SAUR ENERGY I N T E R N A T I O N A L EDITOR
MANAS NANDI manas@meilleurmedia.com
DIRECTOR MARKETING
PRATEEK KAPOOR prateek@meilleurmedia.com
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
NILOY BANERJEE niloy@meilleurmedia.com
SUB EDITOR
MANU TAYAL manu@meilleurmedia.com
SUB EDITOR
ZULKARNAIN BANDAY zulkarnain@meilleurmedia.com ASTT. MANAGER MARKETING AMIT ASHISH sales@meilleurmedia.com
DESIGN HEAD
ABHISHEK GUPTA
WEB DEVELOPMENT MANAGER JITENDER KUMAR
WEB PRODUCTION BALVINDER SINGH
SUBSCRIPTIONS
SANTOSH KUMAR subscription@meilleurmedia.com Saur Energy International is printed, published, edited and owned by Manas Nandi and published from 303, 2nd floor, Neelkanth Palace, Plot No- 190, Sant Nagar,East of Kailash, New Delhi- 110065 (INDIA), Printed at Pearl Printers, C-105, Okhla Industrial Area, Phase 1, New Delhi. Editor, Publisher, Printer and Owner make every effort to ensure high quality and accuracy of the content published. However he cannot accept any responsibility for any effects from errors or omissions. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Editor and publisher. The information in the content and advertisement published in the magazine are just for reference of the readers. However, readers are cautioned to make inquiries and take their decision on purchase or investment after consulting experts on the subject. Saur Energy International holds no responsibility for any decision taken by readers on the basis of the information provided herein. Any unauthorised reproduction of Saur Energy International magazine content is strictly forbidden. Subject to Delhi Jurisdiction.
04 MAY 2018
SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 2 l ISSUE 9
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi's pledge to bring reliable power to all, at a time when the World Bank reported that India had world’s largest un-electrified population, propelled him into office in 2014. In the year after his election, an audit identified 18,452 villages without electricity. He promised that every village would be electrified within 1,000 days. April 28, when Leisang, a tiny hamlet in the remote north-eastern state of Manipur, was connected to the grid, was 988 days since that promise. He tweeted that it would be “remembered as a historic day in the development journey of India.” Well that’s a good beginning! The Indian Solar Manufacturers’ Association (ISMA) has withdrawn its petition seeking anti-dumping duty on the import of solar cells and modules. The association had alleged before the Directorate of Anti-Dumping & Allied Duties (DGAD) that the domestic industry has been injured by the import of products from China, Taiwan and Malaysia. We discussed in detail with leading Indian Manufacturers about the issues they are facing in our story Manufacturer’s Perspective. The increasing demand of energy-efficient, safe, and low-cost batteries is the key factor driving the growth of the lithium ion battery market. The market was valued at USD 23.51 Billion in 2015 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 16.6% till 2022. This segment holds a lot of promise. We have captured the major milestones and projects that have been achieved in last month in our updates section. Happy Reading!
ManasNandi manas@meilleurmedia.com
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Cover Story 34
Sujoy Ghosh Country Head, First Solar, India
RURAL E L E C T R I F I C AT I O N
28
50
National Head (Solar), HPL Electric & Power Ltd
Founder and Chairman | ACME Group
56
Dinesh Chadha
S. K. Singh
MANOJ KUMAR UPADHYAY
Another Feather in India’s Cap
CEO - Electro Control Systems
FINANCE 16
24 Adani’s Mundra Solar Seeks to be $1bn Firm in 2-3 Years
08
39 3 MW Solar Farm Now Feeding LUCELEC Grid
Majority of U.S. Voters Oppose Tariffs on Solar Panels: Survey Need to Tap Renewable Energy, says Venkaiah Naidu
MAY 2018
SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 2 | ISSUE 9
Hyderabad Can Generate 1,730 MW Rooftop Solar Power, says Report India’s Solar Capacity Addition Likely to Drop by 40pc in 2018-19: ICRA
NHPC's 50 MW solar project in TN synchronized with grid
CMEC to Invest €230 Mn in Solar Plant Construction in Ukraine
40
30
Anti-dumping & Safeguard duties
LIU WEIZENG
A Cloud of Uncertainty Still Remain to be Cleared
General Manager of TBEA Xi'an Electric Technology Co., Ltd.
42
SAURABH SRIVASTAVA
President - Marketing & Product Strategy, Eastman Auto & Power
PROJECTS 44
48
Debi Prasad Dash Director - IESA
President - Marketing & Product Strategy, Eastman Auto & Power
STORAGE 52
22
Introduction to Floating PV Plant
MILESTONES 16
ABB Bags $90 mn Contract to Enable Expansion of Solar Park in Dubai
ABB Kicks off 1st Industrial Solar Microgrid in Gujarat
BHEL's Solar Plant Stuck in Limbo in MP
Possibility of
Making India the Storage Manufacturing Hub
(LI-ion Battery)
st
Diu Becomes India’s 1 Smart City to Run on 100% Renewable Energy during Daytime
VOL 2 | ISSUE 9 | SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL
07 MAY 2018
POLICY
UPDATES
Amendment in Solar Bidding Norms Positive: ICRA Report A report from credit rating agency ICRA says that, the latest amendment in the solar project bidding norms is positive for solar developers but uncertainty remains over the pending decision on safeguard duty. The MNRE amended the bidding norms for solar projects on April 3 2018, wherein the ‘change in law’ provision now applies to changes in taxation, duties and cess instead of change in taxation as applicable earlier. Commenting on the development, ICRA, Group Head & Senior VP, Sabyasachi Majumdar said, “There is now clarity on pass-through of import duty and other such duty under ‘change in law’ which is a positive for solar developers. However, the quantification of actual tariff changes by SERCs and the timelines of the same will
remain critical from the cash flow perspective of the affected developers.” Majumdar further said that, the retrospective applicability of such duty under change in law remains critical for projects which have been recently awarded in bidding route from the viability perspective of such projects. ICRA said that there have been talks of imposition of import duties, including safeguard duties, in order to protect domestic equipment manufacturers. The amendment however gives no clarity on whether such safeguard duties will be imposed and if so what would be the applicable rates, the rating agency has said. In January, the Directorate General of Safeguards (DGS) recommended 70 per cent provisional safeguard duty on solar cells
Cabinet Okays Host Country Pact between India and ISA The Union Cabinet has provided its approval for entering into the ‘Host Country Agreement’ between India and the International Solar Alliance (ISA). The Cabinet in its notification said, “The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given its ex-post facto approval for entering into Headquarters/ Host Country Agreement between India and the International Solar Alliance (ISA).” Also, it has authorized the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for signing the Headquarter Agreement. The Agreement was signed on March 26, 2018. Moreover, the Headquarters Agreement will institutionalize the functional arrangements between India and ISA. The move will give ISA a juridical personality and gives it power to contract, to acquire and dispose off movable and immovable properties, to institute and defend legal proceedings. As per the pact signed, ISA shall enjoy such privileges, applicable tax concessions and immunities as are necessary for ISA’s Headquarter to independently discharge its function and programmes. ISA shall be deriving its status, privileges and immunities as per Article 10 of the Framework Agreement. Meanwhile, creation of ISA will lead to accelerated solar technology development and deployment in ISA member countries including India.
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SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 2 l ISSUE 9
& panels and the final decision is pending. Subsequently, Madras High Court had put a temporary stay on implementation of safeguard duty and the timeline for final decision is also not clear. Under the prevailing uncertainty, acceptance of changes in ‘change in law’ guidelines is a net positive for developers, ICRA added.
GEDA Identifies 13 Offices of Goa Power Dept to Run on Solar Energy The Goa Energy Development Agency (GEDA) has identified 13 sub-division offices of the Goa electricity department that will be solar powered. Out of the thirteen sub-division offices, six in South Goa and seven in North Goa will have grid connected rooftop solar plants. GEDA has floated a tender for the 410 kWp grid connected rooftop solar PV power plant project along with their operation and maintenance for five years. Further, the project will be funded under the integrated power development scheme (IPDS). Besides, in the second phase, GEDA is planning to take solar power to educational institutions and has already received proposals from them. Meanwhile, a total capacity of 425 kWp of solar power has been installed in Goa and connected to the grid through net metering which will also allow consumers to supply surplus power to the electricity department and earn from it. Also, the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) will approve the tariff. These installations are at Raj Bhavan, MPT, PWD office, NIT and GEDA among other offices. Solar installations can be installed on rooftops or they can be ground based within the premises. The Goa state solar policy is in place and the government is now in the process of constituting a committee to frame the guidelines for the policy which will include details of loans and subsidies to be provided.
UPDATES
POLICY
Cabinet Approval Soon for Rs 50k cr KUSUM Scheme on Solar Farming The KUSUM scheme may soon get the Cabinet nod by this month end and will be rolled out in the first half this fiscal, a senior official said. On the launch of TERI year book, New and Renewable Energy Secretary Anand Kumar said, “The KUSUM (Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthaan Mahaabhiyan) Scheme is likely to be placed before Union Cabinet for consideration and approval by this month end. We would be able to implement the scheme in first half of this fiscal.” He said that under the revised draft of the scheme to be placed before the Cabinet, the
amount of central government assistance has been enhanced from earlier proposal. Under the scheme, the government plans to incentivise farmers to run solar farm water pumps and use barren land for generating power for extra income -- up to Rs 60,000 per acre every year. At present, farmers earn about Rs 30,000 per acre annually from conventional wheat and paddy rotation, after deducting input costs. As per the initial proposal the total cost of the capacities under this scheme was estimated at Rs 1.4 lakh crore. The Centre's contribution was proposed at
Rs 48,000 crore under the scheme to aid total solar power generation capacity of 28,250 MW over the next 10 years. Talking about the government's ambition of having 40% of the energy mix from non-fossil fuels, Kumar said that India would have half of the installed power generation capacity from non-fossils or renewables like solar, wind and hydro. Apart from 175 GW renewable energy target from sources including solar, wind and hydro, 10 GW each would come from offshore wind power and floating solar project taking the total clean energy capacity to 195 GW by 2022, he said.
DGAD Initiates Anti-Dumping Investigation on EVA Sheet Imports for Solar Module
RK Singh Lays Foundation Stone for Solar PV Module Mfg Plant in Gaya
The Directorate General of Anti-Dumping & Allied Duties (DGAD) has issued a notification with respect to ‘Initiation of anti-dumping investigation concerning imports of “Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) sheet for solar module” from China PR, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea and Thailand’. The move has come in response to the petition filed by the RenewSys India Pvt. Ltd., a renewable energy arm of the Enpee Group, before the DGAD for imposition of anti-dumping duty on EVA sheet imports for solar module. The EVA sheet is the polymer-based component used in the manufacturing of solar PV modules. RenewSys is the largest producer of EVA sheets in India, as per the notification. Also, the company has claimed that they can produce all the widths and all the thicknesses of the EVA sheets as required by the module manufacturers. The Enpee Group arm has also submitted support letters from Vishakha Renewables Pvt. Ltd and Allied Glasses Pvt. Ltd who are the producers of the EVA sheets. There is one more producer of the EVA sheets in India, namely Brij Foot Care. Moreover, the DGAD will consider the investigation period from October 1, 2016 to September 30, 2017. However, for the purpose of analyzing injury, the data of previous 3 years, i.e. from April 2014 to March 2015, April 2015 to March 16, April 2016 to March 17 and the period of investigation will be considered. Meanwhile, the DGAD has asked all the interested parties to intimate their interest in the instant matter and file their questionnaire responses and offer their comments to the domestic industry’s application regarding the need to continue or otherwise the anti-dumping measures within 40 days from the date of initiation of this investigation.
The Power and New & Renewable Energy Minister RK Singh has laid the foundation stone (remotely) for a solar photovoltaic (PV) module manufacturing plant in Sherghati block of Gaya district in Bihar on the occasion of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar’s birth anniversary. This plant will be the first of its kind in Bihar and will be entirely owned and operated by local women Self Help Group (SHG) Federations. For this purpose, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Bihar Rural Livelihood Promotion Society (BRLPS) called Jeevika, IIT-Bombay, and the Cluster Level Federation of women self-help group members. Initiating the Govt of India’s Gram Swaraj Abhiyan, the Minister flagged off the UJALA van from Arrah. This van will travel across Bihar distributing the LED bulbs and spreading awareness about energy efficiency and energy conservation. As part of this initiative, 16000 Indian villages with a significantly large number of low income households will be able to buy LED bulbs for a special price of Rs 50 under the Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All (UJALA) programme. In Bihar, 635 villages will benefit under this programme. The LED bulbs will equip homes with energy-efficient, cost-effective lighting, and higher lumen output than conventional incandescent bulbs. The Gram Swaraj Abhiyan is launched by the Government to promote social harmony and apprise rural communities of various government welfare schemes and initiatives. The campaign will be implemented between 14th April and 5th May, 2018 in 16000 villages across India.
VOL 2 l ISSUE 9 | SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL
09 MAY 2018
POLICY
UPDATES
Green Energy Association Mulls to Move SC Against APTEL Order on RECs Industry body Green Energy Association is planning to move the Supreme Court against the tribunal APTEL's order which upheld power regulator CERC's ruling reducing forbearance and floor price of renewable energy certificates (RECs) of solar and nonsolar energy. The Green Energy Association said in a statement that, “The said order is completely insensitive to renewable energy. Green Energy Association will appeal against this order with full might and very hopeful that the justice will be delivered at apex court.” Last week, the Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (APTEL) had rejected the petition of Green Energy Association and other similar pleas against the CERC's order. In its order in March last year, the CERC had reduced floor price of solar RECs from Rs 3,500 to Rs 1,000 and the non-solar RECs prices from Rs 1,500 to Rs 1,000 from April 1, 2017. The Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) is mandated by central/state regulatory commission and is applicable to power distribution companies,
open access consumer and captive consumers. They are under obligation to buy RECs from renewable energy producers to meet this norm. A reduction in benchmark price of solar and non-solar RECs would adversely affect the renewable energy project developers particularly those who invested in green energy when investments as well as tariffs were on higher side, the association said. The RPO was introduced to give a cushion these developers. The Green Energy Association said, “It seems from the initial study of the order, that the Honorable APTEL has taken the decision, not considering the provisions of law but the reported market condition, which is incorrect and incomplete. There is a clear departure from the established facts of law and practices.” “Though APTEL has taken cognizance of the fact that the major reason of this problem is the failure of enforcement agencies and electricity regulatory body in enforcing RPO, but the APTEL failed to
Gujarat stops paying subsidies to rooftop solar scheme beneficiaries
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Gujarat Government has halted the subsidies it used to pat to the rooftop solar scheme beneficiaries since April 21. According to the Energy Minister Saurabh Patel, the state government pays subsidies to beneficiaries in the range of Rs 10,000 to 20,000 against the total cost of installation of rooftop solar panels. The state has stopped the payment as it has not received the funds from the Centre's budget grants of the current year. He further added “the central government is yet to release the grants for Gujarat under the promotion of rooftop solar policy for the current financial year. As soon as the grants are given to the state government, we will start paying subsidies to the beneficiaries. We are not going to debar any beneficiary from the subsidy they are eligible to receive under the policy.” However, sources from the energy department said that the policy was under the consideration of the central and state governments and the amount could be docked after the reconsideration. "The production of silicon panels has started in India too and that is why the cost of installation of rooftop solar panel will go down. That is why the government is going to decrease the amount of subsidy. The policy will change very soon across the country."
MAY 2018
SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 2 l ISSUE 9
give the desired weightage of more than 50 cases pending at various SERCs (State Electricity Regulatory Commissions) and the APTEL itself. What an irony that some cases at the APTEL for enforcement are pending since last 3-4 years.” "The faith of investor will be shaken, who have been left stranded and will not be able to recover their investment despite the promises made by the central regulator. Investors will lose a significant amount of money and may turn in NPA (bad loans), moreover, this order will severely hamper the claim of ease of doing business in India, New addition of Renewable Energy plant will be impacted," the association claimed.
India invites Azerbaijan to join International Solar Alliance India on Friday invited Azerbaijan to join International Solar Alliance (ISA) as a partner company, a common platform for cooperation among sun-rich countries lying fully or partially between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn who seek to massively ramp up solar energy. Although Azerbaijan is not located between the two tropics but the country has large amount of sunlight for major part of the year. The invitation was offered during the meeting between Indian Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Sanjay Ran and Energy Minister Parviz Shahbozov. The broad ranges of issues were discussed by the two however the emphasis was on the issue of cooperation in the fields of energy and renewable energy. Energy Minister, Parviz invited Indian companies to invest in the projects for renewable energy and in particular in the production of solar and wind energy in the country. He stated that Azerbaijan has prepared a new procedure to facilitate the participation of local and foreign investors in the field. The idea of forming an International Solar Alliance was presented in the end of 2015 at the Paris Climate Conference. The alliance united more than 120 countries located along the equator.
MAY 2018
UPDATES
POLICY
Gujarat Govt Approves 5GW Solar Park The Chief Minister of Gujarat Vijay Rupani has approved the setting up of solar parkhaving5GW capacity in the state, after completion this could be world’s largest solar project. According to an official release, “The proposed solar power generation project would be set up in 11,000 hectares of land with an investment of Rs 25,000 crore.” The Chief Minister, while terming it a giant leap towards fulfilling the ambitious goal of Prime Minister NarendraModi to generate 175GW of Renewable Energy by 2022, tweeted, “The Govt Of Gujarat is happy to approve the establishment of India’s largest
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MAY 2018
Solar Park in Dholera Special Investment Region (DSIR).The 5000MW Solar Park would be a giant leap towards fulfilling the ambitious goal of PM Sh @narendramodi to create 175GW of Renewable Energy by 2022.” He further added that the project will not only open new manufacturing avenues for the entire supply chain in and around Dholera International City, but will also provide employment to over 20,000 people. Earlier, the 500MW solar auction held in the state where the winning prices ranged between Rs 2.98 to 3.06/kWh. Subsequently, the state is also auctioning for
the 7GW of interstate transmission system (ISTS)-connected projects. Unlike solar park model the successful bidders in this project have to find their own land and transmission infra infrastructure. The state recently held a 500MW solar auction, with winning prices between Rs 2.98-3.06/kWh. The state could also be a target for bidders in the forthcoming 7GW of interstate transmission system (ISTS)-connected projects out for tender at present, where developers will have to find their own land and transmission infrastructure, unlike the solar park model.
India Inks Pact with Guyana for New & Renewable Energy Technologies
GVMC Kicks off Construction of 2MW Floating Solar Farm at Mudarsarlova Reservoir
India and Guyana has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote cooperation in developing new and renewable energy technologies. The MNRE said in its notification that, “The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy of the Republic of India and the Ministry of Public Infrastructure of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana having identified new and renewable energy as a common area of interest; and desiring to establish cooperation between the Indian and Guyanese entities with the aim of developing new and renewable energy technologies.” The MoU aimed to establish the basis for a cooperative institutional relationship to encourage and promote bilateral technical cooperation on new and renewable energy on the basis of mutual benefit, equality and reciprocity between the two countries, it said. Further, the areas of cooperation will focus on development of new and renewable energy technologies in the field of solar energy, wind energy, biomass/ bio-energy, small hydro and capacity building. As per the MoU, the modalities of cooperation may include: exchange and training of scientific and technical personnel; exchange of available scientific and technological information and data; organization of workshops, seminars and working groups; transfer of equipment, know-how and technology on non-commercial basis; development of joint research or technical projects on subjects of mutual interest; and other modalities as may be decided upon by the two countries. Moreover, the two countries will establish a Joint Working Group (JWG) in order to coordinate its activities and to decide upon project proposals related to design and development of new and renewable energy technologies.
The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) has kick-started the construction of a 2MW floating solar farm at Mudarsarlova reservoir in Andhra Pradesh. The reservoir, which is one of the oldest parks in Coastal Andhra, provides around one million gallons of drinking water per day to Visakhapatnam. Commenting on the development, GVMC Commissioner, M Hari Narayanan told to the TOI that, “This initiative, which is a part of the smart city projects of GVMC, will be one of the largest floating solar plants in the country, once the project is completed.” According to the plan of the municipal body, solar modules are to be mounted atop floaters which will enable the panels to stay on top of the water body. Also, floating solar plants are considered more efficient against ground-mounted installations on the back of moderating effect of water bodies on the temperature of the panel. According to the PES Engineers, Assistant Engineer, Mahesh, “The design of the project has been provided by Quant Solar Technology Pvt Ltd and is being executed by PES Engineers Pvt Ltd.” PES Engineers Pvt Ltd is a Hyderabad based construction company. As the summer season is setting in and there are chances for the water level to decrease, he added that, “Although the equipment for setting up the solar plant is ready, the setting up of the solar panels and floaters will be based on the water level in the reservoir. If the water level matches the required criteria, the project will be completed by June this year.”
SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 2 l ISSUE 9
POLICY
UPDATES
India starts probe into dumping of EVA sheets India has started a probe into the alleged dumping of EVA sheets, imported from China, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea and Thailand, which are used in solar power industry. The probing agency, Directorate General of Antidumping and Allied Duties (DGAD), an arm of commerce ministry, will investigate the imports of ‘Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) sheets for solar modules’. The probe is meant to substantiate the degree of damage and effect of the dumped products on the India’s domestic industry. If it was established that dumping has caused serious damage to the local industry the DGAD would recommend the imposition of anti-dumping duty on the imports of PV sheets from all these nations. The DGAD in a notification said that it has
found sufficient evidence of dumping of the products from these five countries. “The authority hereby initiates an investigation into the alleged dumping, and consequent injury to the domestic industry... to determine the existence, degree and effect of alleged dumping and to recommend the amount of antidumping duty, which if levied, would be adequate to remove the injury to the domestic industry,” it said. The application for imposition of anti-dumping duty on the
imports of these sheets from these countries was filed by RenewSys India. It is pertinent to highlight here that the period of probe is October 2016 - September 2017, but for the purpose of injury investigation, 2014-16 data will also be covered. The experts believe, dumping of these products is happening because India is a huge market for the solar energy. The product that is under investigation is one is the most essential part of the PV module. It keeps cell and backsheet integrated and support the module mechanically during its service life time Guarding against cheap below-cost imports the duties are charged to create a level playing field to local industry. World Trade Organization (WTO) regime allows countries to impose anti-dumping duty. Both China and India are the members of WTO.
Indian Railways to Provide Rooftop Solar Panels at More Stations
India's Solar Additions Slowed by GST, Duty on China Imports, says UN Report
In a move to go green, Indian Railways (IR) has planned to provide solar panels at many of its railway stations. Railway Ministry in reply to a question in Rajya Sabha said, it has planned to source 500 MW solar energy by providing rooftop solar panels at its railway stations and other buildings. So far, Indian Railways has already installed solar panels at its various stations and service buildings including railway stations at Northern Zone, Southern Zone, East Coast Railway Zone, East Central Railway Zone, Eastern Railway Zone, Metro Railway Zone, North Central Railway Zone, North Eastern Railway Zone, Northeast Frontier Railway Zone, North Western Railway Zone, South Central Railway Zone, South East Central Railway Zone, South Eastern Railway Zone, West Central Railway Zone, Western Railway Zone, Central Railway Zone and South Western Railway Zone. Besides, IR has also installed solar panels at some of its factories including rail coach factory, rail wheel factory, integral coach factory and rail coach factory. Moreover, it has planned to set up 1,000 MW solar power plants consisting of 500-MW rooftop and 500-MW land based solar plants. The Ministry further added that, these rooftop solar plants will be provided at railway stations and various service buildings.
A UN report has said that the imposition of anti-dumping and safeguard duties on import of Chinese solar cells and modules and levy of Goods and Services Tax (GST) on panels by India have significantly slowed down solar capacity additions in the coutry last year. Developing economies, comprising India, China and Brazil, committed USD 177 billion to renewables last year, up 20 per cent, as compared to USD 103 billion for developed countries, down 19 per cent, the report added. This was the largest move in favour of developing countries yet seen. It was only in 2015 that the developing world first invested more in green energy than developed economies. The 86-page report -- Global Trends in Renewable Energy Investment 2018 -- released by UN Environment, the Frankfurt School-UNEP Collaborating Centre and Bloomberg New Energy Finance blames Indian policies for slowing down the speed to tap solar power. The report says the solar activity was held back by an unexpected rise in PV module prices in local currency terms, due to a sudden reduction in the oversupply of imported Chinese units, exacerbated by the imposition of a 7.5% import duty on modules and a local GST on panels. There was also a slowing in the pace of solar auctions around India. In the medium term, PV installations look set to increase sharply, as India seeks to hit its ambitious target of 100GW of solar by 2022. However, that acceleration did not materialise in 2017. VOL 2 l ISSUE 9 | SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL
13 MAY 2018
UPDATES
India, Morocco Sign MoU to Develop New & Renewable Energy Technologies India and Morocco has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote cooperation in developing new and renewable energy technologies. The MNRE said in a statement that, “The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy of the Government of the Republic of India and the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Sustainable Development of the Government of Kingdom of Morocco having identified new and renewable energy as a common area of interest; and desiring to establish cooperation between Indian and Moroccan entities with the aim of developing new and renewable energy technologies.” The MoU aimed to establish the basis for a cooperative institutional relationship to encourage and promote bilateral technical cooperation on new and renewable energy on the basis of mutual benefit, equality and reciprocity between the two countries, it said. Further, the areas of cooperation will focus on development of new and renewable energy technologies in the field of solar energy, small hydro, biomass/ bio-energy and capacity building. As per the MoU, the modalities of cooperation may include: exchange and training of scientific and technical personnel; exchange of scientific and technological available information and data; organization of workshops, seminars and working groups; transfer of equipment, know-how and technology on non-commercial basis; development of joint research or technical projects on subjects of mutual interest; and other modalities as may be decided upon by the two countries. Moreover, the two countries will establish a Joint Working Group (JWG) in order to coordinate its activities and to decide upon project proposals related to design and development of various new and renewable energy technologies.
POLICY
Need to Tap Renewable Energy, says Venkaiah Naidu
Referring to the enormous demand for the conventional sources of energy such as oil and gas in the country, Vice President of India M Venkaiah Naidu has emphasised upon the need to tap the country’s renewable energy. During an interaction with the students of Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy (IIPE) in Visakhapatnam, the Vice President said that, renewable energy was a major solution in fighting climate change and meet the increasing energy demand in the country. He further added that, IIPE intended to promote the quality and excellence of the education and research in the petroleum and hydrocarbons and it plans to fill in the skill gap in the oil and gas sector. Moreover, Venkaiah Naidu appealed the youngsters to bridge the rural and urban divide through development, discussion and dialogue. The Central and State governments should work together as a team for the all-round development of the states, Vice President has said.
MP Leads among States in Electricity Connection under Saubhagya: Paras Jain
14 MAY 2018
Madhya Pradesh has become the NO 1 state under Saubhagya Yojana, said Paras Chandra Jain, Energy Minister, Madhya Pradesh Government. This program aims to provide energy access to all by last mile connectivity and electricity connections to all remaining un-electrified households in rural as well as urban areas to achieve universal household electrification in India. The Minister tweeted that, 13,20,000 connections has been provided under Saubhagya program in the state, and we are
SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 2 l ISSUE 9
on first position in the country. Till now, 100 percent connections have been provided in six districts, the Minister added. Besides, 24 hours electricity to domestic consumers and 10 hours electricity for agriculture is provided in the state, Jain said. The Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi has launched the Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana - Saubhagya, at Deendayal Urja Bhawan, in New Delhi on September 25, 2017. The total outlay of the project is Rs 16,320 crore while the Gross Budgetary Support
(GBS) is Rs 12,320 crore. The outlay for the rural households is Rs 14,025 crore while the GBS is Rs 10,587.50 crore. For the urban households the outlay is Rs 2,295 crore while GBS is Rs 1,732.50 crore. Moreover, the Government of India will provide funds for the scheme to all States/UTs. Meanwhile, the states and Union Territories are required to complete the works of household electrification by the December 31, 2018.
POLICY
UPDATES
Majority of US Voters Oppose Tariffs on Solar Panels: Survey The new tariffs on solar panels imposed by Trump administration are opposed by nearly six in ten voters including a majority in very red districts voters, a survey by Program for Public Consultation (PPC) has found. The tariffs came in effect on 22 January on the request from two solar panel producers with operations in United States. The concern was that solar panels are being imported from other countries in such a high volumes that the companies are not able to compete. The imports mostly came from Asia. Tariffs will reduce with subsequent years. The tariffs are 30% in first year, and will decline to 25% in year two and 20% in year three and 15% in year four respectively. However, a bill, with bipartisan sponsorship, in Congress has been dropped to reverse these new tariffs. “While Americans do respond to the arguments that American jobs are being lost to low price imports and that the US should push for better trade deals, the counter arguments—that tariffs could hurt the solar industry overall, and that there is a risk of starting a trade war—do better. While protectionist arguments hold some sway, in the end, the majority comes down against the new tariffs,” said PPC director Steven Kull. Respondents were asked for the final recommendation and 58% were opposed to imposing of tariffs including 51% of independents and 76% of Democrats. However the percentage of Republicans that favored the tariff stood at 58%. The support for tariffs among Republicans was directly proportional to the attitudes about Trump. 63% of the Trump voters among Republicans favored the tariffs, while among those who
did not, only 27% did with 71% opposed. “Historically, there have been minor differences between Republicans and Democrats on trade issues. It appears that Donald Trump's challenge to the prevailing trade order is related to growing polarization between Republicans and Democrats in the public”, Kull said. He further added “Ironically, this growing polarization is in a direction that is the opposite of the historical polarization between Republicans and Democrats in Congress.” The sample taken for the survey was 1,999 registered voters and was conducted online from March 9 to March 23 of this year. The marginal error for this survey stands at +/-2.2%.
J&K Cabinet Okays Setting Up of JK Renewable Energy Corporation
Madras HC dismisses plea against 70% levy on solar imports
In a move to boost the usage of green energy, the Cabinet of Jammu and Kashmir has given its approval for the setting up of the much awaited Jammu and Kashmir Renewable Energy Corporation. Further, the decision was taken at the Cabinet meeting chaired by the Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti in Jammu. According to an official spokesperson, the corporation will be a private limited company wholly owned by the state government with an authorised share capital of Rs 1 crore fully paid up and subscribed by the Jammu and Kashmir government. The Cabinet authorised the administrative secretary, Science and Technology Department, to take necessary steps for creation and setting up of the Renewable Energy Corporation.
Challenging the recommendations of 70% safeguard duty on imports of solar panels and modules by Directorate General of Safeguards, the Madras High Court has dismissed the petition on Monday. The oral order was delivered by the court whereas the written order is likely to be pronounced today. The subsequent step, after the dismissal of the petition, has paved the way for public hearing. To take the final call the report will be sent to panel of secretaries of commerce, revenue, industrial policy, external affairs and new and renewable energy ministries. In mid-January the Directorate General of Safeguards recommended 70% tariff on the solar imports. The call was taken after the petition by domestic solar manufacturers claimed that imports of solar panels and modules are causing huge damage to the local industry. Out of India’s total consumption of solar equipment, 90% is being imported from countries like Malaysia, China and Taiwan. The solar developers of India were distressed by the recommendation of Directorate General of Safeguards. The developers claimed that it will increase construction costs and thereby will result in steep rise of solar tariffs.
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MARKET
UPDATES
Hyderabad Can Generate 1,730 MW Rooftop Solar Power, says Report A joint research under taken by the Greenpeace India and Gujarat Energy Research and Management Institute (GERMI) has said that, Hyderabad has a potential of generating 1,730 MW power through rooftop solar panels and can achieve the top place in the country. The report further stated that, if achieved, Hyderabad can reduce its power demand by almost 15 per cent. According to the report 'Rooftop Revolution: Unleashing Hyderabad's Rooftop Potential', “A big share of this (1,730 MW), nearly 70 per cent, can come from the residential sector... For residents, solar makes for a solid investment, and would cut down on electricity bills considerably.”
“The city is blessed with quite a few major landmarks that have sizable potential for rooftop solar power generation,” the report added. Some of the major regions with huge solar rooftop potential according to the study includes, buildings of Osmania University (over 5,100 KW), Begumpet and Rajiv Gandhi International Airports (over 700 KW), the city's railway stations (3,187 KW), metro stations (679 KW), all bus depots (nearly 3,000 KW). Hyderabad has the highest annual Particulate Matter (PM) levels of Telangana's eleven districts and cities, the study said. Commenting on the report, Greenpeace India, Climate and Energy Campaigner,
Pujarini Sen said, “Switching to solar will not only help Hyderabad reduce air pollution by bringing down its dependence on coal as a source of power, but also help policy makers to the India's overall rooftop solar goal of 40 GW by 2022.”
India’s Solar Capacity Addition Likely to Drop by 40 Percent in 2018-19: ICRA It is highly likely that India’s solar power capacity addition will drop by 40 per cent to a range between 4 Gigawatt (Gw) and 4.5 Gw in the 2018-19, thanks to the recent slowdown in the tendering and project award activity, research and ratings agency ICRA has said. Between April 2017 to February 2018 the country has added around 7.2 Gw solar capacity to its kitty. However, the official figures for the month of March are yet to be in public domain. “We are expecting a capacity addition of 7-7.5 Gw in FY18 in the grid-connected Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) segment. We are saying, this is expected to come down to 4-4.5 Gw in FY19,” Girishkumar Kadam, Sector Head and Vice President at ICRA told ETEnergyworld. He further added that ‘the estimated fall in capacity addition in the current fiscal is mainly on account of subdued trend in tendering of solar projects since June 2017 in the midst of several factors such as GST roll out in July 2017, an upward pressure on PV module price levels internationally and continued uncertainty on safeguard duty and anti-dumping duty post the petitions filed by solar module manufacturer associations between June and Dec 2017.’ “The subdued trend in awarding of solar projects is also evident from the fact that only 4.5 GW was auctioned and awarded in the calendar year 2017 as against 7.3 GW in 2016,” he said. Similarly, the recent amendment in bidding process, which is seen
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positive for the solar developers of the country, for the solar projects by the Ministry have brought clarity on pass-through of import duty. “However, the quantification of actual tariff changes by SERCs and the timeliness of the same will remain critical from the cash flow perspective of the affected developers. Moreover, the retrospective applicability of such duty under change in law remains critical for projects which have been recently awarded in bidding route from the viability perspective of such projects,” says, Kadam.
UPDATES
EV
Solar-Electric Car Designed by GITS Students Ranked 5th in India In an Electric Solar Vehicle Championship held in Andhra Pradesh, “Feathex”, an Electric Solar Car designed by the students of Geetanjali Institute of Technical Studies (GITS), Udaipur bagged 5th position in all India ranking and first rank in Rajasthan. The Championship saw 76 participants who showcased their products. Held under the banner of ISIE at Bhimavaram in the state of Andhra Pradesh, Electric Solar Vehicle Championship (ESVC-2018) is termed to be Asia’s largest Solar Vehicle Design and Manufacturing Event. The car designed by them runs both on both solar energy and on electricity. The designing team included students from the various departments of engineering which include Mechanical, Automobile and Electrical. “The specialty of the car lies in its flexible solar panel, design and also its dual ability to be charged both by solar energy and
electricity,” said Dr Vikas Mishra, Director, GITS. The designers received “ISIE Future Award Adventure Class” and also were awarded with the price money of 50,000. “The aim of this project was to use natural resources and create an automobile which is can run on road. She said that they have tried and tested the car – it can be used at golf courses, resorts and even on the street”
said Deepti Khatri, HOD Automobile of GITS. Faculty Advisor of Feathex, Navneet Mishra said, this electric solar car has a maximum speed of 45 kmph with tremendous pick-up after one-time full charge. It takes about 3 hours for the car to be fully charged by electricity and 6 hours by solar.
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MODULE
THE CONVERSATION
SUJOY GHOSH Country Head, First Solar, India
Create transparent pass through mechanism in the PPA that enables developers to pass on the implications to the consumer without going through a long drawn out litigation to establish the impact, says Sujoy Ghosh, Country Head - India, First Solar, a leading global provider of comprehensive photovoltaic (PV) energy solutions. In conversation with Manas Nandi, Editor, Saur Energy International, Ghosh spoke at length about his company’s future plans in India in the renewable space. Following are the excerpts from that exclusive interview.
Q
Higher Energy Yield. Lower LCOE. Superior Return – This is your mantra for Series 6 Modules. Can you please justify the above statement in detail?
The First Solar Series 6 module leverages the same proven semi-conductor (CdTe) and the manufacturing process, with a larger form factor. The module size is 1.2X 2 Mtrs with a 420Wp name plate capacity which is approx. 3x of the Series 4 modules that were 0.6x1.2 Mtr with 120Wp nameplate capacity. Further the Series 6 module is having a frame design. Historically the older Series 4 modules had a proven energy yield advantage of 5-7% (for the same name plate capacity as compared to poly silicon modules) in hot and humid climates due to the superior temperature co-efficient, better diffused light performance and an improved response to impact of spectral shift caused by humidity in the atmosphere. However the smaller form factor resulted in a BOS penalty of approximately 15% of the BOS cost, due to the increase in structure weight, and the additional use of clips/clamps. Also the lower form factor was a deterrent for developers to use our technology with tracker solutions given that the tracker design needed customization. The Series 6 product retains the energy yield advantage while doing away with the BOS penalty, thereby offering a lower LCOE or a higher return on invested capital for the developer as compared to Poly Crystalline Silicon based modules. Also the standard form factor of 2 Mtr height would align with any industry standard tracker thereby allowing developers to now take advantage of First Solar’s higher energy yield with standard tracker solutions.
Q
What are First Solar’s ambitions in India? How competitive is India’s solar industry for you?
India represents one of our most important international markets where we have deployed nearly 2GW of our technology for the reasons mentioned above. We have proven to be competitive on a life cycle cost basis for most long term asset owners who invest in utility scale projects In India. Given the growth trajectory of the Indian market and the transparency in allocations, we would continue to build upon our incumbency position in India with our technology and selectively deploy capital for development of assets as long as the returns provide an
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acceptable compensation for the risks we undertake. The Indian market is one of the most competitive in the world, but most consumers are value conscious and our sizeable presence demonstrates our technology competitiveness. With the Series 6 we would target to demonstrate even more value to our customers and we look forward to a very long term and sustained presence in the Indian PV market.
Q
Can you tell us what growth you have witnessed in India in the last three years? What will be your expected market share by the end of next financial year in India?
As stated earlier we have close to 2GW of our technology installed in India that would represent a 10% share of the market (assuming the overall installs of 20GW by YE 2017). The overall market size has grown at 2X Y-o-Y in the last two years primarily driven by falling energy tariffs. We have grown with the market growth and over the future years, we would expect to maintain a meaningful share of the market in India.
Q
First Solar claims its recycling facilities recover up to 90% of materials. Please brief us in detail how this facility works and what are its benefits over disposal of PV modules.
First Solar strongly pursues a sustainable and responsible product life cycle approach. We begin by converting by products of the mining (Cd and Te) industry to semiconductor, designing a product for high value recycle, to using a manufacturing process that has the lowest water, energy and GHG consumption compared to Silicon based modules, to the fastest energy payback period for any commercially available module and in the end offering a recycling solution that recovers 90% of the materials at end of life of the module. We have module recycling facilities at Perrysburg in the US, Kulim in Malaysia. Collectively we can recycle upto 2Mn modules per year. Essentially we shred, mill and crush the module, and then using a chemical process, separate the semi-conductor from the glass. The glass is made into clean glass cullet and laminate material whereas the semiconductor is recovered and reused to make new modules. There are two ways of safe end of life disposal of any PV
THE CONVERSATION
MODULE
module- Either its recycled OR disposed of in non—leachable land fill. Per estimates by IRENA the estimated waste from end of life PV modules will grow from 250,000 Metric tonnes in 2016 to 8 Million Metric tonnes by 2030 to a whopping 78 Million Metric Tonne by the year 2050. As the waste stream volumes go up due to decommissioning of old plants and the growth in annual installs that brings in premature end of life (by breakage or warranty related issues), landfills would be an expensive proposition. Hence the recycling industry would need to evolve and regulations on decommissioning/end of life disposal would be the key to ensuring that the solar PV capacity growth happens with the least environmental impact.
Q
For pre-2013 sales customers, First Solar implements an unconditional prefunded Collection and Recycling Program for end-oflife modules. What are the options available for Post 2013 customers? Are there any customers in India who have opted for this service?
Prior to 2013 we were prefunding recycling costs for our modules, which deprived clients to choose their own method of recycling depending on the regulations of the market in which they were operating the asset. Since 2013 we made the recycling an option thereby allowing customers the choice to select either a 3rd party recycler, or an alternate method like landfill or First Solar. We also evolved a pay as you use commercial model where the costs for recycling would be charged to the extent of modules recycled as opposed to charging an upfront fee for 100% of the modules. We have had our clients in India and other markets use this service since 2013. Most of First Solar’s India clients are long term asset owners or utilities whose own sustainability practises mandate them to responsibly dispose of waste.
Q
How do you see the government’s role in promoting solar module manufacturing in India? Does First Solar have any plans to set-up manufacturing in India? The Government (both Central and key states) have done a great job in creating
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THE CONVERSATION
significant demand with the solar program, and keeping the market accessible to global supply chain without any barriers. This has resulted in competitive cost of energy for solar PV that’s incentivized consumers to use more solar energy in the mix. Energy is a commodity and lowest cost source will always get dispatched first. Today solar is the lowest cost resource in India, and we would humbly request the government to maintain consistency and stability in their policies to help renewables maintain this position. Given the disproportionate share of Chinese modules in the solar PV manufacturing value chain there is a perineal conflict between the competitiveness of China’s manufacturing versus the economic nationalism of the consumer countries, that’s giving rise to trade and tariff conflicts. Any incremental manufacturing policy on solar in India would need to take into account this aspect and accordingly create a policy with a set of incentives that allow Indian manufacturing to be competitive against a global supply chain in any market free of trade barriers. We have always evaluated a potential investment in manufacturing in India but unfortunately the current set of semiconductor or module manufacturing policies and incentives in India do not match up with the options we have had in other geographies. These incentives are either lower cost capital or long term tax concessions, both of which are not available in India. Therefore we have the ability to manufacture a more competitive module in another country (like Malaysia or Vietnam) by leveraging the incentives available there as opposed to India and that allows us to compete effectively against a global supply chain that predominantly comes out of China. We understand that there is a new solar module manufacturing policy in the works and we would like to evaluate the same prior to making our next manufacturing investment decision.
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Q
In your view, what are the areas of major concern in the Indian solar market? From our standpoint there are a few overarching concerns that face the power industry in general related to the highly regulated market structure (or lack of a market), and the continuing financial distress of the distribution companies who are the primary consumer. Lack of a viable electricity market would hamper sustained investments in generation capacity/new technology interventions and there would be limited scope for private capital. Specifically on the solar PV demand the issues that one would need to confront would be a) Dealing with curtailment on the grid as the capacity grows – Possible solution would be to hybridize with storage but enabling technical regulations on forecasting/scheduling need to be tightened , else hybridizing solar with the idle natural gas based power generation in certain regions for the shorter term is another option. b) Implementing and enforcing technical quality standards: The allocation process in India is unique given the two stage price discovery (reverse bid followed by e-auction), unlike most other markets where only reverse bid is adopted. The e-auction process has a past track record of creating poor quality infrastructure in other sectors like roads. While transparency is great for the overall sector it should be accompanied by stringent technical standards and norms in the bid documents that would hold developers accountable for not just the energy quantity but the reliability of the asset they build. There are established technical standards for all components of the PV power plant, plus standards that define design reliability, construction quality, environment health and safety and decommissioning. A good example is the work being done by IECRE, which is a conformity assessment system for Renewable energy plants. We would
urge MNRE and CEA to create a more comprehensive technical specification which ensures asset quality and reliability in addition to cost.
Q
India is still dealing the issue of anti-dumping and it has not resolved yet, how you’d like to respond as a Developer?
As stated earlier, given the dominance of China in the PV supply chain, and considering that 2/3rd of China’s manufacturing capacity is targeted towards export, the issues of trade and tariff barriers would always exist. As a developer our request is to create a transparent pass through mechanism in the PPA that enables developers to pass on the implications to the consumer without going through a long drawn out litigation to establish the impact.
Q
International Solar Alliance (ISA) Summit, India’s brainchild finally kicked off in the presence of more than 50 member countries. What are your views about this Alliance?
We welcome the formation of the ISA and are excited about its prospects as it aligns with the geography (between the two tropics mainly), where First Solar’s CdTe module technology offers the highest value to the developer due to its performance under hot and humid climates. We perceive this alliance to build capacity and capability into new market geographies and segments where solar has the best economic entitlement as compared to alternate energy source, in a situation where those markets individually lack the scale to build those capabilities on their own. India’s leadership in this direction is commendable and reinforces the country’s vision for sustainable development, which has made India amongst the top 3 solar markets in the world.
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OPED
Introduction to
Floating PV Plant
Sunil Rathi
Director Sales & Marketing Waaree Energies ltd
Renewable energy sources are of prime importance as they would
dedicate (some) space for solar energy power plant. In a country
power our future. Solar energy power plant which utilises the sun’s
where cities are dense and agricultural land is limited, installing
energy needs adequate space for installation. It is a well-known
solar power plant (which require huge swathes of land) may not
fact that out of the 510 million Km2 surface area of earth, a mere
be viable. This is where floating PV power plant can come to our
(appx.) 29% is covered with land. Additionally (at some locations)
rescue. Floating PV power plant as the name suggests are floating
the land may be of importance and it may not be feasible to
bodies of solar PV plants on water (Figure 1).
Figure 1: Technical details for floating PV system (Source: Google Images)
The basic components of floating PV system are mentioned below: 1) Floating structure: Also known as Pontoon, the floating structure is a sturdy structure which easily holds the solar panel. It also has enough buoyancy to stay afloat on water while supporting the heavy load. 2) Mooring system: The floating structure is held securely with a permeant structure known as mooring. This halts the free movement of the floating structure in water. The floating structure can be fixed
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with reference to a point on bottom of waterway eliminating the need to connect to the floating structure to the shore. This can be done with help of anchor mooring. 3) Under water Cabling: This form as an important link between the grid and the solar panels. Due to its usage under water, the cabling may be designed to be shock and/or leakage proof. A typical technical diagram of floating PV system is shown in the figure below:
OPED
policy is still in draft state, utilizing floating PV may fulfil the generators RGO. The concept of floating PV is not new to the world. There are various countries in the world like, Australia, China, Japan, UK, etc. which have already installed floating PV plants. India which has adequate water bodies has also tried and implemented floating PV projects. Recently, India’s largest floating solar PV plant standing at capacity of 500 kW was completed in Kerala. It could withstand the variations in water level of 21 meters between summer and monsoon. The country seems to have realized the potential of floating PV system and further capacity addition in same technology can be expected soon. Weight balancing is one of the important factors in floating PV plants and any reduction in the weight would result in significant savings. In our last blog, we informed you about performance of our Merlin modules. These modules are Figure 2: Technical details for floating PV system (Source: Google Images)
The floating PV system has the following
water. CEEW estimates that around 7,000
advantages over the ground/ roof mounted
~ 20,000 litres of water per MW is required
solar systems
in cleaning of plant. A cleaning cycle in
1) Increased output from system: Various
power plant may happen more than once
studies have been carried out to understand
a week. Such huge quantities of water may
the output of floating PV system. These
be saved if floating PV system is used. The
studies confirm that there has been an
cleaning water used in floating PV system
increase in energy generation from such
goes into the water body again which can
plants. This increase can be attributed to
be reused leading to savings in water and
the reduced operating temperature of solar
its associated cost.
modules resulting from natural cooling from
3) Alternate source of energy at Dams: Dam
water. Additionally, these systems if installed
based reservoir can utilize their water bodies
in huge water bodies may have less settled
to install floating PV system. Such system
dust on them resulting in increased energy
may help boost the usage of solar energy
output from plant. An increase in energy
during day time. The water saved during
of around 10% to 12% from such system
day time may be utilized during night time to
may be realized.
generate more power reducing dependence
2) Savings of water: Water from water bodies
on fossil fuel based plants. Additionally, the
is lost in form of vapour. Installing floating
Ministry of Power had already indicated in
PV plant reduces the water loss due to
its (draft) National Tariff Plan (released in
evaporation. Additionally, cleaning a typical
2016) that it may implement Renewable
solar power plant require huge amount of
Generation Obligation (RGO). While the
flexible and come at a reduced weight (when compared to the frame based solar modules). Such modules may be a perfect match for this application. Additionally all our modules are tested stringently and are certified by various international bodies for maximum on field performance. We encourage the use of our modules on both the existing as well as such innovative ideas. Let us all pledge to make solar energy the primary source of energy in the near future.
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FINANCE
UPDATES
Adani’s Mundra Solar Seeks to be $1bn Firm in 2-3 Years Adani Group’s solar PV manufacturing arm, Mundra Solar PV, eyes to become a USD 1 billion company over the next 2-3 years. In next 2-3 years, it is also mulling to scale up its manufacturing capacity of modules and cells from the current 1,200 MW to around 3,000 MW. “We are very buoyant on growing our business and we are positive we will expand it depending on the way the government policy comes out which we feel will happen soon,” company's Chief Executive Ramesh Nair said. He said already actions are on the ground as the government has given the go ahead for pass through of any hike in case of the safeguard duty and the manufacturing policy is in its final stages. Nair further added that, “Recently, the government announced that it will amend bidding rules to allow pass through of duty hike on solar. This has come as a major relief for developers as well. We hope we will be able to become a USD 1 billion company in the next 2-3 years.” Presently, Mundra Solar has a manufacturing facility with a capacity of 1,200 MW in the Special Economic Zone at Mundra in Gujarat. “Manufacturing in India will have to increase as we cannot continue with letting Chinese products being dumped here. With the recent decisions taken and the government's vision of 100 GW of solar capacity by 2022, manufacturing capacities in India will
increase. We will also expand our capacity and depending on the manufacturing policy how it plays out we will also look at growing through backward integration,” he added. When asked whether the 100 GW target was achievable given the slow pace of awarding of contracts, Nair said, “It is indeed an achievable target. What is important is that the government needs to award contracts for almost 20 GW every year. Last year only 8,000 MW capacity was added but if we have to achieve the 100GW target the government will have to increase the pace of capacity addition.”
CMEC to Invest €230Mn in Solar Plant Construction in Ukraine
24 MAY 2018
Construction engineering company China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) is planning to invest EUR 230 million for the construction of the largest solar power plant in Ukraine. This plant will be built in Dnipropetrovsk region until the end of 2018. Further, the corresponding pact was signed on April 6, 2018 between the two companies i.e. CMEC and the Ukrainian firm DTEK. According to the DTEK reports, “The construction of the Nikopol solar power plant will start in April and will be completed before the end of 2018. The new solar power plant will be located near the city of Nikopol in Dnipropetrovsk region on the territory of the spent quarry.” The land plots unsuitable for agriculture will be used for the construction of the SPP. The ecological effect of the SPP operation will
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be the annual reduction in the emissions by 300,000 tons of CO2. Commenting on the development, China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC), Chairman, Zhang Chun said, “The Nikopol
solar power plant will become the largest solar power generator in Ukraine and Europe. The joint work of DTEK and CMEC will be an example of cooperation for other Ukrainian and Chinese companies.”
MAY 2018
FINANCE
UPDATES
Everstone Group, Lightsource BP Form 50:50 JV to Invest in Indian Green Infrastructure Indian private equity fund Everstone Group and British solar parks developer Lightsource BP has formed a 50:50 Joint Venture (JV) called ‘EverSource Capital’ to jointly manage funds targeting contracted power, distribution infrastructure and energy services in India. The newly formed JV will provide the funds with the financial and strategic resources of the partners aiming to create successful green energy businesses in partnership with local management teams. The launch fund will be called the Green Growth Equity Fund (GGEF), which has a fund raising target of £500m. Recently, the UK Government and the India’s National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) have agreed to become joint anchor investors in GGEF. The two governments will co-anchor
GGEF, with a commitment of £120m each. Contributions from both the countries are investments that will generate returns for each country. Speaking on the collaboration, Everstone Group, Co-Founder and CEO, Sameer Sain said, “The joint initiative and commitment of India’s National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) and the UK Government to invest in and develop green infrastructure in India is a unique and amazing investment opportunity.” “By using a pooled investment vehicle and a Public plus Private Partnership approach global investors will get the opportunity to be part of this exceptional investment platform. Everstone and Lightsource BP via their joint venture EverSource Capital are proud to have been selected as the
Investment Manager for this fund, and will also be making a significant investment along with the UK government and NIIF,” he added. Meanwhile, GGEF aims to raise funds from international institutional investors to invest into areas such as renewable energy, clean transportation, water and waste management, emerging technologies and sectors that feed into the above areas in India, which offer significant investment opportunities and potential for attractive returns.
Expressions of Interest for Moser Baer Solar Likely This Week, says Arvind Garg A resolution professional Arvind Garg has said that the expressions of interest (EoI) for the assets of bankrupt Moser Baer Solar are likely to be invited this week. “We hope to invite expressions of interest this week and we expect a good response considering the good quality assets that Moser Baer Solar has,” Garg said. Garg further added that he expects good response considering the growing confidence in the solar sector's growth story in India. Moser Baer Solar owes over Rs 1,000 crore to a clutch of lenders and the debt turned dud following which it has been referred to the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code. The company was dragged to the New Delhi bench of the tribunal by the public sector lender Central Bank of India after it defaulted on over Rs 114 crore loan. In November last year, the tribunal had allowed the Central Bank’s insolvency plea. When the case was admitted, the tribunal had appointed Ritu Rastogi as the interim resolution professional and the board was suspended in November 2017. The company was set up in 2005-07 and soon became a leading name in solar EPC services and solar PV modules. Moser Baer Photo Voltaic is its sister concern.
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While the company has crystalline cells capacity of 185 MW, the crystalline modules capacity is 200 MW and thin film modules of 50 MW. Moser Baer’s financial stress increased following rising China imports. It had sought restructuring of Rs 956 crore of debt in 2012-13 but the recast had failed in October 2016. However, the company is still strong brand in international markets as its focus has always been on exports supplies to over 38 countries.
UPDATES
Nextera Energy to Sell its Canadian Renewable Portfolio NextEra Energy Partners has signed a definitive pact with Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) for the sale of its wind and solar generation portfolio in Canada, for about USD 582.3 million. The company said in a statement that, “NextEra Energy Partners, LP has entered into a definitive agreement with Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) for the sale of its portfolio of wind and solar generation assets located in Ontario, Canada, for a total consideration of approximately $582.3 million USD, including the net present value of the O&M origination fee, subject to customary working capital and other adjustments, plus the assumption by the purchaser of approximately $689 million USD in existing debt.” An affiliate of NextEra Energy Resources will continue to operate all of the facilities included in
the transaction under a 10-year services agreement with CPPIB. “We are pleased to reach this agreement with CPPIB for the sale of our Canadian portfolio, which we expect will be accretive to NextEra Energy Partners' long-term growth,” said Jim Robo, chairman and chief executive officer. The transaction includes the sale of 6 fully contracted wind and solar assets, with an average contract life of approximately 16 years and 10-year average CAFD of USD 38.4 million. Located in Ontario, the portfolio has a combined total generating capacity of approximately 396 MW. Meanwhile, the company expects that the sale likely to close during the second quarter of 2018. The transaction is subject to receipt of regulatory approvals and satisfaction of customary closing conditions.
SBI to save Rs 30cr via investing in green energy State Bank of India (SBI), country’s largest lender said that it expects to save Rs 30 Crore through its investment in solar and wind energy. In last eight years the bank has already saved Rs 125 Crore by putting up 10 windmills across the country. Heavily investing in solar has built the capacity of SBI in the sector. The bank now possesses a capacity of 21.23 MW in renewable power source. According to bank, adding the current capacity to 25 MW will help it save Rs 30 Crore annually. The bank however did not give any specifications about time by which it aims to take up the capacity to 25 MW; neither did it specify the investment details. On World Earth Day, SBI said it has set up 151 solar rooftop sites that have a capacity to generate 6.23 MW of power and is committed to reduce carbon emission. ‘Energy generated through these renewable sources is solely for captive use by bank's
FINANCE
US DOE to Pump $105.5 mn to Advance Solar Technologies
The United States Department of Energy (US DOE) will disburse up to USD 105.5 million in new funding to support innovative solar research. The US Secretary of Energy Rick Perry had announced this major funding opportunity to advance solar technologies and improve and expand the solar workforce. The move will reflect the priority shift from later-stage commercialization to earlystage research. Commenting on the funding announcement, Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), President and CEO, Abigail Ross Hopper said, “It is critically important that the United States maintain its global leadership in the development of advanced, high-performing solar technologies for both the photovoltaic and concentrating solar power industries.” “Prioritizing research and workforce development for the hundreds of thousands
various offices and branches across the country, making them free of any carbon emission’ SBI said. "With various climate action plans, we reaffirm our commitment of being a responsible corporate aligned with sustainable business practices," chairman Rajnish Kumar was quoted as saying in the statement. According to official statement by SBI ‘The bank has installed 10 windmills with a capacity of 1.5 MW each, including six in Maharashtra, three in Tamil Nadu and one in Gujarat since 2010 and saved over Rs 125 Crore in energy costs’
of Americans that solar employs is vital,” Hopper added. She further added that, “Secretary Perry's announcement today is yet another positive step in strengthening this important public-private relationship between the federal government and the American solar industry.” “We look forward to fulfilling this opportunity with innovative solar projects that drive America's energy economy to a cleaner, more affordable and reliable future,” she said.
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DEVELOPER
THE CONVERSATION
MANOJ KUMAR UPADHYAY Founder and Chairman | ACME Group
Any measure that result in increase in tariff will be counterproductive. So, imposition of safeguard duty and anti-dumping duty is entirely avoidable. This will severely impact the fledgling but rapidly growing solar power development industry and thus the goal/target of achieving 100 GW may remain a dream, believes Manoj Kumar Upadhyay, Founder and Chairman, ACME Group, one of the leaders in the field of energy management and innovative solutions for the wireless telecommunications and alternate energy sector. In a candid chat with Manu Tayal, Sub Editor, Saur Energy International, Upadhyay spoke at length on the specific issue of levy of anti-dumping and safeguard duties in India on import of solar equipments. Following are the excerpts from that exclusive interview.
Q
As Madras High Court has dismissed the petition filed against levy of safeguard duty on import of solar modules and cells, how you will deal with the challenges in present scenario?
Solar power capacity addition is sensitive to solar tariff. Recent study by KPMG also underscores this fact that at a tariff of Rs.3.0 per unit solar power, India would be able to set up only 30 GW of solar plant but at Rs.2.50 per unit it would be possible to achieve the target of 100 GW easily. At Rs 2/unit tariff, there would be a demand for nearly 200 GW of solar power by various utilities, Railways and other bulk consumers. With the continuous falling global solar panel prices and increasing solar cell efficiency, tariffs are going down globally. The tariff obtained in tender invited in Mexico, Chile, Saudi Arabia etc during Oct.-Dec, 2017 witnessed tariff ranging from Rs.1.15 to 1.39 per kWh. In India also the tariff had dropped to Rs.2.44 in the tender opening just before the introduction of GST and since then there is gradual increase in tariff. There has been a 5% GST on the solar panel as against 0% earlier. However the threat of Anti dumping duty (ADD), safeguard duty and sudden change in customs duty of 7% from 0% has created an environment of uncertainty resulting in higher tariff quoted by the developers. Two similar tenders issued by Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd
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SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 2 l ISSUE 9
(GUVNL) witnessed significant difference in tariff. Tariff obtained in Sep.2017 tender
was 12% lower than the tender invited in Mar.2018 on account of uncertainty of increased taxes & duties like Safeguard Duties and/or anti-dumping duties. Do we want low cost clean-power? We have already achieved a tariff of Rs. 2.50/kWh with module price of $0.30 per watt peak. A safeguard duty of 30% will increase this tariff to approx. Rs. 3.20-3.25 per kWh. We have recently seen the 500 MW solar tender getting cancelled by the GUVNL because of tariff discovered was in the range of Rs. 3.00/kWh. Utilities are not willing to buy the solar power even at a tariff of Rs. 3/kWh as cancellation of Gujarat tender reveals. At 30% safeguard duty tariff will go up to Rs. 3.20-3.25/kWh which is likely to create negative demand for solar power. Against this backdrop, levy of the proposed safeguard duty should be seen? People need access to low cost power. Solar power cost rapidly heading southwards which means further drop in solar power tariff. Therefore, logically all efforts are required to be made to ensure tariff reduction for the benefit of people and the country, as low power cost makes our industries competitive and thus create more jobs. Any measure that result in increase in tariff, needless to say, will be counterproductive. Thus, imposition of safeguard duty and anti-dumping duty is entirely avoidable.
India has total solar cell manufacturing capacity of 1753 MW as on December,
2016 and module manufacturing capacity of 6913MW. Evidently nearly 4000MW of module manufacturing capacity is entirely dependent on imported solar cells. Imposition of anti-dumping/safeguards duties on solar cells will make this module manufacturing capacity uncompetitive and will throw thousands of persons out of employment. Is it advisable to save a small solar cell manufacturing industry at the cost of huge market size of solar power development? Solar power has witnessed 60% growth in the last 3 years largely due to rapid drop in tariff. Should government give incentive to solar manufacturer? Government can consider to reserve most of the off-grid solar power market like solar lantern using LED bulbs, water pumping etc to domestic solar cell manufacturers who do not meet annual efficiency standard so that grid interactive solar power plant use only efficient cells & module that meet the annually fixed efficient standard. Different countries including China through programmes like “Top Runner� keep encouraging efficiency improvement of solar cell & module. Such approach will give sustained market to the domestic manufacturers and also help in India in setting up solar plants of higher efficiency to reduce land requirement and help to make tariff go downwards.
THE CONVERSATION
DEVELOPER
Q
In order to clear the clouds of discontent and uncertainty on safeguard duty, what clarity you want from the government on change in law clause or compensation mechanism or pass-through option?
The safeguard duty will definitely have an adverse impact on the solar industry. Utilities are the biggest beneficiary of the falling prices of solar power. Increased solar tariff will result in halt in solar power development on account of resultant tariff increase. However, in the event of levy of safeguard duty, it must be pass-through. Further, the projects which are under implementation should be excluded from levying of safeguard duty.
Q
Now, as DGAD has also started its investigation on petition filed by one of the Indian manufacturer for imposition of anti-dumping duty on EVA sheets import. Will this add more injury to the domestic solar industry?
Though EVA sheets contribute approx. 3-4% to the cost of the solar panel, any cost increase will have a negative impact on the tariff.
Q
What could be the possible reasons behind delay in the decision on safeguard duty?
We welcome this delay. The possible reasons behind the delay could be as under: Perhaps the government understands that imposing safeguard duty will have a negative impact on the solar power generation in country. The government understands that safeguards duty will lead to high tariff and discoms, already reeling under heavy debt, will find it difficult to buy the costly power. This will severely impact the fledgling but rapidly growing solar power development industry and thus the goal/target of achieving 100 GW may remain a dream.
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29 MAY 2018
Anti-dumping & Safeguard duties
A Cloud of Uncertainty Still Remain to be Cleared
PERSPECTIVE
Rajendra Parakh CFO | Vikram Solar
Neelesh Garg Director | Saatvik
Bharat Bhut Director | Goldi Green
Despite a significant move taken by the
Whereas, the Indian solar manufacturers
of safeguard duty on solar imports. Now,
Indian government a month ago, to promote
are still mulling over refiling a fresh plea
in a next step, the Directorate General of
the power of solar in tackling climate change
on solar imports with the DGAD’s office
Safeguards will resume its investigation and
globally, where, India took centre stage by
demanding extension of the years of
likely to complete it by August, 2018. Post
leading the bunch of nations from across
investigation to include from April 2016
completion of probe, the DG Safeguard
the globe during the International Solar
to December 2017. Earlier, the period of
Office will send its report to the Ministry
Alliance (ISA) founding ceremony.
investigation was up to June 30, 2017
of Commerce, and then the ball will be in
India, too, is dealing with various bottlenecks
and the data available for the analysis
the Ministry’s court to levy or not to levy 70
on domestic front in promoting solar via its
was for three years from April 2013 to
percent duty for 200 days on solar imports
‘Make in India’ initiative. One of the major
March 2016. The reason quoted by the
recommended in the preliminary finding.
issues that Indian solar manufacturing
Indian manufacturers for the extension
Later on, whatever will be the outcomes of
industry currently facing is ‘anti-dumping
of time period of the probe was that, the
both the probes! But this state of uncertainty
and safeguard duties’. Here I have tried
dumping has been surged drastically in
created a chaos among the solar industry.
to throw some light on the topic that split
the second half of 2017.
In my journey of exploring about this
Indian solar industry into parts.
On the flip side, to provide some relief to
serious current issue of anti-dumping and
To back domestic solar manufacturing
solar manufacturers’ 70 percent safeguard
safeguard duty, a few among the well-known
industry and restrict dumping of solar
duty had also been proposed by the Office
veterans from Indian solar manufacturing
equipments from overseas, the Indian Solar
of the Directorate General of Safeguards in
industry, Rajendra Parakh, Chief Financial
Manufacturers Association (ISMA), in July
January, on the separate petition filed by
Officer, Vikram Solar; Bharat Bhut, Director,
last year, had filed the plea for investigation
the manufacturers, on imports of solar cells
Goldi Green; and Neelesh Garg, Director,
of import of solar cells and modules from
for 200 days term period corresponding
Saatvik Green Energy, discuss about their
countries such as China, Taiwan and
to the probe. However, a writ petition was
expectations as well as the concerns they
Malaysia. Also, the Directorate General
filed in the Madras High Court against the
hope will be addressed.*
of Anti-Dumping (DGAD) had started
levy of 70 percent safeguard duty by a
investigation on the matter. However, in
domestic project developer, which later
March this year, the DGAD had terminated
on was dismissed by the Court.
the anti-dumping probe on the back of
Moreover, the Madras High Court’s
plea withdrawn by the ISMA itself.
decision had paved the way for the levy
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31 MAY 2018
PERSPECTIVE
In the absence of anti-dumping and safeguard duty on solar equipments, what are the issues or challenges Indian solar equipment makers are dealing with? Rajendra Parakh India implemented GST on 1st July, 2017 while it is a major reform, it caused some negative exte rnalities for solar sector. Solar modules are classified under 5% tax bracket under GST but many equipment’s in balance of system are classified under higher tax rate. Although MNRE has issues a clarification on this issue but until now there is no official notification from GST council. So ambiguity over GST tax rate still exists in market. Also Government of India implemented projects based on Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) in recent years to create a secure market for domestic manufacturers but in light of new WTO ruling Government has very little elbow room to implement DCR projects. Bharat Bhut Solar equipment imported from overseas is competitive by price but lacks good quality. This could have serious repercussions in the future in terms of reliability and efficiency. Solar panels have a long-term warranty period of 25 years. With emphasis on only pricing, quality will obviously take a back seat and sustaining such extended warranty periods would definitely be difficult even after five years of operation for the solar power plant developers, who may face a tough time in future in terms of warranty claims. Though we are committed to deliver the best quality, because of lack of government support, the pricing factor is a dampener and a serious setback for the domestic industry. The government should ensure a level-playing field if it wants to boost their ‘Make in India’ initiative. Neelesh Garg Price competitiveness is the foremost issue faced by solar equipment manufacturers. As a fact, India still imports 88-90% of its total solar panel requirement. This gives a very limited breathing space to plethora of solar PV manufacturers in India. The inability to compete with imported equipment in terms of price, ultimately leads to fierce competition within the Indian manufacturers for limited number of avenues using Indian made solar PV equipment. As of now up to what extent the Madras High Court decision, on petition filed against levy of 70% safeguard duty on
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SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 2 l ISSUE 9
solar imports, provide relief to domestic solar manufacturers’ in India? Rajendra Parakh Madras High Court has dismissed the petition seeking the stay on 70% safeguard duty recommended DG safeguards in its preliminary investigation. Now Ministry of Finance will take a decision on recommendations made by DG safeguards. Currently there is uncertainty in the industry. Since nearly 40% of India’s total module manufacturing capacity and 60% of total cell capacity comes from SEZ based domestic manufacturers, the duty blanket safeguard duty will deal a severe blow to India’s solar manufacturing sector. The stay granted was on the proceedings of the investigation as claimed by the petitioner that proper procedures were not followed before announcing the preliminary findings. Since, the stay has been vacated, the concerned authority will take necessary decision for the quantum and applicability of the Safeguard duty. Bharat Bhut The Madras High Court recently dismissed the petition filed against the levy of 70% safeguard duty, (on solar imports) but the DG Safeguards will submit its final report by mid – August after which the Ministry of Commerce will take a call on this matter. In present scenario, what are your expectations from the government on anti-dumping and safeguard duties on solar imports? Rajendra Parakh As MNRE has already issued the direction for the pass through the quantum of safeguard duty on tariff, so the rate will increase. Before the aforesaid direction we witnessed the higher tariff for the recently conducted bid of 500 MW by GUVNL which was subsequently cancelled. Thus, imposing safeguard duty will increase the cost of deployment of solar projects, as a consequence it will delay our renewable energy targets. It should be noted that most of the Solar module manufactures are located in Special Economic Zones so even if Safeguard duty is levied, modules cleared from SEZ to Domestic tariff Area (DTA) should not subject to the safeguard duty. Bharat Bhut We expect the government to protect the interests of the domestic players, which will also justify the ‘Make in India’ initiative. Given the tremendous potential the solar industry
offers in terms of energy transition, employment generation and sustainability goals, there are also many challenges on the way forward. Looking at this, the government should take a long term and holistic view. Neelesh Garg We truly support the government in their decision making process. Such huge decisions with a massive impact do take time, and the fact that government is giving due importance to it, might mean that it has solid reform plan for the industry, which keeps the interest of all stakeholders in mind, and still lead to collective progression of everyone working for the solar industry. In near future, if anti-dumping and safeguard duties on solar imports will be implemented, the tariff cost to developers may shoot up and its burden will be directly transferred to the end-user. In such a scenario, do you think solar will be as lucrative as today? Bharat Bhut We have a tendency to think for the short term and provide knee – jerk reactions as solutions, which are effective only for that present moment. Our country has the manufacturing capability and the potential but the policy framework to encourage domestic manufacturing (from the government) is lacking. The government should take a two-way approach. Along with implementing antidumping and safe guard duties on solar imports, if it creates a favourable environment by introducing policies, which will help boost domestic manufacturing in India, we can also achieve economies of scale. Neelesh Garg We should understand it as a progress cycle. The anti-dumping may increase the cost of domestically manufactured PV equipment once, but its competitiveness with imported counter-parts will finally result in betterment of Indian manufacturers, giving them resources to spend on new technology and R&D. At present, they can only do limited since the margins are thinned out by extreme foreign competition. Rajendra Parakh ADD and safeguard duties can increase the cost of solar for short period of time but one takes a long term view solar has already achieved grid parity and it will remain lucrative in coming years.
RURAL E L E C T R I F I C AT I O N
A
Another Feather in India’s Cap
fter India took over driver’s seat and successfully parks the car of International Solar Alliance (ISA) Summit in March this year, Asia’s third largest economy continued its rollercoaster ride in April too, and once again scripted history by hitting the target of electrifying all villages ahead of the deadline. In 2014, when Narendra Modi chaired as Prime Minister, the total rural electrification buzz gained momentum across the country and it became the linchpin of his plan, which included connecting nearly18,452 villages by May 2018. India’s efforts towards rural electrification bore fruit when Leisang village in the Senapati district of Manipur became the last village to be connected to the national power grid. PM Modi termed it as a historic moment and said, “28th April 2018 will be remembered as a historic day in the development journey of India. Yesterday, we fulfilled a commitment due to which the lives of several Indians will be transformed forever! I am delighted that every single village of India now has access to electricity.” “Leisang village in Manipur, like the thousands of other villages across India has been powered and empowered!” he added. According to the government data, all the 597,464 census villages have been electrified across the country. However, as per the government’s ‘electrified’ villages definition - village electrification is a legacy issue which, though, mandates electrification of at least 10 percent households in a village, but does not imply restricting household electrification only to 10 percent. Now, India, the seventh largest economy, has already moved out of this dichotomy and marches towards its next goal of achieving universal household electrification in the country by December31, 2018.
COVER
STORY
For the social and economic development of any country, access to
electrification of 3,20,185 partially electrified villages have been
affordable power at every nook and corner is a mandatory condition.
completed and 220.63 lakh free electricity connections have been
As per the government records, till now, the total number of rural
released to BPL households.
households in the country stood at 17,99,40,284, and household
The scheme aimed to provide 24x7 power to rural households
electrification level in rural areas is more than 82 percent ranging
and adequate power to agricultural consumers. It involved feeder
from 47 to 100 percent across various states.
separation, strengthening of sub-transmission and distribution
There are a total of 14,84,10,515 rural houses in the country who
network, metering at all levels, village electrification, and setting
have electricity connection and it constitutes around 82 percent,
up of micro grid and off grid distribution network.
including states having 100 percent household electrification
The feeder separation helps in stem the load shedding practice
namely - Goa, Kerala, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
of distribution utilities and is expected to bring benefits such as
While, Jharkhand being the state having least i.e. 47.74 percent
improved agriculture yield and socio-economic development of
of household electrification.
the rural areas.
On the flip side, the number of rural households remained to be
Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana – “Saubhagya”
electrified stood at 3,13,61,705 or 17 percent, ranging from least
Taking the electrification mission to a step further from villages to
number of houses remained to be electrified in Puducherry i.e. 50
households, Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana - Saubhagya
and highest in Uttar Pradesh i.e. 1,33,23,839 houses. Whereas,
scheme was launched by the government on September 25,
1,68,064 rural houses in Haryana state remained in the others category. India’s stepping/ initiatives towards SDGs
India’s efforts towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are also backed by the autonomous agency The International Energy Agency (IEA) as it also said in its report that access to electricity is accelerating due to strong policy commitments in India. Here’re a few policy initiatives taken by India towards SDGs:
2017, aimed at providing electricity to all willing rural & urban
Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY)
households through last mile connectivity and to empower the
The Government of India has launched the scheme called Deen
citizens of the nation.
Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana for rural electrification in
Saubhagya is universal in character, connecting both above poverty
recent years. The erstwhile earlier scheme Rajiv Gandhi Grameen
line and urban consumers. As per the scheme, free electricity connections to all households (both APL and poor families) in rural areas and poor families in urban areas will be provided. There are around 4 crore un-electrified households in India, the seventh largest economy, and the government is targeting to provide electricity connections to every nook and corner by December 2018. It also provides Solar Photovoltaic (SPV) based standalone system for un-electrified households located in remote and inaccessible villages/ habitations, where grid extension is not feasible or cost
Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY) for village electrification and providing
effective.
electricity distribution infrastructure in the rural areas has been
Saubhagya, which will cost Rs 16,320 crore, doesn’t add new
subsumed in the DDUGJY scheme. Rural Electrification Corporation
subsidies to reduce monthly electricity bills, instead of it provides
is the nodal agency which implements DDUGJY.
a free connection to any household identified as deprived in the
Under DDUGJY, Ministry of Power has sanctioned 921 projects to
2011 socio-economic and caste census. While, all other households
electrify 1,21,225 un-electrified villages, intensive electrification of
can have a connection at a heavily subsidised rate of Rs 500, and
5,92,979 partially electrified villages and provide free electricity
this cost can be paid in 10 installments of Rs 50.
connections to 397.45 lakh BPL rural households. Upto June
Besides, the scheme will also help in meeting the country’s global
30, 2015, works in 1,10,146 un-electrified villages and intensive
climate change commitments as clean energy will replace kerosene
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SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 2 l ISSUE 9
STORY
COVER
for lighting. It will also boost education, health, and connectivity
Under the Solar Study Lamp Scheme, Government of India has
apart from increased economic activities and job creation.
been providing light to seven million school going children.
Meanwhile, Saubhagya is undertaken as a special project under
Giving a further fillip to the government’s mission of bringing electricity
the government’s Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY).
to every household and to empower the rural youth, government
Kusum Scheme
to train around 47,000 distribution lineman-multi skills and 8,500
Inspite of already prevailing schemes like DDUGJY and Saubhagya,
technical helpers to meet the requirement of power sector.
the government is also mulling to formulate a Rs 50,000 crore
India has made several reform initiatives because of which India’s
scheme namely ‘Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan
ranking in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business has improved from 99th rank in the Report 2015 to 26th rank in the Report 2017. These reforms include regulatory easing as well as administrative easing measures. After providing initial free connections under Saubhagya, the government has also proposed less-costly pre-paid meters to households. It will work just like the pre-paid SIM cards. Moreover, the government is providing support to states that would get soft loans to achieve 100 per cent target of household electrification. Bottlenecks/ Roadblocks in India’s way
Despite so many initiatives taken by the government, supplying (KUSUM)’ to promote the use of solar power among farmers.
electricity at an affordable cost still remains a big challenge. Also,
It will provide support for installation of grid-connected solar power
the new milestone set by the government for providing electricity
plants each of capacity up to 2 MW in the rural areas.
to every household in the country by December 31, 2018 seems
The proposed scheme will also promote installation of standalone
to be a bit difficult as the government data showed that the no. of
off-grid solar water pumps to fulfill irrigation needs of farmers not
unelectrified rural households still remained at 3,13,61,705, with
connected to the grid.
highest no. of unelectrified houses i.e. 1,33,23,839 alone in the
Further, it will also support solarization of existing grid-connected
state of Uttar Pradesh.
agriculture pumps to make farmers independent of grid supply
However, a silent socio-economic transformation has been witnessed
and also enable them to sell surplus solar power generated to
in rural India over the last decade mainly on account of sharp fall
discoms and get extra income.
in the no. of unelectrified households. But here’re some financial
Moreover, it will also help in solarization of tube-wells and lift
and logistical challenges which needs to be tackled:
irrigation projects of government sector.
• In rural un-electrified households having illiterate members, most
Developments/ Achievements/ Milestones
of the people are worried about the process of documentation to
In India, access to electricity causes expansion of micro-enterprises
apply for new connection and higher electricity bills. So, many
that created new employment generation and income opportunities
of them are unwilling to take the connection even though the
for the rural populace. As per the IEA, in India food production
government offered them free.
has jumped by around 35 percent since 2000, in part because
• On the back of huge accumulated losses and outstanding
of the introduction of more modern farming techniques, including
debts, state discoms are unable to supply sufficient electricity at
the use of electric pumps for irrigation from groundwater sources.
affordable rates, which hampers quality of life and overall economic
Here’re a few other significant milestones that India hit on the back
growth and development. They can also have the potential to
of rural electrification:
seriously hit the banking sector and the economy at large. The
India hits the target to electrify all villages ahead of the deadline
24x7 electricity supply and clean energy too remain a challenge
set by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
without performing discoms.
On April 28, 2018, Leisang village in the Senapati district of Manipur
• Long hours of power-cut problem also adversely impact the
became the last village to be brought on the national power grid.
national priorities such as Make in India and Digital India.
Ghaziabad was declared as the first district in Uttar Pradesh to
• Despite having sufficient capacity to meet the growing power
have achieved 100 per cent household electrification.
requirement, the issue is last mile connectivity and affordability.
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COVER
STORY
• As the prices of fuel and taxation/ levies on coal and transmission
1.1 billion in 2016 as compared to 1.7 billion in 2000. It is on track
costs have increased significantly in recent years, thermal power
to decline to 674 million by 2030, with India reaching universal
has become an expensive proposition for the poor households.
access well before then, it said.
• Organizing single electrification camp in a village is often not
Backing India’s efforts, the IEA forecasted that, in Asian developing
enough. If willing households cannot be present at the time of the
countries, the electrification rate increases from 89 percent in 2016
camp or lack the paperwork, they lose the opportunity to apply.
to 99 percent in 2030, bringing the population without access down
• To achieve universal electrification there will be a need to improve
from about 439 million in 2016 to 54 million in 2030. This achievement
the quality of rural power supply, so that villagers can realize
is largely the result of India’s tremendous electrification effort, which
tangible gains from their new connections. In order to take that
sees 250 million people gain electricity access between now and
move, government should increase the electrification rates.
the early 2020s, when it reaches full access.
• A large no. of trained manpower is required for implementing various
Way Forward
government programmes in the power sector. The government’s
Although, Asia’s third largest economy has fulfilled its commitment
Saubhagya scheme alone needs over 35,000 trained people.
by electrifying all villages ahead of the deadline and now it
• Lack of access to power at home and for income-generating
marches ahead on the road of universal electricity access which
activities also interconnected with higher levels of poverty, low
is still filled with hiccups and challenges. India’s next target is to
productivity, heavy workload, women’s safety, missed educational
provide electricity connections to every home. It’s success relies
opportunities, high exposure to health risks etc.
significantly on helping people apply for these connections.
• In order to achieve the target of power for every house before
The rural electrification success should not only be judged on the
December 31, 2018, all state governments will have to speed up
back of connections provided, but also on provisions for cheaper,
the process of electrification.
reliable and quality power supply during peak time.
• Discoms don’t get paid for about 1/5th of their electricity flowing
Besides, there is a need to explore rural electrification role in
via their networks due to sloppy billing and revenue collection,
promoting gender equality, as currently, the country is eyeing on
poor wiring or straight-up theft.
the achievement of SDGs, thus, a number of women-centric energy
India’s Pace on Global Front
access programmes will contribute more effectively in targeting
Policies implemented globally for universal energy access are
various SDGs.
bearing fruit as the IEA’s analysis reveals that the rate of new annual
Further, there is a need to buck up state governments to revive
connections to electricity gain momentum over the past 5 years.
the financial health of their discoms. Additionally, theft via illegal
The International Energy Agency (IEA) is an autonomous agency
power supply tapping, tampering with meters or failing to pay the
within the framework of the Organisation for the Economic
electricity bills is also being targeted.
Cooperation and Development (OECD), which works to ensure
Thus, achieving universal power access is of vital significance for
reliable, affordable and clean energy for its 30 member countries
the development of any country’s human capital such as wider
and beyond.
use of energy technologies will help in improving irrigation and
IEA’s projections in base case reflects that the policies are in place
water pumping methods, generating employment and improving
as well as its assessment of the impact of new announcements
conditions for study, work and leisure. It also provides support in
and targets show that several countries are on track to reach
modern health services along with better educational services.
electricity for all by 2030.
Now, it should be eagerly watched! How fast India will take-over
The agency’s analysis on India displayed that, half a billion people
from all the hurdles to successfully cross the road in order to see
have gained access to electricity since 2000, with electricity now
the smile on millions of faces by bringing them out from darkness
reaching 82 percent of the population, jumped from 43 percent
to light!
in 2000. Adding to it, the autonomous body forecasted that, if this pace is maintained, India will achieve universal access in the early 2020s, with renewables accounting for about 60 percent of those who gain access, and achieve one of the largest successes in the history of electrification. Globally, the no. of people without access to electricity dropped to
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SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 2 l ISSUE 9
- MANU@MEILLEURMEDIA.COM
UPDATES
3 MW Solar Farm Now Feeding LUCELEC Grid Energy from nearly 15000 solar panels of St. Lucia Electricity Services Limited (LUCELEC) situated in Solar Farm in La Tourney with the capacity of 3 MW has, according to company, started to feed solar energy into the island’s electricity grid. The process of feeding started on April 9th and the 3MW was online on April 11. Speaking about the development Project Director, LUCELEC’s Acting Planning Manager Cornelius Edmund, said “The project is about 90% complete. All the panels and associated electrical works have been installed and tested. The contractor is currently putting the finishing touches such as communication and security equipment, completing the fencing, drainage and service-road works and site clean-up.”
He further added that “they’re also conducting all the pre-commissioning tests. We want to ensure that everything is working as it should before the project is commissioned and handed over to LUCELEC” According to company “All of this should be completed by mid-June. The main contractor for the solar farm is GRUPOTEC, an international firm with extensive experience in developing solar plants worldwide.” “But in the design of the project and the contract, LUCELEC ensured there were provisions for local labour resulting in three sets of local contractors and 40 to 45 people hired for transfer of knowledge and technology, it further added.
Freyr Energy Completes First of its Kind 640 KW Solar Rooftop Projects in Manipur Hyderabad-based solar solutions provider Freyr Energy has completed the 640 KW solar rooftop projects in Manipur including one of the largest off-grid 100 KW battery system in Manipur’s Central Agriculture University. The inverter maximizes solar power generation and helps stabilize power from the grid. It also has the functionality to smartly optimize and export solar power when the cost of grid power is at its highest, and draws power when it is low. The system helps withstand power fluctuations and guarantees power round the clock, and can also be monitored remotely. Commenting on the completion of projects, Freyr Energy, Co-Founder & Managing Director, Saurabh Marda said, “It gives us immense pride to have completed the projects successfully within the stipulated timeline of six months. Successful completion of these projects is a testimony to our capability to not only navigates difficult terrain, but also establishes our technical capabilities to bring power through innovative solutions to areas with challenging electrical infrastructure.”
GRID
NHPC's 50 Megawatt solar project in TN synchronized with grid Tamil Nadu NHPC has synchronized a 50 MW solar PV project at Theni/Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu with the grid. ‘The project was synchronized with the grid last month in presence of the commissioning team consisting of senior officers from TANGEDCO and the NHPC project officials,’ an NHPC statement said. NHPC further stated ‘The Power Station has generated 6.87 MU (million units) up to April 15, 2018. The solar project shall provide an annual generation of 105 MU with sale of entire power to the TANGEDCO in accordance with the power purchase agreement.’ T h e p ro j e c t w a s e x e c u t e d o n E P C (engineering procurement and construction) basis with a time frame of nine months. Domestically manufactured Solar PV modules are used for the project, it added.
Apart from the Manipur University, the cumulative 600 KW also includes four 100 KW system each in City Convention Centre, Interstate Bus Terminus, National Sports Academy Hostel in Imphal. The project supports the Khwairam band Bazaar through a 50 KW system, which is incidentally, the world’s only all-women marketplace and one of Imphal’s main tourist attractions. The systems have been installed at various government buildings post winning the tender by Manipur Renewable Energy Development Agency (MANIREDA).
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INVERTER THE CONVERSATION
LIU WEIZENG
General Manager of TBEA Xi'an Electric Technology Co., Ltd. Liu Weizeng, President of New Energy Research Institute of TBEA Xinjiang New Energy Co., Ltd., General Manager of TBEA Xi'an Electric Technology Co., Ltd., Member of Household Electricity Standardization Technical Committee of China Electricity Council. Liu graduated from Xi'an Jiaotong University, and obtained a doctorate in electrical engineering and automation. Liu has been committed to the research and industrialization of power electronics technology and flexible transmission technologies for a long period of time. He has obtained 19 invention patents and published 5 scientific papers in authoritative magazines. His research results of photovoltaic and power products have been widely used in the world. Due to Liu's outstanding research and contribution in the field of power electronics technology, he has won the Seventeenth China Patent Award for Excellence, the China Machinery Industry Science and Technology Award and many other national and regional science and technology project awards.
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THE CONVERSATION
Q
What kind of ROI can TBEA Inverters deliver to owners of solar power plant and what unique value proportion does it offer to its customers?
It is expected by the solar power plant that solar PV based power plants will become an exciting business opportunity. Solar photovoltaic electricity generation worldwide is more prominent through solar PV than through solar thermal. Thus it becomes very important and in fact a necessity for an inverter manufacturer to make a machine which is not only efficient but also reliable. In TBEA, our R&D department regularly works on the path to bring the best technology solutions with the maximum efficiency which goes up to 99%. The company owns a professional R&D team which is mainly formed by doctors and masters,and their manufacturing experience of electrical devices is over 70 years,which makes TBEA a reliable Solar Inverter Brand. Also, our most efficient manufacturing facilities help us match the average price of Indian Market trend.Along with our widespread service network, the Solar Power plant owners may get the maximum out of the sun.
INVERTER
orders in India market, and almost 1GW is installed on ground. Further, TBEA is planning to target another 1GW orders by 2018-19, making a cumulative order quantity of 3GW. TBEA is also planning to come up with India factory, which will not only support after sales service to the clients, but also help to deliver Solar Inverters in much lesser time adding to the convenience to the end customers.
Q
Please list some of your key achievements of last 1 year.
2017 was a good year for all and for TBEA as well. During last year TBEA has been very aggressive in Sales parameters and a regular growth in team is noticed. TBEA has a plan to dig out more in India market, so we can sustain our reputation we’ve earned in India.TBEA also, announced that a factory was set up in India last year which is planned to be founded by mid of 2018. TBEA launched its most compact 1500V solutions in India market coming in capacity of 1500V 3.75MW Outdoor Solution and 1500V 5MW Outdoor Solution.
Q
Shed some light on the technology aspects of your Inverters which has been taken care while designing so that it can sustain variable climate of India. Solar PV inverter is a machine which can convert Solar PV DC power to AC power. The actual challenges come up when you need to resist various factors, one of which is climate in India. Our R&D team regular keeps an eye on the performance of inverter installed at various location sites. TBEA is very keen towards internal site surveys and fault rectification actions, which makes TBEA learn on day to day basis. R&D team regularly works and seeks on development of technologies to improve the already best performance of the inverter solutions. With the help of patented temperature control solutions,TBEA inverters sustain variable climate of India.
Q
How do you ensure that you fulfill TBEA’s commitment to bring smarter and greener solutions in India?
The company has successively undertaken “11th national five year plan” science-technology key programs and more than thirty provincial scientific research projects. It has become the unit of national 863 key projects, who is responsible for “Research on Hundred-megawatt PV System Design and Integration Technology and Development of Key Equipment “and” Development of PV,Micro-grid bidirectional Inverter and Research on Key Technology”. The company is one of the enterprises which has mastered a number of core technology independent research and development in PV grid inverter field. Further, TBEA plans to grow more in terms of technology solutions. TBEA launched its 1500V solutions in India market, which are being appreciated and readily accepted by our Clients and Prospects.
Q
What kind of market share will you have by end of this year?
TBEA Xián Electric Technology Co. Ltd., has completed its 2GW
Q
(TC2500KF/TC3125KF/ TC3750KF/TC5000KF )
How has the response in the utility Scale solar market been? What are the key challenges faced by you in this sector.
Utility scale solar market of India has been good and responsive. TBEA inverters have earned a good name within India market and a result of which TBEA has achieved 2GW Sales order by now and still counting. Challenges are what you earn when you grow, and TBEA also face issues when the overall cost of project bids lowers to an extent of Rs2.44/Watt. But, TBEA have a mindset to support its clients with the best IT technology, services and prices, which keeps us motivated and on-going.
Q
How do you address any service related query (if any) for your products? What is the turnaround time for that?
TBEA has a widespread service network dedicated for India market. TBEA has dedicated service teams allocated regionally in the nearby areas of TBEA PV inverter installed sites. TBEA has 2 spare parts warehouses in North and South region which are timely updated with the mandatory spares and other necessary spare parts. We offers 99% uptime warrant, which is taken care in a strict manner. Further, TBEA has certain service policies shared with clients, helping them to generate maximum out of the Sun.
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STORAGE
THE CONVERSATION
SAURABH SRIVASTAVA President - Marketing & Product Strategy, Eastman Auto & Power
Process of availing subsidies is tedious and cumbersome as it needs clearances from multiple departments, believes Saurabh Srivastava, President - Marketing & Product Strategy, Eastman Auto & Power, one of the leading battery manufacturer and global supplier of automotive products. In conversation with Manu Tayal, Sub Editor, Saur Energy International, Srivastava spoke at length about his company’s future plans and key trends that will shape the energy storage industry. Following are the excerpts from that exclusive interview.
Q
What are the initiatives Eastman Auto & Power has taken in contributing towards India’s clean and green energy initiative?
We, at Eastman Auto and Power Limited, are committed to encouraging clean and green energy adoption. In this regard, we have developed batteries for e-rickshaws which play an instrumental role in reducing carbon footprint. We offer the widest portfolio of solar products from 1KW to 100 KW which is an eco-friendly alternative to the conventional source of power. Our another flagship product, tubular gel batteries are maintenance-free and reduce the generation of fumes. The company also envisions encouraging entrepreneurship in the solar segment by creating a pool of ‘solarpreneurs’ who would be instrumental in taking solar to every household. We are very proud to be a partner in our Government mission to achieve 175 GW of renewable energy by 2030.
Q
You have been in the Indian market for nearly two decades. What makes Eastman Auto a unique provider of batteries?
Eastman Auto and Power Limited is a technology- driven company which believes in the continual improvement in technology. Innovation is also our USP. Our flagship product tubular gel batteries are made of fumed silica mixed with an electrolyte which prolongs their lifespan, as opposed to conventional gel batteries made of silica mixed with electrolyte. Besides being equipped with stateof-the-art technology, our products are maintenance -free and are available at an affordable cost.
Q
Being one of the leaders in the battery industry, what technological advances have Eastman Auto recently been focusing on and what drives the company to bring innovation in the solar industry?
The Indian subcontinent is characterized by a variety of climate. Hence, it is important to have a continuous focus towards upgrading the technology to make it suitable for all terrain conditions. At Eastman Auto and Power Limited, our focus has been on introducing tubular gel batteries which have been developed indigenously with our in-house R&D facilities. These tubular gel batteries made of fumed silica mixed with electrolyte have a longer life and can withstand
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a range of temperature conditions.
Q
How suitable are the regulatory framework and market structure for energy storage business in India?
Energy storage is the dominant trend these days. Fortunately, the government is taking a slew of initiatives to encourage energy storage. Till now, we did not have a regulatory framework. The upcoming Energy Storage Mission will overcome the lacunae. The NITI Aayog has proposed a three-pronged solution for promoting battery manufacturing in the country by offering include land grants for direct awarding of land free of charge or at the highly discounted cost to companies to develop manufacturing capacity. Sales and use tax exemptions, or tax credits per job created and lowering the number of permits required or making them available through just one or two “clearing house” agencies by lowering bureaucratic hurdles have also been proposed. Such initiatives will go a long way in providing a fillip to energy storage.
Q
In the present scenario, what are the roadblocks that domestic solar industry is facing in the absence of anti-dumping and safeguard duty on solar imports? And what do you expect from the government on this issue?
Though the government has undertaken numerous initiatives to provide a fillip to the solar segment, there are certain grievances that need to be urgently addressed. Though the subsidies are available, the process of availing them is tedious and cumbersome since it needs clearances from multiple departments. The process should be made centralized and hassle-free for consumers. Moreover, the subsidies should be provided on the generation rather than installation of solar power. A lot more needs to be done regarding the generation of awareness on solar energy. Another challenge is lack of availability of skilled manpower. Further, we need more investment in R&D to bring it at par with international standards.
Q
How you reckon the solar sector to grow in next 5 years and what will be the key trends that support in shaping the industry?
The solar sector has achieved a remarkable growth in the past few years. Indian solar installations registered a record 123 percent
THE CONVERSATION
STORAGE
The company also envisions encouraging entrepreneurship in the solar segment by creating a pool of ‘solarpreneurs’ who would be instrumental in taking solar to every household.
growth to reach 9.6 GW in 2017, which was more than double the 4.3 GW installed in 2016. Energy storage will be the key trend in the forthcoming years. Energy storage has immense potential in India including aiding in renewable integration providing grid support services, supporting C&I segment and creation of big role in the facilitation of early adoption of electric vehicles. However, India needs a robust framework to transform itself into a hub of energy storage solutions. Another dominant trend will be e-mobility. Taking into account the pollution woes, e-mobility has the potential to reduce the carbon’s footprint.
Q
entrepreneurship in the solar segment by creating a pool of ‘solarpreneurs’ who would be instrumental in taking solar to every household. Our aim is to solarize the major segment of the residential, commercial and educational sector like colleges, offices, petrol pumps & factories. Offering a large portfolio of technically advanced solar products like off grid, on-grid and hybrid systems. We are coming up with ESS (energy storage solutions) technology which is an integrated solar solution and in the long run will be an alternate for D.G sets.
In near future, what will be Eastman Auto’s expansion agenda for the solar sector?
Eastman Auto and Power Limited targets capturing the residential solar rooftop segment and becoming the top e-mobility battery provider and supplier. The company also envisions encouraging
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UPDATES
ABB Bags $90 mn Contract to Enable Expansion of Solar Park in Dubai ABB has won an order worth over USD 90 million from Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) to build the Shams 400 kV substation that will integrate solar power from upcoming phases of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum solar park into the city’s electrical grid. This will be the company’s second substation for the park. The solar park is located inland 50 km south of Dubai and has been a central part of Dubai’s renewable strategy. After completion in 2030, the park will generate 5,000 MW and reduce carbon emissions by approximately 6.5 million tons. The company is responsible for the design, supply, and installation and commissioning
of the Shams 400/ 132 kV substation, which once completed, will have an overall capacity of more than 2,000 megavolt amperes (MVA). After completion of Phase-3 of the project by in 2020, the total solar power generated through Solar PV will exceed 1,000 MW. Commenting on the development, ABB, President of Power Grids Division, Claudio Facchin said, “We are proud to work with DEWA and continue to contribute to this landmark project with our state-of-the-art technologies that will boost capacity and bring cleaner solar power to the people.” “Integrating renewables is a key element of our Next Level strategy and our proven track record reinforces our position as a
partner of choice for enabling a stronger, smarter and greener grid,”Facchin added. In 2017, ABB delivered its first substation connecting the second phase of the MBR Solar Park and integrating 200 MW of electricity to the transmission grid.
Ares EIF Buys Majority Stake in Avaada Power Eyes to Set-up Conti Solar Floating Solar Projects Private Equity firm Ares EIF has acquired majority ownership stake in Conti Solar, previously a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Conti Group. Further, Conti Solar has received strategic investment from a fund managed by Ares EIF, the power and energy infrastructure strategy in the Private Equity Group at Ares Management. However, the deal is expected to close at the end of April but the terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Post this investment, minority position will be retained by The Conti Group in the company. Even though, the company will continue to operate as Conti Solar. Also, the Conti Group will continue to be involved in the oversight and strategic direction of the company. Conti Solar has been active in the development, EPC, and operations of solar and energy storage projects totaling more than 500 MW throughout the US and in select international markets for more than a decade. Commenting on the deal, Conti Solar, CEO, Matthew Skidmore said, “The investment from Ares EIF will make Conti Solar a more dynamic company and will enable us to accelerate our growth and pursue additional strategic initiatives.” “Together, we will drive more value to our customers and partners across the industry,” Skidmore added. “Our investment in Conti Solar is a great strategic fit for Ares EIF, but, above all, it is an investment in Conti Solar's management and the strong team and culture they have built over the years,” said Keith Derman, Partner, Ares EIF.
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Clean energy company Avaada Power is looking to set up floating solar projects and for this it is in talks with various states governments and expects some large tenders to be floated in the next 2 months. Speaking on the matter, Avaada Group, Chairman, Vineet Mittal said, the floating solar segment has a potential to generate 300 GW of power across the country. Mittal added that, “We believe this is the next growth story in the solar space. We are in talks with various states and hope within the next two months some large tenders will be floated.” Avaada plans to increase its installed solar capacity to 5,000 MW in the next 4 years, from 1,000 MW at present, and expects a significant share to come from the floating solar power segment. Chairman said that he is also hopeful of some policy framework to come up on feed in tariffs (FiT), which encourages floating solar projects. According to media reports, states like Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and West Bengal are likely to float tenders for floating solar projects in the coming months. Floating solar projects should be encouraged as land becomes a constraint while setting up ground-mounted solar capacities, he added. Mittal further added that, “We have so many dam reservoirs and ponds among others where such FSPs (floating solar projects) can be set up. It will also solve two problems - energy security and water security. Nearly 30 percent water evaporation loss will go away and water quality will improve. Besides, setting up of FSPs can also boost tourism. So, it's a win win situation and it is not that expensive.”
UPDATES
PROJECTS
BHEL's Solar Plant Stuck in Limbo in MP The solar power plant, for which center has given green signal to Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), is still in limbo as the Madhya Pradesh government plans to keep the area sanctioned, for political and public events. The BHEL is now proposing to set up the plant in the city outskirts on its own land. The 50 acres of land identified by BHEL is at Jamboree Maidan on the outskirts of the state capital. However, in the absence of state government permission the work for the plant has not been started yet. Given that the state-owned power equipment major had sanctioned the Rs 54 crore solar power plant in November 2016 and the date for completion was March 2017, the project remains dangling. The Jamboree Maidan is a 200 acre wast land owned by BHEL. It has till date hosted hundreds of programs and rallies of different political parties including that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Chief Minister of the state Shivraj Singh Chouhan too oath for the office in this ground after the BJP won in December 2013. “There is 200 acres land known as Jamboree Maidan, located adjoining the BHEL plant. The land was left open for the expansion of the plant. A solar power unit is proposed to be set up on 50 acres
land of the ground. But itcould not take off in the absence of district collector's permission,” said BHEL spokesperson Vinodanand Jha while talking about the project. He further added that “we have already taken approval from the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy to set up the power plant so that BHEL can also get subsidy under the scheme for initiatives to promote nonconventional energy.
500MW Solar Auction Cancelled Over Costly Bids
Azure Power Commissions 40 MW Project in Uttar Pradesh
Auction conducted on March 28 for 500 MW has been cancelled by the state owned utility Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL). The tariffs quoted by the bidders, considered to be too high, is the reason behind the cancellation. The successful bidders include KalathiaEngineering and Construction, Gujarat State Electricity Corporation Limited (GSECL), ACME Solar Holdings and Azure Power. The bids quoted by the companies are Rs 2.98 per unit for 50MW, Rs 3 per unit for 150MW, Rs 3.06 per unit each for 100MW and 200MW, respectively. However, there were two auctions of 500 MW each in September 2018 and May 2017 where the price rate 2.65 per unit and all-time low 2.44 per unit. The auctions were carried out by Gujarat UrjaVikas Nigam Limited and Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI). The decision of cancellation by GUVNL comes after the ministry of new and renewable energy amended the norms of bidding for solar projects. Under the ‘change in law’ provision, the ministry clarifies, that all indirect taxes can be a pass-through. The potential bidders were informed in advance by GUVNL that additional costs were not liable to be passed through.
India’s one of the leading power producers, Azure Power has announced the commissioning of a 40MW solar plant in Uttar Pradesh (UP). The project was auctioned by Government enterprise, Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI). Under the agreement Azure Power will supply power to SECI for the period of next 25 years at the levelized tariff of Rs 4.92 per KW which is inclusive of Viability Gap Funding (VGF). The project was setup under the government’s National Solar Mission Phase-II Batch-III Tranche III and is spread across an area of 225 acres. According to Central Electricity Authority, Uttar Pradesh is the most populous state in India and has a large peak energy supply deficit. In addition, CRISIL projects that over 10 million unelectrified households will be connected by 2019. “With the commissioning of this plant, we have once again demonstrated our strong project development, engineering, and execution capabilities. We are delighted to make a contribution towards the realization of our Hon’ble Prime Minister’s commitment towards clean and green energy, through solar power generation. Our sincere gratitude to SECI and the state of Uttar Pradesh for all the cooperation and support extended,” said Inderpreet Wadhwa, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Azure Power.
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BRPL, EESL ink MoU for Solar Rooftop in South and West Delhi In a strategic move towards promotion of renewable energy in the capital, BSES Rajdhani Power Ltd (BRPL) has entered into partnership with state-run Energy Efficiency Serviced Ltd (EESL). The company said that this strategic partnership will provide reliable services and offerings to the discom’s over 24 lakh consumers in South and West Delhi in the areas of smart and emerging technologies. The scope of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will cover developing technologies like rooftop solar, smart meters, electric vehicles (EV)/ EV charging stations, solar irrigation pumps and energy storage solutions.
As per the deal, BRPL and EESL will collaborate to explore the deployment of these emerging technologies to bring in energy efficiency, promote renewables and reduce the peak power demand in south and west Delhi. Further, the MoU has an initial
duration of three years, it added. Speaking on the partnership, BRPL, CEO, Amal Sinha said, “BRPL is committed to energy efficiency, adoption of green technology and smart procurement initiatives that will result in optimised solutions for us and our consumers.” “The signing of the MoU underscores our vision to enable all stakeholders to effectively manage their energy needs through efficient technologies. India has made a significant commitment to reduce its emission intensity by 33-35% from 2005 levels by 2030. Transition to future-ready and scalable energy efficient solutions will accelerate the achievement of this goal,” said Saurabh Kumar MD EESL.
CIL Plans to Generate 20 GW IBC SOLAR Commissions 27 Solar Power in Next 10 Years MW Solar Plant in Odisha As part of its diversification plan, state-owned miner Coal India Ltd (CIL) is targeting to generate about 20,000 MW in next 10 years. Commenting on the development, Coal India, Chairman and Managing Director, Gopal Singh said, “For Coal India to be sustainable we must diversify. We have already defined our roadmap. We are going in a big way for solar and have set a target of generating 20,000 MW or 20 Gigawatt in next 10 years.” However, the official did not elaborate on investment plans of the company. As per the industry estimates, a sum of around Rs 5 crore is required to install 1 MW solar project. “...if you look beyond 2050 the way renewable is coming as a citizen it should be our priority we must switch over to renewables because the global warning is somewhere or the other affecting each and everyone... We must be prepared for it,” Singh said. He further added that, today coal-based power is the cheapest. Renewable naturally will be costly. But the ways work is being done in renewable the day is bound to come when it will be affordable may be after two or three decades. Singh also said that the plan will require 40,000 hectares of land and which is already available with the company. “We don't have the land in single size, its of our various subsidiaries which we will use,” the Chairman added.
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Germany based photovoltaics (PV) specialist IBC SOLAR has completed a 27 MW (DC) solar plant near Kesinga in Kalahandi district of Odisha state. With the newly connected PV plant, IBC SOLAR is supporting Odisha to increase its share of solar power by around 30 percent. This is an important step for the economic development in Odisha and, in particular, for the district of Kalahandi where the new solar plant is situated. Commenting on the commissioning, IBC Solar in India, Managing Director, Shailendra Bebortha said that this project will bring western Odisha prominently in the solar map of India and contribute to increase the standard of living in the area by creating many local opportunities both during the construction and operations phase. The company’s Sadipali project is part of a 270 MW PV tender floated by Solar Energy Corporation of India(SECI) in Odisha in August 2016, and a 25-year PPA was awarded to IBC SOLAR through a competitive reverse auction process. “With this project, we have consolidated a strong know-how in project development, land securitization and grid connection in Odisha, a state with a high potential for solar PV build-up,” said José María Llopis, CEO, IBC SOLAR Energy GmbH. It is not only the company's largest single location plant, but also the company’s first project in India that was fully developed, financed, constructed and commissioned by IBC SOLAR alone. The solar plant meets the high-quality standards of IBC SOLAR as well as it fulfils stringent international standards of health and safety.
UPDATES
Defexpo 2018: BEL, L&T Ink MoU for Defence Products State-owned aerospace and defence company Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) and construction engineering firm Larsen & Toubro has signed an MoU in Defexpo 2018 at Chennai. The MoU was inked between the two companies to share their expertise in design, development, engineering and manufacturing to develop and produce products and systems to meet the requirement of the defence services as well as for export markets. Further, the agreement was signed by Anandi Ramalingam, Director (Marketing), BEL, and J D Patil, Whole Time Director and Senior Executive Vice President (L&T Defence), L&T. Moreover, both the companies have agreed to explore and address defence products/ systems for the Indian Defence Services as well as export opportunities. BEL has expertise in design, development, engineering, manufacture of Radar & Weapon Systems, NCS and Communications systems, Electronic Warfare & Avionics, Naval Systems, Electro-optics products, Tank Electronics & Gun Systems, Satcom systems, Strategic Components and Civilian products, while L&T has expertise in design, engineering and manufacture of Defence systems, Platforms and Weapon delivery, Armoured platforms and Fire control systems, Military Communication, Naval Equipment, Warships & Submarines. Meanwhile, the MoU sets to define the roles and responsibilities of both the companies to co-operate and work in partnership mode for select programmes and thus give a boost to indigenous defence production. This collaboration will also give boost to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Make in India mission.
PROJECTS
NTPC to Quit 50:50 JV with BHEL for Mfg Power Equipments NTPC Ltd, formerly known as National Thermal Power Corporation Ltd, has decided to quit its 50:50 Joint Venture (JV) with BHEL, by saying it is not an equipment manufacturer and would rather concentrate on setting up and operating power plants. NTPC-BHEL Power Projects Pvt Ltd was set up in December 2007 for manufacturing power equipment. The JV's first manufacturing facility at Mannavaram in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh started operations in 2016 but had very little orders. The company officials said, the company has decided to exit the venture and has informed the power ministry about its intentions. The power producer wants BHEL to buy its equity in the JV, the company officials added. The two companies had invested Rs 50 crore each as equity in the JV. NTPC wants BHEL to acquire its 50 per cent stake in the JV as also all the assets and liabilities and absorb all the employees, they said. Further, the JV had little revenue visibility and needed a fresh injection of new orders or a new blueprint to sustain itself. Also, a drying market for thermal power equipment has had a toll on the joint venture company. Fund crunch, land acquisition and environmental issues, general lack of demand for coal-based power and government's emphasis on renewable sources of power have left little to fight for in the thermal power equipment market.
ENGIE Completes Fenix’s Acquisition to Bring Affordable Power to Africa Global utility company ENGIE has completed the acquisition of the off-grid energy leader Fenix International. ENGIE and Fenix have ambitious targets to reach millions of households across Africa and this partnership will accelerate and expand Fenix’s ability to scale off-grid energy and financial services. Through this partnership, Fenix will gain access to ENGIE’s supply chain, expertise, long-term capital investments and talent across the energy value chain. Commenting on the acquisition, ENGIE Africa, CEO, Bruno Bensasson said, “Closing this acquisition gives us the go-ahead to
accelerate access to energy through Fenix’s strong solar home system model. Until now, availability of capital has been a major hurdle in the solar home system business, a constraint that we are now helping to remove.” On acquisition, Lyndsay Handler, CEO, Fenix International said, “With this agreement, ENGIE will provide the support, expertise and opportunities the Fenix team needs to innovate in these areas and rapidly scale the business,” Fenix’s flagship product, ReadyPay Power, is one of the most affordable solar home systems on the off-grid market. Customers pay as little as $0.19 per day to
access power for lighting, phone charging, and products such as TVs and radios. After 24-36 months of payments, customers own the solar home system outright. Based on the credit score customers establish while paying off their power systems, they are able to purchase upgrades to their energy system, energy-efficient appliances, or other life-changing financial products. ReadyPay Power, by providing off-grid families with clean, affordable energy and a safer home environment, is a natural fit with ENGIE’s goal to provide decarbonised, decentralised energy using the latest digital technologies.
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THE CONVERSATION
DEBI PRASAD DASH Q
What are your thoughts about Li-ion battery future in India?
Manufacturing of new technology batteries is at a nascent stage in India. There are no Li-ion cell manufactures in India but several companies like EXCIOM, ACME, Delta, Coslight and Future hi tech batteries have established Li-ion assembly plant in India. At least five major industrial groups in India are waiting for clarity in policy to foray into cell manufacturing. States such as Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Gujarat are showing interest in attracting investments from companies to set up units in this space. According to India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA) research by 2020 there will be at least 3 companies globally with 25 GWh + annual production capacity and another 5 companies with 10+ GWh annual production capacity for Li-Ion batteries.
DIRECTOR - IESA The new projected capacity for 2020 is now over 400 GWh based on latest projections by IESA Research. India is targeting 5-10 GWh of annual manufacturing capacity by 2020. Due to global competition and economies of scale, it is recommended that minimum capacity for a Li-Ion cell manufacturing should be 1 GWH production per year to achieve the competitive price.
Q
Given that India doesn't have enough raw materials for manufacturing Li-ion batteries, how do you think we can address this issue?
As demand for Li-Ion is growing, new discoveries are being made for Lithium reserves as well. Few years back Latin America was supplying more than 90% of Li for batteries, while last year Australia accounted for almost 40% of supply. In recent years, Afghanistan, South Africa, Russia and other countries have also claimed to have Li reserves.
So I am not sure if we can completely write off domestic supplies, perhaps there is a need for more comprehensive resource assessment. Even if we do not have reserves, global supply chain is getting developed fast and we can develop strategic sourcing partnerships to ensure access. In Li-Ion battery, the percentage of lithium is in between 10% to 20% only and with rapid commercialization, there are various chemistries of Lithium batteries which are evolving with different Lithium percentage.
Q
What do you think the government should do to extend more support to this segment?
Policy makers in India have recognized the potential of energy storage that can help the Indian government to meet various policy priorities such as National Solar Mission, National Electric Mobility Mission and Mission for energy access. NITI Aayog as well as MNRE has been working on draft national energy storage mission. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has recently constituted expert committee to draft the National Energy Storage Mission (NESM) and IESA is part of the expert committee.
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This mission will cover aspects related to renewable integration at transmission SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 2 l ISSUE 9
level, distributed renewable integration
lead acid technologies that could be
at distribution level, role of storage for
introduced in next couple of years, if
As demand for Li-
energy access and microgrids as well
the existing companies can address
as the EV charging infrastructure as
“Innovators’ dilemma�. Unfortunately for
Ion is growing, new
well as battery requirements. Once this
past 4-5 years, we have not witnessed
discoveries are
mission document is in place it will act
the leading Indian lead acid companies
like a guiding document.
take the potential threat seriously, so time
being made for
Also for this market to grow, we need to
will decide if they are able to adopt or if
focus on building local manufacturing
they will suffer.
eco system as well as invest in skill development for ensuring after sales
Q
How India can become a storage manufacturing hub?
Lithium reserves as well. Few years back Latin America was
In India, there are 15+ Li-ion assembly
supplying more than
proactive steps being taken by the
units with over 1 GWh total annual
government this year and hope that the
capacity. In the next 2-3 years, two or
90% of Li for batteries,
National Energy Storage Mission will be
three Li-ion cell manufacturers may open
while last year
launched in May/June 2018 to provide
units in India. As per our estimates, for cell
the much needed policy clarity for the
manufacturing, 1 GW capacity would need
Australia accounted
industry.
an investment of $300 million. Looking at
for almost 40% of
Apart from Li-ion battery what developments do you think storage sector will see in future?
the potential India has to create a 10 GW
supply. In recent
In recent years, huge investment has
ancillary development including module
gone in to support alternate technologies.
development, containers, transformers,
Early stage investment has supported
inverters could need an equal amount
range of technologies from li-ion, li-sulfur,
of investment, taking the total potential
have also claimed
flow batteries, zinc based batteries,
to $6 billion.
Sodium based batteries etc. Billions
Most of the batteries currently consumed
to have Li reserves.
of dollars have also been invested in
in India come from China, Taiwan, Korea,
So I am not sure if
commercialization and scaling up li-ion
US, Japan and Europe. China has ~100
manufacturing in places such as China,
GWh of annual manufacturing capacity,
we can completely
USA, Japan, Korea and Europe. Li-Ion is
US has around 40 GWh, while Europe
write off domestic
becoming go to technology for electric
(driven by Germany) has 30 GWh. It
vehicles as well as for some of the grid
is anticipated that in next 3-5 years, at
supplies, perhaps
applications.
least 200-300 GWh of new manufacturing
There is also progress taking place with
capacity will get built around the globe.
ultra-capacitors as well as flow batteries
We believe that India should target at
such as Vanadium Redox. There are also
least 10 GWh of li-ion cell manufacturing
thermal storage technologies that can
capacity by 2020 and 50 GWh by 2025.
have huge opportunity in India particularly
Apart from Li-Ion, India can also take lead
for applications such as cold storage
in manufacturing of other technologies
for agricultural produce as well as air
such as Zinc-Air and flow batteries, but
supply chain is getting
conditioning and process applications.
choosing the right technology partner is
IESA anticipates that Lead Acid batteries
critical for success. IESA has set a goal
developed fast and
can also have significant role for at least
of making India a global hub for R&D
we can develop
5-10 years with the improvements that can
and manufacturing of advanced energy
be made through advanced lead acid
storage technologies by 2022.
strategic sourcing
support. We are excited to see the
Q
batteries such as lead carbon, bipolar design etc. There are number of advanced
capacity, India could attract investments to the tune of $3 billion. As this happens,
years, Afghanistan, South Africa, Russia and other countries
there is a need for more comprehensive resource assessment. Even if we do not have reserves, global
partnerships to ensure access. VOL 2 l ISSUE 9 | SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL
49 MAY 2018
DEVELOPER
THE CONVERSATION
S. K. SINGH
National Head (Solar), HPL Electric & Power Ltd Our company is mulling to further expand and strengthen its footprints across the country in the renewable sector, says S.K. Singh, National Head, HPL Electric and Power Limited, a multi-product electric equipment company. In conversation with Manas Nandi, Editor, Saur Energy International, Singh spoke at length about his company’s future plans in the renewable energy sector. Following are the excerpts from that exclusive interview.
Q
Please tell our readers more about HPL and its products & services.
HPL Electric and Power Limited (HPL) is an established player in the electrical equipment industry. Since 1957 onwards, the company has become well known brand in the switchgear manufacturing. HPL’s product range is divided into four verticals namely – Metering Solutions, Switchgears, Lighting Equipment and Wires & Cables. Last year, the company had also entered into the Solar vertical. In solar division, HPL is having an expertise in the manufacturing of junction boxes for the BOS. In a Solar Power Plant “Balance of Systems” OR BOS refers to the components of the power plant other than solar photovoltaic modules. Apart from inverter and battery bank the term BOS refer to components like cables, junction boxes, distribution boxes, solar meters etc. BOS is effectively the heart of any solar power system and can affect the cost a lot. It is due to BOS that we can increase efficiency, control cost and modernize our solar PV system. Now, HPL had started the manufacturing of all types of junction boxes such as master junction box, array junction box, DC distribution board, AJP etc. Moreover, first time in India HPL had started the manufacturing of junction box with net meter in single box. This product becomes quite successful in the market. HPL is procuring all required certifications as per the MNRE norms such as for solar cables, generation boxes etc. Being a DISCOM, HPL generally apply for approvals in different states such as net metering is already approved from the Central Power
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Research Institute (CPRI).
Q
How important is BOS in a solar Photovoltaic project?
From last one year, in BOS HPL is providing awareness to the people about the importance and use of proper BOS and all kinds of junction boxes. Earlier, people use two-in-one YPIN production because there is thundering zone in various parts of the country. So, HPL always design according to the requirement and local conditions as we have to see that where it is necessary to put SPD or MCD and sometimes we can also design for all the BOS. So, as per the MNRE norms, solar cable should be XLPO means zero hallogen and cross linking. The cable produced at our production facility is tested less than -80 degree temperature and other than copper cable, copper tinning is also important. Besides, it is not necessary that if we do tinning of 20 microns for Delhi then the same can be used for BHUJ also, as it is near the sea and more oxidation happens there. So we will have to increase the tinning accordingly. HPL is using advanced tinning process and also the sheeting above the cable is with zero halogen cross linking. The company’s both the sheeting layers are proper XLPO. The normal identification between the solar cable and normal cable is that you can mold the cable completely and then if the white spots develop on it then this means plastic is mixed in it and if it is XLPO than the original colour of the cable remains as it is. For example - recently, in Noida, there was a non-grid system of 20 KW in which HPL had replaced the traditional cable from the
DC cable and it results in additional power generation of 1 unit per day. In Rajasthan also, many of the big power plants are mulling to change their entire cabling system. As an HPL brand we are supplying our solar segment offerings in different states such as - Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, North East, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat etc and the company is mulling to further expand its presence across the country.
Q
How is Solar LED Lighting Market in India for HPL?
In LED lighting space, HPL is manufacturing solar LED street lights from 7 W to 40 W. In order to increase the battery life, the company has started three stages dimming along with Dust to dawn. The benefit of three stage dimming is that a 40 AH battery can also be used for solar street lighting in place of 75 AH battery. Till now, HPL has worked with Tata in its Andhra projects and in Tata Housing’s Sri Lanka project. The company has also worked with EAZY solar and NTPC in their solar street lighting projects.
Q
Can you tell us what will be your growth strategy for your cable business in India in the next three years? What kind of market share do you eye by the end of 1920 financial year in India?
In solar cable business, there is around Rs 500 crore per month market in India and the company has already partnered with big EPC players to enter into this market segment in the current financial year. With solar cable, HPL is also providing AC parts for example the we are also providing 35 mm 4 core for big projects of 50 KW and above for solar installation.
THE CONVERSATION
DEVELOPER
At HPL you will be getting all types of cables including the company’s proven DC cables. Nowadays, most of the DC cables installed in India are of HPL brand like Jio telecom tower etc. In Jammu & Kashmir, HPL has already bagged projects from the state government in roof top space. The company has secured an order of Rs 4 crore approx and it has already started its execution. The company’s strength in it is that around 8% of the product is it’s own manufacturing and along with it HPL have it’s subsidybased solar installation program i.e. for individuals 30% subsidy and for government and educational institutions it is 40% subsidy program. Moreover, there is an upcoming tender called ‘Saubhagya’. Under this project, HPL will provide LED battens in un-electrified village households across the country.
Q
Please tell us about your R&D infrastructure compared to your competitors?
In solar, the company is having its own R&D set-up for junction boxes. For testing these junction boxes, HPL has its in-house complete system methods to test on 1000 Volt DC. The company’s products are up to the mark on the back of its strict QC parameters.
Q
How do you see the government’s role in promoting manufacturing in India?
HPL in all its pre-bids in which it is appearing sells its products according to the Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. As UP government has announced its rooftop policy but it has yet to be implemented. Once, the execution of the policy gets started HPL will play a big role in it. Nowadays, for solar BOS the biggest market is Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) because in J&K the market potential for all the items is of around Rs 100 crore per month since March. Further, the same program is going to be implemented in Orissa also. However, in Orissa, OREDA which is the nodal agency for Saubhagya scheme is performing slowly due to elections in the state. So the government has approved DISCOM 'Shishu' to apply for Saubhagya tender. So, in coming years, there is quiet a big scope in Orissa after J&K, and then in Rajasthan also a large scale program is coming. Recently, the Africa lighting program has concluded. Now, the company is preparing for the world’s biggest solar program i.e. Asia lighting which will be started with UN funding. Meanwhile, the range of products the company offers includes - DC LED bulbs, LED batten for lighting, junction boxes for small standalone rooftop installations, solar cables etc.
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Possibility of
Making India the Storage Manufacturing Hub
(LI-ion Battery) A
s the world is advancing in shifting from fossil based energy to renewable energy India too is aspiring for the same. To match the pace, India would however need a strong and
sustainable energy storage industry. Right from the electric vehicles to grid applications and telecom sector to solar storage, some of the major energy consumers, the demand for energy storage technologies will also show a steep growth. Currently India imports almost all of the battery components, except battery packs, from countries like China, South Korea and Malaysia. ‘We need to develop indigenous production capabilities for lithium-ion batteries’ said secretary in the department of Heavy industry Girish Shankar in one of the conclaves held in New Delhi earlier this year. VOL 2 l ISSUE 9 | SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL
61 MAY 2018
India’s ambition of being ‘all electric car nation by 2030’ would require a major shift from conventional fuel energy to less environmentally-harsh source of energy. Although international players like Toshiba Corp. and Suzuki Motor Corp. have made their li-ion battery plans public however given the size of Indian market it would require other major players to invest in the sector. However, the reluctance shown by the major players is majorly due to lack of coherent policies by the government. Besides government’s inconsistent policy, a comprehensive report by NITI Ayog has also highlighted some of the major challenges India would have to overcome before becoming energy storage manufacturing hub. According to NITI Ayog the key challenge India would face is the lack of mineral reserves India. The cathode materials for the li-ion batteries vary but the basic and common minerals used in the formulation are aluminium, cobalt, Lithium, manganese, and nickel while the graphite is used for anode. The country has minimal reserves of some of the main components used in the li-ion batteries. Also the copper that is used in cables and busbars would not meet the demand of local market. India, however, is fortunate enough that global supplies and declared reserves of the other countries are sufficient enough to meet the demands. A study by MIT also shows that the availability of minerals used in li-ion batteries in abundance and in some cases would outpace the demand. To achieve its demands, of raw material and technology, for
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local production, India would need a strong international partnership to procure both. It is estimated that from 2017 to 2030 India’s Li-ion battery market will grow by 33 percent by volume and as of now there are no major producers of EV batteries in the country. The country also lacks state-of-art facilities of both capability and capacity. However there are many efforts made by research institutes like IIT Madras, who have started a research and development centre exclusively for advanced batter y technology, and battery manufacturers who have geared up their efforts to build the local capacity. Also the first indigenous li-ion fabrication facility for batteries which are used in defence, railways, telecom, is set-up by Centre Electrochemical Research Institute. Although the assembling of batteries from imported material would help in early stages it would however be challenge for the country to meet the local demands by local production. As stressed by the Union Minister of Power and New Renewable Energy R K Singh in recently held talks with battery manufacturers in Delhi that the future demand for batteries is going to be very high given the fact that government is aggressively promoting EVs in the country. The Indian market is scattered as of now and there is no coordination between different stakeholders in the country thus leaving the industry walk snail’s pace. Although organisations like India Energy Storage Alliance have provided a platform to, ‘accelerate the market development for Energy Storage Technologies in India, through active dialogue among various stakeholders. Among the stakeholders would include material suppliers, battery manufacturers local and central governments, vehicle manufacturers, think tanks and research institutions. To streamline efforts of becoming the energy storage hub all players need to work in coordination with each other. It would not only streamline funding and define technology but also would help in building the robust supply chain. To bring all these stockholders on one platform would be a major challenge in near future unless a strong push form
government is not applied. Due to this uncoordinated approach the investment risk in this sector is also perceived very high. Currently the companies that deal with Li-ion batteries import all the cells from China and manufacture and assemble battery packs in India. It would be very expensive to set up manufacturing cell units compared to that of importing them. Although the government has tried to woo the US based EV specialist and Tesla Founder Elon Musk to setup Gigafactory in India but he too has shown concerns about having local equipment in India. However there are other players like Japan’s Panasonic, China’s BYD, China’s Zhuhai Yinlong New Energy who are considering entering India. All these major players are known to have proven track record in the industry of energy storage. The ambition of India going 100 percent election in automobile industry by 2030, the scale of demand would also encourage domestic investment for manufacturing locally. If done properly this could position India among the top countries that are investing and manufacturing li-ion batteries heavily. At the same time India is competing with China, US, South Korea, and Europe where the investment in li-ion batteries is much higher than India. These countries are investing in 35-50 GWh of Liion manufacturing and if India has to match the pace it should at-least have 5-10 GWh of Li-ion manufacturing capacity. It would also give chance and prepare India for global supply chain. With the proper investment and scaling India can also scale down the global prices if batteries. Currently the price of Li-Ion batteries is falling globally but in India it still costs nearly half of an EV’s cost. Given the scale of Indian market local production can also help in reducing the costs by 16 percent. According to India Energy Storage Alliance ‘Indian auto industry is a perfect example of Make in India and same lessons can be adopted for making India a global hub for advanced energy storage manufacturer by 2022. Else we will end up following the path where India has become one of the largest markets for computers, solar panels and telephones, without having any significant domestic manufacturing capability with over 90% of critical components getting imported.’
POST-EVENT REPORT
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STORAGE
THE CONVERSATION
DINESH CHADHA CEO - Electro Control Systems
Without cheap storage solutions, it is not possible for India to make a complete shift from conventional sources of energy to clean and green energy for all, believes Dinesh Chadha, CEO, Electro Control Systems, a multi dimensional organisation. In conversation with Manas Nandi, Editor, Saur Energy International, Chadha spoke at length about his company’s strategies and ambitions for Indian solar industry. Following are the excerpts from that exclusive interview.
Q
Please tell our readers more about ECS, its products & services.
ECS was founded in 1989 and has grown into a multi dimensional organisation. ECS was initially into manufacturing of Electrical power and control/automation panels for various industries such as Paper, cement, utilities, material handling, oil and gas and exports, among others. With the growth of Solar sector, ECS is now catering to all the big players in the solar sector for supplies of ACDB,DCDB, ACCB, C&R, LT panels etc. In the year 1995 ECS also ventured into Instrumentation and Electrical EPC jobs for NTPC,ONGC,GAIL, to name a few. At the dawn of Solar Sector, ECS started undertaking supply, erection, testing and commissioning services for MW scale solar power plants, as well as rooftop solar power plants. ECS has done almost 1200 MW of such installations till date for ground mounted and rooftop projects. ECS has worked with almost all major solar developers such as Tata Power solar, NTPC, Welspun, Adani solar, Acme, Focal Energy, Harsha Abakus, Mytrah Energy, Amplus Solar, Azure, Fortum and many more. ECS has expertise in Substations up to 132 KV for solar plants.
Q
India enters global smart Energy race to fight climate changes. How are ECS products and services helping in this initiative?
As a major player of supplies and services for solar plants, ECS is in the forefront of such an initiative by not only generating green power but also on job training of human resource.
Q
What are ECS’s ambitions for Indian Solar Industry? How competitive will be India’s solar market for you?
ECS endeavour is to create awareness of benefits of solar power and to reach every home in India. Market is indeed competitive, but ECS outshines competition by making quality as its priority, coupled with competitive pricing and timely execution.
Q
Can you tell us what will be your growth strategy for your electrical Panel business in India in the next three years? What kind of market share do you eye by the end of 19-20 financial year in India?
We will keep growing by virtue of our stress on quality, timely
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deliveries, prompt service and low prices. We will get our growth from the growth of the economy, infrastructure and Industry in particular. There is expected to be a spurt in the demand for electrical panels. We are also working for new avenues to be added in ECS portfolio in future.
Q
How effective will be your company in realizing the dream of total electrification of India?
Q
Tell our readers with what vision you drive your compan's EPC business towards your goals?
India, being a vast country, has huge potential for solar power supply as well as need for consumption. We are still too low on per capita consumption of power. Which shows the enormous possibility of growth in the solar sector. ECS is very keen in pursuing its best to contribute in this task of nation building.
With service and integrity being our twin motives we are expanding our human resources to fulfil ours as well as national goals.
Q
How do you see the future of rooftop solar in India?
With the current environment and strong support from the Govt, there is great future for solar rooftop in India. I see a great potential in rooftop especially for inaccessible/remote areas, where penetration cost is prohibitive.
Q
Is it possible for country like India to make a complete shift from conventional sources of energy to clean and green energy for all.
Complete shift is a long way as yet. Without cheap storage solutions, it is not possible. However, with the technological advances in the energy storage devices, this may become a reality one day. Peak loading is still an issue, which needs to be addressed.
Q
What bottlenecks do you face while carrying out your operations? And how do you overcome them?
Two main bottlenecks: trained manpower and of course timely payments from customers. We are continuously doing training of manpower to improve their skills. Timely payments from customers are still grey area where we are working with customers to improve. Also, too little time allowed to complete the projects.
THE CONVERSATION
STORAGE
ECS has done almost 1200 MW of such installations till date for ground mounted and rooftop projects. ECS has worked with almost all major solar developers such as Tata Power solar, NTPC, Welspun, Adani solar, Acme, Focal Energy, Harsha Abakus, Mytrah Energy, Amplus Solar, Azure, Fortum and many more. ECS has expertise in Substations up to 132 KV for solar plants.
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MILESTONES
UPDATES
ABB Kicks off 1st Industrial Solar Microgrid in Gujarat ABB has inaugurated an innovative microgrid solution at its Vadodara manufacturing facility in Gujarat. This is the company's largest facility in India, with over 3,000 employees and among ABB's biggest manufacturing hubs in the world. It is the first of its kind microgrid to be installed at a manufacturing campus in the country, and will harness the area's abundant solar energy supply to help the expanding factory meet its growing electricity needs, while lowering its carbon footprint. Microgrid's rooftop photovoltaic field and its innovative battery-energy storage system will support the factory's productivity and enable green power supplies in the evening hours or during cloudy periods during the day. The use of renewables will lower the facility's carbon footprint by approximately 1,400 tons of carbon dioxide per year. To further support the company's leadership in digital technology, a state-of-the-art ABB PowerTEC institute was also inaugurated. This center will be among the country's leading power technology and knowledge
centers with a team of experts providing hands-on training on advanced highvoltage equipment, with the latest digital technologies. Commenting on the development, ABB's Power Grids Division, President, Claudio Facchin said, “Growth demands power and access to clean, reliable electricity sits at the heart of India's economic development.” “The ABB PowerTEC institute will enable
customers to benefit from ABB's domain expertise and enable them to leverage our latest technologies. The solar energy driven ABB Ability microgrid at our Vadodara campus reinforces our commitment to clean energy as we lead by example to enable a stronger, smarter and greener grid,” added Facchin.
Apple Turns 100% Renewable Energy Powered Worldwide
In a bid to combat climate change, US tech giant Apple said its global facilities are now powered by 100 percent clean energy. This achievement includes retail stores, offices, data centres and co-located facilities in 43 countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, China and India. Commenting on his company’s achievement, Apple, CEO, Tim Cook said, “We’re committed to leaving the world better than we found it. After years of hard work we’re proud to have reached this significant milestone.”
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“We’re going to keep pushing the boundaries of what is possible with the materials in our products, the way we recycle them, our facilities and our work with suppliers to establish new creative and forward-looking sources of renewable energy because we know the future depends on it,” he added. Besides, the company’s 9 additional manufacturing partners have committed to power all of their Apple production with 100 percent clean energy, bringing the total number of supplier commitments to 23. The US tech major along with its partners are building new renewable energy projects across the world, improving the energy options for local communities, states and even entire countries. Apple creates or develops, with utilities, new regional renewable energy projects that would not otherwise exist. These projects represent a diverse range of energy sources, including solar arrays and wind farms as well as emerging technologies like biogas fuel cells, micro-hydro generation systems and energy storage technologies. Currently, Apple has 25 operational renewable energy projects around the world, totalling 626 MW of generation capacity, with 286 MW of solar PV generation coming online in 2017, it's most ever in one year.
UPDATES
MILESTONES
China Solar PV Capacity Up By 22% in Q1 2018 In a significant development, the Vizianagaram district collectorate of the Andhra Pradesh state has now completely switched to solar power. Now, the Vizianagaram collectorate has become the Andhra Pradesh’s first collectorate which have made this switch. In order to make this change, it has invested over Rs 93 lakhs. This move will help the collectorate cut down about 110 metric tonnes of green house gas emissions every year. Commenting on the achievement, District Collector, Vivek Yadav said, “Vizianagaram’s initiative will now serve as a model to various government offices not just in the district, but also the state. We are proud to be the first collectorate in the entire state to change over to renewable source of energy.” Yadav further added that 160 KWC solar panels would help generate 19,200 units of energy, which will help them save Rs 3,00,000 every
month ( 18,900 units of consumption). The project received Rs 17 lakhs in subsidy from the state government and, he hopes that the cost will be recovered in six years’ time.
Diu Becomes India’s 1st Smart City to Run on 100%
Diu Smart City has become the country’s first city to run completely on renewable energy during daytime setting a new benchmark for other cities to become clean and green. The Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs said in a statement that until last year, Diu had been importing 73 percent of its power from Gujarat state. Now, the city has adopted a two-pronged approach whereby a 9 MW solar park spread over 50 hectares rocky barren land has been developed besides installing solar panels on the roof tops on 79 government buildings thereby generating 1.3 MW annually, it added.
Moreover, in order to further enhance its solar capacity, the city offers its residents a subsidy of Rs 10,000-50,000 for installing 1-5KW roof top solar panels, the Ministry said. Besides, Diu is saving about 13,000 tonnes of carbon emissions every year. Also, on the back of low-cost solar energy, power tariffs have been cut in residential category by 10 percent last year and 15 percent this year. On other smart cities, it said that, to improve traffic management in Bengaluru Smart City, a prototype of an intelligent traffic management solution is currently being
tested in collaboration with the Electronics City Township Authority (ELCITA). Also, in order to revitalise urban public spaces and socially activating the area besides generating economic activity, Jaipur Smart City Ltd (JSCL) has planned to develop night bazaar at Chaura Rasta, in the heart of Pink city. The JSCL would register up to 700 vendors who will be allowed to set up stalls, including eateries, between 9pm and 1am. The project will provide entertainment, culture and shopping to citizens after office hours.
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MILESTONES
UPDATES
Matheran Toy Train Stations in Maharashtra Turns Green
In a move to boost the use of renewable energy, four stations of Matheran Hill Railway in Maharashtra’s Raigad district have installed solar power and wind energy plants. Commenting on the development, Central Railway, Chief Public Relations Officer, Sunil Udasi said that on the installation of Green Energy System, the generation capacity of
each system at four stations - Jummapatti, Waterpipe, and Aman Lodge is 75-80 kWh, while at Matheran, it is 680-690 kWh per month. Now, all these four stations are provided with a solar power plant of 500-1000 Wp capacity and windmill capacity of 6.1 KWp at Matheran including energy efficient LED
lights and fans. Besides reducing the carbon footprints, the power supply from the renewable sources will significantly bring down the hill railway station's electricity bill and resulting in savings of Rs 2.07 lakh per year. The Matheran Railway is a small line of 2 ft. gauge constructed in the year 1907 and being rewarded World Heritage in by UNESCO. It is a mode of transport to reach the plateau top in the near vicinity of the city of Mumbai. This railway is known as Matheran toy train. Later the special Toy Train has honoured by the name “PhulRani”. A narrow gauge toy train from Neral (87 km. from Mumbai) meanders up the mountain, treating the tourists to a breathtaking view. This hill railway was built by Sir Adamjee Peerbhoy, is 20 km. (12.6 miles) long and has a gauge of two feet with a ruling gradient of 1 in 20.
NCI in Maharashtra gets its First 790kwp Solar Power Plant The first ever solar power captive plant having 790kwp capacity has been installed in the premises of National Cancer Institute (NCI), Hingna Road in Maharashtra. The solar plant was inaugurated by the Energy Minister Chandrashekshar Bawankule. It has been installed on the rooftop of NCI and is expected to generate 3,500 unit electricity per day. The Minister appreciated the NCI team and said, “Installation of the solar power plant in the campus is a great idea. It is laudable that the parking space rooftop is being utilized in a systematic way.” “Most of the business and medical projects in Vidarbha are still not working in full swing because the required energy capital is expensive. We need to take major initiatives and focus more on green energy,” Bawankule added. The Minister assured the cancer institute to install most advanced power plant set-up of 33kW in the institute’s premises and that would be operational by May 2019.
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Ashok Mokha who was guest of honour and chairperson of the function said, “NCI is one of the best medical cancer facilities in the country and now complimented with its own energy power plant, NCI has set an example of ideal green medical institute.” Besides, State Home Minister, Ranjit Patil said, “This is high time that not just organizations
from different backgrounds but people on individual level should take a step ahead in promoting green energy. It not reduces station on the resources but also helps to reduce carbon foot print.”
NATIONAL EVENTS 3RD SOLAR INDIA 2018 EXPO
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website : www.all-energy.co.uk
website : www.solarsouth.in START DATE : 14-June-2018 END DATE : 16-June-2018
INTERNATIONAL EVENTS
Location : Chennai, India Phone : +91 95000 70800
E-mail : solarsouth@smartexpos.in
START DATE : 02-May-2018 Location : Glasgow, UK END DATE : 03-May-2018 E-mail : all-energy@reedexpo.co.uk Phone : +44 208 4395560
SNEC 12TH (2018) website : www.snec.org.cn
WORLD RENEWABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGY CONGRESS & EXPO
website : wretc.in
START DATE : 21-Aug-2018 END DATE : 23-Aug-2018
Location : New Delhi, India Phone : +91 9213901510 E-mail : punit.nagi@ee-foundation.org
START DATE : 28-May-2018 END DATE : 30-May-2018 E-mail : info@snec.org.cn
RENEWABLE ENERGY INDIA EXPO 2018 START DATE : 18-Sep-2018 END DATE : 20-Sep-2018
Location : Greater Noida, India Phone : +919990962410 E-mail : Pankaj.sharma@ubm.com
INTERSOLAR INDIA 2018
website : www.intersolar.in
Phone :
+86 21 53893020
5TH SOLAR AFRICA 2018 website : www.expogr.com/solarafrica START DATE : 29-May-2018 END DATE : 31-May-2018 E-mail : feedback@expogr.com
website : www.renewableenergyindiaexpo.com
Location : Shanghai, China
Location : Nairobi, Kenya Phone :
+971 4 3721421
BRAZIL SOLAR POWER CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION
website : www.brazilsolarpower.com
Location : Brazil START DATE : 12-Jun-2018 Phone : +55 21 31549412 END DATE : 13-Jun-2018 E-mail : luiz.renato@canalenergia.com.br
START DATE : 11-Dec-2018 END DATE : 13-Dec-2018
Location : Bangalore, India Phone : +49 7231 58598215 E-mail : feth@solarpromotion.com
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