India’s Solar Manufacturing Capacity Hits 50 GW for Modules, 6 GW for Cells: Minister Reveals
India has proudly announced its achievement of self-sufficiency in the production of solar modules, with solar panels worth a remarkable $1.03 billion exported from the nation during the fiscal year 2022-23. The Minister disclosed that India has substantially bolstered its solar power generation capacity, with an impressive addition of approximately 12.78 gigawatts in the preceding financial year. Delving into the specifics, it was revealed that the installed capacity of solar photovoltaic (PV) module manufacturing has soared to around 50 gigawatts, as per data from the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) and assessments conducted by the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE).
Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited Illuminates Asia’s Largest Tea Estate with Innovative Solar Technology
Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL) has successfully commissioned a groundbreaking 1040 kW Bifacial Solar System project at Chengmari Tea Estate, Asia’s largest tea estate. This project is the first-ever deployment of on-ground bifacial modules in eastern India. Despite facing challenging monsoon conditions for 3.5 months, the project, which involved installing approximately 1,900 modules, was completed within a six-month timeframe. It is anticipated to generate around 1.5 MUs of energy annually. This initiative is expected to notably diminish the area’s carbon footprint, with an estimated annual reduction of 29,420 lakh tonnes of CO2, equivalent to planting 47,000 teak trees.
Green Hydrogen Revolution in Indian Steel: National Mission Unleashes Promising Pilot Initiatives
The Indian Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) has unveiled guidelines for the implementation of pilot projects promoting the use of green hydrogen in the steel sector under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. Released on February 2, 2024, the guidelines aim to replace fossil fuels and feedstock with green hydrogen and its derivatives in the steel industry. Under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, the MNRE, in collaboration with the Ministry of Steel and nominated implementing agencies, will focus on three key areas: integrating hydrogen in the Direct Reduced Ironmaking process, utilizing hydrogen in Blast Furnace operations, and gradually substituting fossil fuels with green hydrogen. The scheme also encourages innovative hydrogen applications for carbon emission reduction in iron and steel production.
Waaree Renewable Technologies Secures ₹547.5 Crore Contract for 412 MW Solar Power Plant
Waaree Renewable Technologies Limited announced that it has secured a significant Letter of Award (LOA) for the execution of an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) project for a solar power plant. The project, awarded by one of the world’s leading utility companies in renewable energy, entails the development of a 412 MWp /335 MWac solar power plant on a turnkey basis. The contract, valued at ₹547.5 crore, encompasses the EPC work along with Operations and Maintenance services for a duration of two years post Hand over Take over, valued at ₹6.798 crore.
THDC Unveils Trailblazing Green Hydrogen Pilot Project in Uttarakhand, Pioneering Sustainable Energy Solutions
In a significant stride towards sustainable energy solutions, Tehri Hydro Development Corporation (THDC) has recently launched a pioneering green hydrogen pilot project in Uttarakhand. This venture marks a noteworthy step in embracing eco-friendly technologies to address the growing concerns of environmental sustainability. The project is centered around cutting-edge electrolyser and fuel cell technology, signifying THDC’s commitment to exploring innovative avenues for clean energy production. By introducing this pilot project, THDC aims to demonstrate the feasibility and efficacy of green hydrogen production in the unique topography of Uttarakhand.
Tata Power Solar Enables ₹3,500 Crore Customer Financing to Drive Solar Adoption, Becomes India’s Top Green Energy Partner
Tata Power Solar Systems Limited (TPSSL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL), has facilitated over ₹3,500 crore in customer financing for solar projects over the last 4.5 years. This has strengthened Tata Power’s position as India’s foremost green energy partner, driving the mainstream adoption of Solar Energy. TPSSL’s collaborations with more than 20 financing partners, including PSUs, Private Banks, and NBFCs, have been instrumental in achieving this feat.
India Launches Pilot Projects for Green Hydrogen in Maritime Sector under National Mission
The President of India has given the green light for the initiation of the Scheme for Pilot Projects on the utilization of Green Hydrogen in the Shipping Sector under the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM). The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Hydrogen Division, issued the directive dated February 1, 2024, outlining the objectives and guidelines for the implementation of this groundbreaking initiative. The primary objectives of the scheme include supporting the deployment of Green Hydrogen and its derivatives as ship propulsion fuel on a pilot basis, validating their technical feasibility and performance in real-world operational conditions, and evaluating the economic viability of their usage in the shipping sector. The scheme also aims to assess the effectiveness of Green Hydrogen in ship propulsion, bunkering, and refueling systems at ports, as well as to demonstrate safe and secure operations.
Ministry of Power Amends Renewable Energy Bidding Guidelines for Streamlined Project Initiation
The Ministry of Power’s recent amendments to the Renewable Energy Bidding Guidelines, effective February 2, 2024, signify a strategic overhaul, particularly targeting Clause 14.3 to address delays in power supply commencement. Notably, the removal of Clause 14.3 (b) (ii) aims to expedite project initiation. These changes reflect the government’s commitment to streamlining renewable energy procurement, enhancing operational efficiency, and aligning with sustainability goals. Additionally, the revisions eliminate penalties such as PBG encashment and PPA termination, formerly faced by RE Generators. This move fosters a more favorable environment for RE Developers participating in SECI FDRE tenders, offering increased flexibility and averting debarring consequences.
Tamil Nadu Greenlights Power Sector Evolution: New Distribution, Generation, and Green Energy Entities to Replace Tangedco and TEDA
In a significant move, the Tamil Nadu government has given the green light to restructure the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (Tangedco), paving the way for the creation of a new green energy entity. Tangedco will be bifurcated into two separate corporations – the Tamil Nadu Power Generation Corporation Ltd (TNPGC) and the Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Ltd (TNPDC). While TNPGC will oversee fossil fuel-based thermal power plants, both existing and under construction, TNPDC will manage electricity distribution, encompassing power procurement, metering, billing, and customer support. Simultaneously, the state is set to bolster its commitment to renewable energy with the establishment of the Tamil Nadu Green Energy Corporation Limited (TNGEC).
JSERC Implements New Regulations For Group Net Metering And Virtual Net Metering, 2024
The Jharkhand State Electricity Regulatory Commission (JSERC) has introduced new regulations (Jharkhand State Electricity Regulatory Commission (Group Net Metering and Virtual Net Metering) Regulations, 2024) aimed at promoting group net metering and virtual net metering. These regulations, enacted under the authority granted by the Electricity Act, 2003, underscore the commitment to fostering co-generation and renewable energy-based generation, aligning with the national policy framework advocating for energy security through renewable sources.
TNERC Issues New Regulation For Forecasting, Scheduling, And Deviation Settlement For Wind and Solar Energy Generators The Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission (TNERC) has issued new regulations concerning the forecasting, scheduling, and deviation settlement for wind and solar energy generators in the state. These regulations aim to ensure the smooth integration of renewable energy sources into the grid while upholding stability and security. The regulations emphasize the importance of accurately forecasting wind and solar generation for various operational timeframes. This includes week-ahead, day-ahead, and intra-day scheduling, as well as longer-term planning forecasts. The State Load Dispatch Center (SLDC) plays a pivotal role in considering these forecasts and utilizing conventional generating units and inter-grid tie-lines to accommodate renewable energy generation while maintaining grid security.
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