Max Hall
India leads region as volume of corporate clean energy smashes record
The nation saw 1.3 GW of renewable energy secured for business through private PPAs in 2018, almost twice as much as the volume recorded in Australia, but the picture could change next year if China follows through with its renewable portfolio standard commitment.
This year could see a reckoning for ultra-mega PV projects
The fate of the clutch of 500 MW-plus projects due to break ground this year could determine whether such ambitious schemes have a viable future, says Wood Mackenzie in its solar 2019 forecast. And the Indian market should brace for consolidation, add the analysts, because of aggressive reverse-auction tariff pricing.
Hyper low costs ensure clean energy investment fell in India last year
The nation still managed to attract around $11.1 billion for renewable energy in 2018, to be the world’s fifth most attractive destination for funds, according to new figures compiled by BloombergNEF.
Exide Industries JV partner gets debt restructuring lift
Swiss battery maker that intends to bring production lines to Gujarat has been helped along in a planned reduction of its debt pile by its domestic authorities. The way is now clear for a shareholder vote next Tuesday.
Exide Industries JV partner prepares for debt restructuring
Historic Swiss brand Leclanché is on an expansionist trail, notably in India and low-carbon shipping, but restructuring its debts will involve ceding even more control of the venerable company to institutional investors.
Government again attempts to woo foreign manufacturers
Ministry of Science and Technology has reissued a plea for overseas solar companies to partner up with Indian concerns to kick-start production lines.
Solar leads renewables charge – but not fast enough
Latest forecasts predict capacity expansions of ever cheaper PV and wind power generation up to 2030 will do little to dethrone king coal in India.
Azure Power agrees Rs2.59 tariff for latest 300 MW project
The developer will supply energy to the NTPC under a 25-year PPA and can build the project anywhere in India, with construction slated to finish in early 2021.
Uttar Pradesh prepares to procure another 550 MW of solar
The state has set an electricity price ceiling of Rs3.10/kWh and reserved the right to cancel the auction if it doesn’t fancy the resulting tariff. Bidders can go for projects ranging in size from 5 MW up to the whole capacity on offer.
Hitting 76% of its solar ambition would still be some achievement for India
Analysts are weighing into the debate over the MNRE’s big solar plans, but pointing out that even a partial victory would set the foundation for future solar triumphs.
