plyboards’ Chennai unit is spread over 11000 square metres across seven factory sheds and 3 evacuation points. There are 3300 modules in operations with a cumulative annual energy yield of 1.536 million units, which would help reduce 1310 metric tonnes of Carbon Dioxide emissions per year.

Vikram Solar also commissioned 405kW Rooftop Solar PV system for Century Plyboards’ Chirai Moti unit near the Kandla Port in Gujarat. Spread over 450 square metres, the project is powering the complete factory with the power evacuated at 2 points. The plant is expected to produce an annual yield of nearly 6 Lakh units which would reduce around 500 metric tonnes of Carbon Dioxide emissions per year.

Commenting on the development, Gyanesh Chaudhary, MD & CEO, Vikram Solar said, “Century Plyboards is a leader in the industry and it was a privilege for us to make their vision a reality in their first step towards the green energy drive which is a valuable and respectful addition in our portfolio of leading industrial manufacturers that we have helped go solar.”

Neha Agrawal, Head-Corporate Strategy & Rooftop Business said, “Vikram Solar has a prestigious Rooftop EPC portfolio comprising of Private Sector clients (SL Group, IMFA, Century Ply, KBL, and Anmol Biscuits to name a few) and Government clients (such as ISRO, IOCL, SBI, WBSEDCL, and AAI).

Pushing the use of renewable energy, Government of India’s Neyveli Lignite Corporation of India (NLCIL) has got installed solar panels on seven office buildings at a cost of Rs. 5.49 crore.

NLCIl solar installation is the part of its commitment to produce 4,251 megawatt through solar and wind energy.

Under the first phase, NLCIL has installed solar power panels in its corporate office, Central Technical Office (CTO), Public Relations Office, Guest House, Mines Administrative Office, Material Management Complex and Township Administration Building.

The project has been awarded to the leading solar developer, Enrich Energy through Rajasthan Electronic and Instruments Limited, Jaipur, the implementation agency for the Ministry of Coal.

Chief Managing Director (Additional charge) and Director (Finance) Rakesh Kumar commissioned the project installed on CTO building two days ago.

Kumar said that the Union Government had fixed the target of producing 1.75 lakh MW power through the renewable energy sector by 2025.

As part of this, NLCIL has committed to produce 4251 MW through solar and wind power. It has already commissioned 491 MW through Green Energy Units installed at Tirunelveli and Virudhunagar districts besides Neyveli.

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INNOVATION UPDATES

BI-LAYER SOLAR CELL SETS RECORD FOR EFFICIENCY Material scientists from UCLA Samueli School of Engineering have developed a double-layered thin film solar cell that has set efficiency records in generating power from sunlight.

The device is made by spraying a thin layer of perovskite -an inexpensive compound of lead and iodine that has been shown to be very efficient at capturing energy from sunlight -- onto a commercially available solar module.

Moreover, the solar cell is recorded to have converted more than 25 percent of the solar energy into electrical power in the category of perovskite-CIGS tandem solar cell.

Significantly, the performance was confirmed in independent tests at the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory which testifies the successful development of next generation solar cells.

Further, the efficiency of UCLA’s device is similar to that of the poly-silicon cells that currently dominate the photovoltaic solar market.

Carol and Lawrence E. Tannas Jr. Professor, Materials Science, UCLA, Yang Yang said, “With our tandem solar cell design, we're drawing energy from two distinct parts of the solar spectrum over the same device area. This increases the

amount of energy generated from sunlight compared to the CIGS layer alone."

Additionally, the solar milestone research by the premium engineering institute is also supported by the National Science Foundation and the Air Force Office of Scientific Research.

RESEARCHERS FIND NEW WAY TO HARNESS SOLAR

'BLACK SILICON' HELPS REDUCE SOLAR PANEL COST

Academicians of University of Cambridge have developed a unique method of harnessing solar power by tweaking the plant’s machinery used for the process of photosynthesis.

The researchers were able to split oxygen and hydrogen from water using the method of photosynthesis.

The latest study by academics of University of Cambridge led by St John 's College put semi-artificial photosynthesis to use to formulate a new strategy of producing and storing solar energy.

Further, the academicians have been using modern technology and components in order to separate oxygen and hydrogen using natural sunlight which is also believed to be an artificial photosynthesis machinery.

Moreover, the new type of Solar power driven water-splitting is developed at the Reisner Laboratory in Cambridge and it is expected that the key findings of this research may now revolutionize the systems used for renewable energy.

Besides, Researcher Katarzyna Soko along with her team managed to reactivate a process in the algae that has been dormant for millennia. Researchers are now hopeful that innovative model systems for solar energy conversion can be developed through the findings.

Katarzyna said, “The findings of this research can lead to the emergence of more robust solar technology. The approach could be used to couple other reactions together to see what can be done, learn from these reactions and then build synthetic, more robust pieces of solar power technology.”

Taking a step towards cost considerations of solar modules, researchers at Aalto University have found a way to reduce production costs of solar cells by more than 10 percent by using 'black silicon'.

Moreover, creating Nano-textures on silicon with dry etching makes black silicon (black-Si) that is more efficient at capturing light than standard etching treatments.

As suggested by the technology, the color of the silicon does not go with its name. The dry extraction process takes a normally flat silicon surface and embeds it into a collection of Nano scale needles.

Visiting Professor, Material Sciences and Electrical Engineering, Michigan Tech, Joshua Pearce working at Aalto University said, "Improving cost per unit power at the cell level can have massive effects downstream. The costs of solar energy are comparable to conventional forms of electricity and this 10 percent drop should push solar to the forefront even faster.”

However, the new technology can only reduce the costs of solar components till a certain limit.

Margins are extremely tight. Everyone's trying to push costs as low as possible," he added.

The project found that production of individual black-Si passive emitter rear cells (PERC) were between 15.8 and 25.1 percent more expensive than making conventional cells, but the efficiency gains and the ability to go to the less-expensive multi-crystalline silicon starting material far outweighed those extra costs: overall the cost per unit power dropped by 10.8 percent.

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TECH UPDATES

TATA POWER LAUNCHES ITS VOICEBOT TINA Tata Power has launched its VoiceBOT TINA, thus becoming the first utility in India to offer such a service to its customers.

TINA, now powered by Google Assistant will allow the company to address all the customer queries using any compatible Android or iOS mobile devices and Google Home devices, without downloading the app, or visiting the company website.

Tata Power customers in Mumbai can now use voice commands to interact with TINA for various services on billing, payment, etc. Consumers, for example, can simply say “Talk to Tata Power TINA” on Google Assistant, and avail Bill related services presently and many more in coming months. The new customer experience is designed to deliver relevant information in an engaging conversational manner with minimum steps.

The new VoiceBOT service from Tata

Power is enabled with technology support from Yellow Messenger, an AI-powered enterprise audience engagement company.

Praveer Sinha, CEO & Managing Director, Tata Power, said, “The digital revolution witnessed by India today, offers huge opportunities for utilities to enhance the quality of customer service. As an essential service provider, we constantly look for

new and powerful means to support and engage with our customers better.

TINA with a voice is one such service by Tata Power.”

The integration of TINA with Google Assistant also gives the bot the ability to process requests without asking for customer ID, phone number or other personal details.

TINA can now run the phone number, the query coming from its database, identify the linked account and retrieve the relevant information to deliver it in a personalized, conversational manner. On the other hand, for generic, non-account specific queries such as locating nearest Tata Power Centre does not require any such data.

The new service will be available immediately to all Tata Power residential, commercial and industrial Consumers.

GAMA SONIC DISCOVERS MORPH TECHNOLOGY

UAE, IRENA PARTNER TO TRACK SOLAR CONCENTRATION

Upscale outdoor solar lighting solutions maker Gama Sonic has developed a new and innovative technology, termed as Morph Technology, which is able to increase the number of solar cells integrated into light fixtures.

The company said in a statement that, this revolutionary discovery is the process of essentially infusing monocrystalline photovoltaic (PV) cells directly into the lighting fixture – allowing for a greater surface area to fully harness any available sunlight. Thus, since the solar cells are integrated into the fixture, Morph Technology offers the flexibility to utilize curved and uneven surfaces, it added.

While comparing the limiting capabilities of traditional flat solar panels, the company said that the major benefits of integrating Morph Technology into light fixtures are larger solar panels on a surface area which results in more charging power for a brighter illumination and a longer battery duration.

Moreover, on average traditional solar cells occupy approximately 25 percent to 45 percent of space on a Gama Sonic solar light while with Morph Technology the entire surface area can be utilized, it further said.

Commenting on the achievement, Gama Sonic, General Manager, Itay Parness said, “Because of Morph Technology, we are now able to create more efficient and sustainable outdoor solar lighting fixtures.”

The company further said that it has integrated this patented pending solar technology into some of it’s newer items such as the Topaz Solar Lamp and the Orion Solar Wall Light.

UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and the Environment have collaborated with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and Khalifa University of Science and Technology (KUST) to establish artificial intelligence laboratory in a bid to track solar energy concentrations.

Collaboration with IRENA and KUST aims to identify solar energy concentrations across the country and keep a check on air pollutants in the country.

The Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi said, “The ministry launched the laboratory in line with UAE’s strategy for artificial intelligence.

The laboratory aims to protect the local environment by monitoring and analyzing the available information accurately and using it in making the right decisions, based on the latest global technologies.”

Further, three main systems in the laboratory includes real time maps of solar photovoltaic locations in the UAE, an environmental monitoring system and a marine environment monitoring system.

According to the MOCCAE, the solar photovoltaic maps will help determine the best locations for solar panels and will contribute to an integrated system of solar power plants.

Additionally, the inclusion of artificial intelligence within the applications of renewable energy segment is a breakthrough primarily initiated by UAE. This will add to the Arab country’s endeavor for sustainable resources of energy.

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12TH EDITION OF RENEWABLE ENERGY INDIA EXPO REITERATES RENEWED FOCUS ON CLEAN ENERGY SECTOR Keen Global and local participation, Foreign Investments & Technology Breakthroughs marked the show

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UBM India successfully concluded the 12th edition of Renewable Energy India (REI) Expo, the three day (18th – 20th September 2018) show at the India Expo Center, Greater Noida. This year, the show focused on approaching renewables in a more holistic manner, with due consideration to wind, hydropower and biomass along with solar energy. The expo witnessed over 750+ exhibitors participation from 45 countries, with over 1,000 delegates and 225 speakers at the 37 conference sessions.

The event was well supported by European Union India – Clean Energy & Climate Days and Business Beyond Borders (BBB), National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), Skill Council for Green Jobs (SCGJ), European Business Technology Center (EBTC), Euro Chambers, Bloomberg News Energy Finance, Bridge to India, World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), Indo-German Energy Forum (IGEF), Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore (SERIS), Asian Photovoltaic Industry Association (APVIA), TFE Consulting GmbH, PV magazine and Indian Biogass Association and German Biogass Association (IBA and GBA), among others, joining in the rich conference domain themed ‘Accelerating Momentum...From Ambition to Action’.

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The event witnessed new product showcases including charging stations, frameless glass to glass panels, solar inverters, solar kit solutions, bi-facial modules and testing lab facilities. There was an increased presence of floating solar equipment makers, demonstrating the growing demand for such projects in the country. Business to Business (B2B) meetings were facilitated in two separate zones to enable focused and well-directed match-making. Various subjects ranging from viability of manufacturing, large-scale project development challenges caused by land and transmission bottlenecks, Rooftop challenges caused by DISCOM’s, low bids, payment issues, net-metering, and financing were discussed.

REI 2018 also showcased bolstering Start-ups and SMEs with the launch of Sunrisers Pavilion, Session on Advantage Telangana, crucial industry dialogues in the form of CEO Roundtable, Financial Leadership Forum, Quality & Future Round Table, 5th Indo-German Energy Symposium, EU – India Clean Energy & Climate Days and International Matchmaking, and the 4th edition of Renewable Energy India Awards to recognize the Innovation & Excellence in the field of Renewable Energy.

REI POST SHOW REPORT

System – upto 15 KW, Launched Solar and Energy Storage Kits upto 20 KW installation & eBOS for larger applications and engineered solutions like Optimizer, DG-PV Controller and other interesting products for customers. Through REI, we connected and demonstrated exciting solution ranges to leap into brighter and sunnier future.”

Commenting on the successful conclusion of the show, Mr. Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, UBM India said, “Over the years, REI has duly acquired a unique dynamism and influence as a comprehensive global platform for the RE domain addressing these challenges and aiding India’s green mission. This year was remarkable, with intense global participation in the form of renowned forums such as Business Beyond Borders, European Business Technology Center (EBTC), European Commission, World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), Indo-German Energy Forum (IGEF), European Union, and more. REI also witnessed a pre-bidding meet by the Govt. Of Madhya Pradesh for its project RESCO and a session – Advantage Telangana by the Govt. Of Telangana which made it one of the must-attend event for green energy professionals in India and across the globe.”

Saurabh Bhandari, Chief Executive Officer, SolarMaxx said “REI, as in the past, proved to be a tremendous platform for the RE sector to come together and witness new technology and product launches. Our brand, SolarMaxx, once again received an overwhelming response from the industry. Our high efficiency modules, especially the half-cut cell modules were particularly appreciated. We look forward to many more

such events by UBM. Mr. Rishi Seth, Joint Managing Director, HPL Electric & Power Ltd said, “REI Expo layers an outstanding platform to showcase our latest BOS (Balance of System) product range and offerings in renewable energy, along with the hands on experience of our latest technology. REI Expo is also a meeting place for some of the major suppliers, consultants and industry experts, even what also amazes us is that the relevant people from different states and power utilities are present to witness the showcased products.”

He further added, “We are showcasing two new products at the expo namely Solar home Light Solution and Solar Inverter equipped with latest technology and modern

Industry Speaks and New Launches at REI 2018: Nitin Sharma, Raychem RPG said “This past year has been fairly tumultuous and at the same time exciting for the industry.

We are particularly excited by the progress we have made in expanding our portfolio and strengthening our partnerships. We commissioned India’s first MW scale Energy Storage Project – Integrating Grid, Solar and Diesel generator to provide quality and stable power to load and partnered with Dynapower, USA for Energy Storage Power Conversion System for technology collaboration. We were nominated as Knowledge Partner to International Solar Alliance (ISA) for Energy Storage System.

We also launched an integrated Small Scale Energy Storage VOL 3 l ISSUE 02 | SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL

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REI POST SHOW REPORT

systems cost, higher energy yield and lower LCOE.

Rajaram Pai, business leader – South Asia & ASEAN, DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions “With the increasing deployment of solar energy in India, the quality of each and every component matters to help ensure investment stability for all stakeholders to continue investing in this form of energy for long term. Our vast experience in the global solar industry enables us to bring market leading PV materials that provide high efficiency, high reliability solutions to our customers.” said Rajaram Pai, Business Leader – South Asia & ASEAN, DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions. “Winning the REI Award 2018 for International Excellence is of great significance to us as we continue to work together with industry partners to help build designs. Our Solar home light solution is an energy solution which is specially designed for remote and rural areas. It is a highly portable product that requires negligible maintenance and perfect for outdoor activities. The second product which we are displaying at the Expo, Solar Inverter is a transformer less Inverter with 97% Efficiency. It comes with remote monitoring features enabling the user to operate the device wherever they are located and also ensure the greater security & better performance. This exceptional product has a twin MPPT charge controller in order to optimize sun light utilization at all times and is embedded with IP 65 which makes it suitable for outdoor application. Being a battery less inverter, it is quite cost effective as compared to OFF Grid invertors.” a robust quality infrastructure for India’s sustainable clean energy future”, Pai added.

Mr. Jamie Yang, Director, Can Solar Inc. said “At REI 2018, we displayed the Solar Storage system – ‘Solar Power Bank for Home’ – 2kW / 2.5kWh and a Solar DC combiner box that doesn’t require wiring. REI Expo’s new International Matchmaking feature helped us set up meetings prior to the show. Also, the visitors that showed up says a lot about the blooming Renewable market in India.”

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Mr. Vinay Shetty, Managing Director, Canadian Solar Energy Private Limited said “In line with its global policy to offer highest quality premium modules to its customers world wide with a sole objective to make solar energy more and more affordable and continuously drive down the LCOE, Canadiansolar has launched their most premium highest efficiency module - HiKu series 405Wp Poly PERC Module, HiDM series modules - 410Wp Mono PERC Module and 365Wp BiKu series Poly PERC Bifacial Modules in REI Expo 2018.”

To demonstrate their commitment to Indian customers, They are the first company to announce BIS Certification in India for their China and Thailand factory made modules. As per BTI, Canadiansolar Ranks No.1 in India for the period of October 2017 to September 2018. As per Canadiansolar, Poly PERC is more sustainable product compared to Mono PERC, in terms of lower manufacturing cost, SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 02

RenewSys, the first integrated manufacturer of Solar PV Modules and its key components launched India’s first & only such initiative, the RenewSys Module Wellness Programme that will allow customers to test their PV module health at the RenewSys’ Reliability Lab at Zero cost.

UPDATES

‘SOLAR MAMAS’ GRADUATED SOLAR TRAINING PROGRAMME Ajmer’s Barefoot College felicitated ‘Solar Mamas’, a group of 45 women from 10 countries on their graduation ceremony of a six-month-long solar training programme.

Moreover, the solar training programme included skills needed for the fabrication of solar panels, lights and photovoltaic circuits. Further, the ‘solar mamas’ on successfully becoming the agents of change are now expected to impart the knowledge gained in different societies of their respective countries.

The training programme attended by women from different countries was held at Barefoot College of Tilonia village in Ajmer. The college is a social work research center which voluntary organization working in the fields of education, skill development, health, drinking water, women empowerment.

Plus, the college is believed to have trained 1,500 women till now.

Additionally, Women from Madagascar, Botswana, Tanzania, Fiji, Uganda, Afghanistan, Argentina, Myanmar, Philippines and Turkey were given a warm send-off at the ceremony on the completion of the course.

Present at the ceremony, New Zealand High Commissioner Joanna Kempkers praised the Barefoot College’s training

for mostly illiterate and semi-literate rural women.

Diplomats Shaida Mohammed Abdali from Afghanistan, Baraka Haran Luvanda from Tanzania, Marie Leontine Razana Drasoa from Madagascar and Yogesh Punja from Fiji were among those who attended the ceremony.

HIGH WIND, SOLAR POTENTIAL DEGER, KAVITSU GROUP SIGN IN GOA: GCCI JV TO MAKE SOLAR TRACKERS Though like any coastal area of Indian subcontinent, Goa has immense wind and solar energy potential but its industry body Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) says even then it lacks renewable energy development citing preventive costs and maintenance blues.

Taking the issue a step forward, GCCI has now tied up with a company to promote a hybrid wind turbine which harnesses both wind and solar energy.

Founder and CEO, Revayu Systems Prateek Gupta said, “There has to be a hybrid solar and wind energy system. Solar energy alone cannot be enough and neither can only wind energy be enough.”

Affirming the potential, Prateek said, “Goa has good wind speed, consistent wind speed”, post which the Company has joined hands with GCCI to explore the renewable energy potential in Goa. Director General, GCCI, R S Kamat said, “Though the price of power units was low here, the industry was plagued by erratic supply. Industry needs consistent power supply.” A hybrid wind and solar power unit with a capacity of 4 KW has been installed at Verna to study and showcase the benefits of using the hybrid turbine.

However, Revayu officials said the system ensures uniform energy output with the solar component working in the daytime and the wind turbine working mostly in the evening and nighttime.

World’s leading solar tracking systems provider, DEGER Energie and Maharashtra based gear drives manufacturer, KAVITSU Group India have entered in a joint venture (JV) to develop solar tracking systems.

The joint venture with KAVITSU Group has marked DEGER’s debut in the Indian solar market.

Moreover, the companies have come together to cater the ‘other than solar panel’ segment of the solar industry primarily.

DEGER has been manufacturing single and double axis solar trackers which are highly credible which helps in harvesting maximum solar energy during the day compared to fixed structures.

However, gears drive play an important role in the construction of such trackers. KAVITSU Group has been roped in for the task of providing gears which will add to the quality of the trackers.

Further, DEGER’s debut is another step closer to India’s aspiration to make solar equipment within the country.

Also, the new KAVITSU DEGER JV will be serving Indian and South East Asian market via new Joint Venture manufacturing facility situated at Satara in Maharashtra.

Significantly, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India is Targeting 175GW till 2022, which opens huge potential for German Company DEGER in India.

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THE NEXT BREAKTHROUGH IN O&M

Figure 2: Thermography image of site under performance via a drone (Source: Google images)

Sunil Rathi

Director Sales & Marketing Waaree Energies ltd

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The solar PV modules, as we know are guaranteed to perform for 25 years. In this 25 years, the solar panel (and the entire plant) is subjected to various amount of stresses ranging from wind loads, snow loads (in few countries), lightening or surges from grid, moisture ingression and temperature variations. Such stresses while not fully may subject the modules to various alterations in their performance which could degrade the plant output. In order to maintain and operate the power plant to its maximum capacity (or efficiently), it is necessary that effective maintenance (or more often known as O&M) is carried out at regular intervals as specified by module manufacturer and/ or EPC contractor. While a lot is instructed to customers a common myth (generally among rooftop) however is that the solar panel only requires water cleaning (as shown in Figure 1). However in practice, many simple yet important tasks such as module level temperature monitoring, module/string level power output monitoring, analysis of such power output curve, protection device check (at both DC & AC level), etc. need to be carried out in the plant on daily basis.

Now with increasing plant size from few MWâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (before few years) to GW, it is for sure that the methods currently in use would phase out soon. This is because with such huge scale power plants, it becomes almost impossible to detect fault and more importantly its rootcause. Any such fault if remains in the power plant could drastically reduce its generation and the associated commercial aspects.

Thus it would be necessary to develop and/ or adopt the upcoming techniques in O&M. This blog aims to inform its readers on all the important and upcoming technologies in O&M.

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Aerial site survey

Drones have lately been gaining popularity among various industries for their ability of scaling places at a fair speed within short span of time. This enables them to finish few tasks with ease which would indeed take longer time if done manually. Solar module needs constant check to ensure they are operating as expected without any visible/ invisible defect developed in them. One method to check such defect is by taking thermographic IR image of module. If a specific under-performing string cannot be identified, scanning image of entire plant is almost impossible as it would take days to do such imaging. A similar analysis could be carried out on all the operational parts of power plant to check for any faults which may generate heat. This is where aerial site survey via drone could come into play. The drone used for this purpose has a specialized thermal camera fixed to it which could take and/or upload the pictures to a cloud based server. Such multiple images would enable a plant operator to easily identify an issue and its rectification could be done almost immediately. It also eases out the entire process which saves both time & money while also enabling quick and immediate intervention as needed.

Smart communication in various components

One of the most important aspects in any power plant is to reduce the downtime when under operation. For a plant that is spread out in lengths and breadths of land, it is important that both problem identification and its rectification is done immediately.

In case of a solar power, where there are

OPED

Figure 1: Cleaning of solar panel with water (Source: Google images) number of components (in both DC & AC sides), problem identification may become an issue. This is why modern day components come with smart communication technology (an example shown in Figure 3). This technology allows the associated component to communicate with the cloud and send pre-set data. Such data are received and analyzed to ensure that the plant is running as desired. Any offset in generation data can be easily flagged and the operator can pinpoint the defect at inverter level, combiner or even string/ module level. In few cases, probable reasons of such defects could also be identified easily. Such smart communication enables an operator to have a micro level insight and have a technical knowhow of his plant.

Figure 3: Smart communication method in module (Source: Solar Professionals)

Innovative cleaning methods

The next innovative method doing rounds in solar market these days have been waterless dust cleaning of solar modules. Demineralized water (with neutral pH) has been a preliminary requirement for all solar power plants. Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) estimates that the water requirement for O&M of power plant varies between 7,000 to 20,000L per MW. Finding such huge volume of water with such stringent quality would be a real challenge in water deficit places such as Rajasthan, Northern Gujarat, UAE, etc. In such places (sometimes) due to unavailability, the developer may source water from local water bodies which could lead to serious crisis (especially during summers). For such reasons, the automatic dust cleaner (as shown in Figure 4) could be of utmost importance. This device consist of a nylon brush, pair of wheels the frame and in-build solar panel (optional). The nylon brush is used to clean the dust with around 90% efficiency while the wheel move the entire assembly between modules.

The in-built solar panel is used to power this entire machine.

Lastly, the frame holds the entire assembly together. Such system helps to cut the water consumption of power plant as much as 80%. With its efficient cleaning system one could also continue cleaning cycles over the entire plant without worrying about power requirement.

Advancement in scheduling and forecasting softwareâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

As we informed you in our earlier article, the central government and many state governments have already issued scheduling and forecasting regulations, thanks to the advanced available

Figure 4: Automatic dust cleaning robot mounted on solar panel (source: PV Tech) softwareâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s that this is possible. This advancement would also enable easier O&M as the operators of plant already know well in advance about the behavior and the associated plant output. This enables them to pre-plan their scheduled and preventive maintenance well in advance. Additionally as a plant operator, it is also important that the given schedule is met to ensure that the plant does not have to pay any charge due to under or over injection of energy into the grid.

The solar industry is poised to become a multimillion dollar market. Such markets would be driven by innovation while ensuring that the commercial aspects are not compromised by. O&M in such markets would have a significant role to play and we believe that we should keep up to date with the market innovations and adapt them according to our advantage.

Let us all pledge to make solar energy the primary source of energy in the near future.

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MILESTONES UPDATES

CLEANMAX SOLAR WINS ‘INDIA GREEN ENERGY AWARD’ Achieving another milestone, sustainability partner for corporates, CleanMax Solar has won the ‘India Green Energy Award’ from country’s esteemed clean energy advisor Indian Federation of Green Energy.

Further, CleanMax Solar has won the award for its 145 MW solar farm at Sedam, Gulbarga District, Karnataka which supplies solar power to corporates like Adobe, ACC, United Breweries, SKF, Volvo and others.

The award was given Suresh Prabhu, Minister of Commerce and Industry and collected by Tejus AV, Head, Solar Farms and Murugan V, Head, Construction (Sedam Farm), on behalf of CleanMax Solar.

Also, the India Green Energy Awards are organized by the Indian Federation of Green Energy, a body of visionaries and stakeholders from diverse industries, business and services for creating a sustainable energy ecosystem.

In line with the objective of creating a sustainable energy ecosystem, the company’s 145 MW Karnataka plant enables large businesses to switch to solar power in a low-risk and zeroinvestment manner. In total, the project will abate 150,000 tons of CO2 annually.

On this occasion, Co-Founder, CleanMax Solar, Andrew Hines said, “We are extremely humbled and honoured to receive this

prestigious and nationally recognised award from the Indian Federation of Green Energy. CleanMax Solar commissioned Karnataka’s first open access solar farm in 2016, and we have executed three more such projects in 2017 and 2018. Our Sedam farm supplies solar power to leading IT companies, manufacturers and other corporates in Bangalore and across Karnataka. The Sedam project, the largest of its kind across India, has reaffirmed our belief that large corporates are eager to play their part in fighting climate change by switching to clean energy for their operations.”

NIWE CONDUCTS INDIA’S FIRST LIDAR TEST

SIEMENS DEVELOPS WORLD'S FIRST ‘DYNAGRIDCENTER’

In a bid to tap the most potential source of wind power, National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) has successfully conducted India’s first LiDAR based wind power test off the Gulf of Khambhat in Gujarat.

The Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) machine was placed 23 km from the coast of Gujarat for a period of 8 months.

Previously, as per the researchers, the southern and western tip of the country has been believed to have significant potential of wind speeds that can easily be converted to run power producing turbines.

“Ministry of Renewable Energy and NIWE in association with Facilitating Offshore Wind in India, initiated LiDAR-based measurements to validate the wind potential at the preliminary demarcated zones,” the NIWE report said.

Also, “The primary prevalent wind direction is south of south west with a wind speed occurance of 20 per cent and secondary prevalent wind direction in North,” it said.

The instrument has appropriately measured the wind speeds within 40-200 meters which would directly be interpreted to decide upon the height of the wind turbine from the surface of water.

Further, the report also mentions that the result was overwhelming as the average maximum wind speed at the lowest height of 40 meters was measured to be 12 m/s which it believes is far more powerful than expected stats.

Leading energy sector player, Siemens, while working alongside researchers, has developed world’s first cutting edge Dynamic Power grid control Centre ‘DynaGridCenter’.

Siemens’ DynaGridCenter is capable of visualizing dynamic processes that bring the energy transition to the power grid and provide targeted recommendations for actions to optimize the grids and prevent blackouts.

Prof Rainer Krebs, Head, Consulting Unit for the Operation and Protection of Power Grids in the Siemens Energy Management Division said, "In the future, we'll need control centers that can independently regulate the highly dynamic power grid with an autopilot functionality and keep it stable. He added, “The dynamic control centre is therefore an indispensable part of a successful energy transition. It controls the increasing grid dynamics, maintains grid stability, and provides specific recommendations for action to prevent blackouts."

According to Siemens, the number of decentralized generating plants continues to grow while the capacity of conventional power plants shrinks, the power network is ever-more susceptible to disturbances which calls for a next level transmission regulator.

Further, the DynaGridCenter project looked at ways to visualize dynamic processes triggered by the uneven load distribution in the grid and figuring out how to systematically respond to them.

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MILESTONES UPDATES

JINKOSOLAR NAMED AS MOST BANKABLE PV MAKER

In addition to being ranked as a top solar brand in debt financed projects, JinkoSolar was named as the most “bankable” PV manufacturer by Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) among 57 module brands.

The rankings are based on BNEF’s global survey to key PV stakeholders on which module brands used in projects are most likely to obtain non-recourse debt financing from

commercial banks.

Survey respondents include banks, technical consultants, EPCs, and independent power producers (IPPs) from all around the world. Considering product quality, long term reliability, field deployment performance, and the manufacturer's financial strength, 100% of survey respondents considered JinkoSolar as bankable. Aligning with JinkoSolar’s high bankability score, BNEF’s database also shows that projects using JinkoSolar’s modules has secured more debt financing than any other brand since July 2016.

“The result of this survey confirms that JinkoSolar is the most preferred brand by banks, the top brand that industry players are most willing to use in their projects, and also the top brand that source of finances are most willing to fund,” said Kangping Chen, CEO of JinkoSolar. “We maintained our position as one of the largest manufacturer of PV modules in the world by delivering 9.8GW modules in 2017 thanks to our continuous endeavors in quality and technology improvements. We will continue invest in quality to assure delivery of power and performance in the field with a higher level of product quality and reliability as we pursue further growth both in established markets and emerging ones."

SONY ENTERS RE100 INITIATIVE FOR 100% CLEAN ENERGY Sony Corporation has joined RE100, an initiative operated by the international non-government organization (NGO) The Climate Group in partnership with CDP, a UK based environment researcher.

In doing so, Sony will aim to use 100% renewable electricity for all of its business sites by 2040.

Moreover, RE100 consists of companies committed to using 100% renewable electricity, and comprises over 140 member companies worldwide.

In order to accelerate the use of renewable energy under the RE100 initiative, Sony will promote installation of solar panels at manufacturing sites, an intra-company electricity transfer plan generated at Sony sites.

The leading electronics and entertainment company has also set another milestone of supplying Sony sites through electrical grids owned by power companies with energy created by in-house generation facilities that use renewable energy such as solar panels.

Significantly, the company has also adopted a "Road to Zero" long-term environmental plan that plots a course to a zero environmental footprint for the company's operations and across the lifecycle of its products by 2050.

President and CEO, Sony Corporation, Kenichiro Yoshida said, “For many years, Sony has been an industry leader in actively addressing climate change and other environmental issues. As part of our “Road to Zero” initiative to eliminate our environmental footprint, we are pleased to join RE100 and contribute to the realization of a society that operates on fully

renewable energy. In anticipation of the coming autonomous driving era, Sony aims to contribute to the safety of mobility and to the reduction of environmental impact through its automotive CMOS image sensor business. We have positioned these initiatives as one of our pillars of our societal contribution from a long-term perspective. At the same time, we are also proactively taking measures to assess and minimize the impact of our overall business activities such as semiconductor manufacturing on the environment. By joining RE100, we hope to contribute to the expanded usage of renewable energy not only within Sony but by the industry at large.”

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PROINSO, JOULES POWER CLINCH ASIAN POWER AWARD UK-headquartered PROINSO has won the Asian Power Award 2018 for the 28MWp utility scale project in Bangladesh under the category of “Solar Power Project of the Year – Bangladesh”.

PROINSO has completed this 28MWp project in Teknaf, Bangladesh in partnership with Joules Power (JPL).

Both the companies have been announced winners of the Asian Power Awards 2018 at the gala ceremony on September 19 attended by over a hundred senior executives and prime industry figures in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Further, this project is the first large scale solar plant in Bangladesh that commenced commercial operation earlier this month.

Moreover, such 28MW project is the first step towards the government’s target of producing 2,000MW of solar power by 2021.

The company said in a statement that, the solar PV plant will cover up to 80 percent of the present electricity demand of the entire Teknaf region and result in reduction in CO2 emissions of 20,000 tons each year, with estimated 400,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions to be prevented over the next 20 years.

Besides, the project’s foreign currency financing is being arranged by Standard Chartered Bank with a risk guarantee being provided by GaurantCo part of the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG) and local currency component being arranged by a consortium of Bangladeshi Banks led

by One Bank.

Commenting on the development,

PROINSO South Asia, Managing Director, Kunal Chandra said, “This project is a demonstration of both PROINSO’s business philosophy and global capabilities in solar projects. We believe that a strong collaboration between global and local businesses and institutions is the key to achieving long-term sustainable growth and reaching renewable energy targets, as defined by the Paris Agreement.”

CIAL WINS UN’S HIGHEST ENVIRONMENTAL HONOUR

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World’s first solar-powered Cochin International Airport (CIAL) has been conferred with the United Nation’s highest environmental honour for 2018 ‘Champion of the Earth’ award in the Entrepreneurial Vision category.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) said in a statement that, “Cochin International Airport will take home the award for Entrepreneurial Vision, for its leadership in the use of sustainable energy.”

“Cochin is showing the world that our ever-expanding network of global movement doesn't have to harm the environment.

As the pace of society continues to increase, the world’s first fully solar-powered airport is proof positive that green business is good business,” it added. On achieving the honour, Cochin International Airport, commented, “Worldwide, solar power is the fastest-growing source of new energy. We are determined to lead the way and pioneer this development.”

Six of the world’s most outstanding environmental changemakers have been recognized with the Champions of the Earth Award, the UN’s highest environmental honor.

Cochin International Airport is the world’s first solar power airport.

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Its entire operations are powered by solar energy.

The biggest and busiest airport of Kerala state in India, and the fourth busiest airport in India in terms of international traffic, Cochin International Airport became the world’s first fully solar powered airport in 2015 – a project pioneered by Managing Director Vattavayalil Joseph Kurian.

MILESTONES UPDATES

JINKOSOLAR GETS 'INTELLIGENT MANUFACTURING' AWARD In another achievement in technology advancement, JinkoSolar has received an award for “Demonstration Enterprise for 2017 Intelligent Manufacturing Pilot Project” of China Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).

Moreover, the scope of JinkoSolar on the project includes the extraction of production real-time data from existing automation systems, the enhancement of asset instrumentation, and the deployment of additional automation control hardware and software.

Further, the smart manufacturing platform in JinkoSolar’s newly operated GW scale Smart Factory is compatible with multiple process-control and datamanagement systems, as well as other manufacturing applications or “apps.”

The company believes that the production data correlated with quality data provide the opportunity for further increased efficiency and manufacturing optimization.

The company has recently brought an enhanced version of its ‘Cheetah series’ boosted 400 W into volume manufacturing, betting on complete capacity climb in the early of 2019.

The series feature a substantial output increase and reliability improvements.

Eventually, the advancement has reflected in JinkoSolar’s Q2 report, saying the quarterly shipment of 2,794MW in

Q2, gross profit increasing 11 per cent over the previous quarter and net profit of Q2 has an increase of 2653% from Q1 and 109% increase from the same quarter a year earlier.

TATA POWER HITS 0.8 MILLION 'DIGITAL-ONLY' CUSTOMERS Having pushed the digitized approach to cater its customers best, Tata Power has achieved 0.8 million digital-only customers out of its 3.2 million clientele.

Moreover, 32 percent of Tata Power total customers are now being catered through digital medium such as smart phones.

The Company’s big digital push, which was launched during the early part of FY 17 has over 0.80 million customers who are on its digital-only platform, including interactions through hand-held devices.

Further, the first phase of this new initiative has managed to convert the entire customer lifecycle (from submission of application forms for new power supply connections to payment of bills) to a mobile-friendly digital platform, thus improving the customer experience significantly.

Commenting on the successful roll-out of the first phase of the company’s digital push, CEO & MD, Tata Power , Praveer Sinha, said, “As the largest integrated power utility company in the country, customer experience comes before everything else for us. The new digital initiative is specifically designed to enhance customer experience and the high level of adoption

in the very first phase of its launch stands testimonial to the success of this initiative. In the coming months, we will be rolling out more such customer-friendly services.”

Also, Tata Power is first utility globally to launch a mobile application compatible with Android and iOS platforms designed on SAP MCF Platform which gives its users a unique experience due to real time integration with the enterprise system.

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