India’s MNRE Seeks Innovation In Solar Pumps Design and Costs
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) had issued updated specifications for stand-alone solar pumps on 17.07.2019 and since then the Ministry states that it has received representations from innovators claiming that by using different design/software for the stand-alone solar pump they can achieve performance better than specified by the Ministry in a cost effective manner. At present under MNRE Scheme stand-alone solar pumps fulfilling MNRE specifications can be installed, however, in order to promote innovation in technology, the Ministry has decided to permit installation of innovative stand-alone solar pumps in test mode.
Coronavirus Update: Renewable Energy Projects Must-Run Says Indian MNRE
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued a notice to Discoms stating to clear their dues regularly as was being done before the lock down and the notice also states that they should continue to buy power from renewable energy producers. According to the notice, the power ministry has recently issued instructions providing a moratorium to Discoms for making payments to electricity generating companies in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak. Some state Discoms, however, used that order to start curtailing renewable energy power(Partially or completely) terming the prevailing situation a ‘force majeure’ condition.
Rajasthan’s 2.2 GW Solar Park is Now Fully Operational
India has completed its largest solar power park after the completion of the 300 megawatt solar power project. A 300 megawatt solar power project at Bhadla solar power was recently commissioned by Hero Future Energies. The solar park is now complete with installed capacity of 2,245 megawatts, with this project. The park hosts 260 megawatts owned by India’s largest power generation company — the state-owned NTPC Limited. State government itself developed 745 megawatts of capacity, a joint venture company of IL&FS and Rajasthan government developed 1 gigawatt of capacity, while another joint venture between Adani Enterprises and Rajasthan government developed 500 megawatts.
Rooftop Solar Capacity Installed in India reached 1922 MW says RK Singh
India’s rooftop solar project capacity has reached 1922 MW and an amount of about Rs 1,874 crore has been released as central financial assistance towards installation of capacities in the sector. Out of the aggregate capacity of 1922 MW, 346MW has been installed in the residential sector said RK Singh, MNRE in the Rajya Sabha. In order to increase the installation of the residential solar rooftop system government is taking several steps, which also involves providing the DISCOMs with incentives for achievement of additional capacity, hel[ in developing an online portal and aggregation of demand related to rooftop solar projects.
Yinson Acquires 37.5% Stake in Indian Power Producer
Yinson Holding Bhd signed up multiple agreements in order to acquire 37.5% equity interest in Rising Sun Energy Pte Ltd which currently owns two operational solar plants in the Bhadla Solar Park, Rajasthan. The agreements were entered through Yinson’s unit, Yinson Renewables (S) Pte Ltd. “The group will pay 554 million rupees (RM32 million) for the stake, subject to closing conditions, while also providing funding of 600 million rupees (RM35 million) to repay certain outstanding liabilities of Rising Sun Energy,” the energy solutions provider said in a statement today. The two adjoining solar plants have a combined generation capacity of 140MW (AC rated) and achieved their scheduled commissioning dates in 2017. Rising Sun Energy has signed 25-year power purchase agreements, expiring in 2042, with India’s largest power utility, NTPC Limited, which is majority owned by the Indian government.
SECI invites queries online as pre-bid meetings get cancelled
The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has requested all prospective bidders to 34 MW Singareni Collieries Company Ltd project in Telangana and 14 MW solar plus storage project in Ladakh to submit their pre-bid queries online so as to save on overall tendering time. Global bids were invited in March to set up 34 MW (AC) grid-connected solar power plant for the SCCL at its two different sites in Telangana. The 14 MW solar power plant with 42 MWh battery energy storage system in Union Territory of Ladakh shall come up at Leh and Kargil districts (7 MW with 21 MWh each) and is to be developed on “build own operate” basis.
