C2 Energy Capital completes 5.5 MW community solar projects in New York

-

28th May 2020

Century New Energy Network CNE analysis team released the export data of inverters manufactured in China in April 2020. Statistics show that the value of export of inverters made in China in April was US $232 million (including photovoltaic inverter, off-grid solar energy inverter, vehicle inverter, etc.), 4.36% lower than last month due to the global 2019-nCoV epidemic. Since 2020, SOFARSOLAR’s global market performance has been eye-catching. This time it ranked third in the monthly list of value of export of China’s inverter brands, once again refreshing the position of SOFARSOLAR in the international market.

Headquartered in Shenzhen, China, SOFARSOLAR is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Shenzhen SOFAR Group. SOFAR Group was founded in 2007, involving SOFAR Communication, SOFARSOLAR, SOFAR Industrial Park, investment and other businesses, among which SOFARSOLAR has become one of the top 5 series inverter enterprises in China and the global leader in energy storage inverters. Relying on the strong capability and financial support of SOFAR Group, SOFARSOLAR was established in 2013, focusing on inverter product research and development, production, sales and service, and providing customers with comprehensive solutions. At present, it mainly provides energy storage inverter, AC-coupled inverter, 1-3kW single-phase photovoltaic grid-connected inverter, 3-6kW dual-channel MPPT photovoltaic grid-connected inverter, 4-120kW three-phase photovoltaic grid-connected inverter, battery, battery cabinet, charging pile and other products.

Currently SOFARSOLAR covers more than 60 countries and regions in the world, and occupies an important market share in China, Italy, Poland, the Netherlands, Brazil, South Korea, Germany, Vietnam, India, Russia, South Africa, Pakistan, the Philippines and other countries. SOFARSOLAR has become the trustworthy inverter brand preferred by the local.

The international market is an important part of SOFARSOLAR’s global strategic layout. In recent years, SOFARSOLAR has actively raised the ratio of resources and made both efforts in domestic and foreign markets. In the face of market changes, the company adjusted its market strategy in a timely manner to ensure that the domestic market progressed steadily and sales performance continued to rise. For the foreign market, based on the long-term market cultivation, SOFARSOLAR continues to cooperate in-depth with internationally renowned enterprises. With the swift development of international performance and the rapid increase of market share, SOFARSOLAR has continuously refreshed its international market position.

Since 2020, encountering the impact of the global 2019-nCoV epidemic, SOFARSOLAR has kept its international market share continuing to grow by taking positive and effective measures. According to the monthly list of value of export of China’s inverter brands released by CNE analysis team, SOFARSOLAR leapt to the third place. This is the recognition from the market, and it is also the best embodiment of SOFARSOLAR to be the most innovative expert enterprise in the industry of persisting in starting from customers and creatively providing customers with valuable services.

In the future, SOFARSOLAR will uphold the corporate mission of “Creating Clean Energy and Leading A Green Life”, quickly promote the popularization and application of photovoltaic power generation, and strive to become a proud partner of global customers.

Treasury Department Guidance on Safe Harbor Change, SEIA

By

-

28th May 2020

New guidance from the Treasury Department confirms that the safe harbor provisions for the solar Investment Tax Credit will be extended until 15 October as a result of the pandemic, giving solar companies more time to qualify for the important credit.

Erin Duncan, vice president of congressional affairs for the Solar Energy Industries Association said “We appreciate the additional layer of clarity the Treasury Department has provided with respect to solar projects started in 2019. Today’s action shows that solar energy is an economic driver with bipartisan appeal. This action is among a number of steps policymakers can take to add jobs, inject tens of billions of dollars into the economy and help this country recover from this awful crisis in red states and blue states alike.”

Energy Impact Partners acquire 102 MW portfolio of community solar projects in New York

By

Geeta Takkar

-

28th May 2020

Energy Impact Partners (EIP), one of the world’s leading investment firms focused on the sustainable energy transition, and NextPower III, an international fund managed by NextEnergy Capital Group (NEC), announced the closing of an agreement for the acquisition of an 102 megawatt (MW) portfolio of community solar projects in upstate New York. This portfolio will be developed under the management of EIP’s Infrastructure Group and in collaboration with U.S. Light Energy, one of New York’s largest community solar development companies.

Amid a growing pandemic and economic downturn, the 102 MW portfolio is expected to bring 2,100 manufacturing and 1,365 installation jobs to the state and create 231 indirect jobs in supporting industries. In addition, the projects will provide access to clean power for approximately 15,000 New York households and help the state reach its mandate of 100 percent net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 as laid out in Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Green New Deal Program.

Hans Kobler, Managing Partner of EIP proudly stated that, the company was excited about their first infrastructure project with partners Next Energy Capital and U.S. Light Energy and looked forward too many more to come. In the challenging times, community solar continued to offer attractive risk-adjusted returns while generating jobs and laying the foundation for a better, cleaner future. The expansion was the logical evolution of their strategy, leveraging their expansive utility partner network, portfolio of innovative technology leaders and deep sector expertise.

This first community solar portfolio includes 15 sites located across upstate New York in multiple NYISO Load Zones and is expected to be fully constructed and operational within 18 months. Subscriptions to these projects will be made available to all households in National Grid’s utility territory, spanning from Buffalo and Lake Erie to Albany and the Capital Region, and up into the vast North Country.

Mark Richardson, President and CEO of U.S. Light Energy commented that, they were proud to be working with Energy Impact Partners on the substantial portfolio of community solar projects in thier home state of New York. Energy Impact Partners’ financial strength, proven capabilities, and unique position in the marketplace made them a great fit for them at U.S. Light Energy. The company could not have asked for a better partner to work with for their community solar portfolio.

EIP’s recently launched Infrastructure Group is made up of seasoned energy professionals with deep expertise in development, construction, financing and operation of distributed generation and storage assets. The team seeks to partner with developers looking for seamless, flexible funding for portfolios of community solar and other distributed generation projects across the US.

Goodyear and Enovos’s PV power stations to reduce carbon emissions by 46.3 tons

By

Geeta Takkar

-

28th May 2020

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NASDAQ: GT) and Enovos will build two photovoltaic power stations at Goodyear’s testing facilities in Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg.

The two stations will produce annually around 5 GWh and reduce carbon emissions by 46.3 tons, providing clean energy for around 1,200 households for the next 20 years.

As part of the company’s Goodyear Better Future corporate responsibility strategy, Goodyear previously outlined goals to reduce its environmental impact and increase its commitment to protect the environment.

Goodyear is tracking well toward that target, with the photovoltaic power stations projected to add local, green, carbon-free energy into the Luxembourg energy grid beginning in 2022.

The photovoltaic stations will expand on Goodyear’s long-standing relationship with Luxembourg’s main energy supplier, Enovos, to produce steam for production at its Luxembourg plant.

Xavier Fraipont, Goodyear’s Vice President for Product Development in Europe Middle East and Africa commented that, the company is continuously working to reduce the environmental impact. The project would contribute to the local green and carbon-free energy supply, benefiting the community and helping to protect the environment for years to come.

Erik von Scholz, CEO of Enovos Luxembourg added that, they were delighted to continue their great and longtime collaboration with Goodyear. The project was a prime example of company’s ambitions to increase their local renewable energy production and provide their customers with high quality green products for a more sustainable future.

Minister for Energy, Claude Turmes stated that, they welcomed Goodyear’s announcement, which was perfectly in line with their policy of energy transition. By speeding up the transition, they can not only strengthen the resilience but also their independence from fossil fuel imports.

World falling short on SDG 7 targets, says IEA

By

-

28th May 2020

To meet Sustainable Development Goal 7 by 2030, countries must safeguard the gains already attained and accelerate efforts to achieve affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.

Despite accelerated progress over the past decade, the world will fall short of ensuring universal access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy by 2030 unless efforts are scaled up significantly, according to the new Tracking SDG 7: The Energy Progress Report released by the International Energy Agency (IEA) the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD), the World Bank and the World Health Organization (WHO).

According to the report, significant progress had been made on various aspects of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7 prior to the start of the Covid-19 crisis. This includes a notable reduction in the number of people worldwide lacking access to electricity, strong uptake of renewable energy for electricity generation, and improvements in energy efficiency. Despite these advances, global efforts remain insufficient to reach the key targets of SDG 7 by 2030.

The number of people without access to electricity declined from 1.2 billion in 2010 to 789 million in 2018, however, under policies that were either in place or planned before the start of the Covid-19 crisis, an estimated 620 million people would still lack access in 2030, 85% of them in Sub-Saharan Africa. SDG 7 calls for universal energy access by 2030.

The 2020 report introduces tracking on a new indicator, 7.A.1, on international financial flows to developing countries in support of clean and renewable energy. Although total flows have doubled since 2010, reaching $21.4 billion in 2017, only 12% reached the least-developed countries, which are the furthest from achieving the various SDG 7 targets.

The five custodian agencies of the report were designated by the UN Statistical Commission to compile and verify country data, along with regional and global aggregates, in relation to the progress in achieving the SDG 7 goals. The report presents policymakers and development partners with global, regional and country-level data to inform decisions and identify priorities for a sustainable recovery from Covid-19 that scales up affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy. This collaborative work highlights once more the importance of reliable data to inform policymaking as well as the opportunity to enhance data quality through international cooperation to further strengthen national capacities. The report has been transmitted by SDG 7 custodian agencies to the United Nations Secretary-General to inform the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development’s annual review.

Key highlights on Renewables: The share of renewables in the global energy mix reached 17.3% of final energy consumption in 2017, up from 17.2% in 2016 and 16.3% in 2010. Renewables consumption (+2.5% in 2017) is growing faster than global energy consumption (+1.8% in 2017), continuing a trend in evidence since 2011. Most of the growth in renewables has occurred in the electricity sector, thanks to the rapid expansion of wind and solar power that has been enabled by sustained policy support and falling costs. Meanwhile, the use of renewables in heating and transport is lagging. An acceleration of renewables across all sectors will be needed to achieve SDG target 7.2. The full impact of the Covid-19 crisis on renewables is yet to become clear. Disruption to supply chains and other areas risks delaying deployments of wind and solar PV. The growth of electricity generation from renewables appears to have slowed down as a result of the pandemic, according to the available data. But they so far appear to be holding up much better than other major fuels such as coal and natural gas.

Cochin Port Invites Power Developers For Setting Up 1.50 MWp Grid Connected Floating Solar Power Projects in Kerala

By

-

27th May 2020

Cochin Port Trust floated Notice Inviting Tender (NIT) under single stage 2 cover system to solar Power Developers for Setting up or 1.50 MWp (0.75 MW x 2) Grid Connected Floating Solar Power Projects at Backwaters near CoPT’s walkway avenue between BOT junction and Kannangau bridge at W/island. Cochin, Kerala under Competitive Bidding process.It includes Operation & Maintenance (O & M) of the project for a period of 25 years under RE CO Model ( BOOT) after Operational Acceptance.

A pre-bid Meeting is scheduled at 30105 12020 at 11.30 hrs .Last date for bid submission is on 20/06/2020 at 15.00 hrs.

Along with bids the bidders must submit Earnest Money Deposit of Rs.13.50 Lakh and should also submit tender document fee of Rs.10,500/. The Performance Security (PBG) PBG of Rs 67.50 Lakhs shall be furnished by successful bidder after issue of Letter of Award by Cochin Port Trust.The total Tender Value is Rs. : 6,50,00,000.

Maximum levelized tariff allowed is Rs. 3.97 per Kwh.Contract period is for 25 years and time of execution of PPA is from 1 month from date issue of LoA.Time of completion of solar plant is 8 Months from date of issue of signing of PPA.

The scope of work includes Site Survey, Design, Engineering, Manufacture, Supply, Storage, Civil work, Erection, Testing, Commissioning of 1.5MWp Grid Connected Floating Solar PV Project in the Backwaters near CoPT walkway avenue between BOT junction and Kannangatt bridge.

Eligibility to participate in tender is the bidders should have experience of having successfully completed similar works during the last seven years ending on 30/04/2020.Bidder should have Three similar completed works, each single contract costing not less than Rs.2. 70 Cr. (or installed 0.60MWp). or two similar completed works. Each single contract costing not less than Rs.3.38 Cr (or installed 0.75MWp). OR one similar completed work costing not less than Rs.5.40Cr. (or installed 1.20MWp).

Average Financial turnover of the tenderer during the last 3 financial years ending 31st March 2019. shall not be less than Rs.2.03 Cr.

The European Investment Bank to support 66 MW Solar Project in Poland

By

-

27th May 2020

The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed its first loan to a company building and running photovoltaic plants in Poland. The EU bank will lend PLN 82m (around EUR 18m) to Energy Solar Projekty sp.z o.o. for the construction and operation of 66 small-scale, independent photovoltaic (PV) plants. With an average nominal capacity for each plant of less or equal than 1 MW, the total capacity will reach about 65,6 MW. This is the equivalent of 19,000 households, which could be supplied with the energy generated by the project.

The borrower, Energy Solar Projekty sp.z o.o, is a subsidiary company of the Energy and Infrastructure SME Fund managed by the Lithuanian-based investment management company Lords LB Asset Management.

The operation has the guarantee of the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI), which is the financial pillar of the Investment Plan for Europe jointly managed by the European Commission and the EIB. The EIB is co-financing the project with DNB Bank Polska, each bank providing 50% of senior debt (total amount PLN 164m). The shareholders of the borrower (Energy Solar Projekty sp.z o.o.) will put around 30% of total funding needs of the project.

The PV plants are located in northern Poland, covering areas in the Voivodships of West Pomerania, Pomerania, Warmia-Masuria and Kuyavia-Pomerania, with a larger conglomeration in the first three regions. The PV plants are grouped in eight project companies, each comprising of one or more individual plants. Energy Solar Projekty sp.z o.o. is the holding company owning the overall portfolio.

The total capacity of all newly built independent PV plants in the portfolio will produce approximately 68,000 MWh of electricity in the first year and will help to reduce 47,000 tons of carbon dioxide each year. It is estimated that the total installed capacity of all solar power plants in Poland has reached around 1.3 GW in the end of 2019.

Paolo Gentiloni, European Commissioner for the Economy said that “The financing agreement signed to build these solar energy plants is excellent news both for Poland’s economy and its environment. The European Green Deal will be at the heart of our efforts to rebuild our economies after the coronavirus pandemic and Poland should continue to make use of all the EU support on offer”.

“This is the first concrete project financed by the EIB under a programme loan dedicated to solar energy in Poland and approved in 2018. We hope more will come to life in the near future,” said Teresa Czerwinska, EIB Vice-President, who oversees the bank’s operations in Poland.

MNRE Invites Consulting Firms For Implementing Plan Under One Sun One World One Grid

By

-

27th May 2020

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India invites proposals from qualifying Consulting Firms for “Developing a long-term vision, implementation plan, road map and institutional framework for implementing “One Sun One World One Grid”.

A Pre-bid Meeting is scheduled at 5 th June, 2020.The deadline for submission of pre bid queries is 15th June, 2020.Deadline for submission of proposals Online and Hard Copy is 6th July and 8th July, 2020 respectively .

The scope of work is planned to be undertaken in a phased approach consisting of three phases viz. assessment, design & pilot followed by a full-scale roll-out.

The proposal states that “The World Bank has extended a $625 million concessional loan to the State Bank of India (“SBI”) to finance GRPV projects. As a part of this process, SUPRABHA, a Technical Assistance program to accelerate the deployment of Grid Connected Rooftop Solar installations in the country was also commissioned. The TA Program is governed by the Steering Committee comprising MNRE, SBI and The World Bank. Basis the engagement between The World Bank and MNRE, the task of developing a vision, implementation plan, road map and institutional framework for implementing “One Sun One World One Grid” has been taken up by the TA Program.

MNRE will be evaluating the proposals, selecting the implementing firm, supervising, driving all the activities and deliverables that will be implemented under this RFP by engaging the resources identified and allocated to ensure single source of communication, comprehensive review, diligent monitoring towards achieving high quality deliverables on a timely basis.

MNRE has asked firms to send offers electronically, comprising a technical proposal and financial proposal on sk.gupta81@gov.in at or before 11:59 PM Indian Standard Time (IST), on 6th July, 2020. MNRE may at its discretion extend the deadline for the submission of proposals.

The physical copy of the technical and financial proposals should also be delivered in two separate envelopes marked “RFP No. 322/2/2020-NSM dated for “Developing a long-term vision, implementation plan, road map and institutional framework for implementing “One Sun One World One Grid” and should be submitted on or before 8th July,2020. The financial proposal should be placed inside the envelope comprising the technical proposal.

The document also highlights that It may be noted that the costs of preparing the proposal and of negotiation of the contract, including visits to MNRE/Other organizations for presentation, are not reimbursable. The Proposal, as well as any and all related correspondence exchanged by the agency / bidder and MNRE, shall be in English.

The notice stated that “ The selected Bidder is expected to commence the assignment on the date specified in the Work Order.”

India’s Prime Minister recently called for connecting solar energy supply across borders, with the mantra of ‘One Sun One World One Grid’ (OSOWOG). The vision behind the OSOWOG mantra is “The Sun Never Sets” and is a constant at some geographical location, globally, at any given point of time. With India at the fulcrum, the solar spectrum can easily be divided into two broad zones viz. far East which would include countries like Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand, Lao, Cambodia etc. and far West which would cover the Middle East and the Africa Region. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India, has a critical role to play in synergizing over 140 countries, across the far east and the far west regions, to build consensus, launch energy policy imperatives and set up a framework for such a global cooperation. India, through the OSOWOG initiative, plans to take another leap towards building a global ecosystem of interconnected renewable energy resources that are seamlessly shared for mutual benefits and global sustainability.

The initiative is planned across three phases: Phase I (Middle East-South Asia-South East Asia (MESASEA) interconnection): Indian Grid interconnection with Middle East, South Asia and South East Asian grids to share solar and other renewable energy resources for meeting electricity needs including peak demand. For this purpose, an assessment shall be made of renewable energy potential of all countries in these regions and a study carried out so as to how they can share their renewable energy resources with each other for meeting their electricity demand including peak demand and also for rationalizing their tariffs. Phase II (Solar and other Renewable Energy resources rich regions’ interconnection): MESASEA grid getting interconnected with the African power pools to share solar and other renewable energy power of the countries located in solar and renewable energy rich areas. Phase III (Global interconnection): to achieve the One Sun One World One Grid vision

To qualify for this bid the bidding entity must be a legal entity registered either in India or any other country under applicable laws. JV or Consortium is allowed (Lead partner or consortium/JV partner) of complementary functional expertise with at least one Indian firm in the JV or Consortium. JV or Consortium should include adequate expertise to demonstrate the following: Direct experience on cross border power transmission covering multiple countries (i.e South Asia, South East Asia, Africa, China, Europe, Middle East, North America etc.,) In depth understanding of Power systems, power market, power planning, Transmission planning covering each country of interest,Direct experience in under sea transmission feasibility and experience in desert (extreme weather variation),Experience in environment and social impact assessment studies.

The bidding entity must have experience of executing (completed on ongoing) at least 10 assignments relevant to the scope of work of this RFP in countries other than India in last 10 years (member firm or parent company credentials shall not be considered) The bidding entity must have experience of executing (completed on ongoing) at least one assignment related to power sector aspects related to different studies across multiple countries in last 5 years in the areas of harmonization of regulation, technical standard, power market coupling and transmission pricing etc.

The bidding entity must also have MAAT (Average of last 3 years) to be INR 500 Crores from consulting business in India or any other country. Chartered Accountant certificate should be provided.

The Price (F) excluding all applicable taxes has to be quoted in Indian Rupee only and Taxes should be mentioned separately.

NTPC Invites Bidders for EPC Package with Land to Develop 600 MW Solar Projects Across India

By

-

27th May 2020

National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC) has floated an Invitation For Bids (IFB) for EPC package with land for development of ISTS grid connected solar PV projects up to 600 MW.

Individual Project capacity shall be of minimum 50 MW or higher in multiples of 10 MW whereas the maximum Capacity of a single Project is 300MW.

Pre Bid Conference for this tender is scheduled on 12.06.2020.The Last Submission Date and Time for both Techno-Commercial Bid and Price Bid is 22.06.2020 at 14:00 hrs.The Date and Time of start of Reverse Auction Shall be Intimated separately by NTPC.

The scope of work for this tender includes Design, Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply, Packing and Forwarding, Transportation, Unloading, Storage, Installation and Commissioning of grid connected Solar PV projects located anywhere in India on turnkey basis.

Scope of Work for Solar Plant up to ISTS Substation includes complete transfer of ownership/lease of encumbrance free land in favour of NTPC Ltd , Connectivity at ISTS substation and facilitate NTPC in the application process and All EPC works required for Development of Solar PV Project along with power evacuation system and telemetry up to ISTS substation as per detailed technical Specifications and CEA Technical standards and performance testing for demonstration of Guaranteed Generation at ISTS interconnection point.

Operation & maintenance of complete Solar PV plant including Switchyard and power evacuation system till ISTS substation along with consumables and spare parts for a period of Three years from the date of successful completion of trial run.

Pre Bid Conference for this tender is scheduled on 12.06.2020.The Last Submission Date and Time for both Techno-Commercial Bid and Price Bid is 22.06.2020 at 14:00 hrs.The Date and Time of start of Reverse Auction Shall be Intimated separately by NTPC.

Along with the bids the bidders have to submit INR 22,500/ as the Cost of Bidding Documents.

To be eligible in bidding the bidder should have designed, supplied, erected/ supervised erection and commissioned/ supervised commissioning of Solar PhotoVoltaic (SPV) based grid connected power plant(s) of cumulative installed capacity of 40 MWp or higher, out of which at least one plant should have been of 10 MWp or higher capacity. The reference plant of 10 MWp or higher capacity must have been in successful operation for at least six months prior to the date of techno-commercial bid opening.The Bidder should be a developer of Solar PhotoVoltaic (SPV) based grid connected power plant(s) of cumulative installed capacity of 40 MWp or higher, out of which at least one plant should have been of 10 MWp or higher capacity. The reference plant of 10 MWp or higher capacity must have been in successful operation for at least six months prior to the date of techno-commercial bid opening.

The Bidder should have executed in the last ten (10) years an industrial project either as developer or as EPC Contractor in the area of power/ steel/ oil and gas/ petro-chemical/ fertilizer/cement/coal mining including coal handling plant and/ or any other process industry, of a value of Rs. 210 Crore or more in a single project or single work respectively and the same should be in successful operation for at least one year prior to the date of techno-commercial bid opening.

The Bidder should also have executed at least one Electrical Sub-station of 33 kV or above voltage level, consisting of equipment such as 33kV or above voltage level circuit breakers and Power transformer, either as developer or as EPC Contractor which should be in successful operation for at least one year prior to the date of techno-commercial bid opening. The bidder should be an Indian company registered in India and should be a Group company/Holding Company/Subsidiary company.

The average annual turnover of the Bidder, should not be less than Rs. 210 Crore during the preceding three financial years as on date of techno commercial bid opening.

It has been highlighted that transfer of Bidding Documents purchased by one intending Bidder to another is not permissible.

Recently, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL ) floated a tender for Erection and commissioning works (BOS) for 22MW (AC) Floating Solar Photovoltaic Grid-connected Power plant for NTPC at Rajiv Gandhi Combined Cycle Power Project Kayamkulam in Kerala.The opening date of the bid is 05-06-2020 13:30. The value of the tender is Rs. 10.34 Crores. Along with the bids bidders must submit Earnest money deposit of Rs. 20.34 Lakhs.

BHEL Tenders For O&M of 15 MWp Solar Plant In Gujarat

By

-

27th May 2020

Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL ) floated a tender for operation and maintenance works of GACL 15 mwp, solar power plant at Charanka, Gujarat for a period of 103 months (approx.).

The closing date of the bid is 03-06-2020. The value of the tender is Rs.Rs 283.51 Lakhs. Along with the bids bidders must submit Earnest money deposit of Rs. 5.7 Lakhs.

The scope of work also includes cleaning/ removing all debris in line with the bill of quantity as directed by Engineer In-charge. The scope of work under this contract shall cover supply of all materials, labour, tools, and plants etc., unless otherwise specified in the specifications, descriptions of items or in foregoing clauses. oving all debris in line with the bill of quantity as directed by Engineer In-charge. The scope of work under this contract shall cover supply of all materials, labour, tools, and plants etc., unless otherwise specified in the specifications, descriptions of items or in foregoing clauses.

Successful Bidders should submit Security Deposit(SD) of 5% of the work order amount and 50% of SD shall be submitted before start of work.It is also mentioned that 50% of SD will be released after completion of all the works and remaining 50% after 6 months from the date of completion of all the works.

It has been highlighted that Bidders are advised to quote their best prices (% above/ below the total estimate +/ – (or) at par) as no further price bids will be accepted in case BHEL decides to open price bids instead of reverse auction. BHEL reserves right to conduct reverse auction and Reverse auction seal bid opening price should not be more than the manual quoted (hand written) price bid.

To be eligible to participate in this bid bidders must have Average annual financial turnover during the last 3 years ending 31st March of the previous financial year, should be 20% of the NIT value,Experience of having successfully completed similar works i.e. Operation and Maintenance of Solar PV power plants during the last 5 years from the date of tender notice. Bidder should have carried out Operation and Maintenance works for a minimum cumulative of 5 MW Solar PV power plants in India, during last 5 years from the date of tender notice, with each plant having more than 1 M W capacity, for a minimum period of one year.

It is also mentioned in the order that before commencing the work, the contractor shall submit a “ SAFETY PLAN” to the authorized BHEL Official. The ‘SAFETY PLAN’ shall indicate in detail the measure that would be taken by the contractor to ensure safety of men, equipment, material and environment during execution of the work. The plan shall take care to satisfy all requirements specified hereunder. The contractor shall submit a Safety Plan along with his offer. During negotiations before placing of work order and during execution of the contract BHEL shall have right to review and suggest modification in the Safety Plan. Contractor shall abide by the BHEL decision in this respect.

Recently,Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL ) floated a tender for Erection and commissioning works (BOS) for 22MW (AC) Floating Solar Photovoltaic Grid-connected Power plant for NTPC at Rajiv Gandhi Combined Cycle Power Project Kayamkulam in Kerala.The opening date of the bid is 05-06-2020 13:30. The value of the tender is Rs. 10.34 Crores. Along with the bids bidders must submit Earnest money deposit of Rs. 20.34 Lakhs.

Karnataka Extends Validity Of Existing Tariff Structure for Solar Projects till 31st March

By

-

27th May 2020

The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) has recently passed an order regarding extending the validity of the existing tariff structure determined by the Commission in August 2019.

The commission orders that the tariff of solar power projects including roof top is extended for one year from 1st April 2020 to 31st March 2021.

The above tariff order will be applicable for all new solar projects for which power purchase agreements (PPAs) are entered into on or after 1st April 2020.Order mentioned that the other content of the order remains un altered.

The Commission, vide its Order dated 01 .08.2019 had determined levelized tariff for grid connected megawatt scale solar power projects of less than 5 MW capacity at Rs.3.08 per unit; for grid connected 3olar Rooftop Photovoltaic projects of 1 kW lo 2000kW at Rs. 3.07 per unit (without capital subsidy) and at Rs.2.32 only per unit (with capital subsidy]; and for grid connected Solar Rooftop Photovoltaic projects of 1 kW to 10 kW for domestic consumers at Rs.3.99 per unit (without capital subsidy) and at Rs.2.97 per unit (wifh capital subsidy); applicable for the life of the projects, i.e. for 25 years.

These tariffs were applicable to all such new solar power projects for which PPAs are entered into and approved by the Commission, after the date of issue of the said Order and also those which achieved commercial operation on or offer 0 .04.2015. This Order was in force till 31.03.2020.

As on 31.01.2020, the State has an installed Solar Power Generation capacity of 5735.14MW (Source from KREDL) in both Grid Connected ground mounted solar photovoltaic and rooftop solar photovoltaic plants. However the investment in solar rooftop installations out of the above capacity, the installed capacity of SRTPV plants is only 240. 14 MW (Source from KREDL) as of March 2020.

Recently, Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) issued an order in the matter of SECI against four respondents (Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Adani Renewable Energy Park (Gujarat) Limited, Punjab State Power Corporation Limited, India Power Corporation Limited) for the adoption of tariff for 600 MW (out of 1200 MW) Wind- Solar Hybrid Power Projects (Tranche-II) connected to the Inter-State Transmission System and selected through a competitive bidding process.It sanctioned tariff rate Of 2.69 kWh for Wind- Solar Hybrid Power Project.

KSEDC Invites Agencies for Installation of Grid Interactive Hybrid Rooftop Solar Plants in Karnataka

By

-

27th May 2020

The Kerala State Electronics Development Corporation Ltd (KSEDC) has invited Short Term Expression of Interest (EoI) for empanelment of agencies and EPC contractors for the installation of grid-interactive hybrid solar rooftop power plant.

The Last Date & Time of online Submission of Bid document is 30/05/2020 is at 18:00 Hrs.

Date & Time of Opening of Technical Bids (cover 1) is 03/06/2020.There is no pre bid scheduled for this tender.

To be eligible for this bid the bidder shall have executed Hybrid plants in India,should have Min 15 service centers across the state of Karnataka (details of service engineers with name and contact numbers to be provided).The OEM should have installed Hybrid inverter Plants of cumulative 2.5 MW capacity in any Government organization during past 5 years (Supporting document should be provided along with bid ) .The bidder should be a profit making company for last three years and should have annual turn over of min 40 Cr in for last 3 year (2016-17), (2017-18) and (2018-19). Bidders should have Manufacturer’s authorization certificate(Solar Panel,Hybrid Inverter,Battery) and Work Completion Certificate for 2.5MW Hybrid Grid Interactive Solar Power Plant duly signed by the end user.

The tender states that “Only crystalline silicon cell PV modules of 300Wp or higher capacity (Indian Module) should be used in the power plant. 2.Each PV module used in any solar power project must use a RF identification tag (RFID), which must contain the following information. The RFID can be inside or outside the module laminate, but must be able to withstand harsh environmental conditions.”

Document mentions that Only crystalline silicon cell PV modules of 300Wp or higher capacity (Indian Module) should be used in the power plant. 2.Each PV module used in any solar power project must use a RF identification tag (RFID), which must contain the following information. The RFID can be inside or outside the module laminate, but must be able to withstand harsh environmental conditions.

Proposed Grid Interactive Hybrid Solar PhotoVoltaic (SPV) power plant consists of SPV array, Module Mounting Structure, Battery bank, & Hybrid Solar Inverter, AJB, DCDB, ACDB, L.A, Earth kits, Interconnect cables & Civil works. .

The predicted electrical degradation of power generated by SPV modules should not exceed 20% of the minimum rated power over the 25 year period and not more than 10% after ten years period of the full rated original output.

Empanelment would be for a period of 3 years from the date of issuance of empanelment letter/agreement subject to satisfactory services and yearly review.

It has been highlighted that “No Applicant shall contact KSEDC on any matter relating to its application, from the time of opening to the time the empanelment process is complete.”

Recently, Government of Karnataka (GOK) has floated an Invitation for Short Term Expression of Interest (EOI) for Empanelment of Agencies/ EPC contractors for Installation of Grid-Interactive Hybrid Solar Rooftop Plant at different offices of RD&PR, ZP, TP and GP s across Karnataka. The Project will be executed on turnkey basis and the bidding process is carried out as per Two-Stage Tender System. The scope of work for this project is design, supply, and installation of the rooftop plant along with 5 years of maintenance of the Project.

Asunim Bags “Top Brand PV TURKEY 2020” Award

By

-

27th May 2020

EuPD,a globally recognized authoritative research institute declares Asunim with the “Top Brand PV Turkey 2020” certificate confirming its reputation for quality EPC services.

Asunim supply turnkey installation service in the field of photovoltaic solar energy around the world and it has numerous international references that have been successfully completed

In past it has been awarded as the “Top Brand PV Turkey 2020” certificate in the “EPC” category by EuPD Research.

The certificate is accepted as a worldwide leader in the “Top Brand PV 2020” for providing the necessary criteria EPC in Turkey and the first and only company to receive this award by EuPD Research.

EuPD RESEARCH annually conducts surveys among installers in global markets as part of the Global PV Installer Monitor and makes an independent assessment of the perception of many brands.

In Turkey, the Global PV Installer Base on the results of the survey of installers in the various countries of the Monitor’s European product and service quality, reliability and the EPC category The evaluation of consumer satisfaction, “Top Brand PV Turkey 2020” were awarded certificates.

Turkey’s Founding Partner of Asunim, Mr. Umut Gürbüz stated that “Asunim Turkey has been a pioneer on various occasions and a leader on the innovation of PV systems in Turkey. The Top Brand PV Turkey 2020 certificate granted to our company by the world-renowned EuPD in the EPC category made us all proud and motivated for our future work. “

Tata Power’s Renewable Energy portfolio grows to 3883 MW in Q4 FY20

By

-

27th May 2020

Tata Power, India’s largest integrated power company, today, announced that its renewable business capacity crossed 2,637 MW (932 MW Wind & 1705 MW Solar). With this, the company’s Renewable Energy portfolio (includes clean & green projects) stands at 3,883 MW, a 7% increase from the corresponding quarter last year.

The Company witnessed a 34% increase last year with higher operational revenues and EPC volume. With this, the operating renewable portfolio of Tata Power has grown to 2,197 MW, comprising 551 MW wind and 1,646 MW solar respectively this year. At present, Tata Power contributes about 36% of its capacity (in MW terms) through clean and green generation source, which is about 1% of India’s total installed capacity of 372 GW. It also plans to significantly transform the existing model of supply and usage of power with the advent of new technologies and climate change challenges.

“We, at Tata Power, have constantly strived to proliferate the company’s renewable energy portfolio with each passing year. We successfully added a capacity of 312 MW to our TPREL portfolio last year and are in the process of adding another 700 MW. We aim to add a large amount of renewable energy capacity through wind, rooftop solar, solar panels and microgrids to our portfolio every year and scale up our existing portfolio in the next five years,” said Mr. Praveer Sinha, Managing Director & CEO, Tata Power

Mr Ashish Khanna, President – Renewables, Tata Power said, “As the nation is gripped by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we have continued to operate nearly 71 of our renewable project sites at optimum capacity owing to the rising power demands of the states. The announcement by the Government of India that must-run status of renewable energy projects and payments to renewable energy generators to be made on regular basis by the discoms is indeed a welcome move amid this crisis.”

In FY20, Tata Power Solar received a letter of award from NTPC for a 250 megawatt solar project under the central public sector undertakings (CPSU) scheme. The scheme aims to set up 12,000 MW of solar capacity by government companies by financial year 2022-23. TPREL also commissioned 150 MW solar capacity in Rajasthan’s Chayan village. It also initiated the development of 500 MW of renewable capacity across the country including 100 MW under PPA signed with UPPCL and NPCL in Uttar Pradesh, 100 MW under a PPA signed with GUVNL at Raghanesda solar park and 250 MW at Dholera solar park.

Alliant Energy announces six new solar projects in Wisconsin

By

-

27th May 2020

Alliant Energy announces plans to acquire and advance 675 megawatts (MW) of solar in mostly rural areas in six Wisconsin counties: Grant, Jefferson, Richland, Rock, Sheboygan and Wood. The projects are the next step in the company’s Clean Energy Blueprint, a strategic roadmap to cost-effectively accelerate renewable energy while reducing carbon emissions.

Once operational, the energy from the projects will be enough to power 175,000 homes per year – making Alliant Energy the largest owner-operator of solar in Wisconsin. Collectively, these projects are expected to create more than 1,200 local construction jobs, and, once operational, will provide an estimated $80 million in local tax revenues over the next 30 years.

“Solar energy is a smart investment for our Wisconsin customers,” said David de Leon, President of Alliant Energy’s Wisconsin energy company. “At a time when much is changing, these projects will provide steady revenue to Wisconsin communities, create new construction, operation and maintenance jobs, and provide our customers with reliable and sustainable energy for years to come. Along with the rest of the Clean Energy Blueprint, these projects will help customers avoid more than $2 billion in long-term costs.”

Alliant Energy previously announced its plan to install 1,000 MW of solar generation in Wisconsin by 2023; the projects announced today mark the first phase of that plan and include:

The transition to solar energy is driven by changing economics for generation, customer sustainability goals, improvements in renewable technology and the company’s commitment to sustainable practices. The projects, along with the recently announced retirement of the Edgewater Generating Station in Sheboygan, further Alliant Energy’s goal of reducing carbon dioxide emissions from fossil-fueled generation by 40 percent.

This week, Alliant Energy will file a Certificate of Authority application with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) to acquire and advance these projects; docket number 6680-CE-182. The company expects a PSCW decision in the first half of 2021.

Sky Solar Holdings, Ltd. Announces Receipt of Preliminary Non-Binding Proposal

By

-

27th May 2020

Sky Solar Holdings, Ltd., a global developer, owner and operator of solar parks, today announced that its Board of Directors has received a preliminary non-binding proposal letter dated May 25, 2020 from Japan NK Investment K.K., IDG Accel China Capital L.P., IDG-Accel China Capital Investors L.P., Jolmo Solar Capital Ltd., CES Holding Ltd., Jing Kang, Bin Shi, Sino-Century HX Investments Limited and Kai Ding to acquire all outstanding ordinary shares of the Company not beneficially owned by the Buyer Group, including Shares represented by American Depositary Shares of the Company, in a going-private transaction for US$0.30 in cash per Share, or US$6.00 in cash per ADS. A copy of the proposal letter is attached hereto as Exhibit A. The Board previously formed a committee of three independent directors, consisting of Mr. Qiang Zhan, Mr. Naiwei Chen and Mr. Xuelong Pei, to, among other mandates given to the Special Committee, evaluate strategic alternatives available to the Company. Houlihan Lokey Limited and Kirkland & Ellis have been retained by the Special Committee as its financial advisor and legal counsel respectively. Consistent with the powers granted by the Board, the Special Committee will evaluate the Proposed Transaction and any other strategic alternatives available to the Company.

The Board and the Special Committee caution the Company’s shareholders and others considering trading the Company’s securities that no decisions have been made with respect to the Proposed Transaction or any alternative transaction that the Company may pursue. There can be no assurance that any definitive offer will be received, that any definitive agreement will be executed relating to the Proposed Transaction or that any other transaction will be approved or consummated. The Company does not undertake any obligation to provide any updates with respect to any transaction, except as required under applicable law.

Record drop in global energy investment, analysis IEA

By

-

27th May 2020

Impacts are felt across the energy world, from fuel and power supply to efficiency, with serious implications for energy security and clean energy transitions. The Covid-19 pandemic has set in motion the largest drop in global energy investment in history, with spending expected to plunge in every major sector this year – from fossil fuels to renewables and efficiency – the International Energy Agency said in a new report released today.

The unparalleled decline is staggering in both its scale and swiftness, with serious potential implications for energy security and clean energy transitions. At the start of 2020, global energy investment was on track for growth of around 2%, which would have been the largest annual rise in spending in six years. But after the Covid-19 crisis brought large swathes of the world economy to a standstill in a matter of months, global investment is now expected to plummet by 20%, or almost $400 billion, compared with last year, according to the IEA’s World Energy Investment 2020 report.

“The historic plunge in global energy investment is deeply troubling for many reasons,” said Dr Fatih Birol, the IEA’s Executive Director. “It means lost jobs and economic opportunities today, as well as lost energy supply that we might well need tomorrow once the economy recovers. The slowdown in spending on key clean energy technologies also risks undermining the much-needed transition to more resilient and sustainable energy systems.”

The World Energy Investment 2020 report’s assessment of trends so far this year is based on the latest available investment data and announcements by governments and companies as of mid-May, tracking of progress on individual projects, interviews with leading industry figures and investors, and the most recent analysis from across the IEA. The estimates for 2020 then quantify the possible implications for full-year spending, based on assumptions about the duration of lockdowns and the shape of the eventual recovery.

A combination of falling demand, lower prices and a rise in cases of non-payment of bills means that energy revenues going to governments and industry are set to fall by well over $1 trillion in 2020, according to the report. Oil accounts for most of this decline as, for the first time, global consumer spending on oil is set to fall below the amount spent on electricity.

Companies with weakened balance sheets and more uncertain demand outlooks are cutting back on investment while projects are also being hampered by lockdowns and disrupted supply chains. In the longer-term, a post-crisis legacy of higher debt will present lasting risks to investment. This could be particularly detrimental to the outlook in some developing countries, where financing options and the range of investors can be more limited. New analysis in this year’s report highlights that state-owned enterprises account for well over half of energy investments in developing economies.

Global investment in oil and gas is expected to fall by almost one-third in 2020. The shale industry was already under pressure, and investor confidence and access to capital has now dried up: investment in shale is anticipated to fall by 50% in 2020. At the same time, many national oil companies are now desperately short of funding. For oil markets, if investment stays at 2020 levels then this would reduce the previously-expected level of supply in 2025 by almost 9 million barrels a day, creating a clear risk of tighter markets if demand starts to move back towards its pre-crisis trajectory.

Power sector spending is on course to decrease by 10% in 2020, with worrying signals for the development of more secure and sustainable power systems. Renewables investment has been more resilient during the crisis than fossil fuels, but spending on rooftop solar installations by households and businesses has been strongly affected and final investment decisions in the first quarter of 2020 for new utility-scale wind and solar projects fell back to the levels of three years ago. An expected 9% decline in investment in electricity networks this year compounds a large fall in 2019, and spending on important sources of power system flexibility has also stalled, with investment in natural gas plants stagnating and spending on battery storage levelling off.

“Electricity grids have been a vital underpinning of the emergency response to the health crisis – and of economic and social activities that have been able to continue under lockdown,” Dr Birol said. “These networks have to be resilient and smart to ward against future shocks but also to accommodate rising shares of wind and solar power. Today’s investment trends are clear warning signs for future electricity security.”

Energy efficiency, another central pillar of clean energy transitions, is suffering too. Estimated investment in efficiency and end-use applications is set to fall by an estimated 10-15% as vehicle sales and construction activity weaken and spending on more efficient appliances and equipment is dialled back.

The overall share of global energy spending that goes to clean energy technologies – including renewables, efficiency, nuclear and carbon capture, utilisation and storage – has been stuck at around one-third in recent years. In 2020, it will jump towards 40%, but only because fossil fuels are taking such a heavy hit. In absolute terms, it remains far below the levels that would be required to accelerate energy transitions.

“The crisis has brought lower emissions but for all the wrong reasons. If we are to achieve a lasting reduction in global emissions, then we will need to see a rapid increase in clean energy investment,” said Dr Birol. “The response of policy makers – and the extent to which energy and sustainability concerns are integrated into their recovery strategies – will be critical. The IEA’s upcoming World Energy Outlook Special Report on Sustainable Recovery will provide clear recommendations for how governments can quickly create jobs and spur economic activity by building cleaner and more resilient energy systems that will benefit their countries for decades to come.”

The Covid-19 crisis is hurting the coal industry – with investment in coal supply set to fall by one-quarter this year – but does not pose an existential threat. Although decisions to go ahead with new coal-fired plants have come down by more than 80% since 2015, the global coal fleet continues to grow. Based on available data and announced projects, approvals of new coal plants in the first quarter of 2020, mainly in China, were running at twice the rate observed over 2019 as a whole.

EgyptERA Sanctions Construction Of 7.5 MWp Solar Power Plant For ACC

By

-

26th May 2020

The Egyptian Electricity Utilities and Consumer Protection Regulatory Agency (EgyptERA) approved the Arabian Cement Company(ACC) project to install a solar photovoltaic system for its cement plant in the govern-orate of Suez.

The company which supplies approximately 6% of Egypt’s cement signed an agreement with SolarizEgypt. The agreement was made for the construction of a solar photovoltaic power plant for the Arabian Cement Company’s facilities in the govern-orate of Suez located in Egypt. The plant will be built under a BOOT (Build Own Operate Transfer) bases and have a capacity of 7.2 MWp which covers 96,000 m² of area.The company will operate the 7.2 MWp solar power plant over a period of 25 years.

SolarizEgypt is Independent Power Producer (IPP) in this project and will sell the output of the plant to ACC. The cement company claims that the 7.5 MWp supplied by this project represents 4% of the electricity consumed by its facilities.It added that the project will also help in reducing the environmental impact of its facilities.

The cement company recognize the initiative as part of the Egyptian government’s strategy to achieve 20% of the country’s electricity supply by this year end from renewable sources . The construction of the solar power plant will require funding of 100 million Egyptian pound or 6.3 million dollar.

The financing will be provided by Qatar National Bank under the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Green Economy Facility, of which SolarizEgypt is a beneficiary.

Turkey Plans 1 GW Solar Tender Under YEKA

By

-

26th May 2020