Highlights

Hospitality major IHC has signed a 25-year power purchase agreement with Tata Power arm TP Kirnali Solar, which will allow it to meet up to 60% power requirement of its Mumbai hotels with solar energy.

The program aims at supporting the development of innovative electric vehicle (EV) solutions like extending range through battery capacity improvements, and battery management, fast charging infrastructure, and mobile charging solutions for emergencies. Two startups shall be supported each year with up to INR 80 lakh each to complete proof of concept and develop prototypes. 

Companies investing in battery energy storage have historically relied on trust in the major brands supplying the batteries and complete systems. However, with the absence of international manufacturing quality standards, increasing price pressure on major brands, and the proliferation of low-cost manufacturers, buyers and investors are being forced to address quality risks with batteries. Ian Gregory and Benjamin Sternkopf of PI Berlin discuss the need for independent quality assessment in energy storage.

New large-scale solar installations totaled 120 MW compared to 896 MW in the first quarter of year 2020. Rooftop solar addition fell to 85 MW from 194 MW installed in the previous quarter.

In March, the government said delays in renewable energy plant construction on account of Covid-19-prompted supply chain disruption would be considered a force majeure event.

The Gujarat-based solar developer will use Rs 76 crore to finance a new 20 MW solar project at Bharuch and Rs 31.50 crore to refinance an existing 15 MW plant.

Bids are invited to install solar power generating systems ranging from 2 MW to 10 MW at various locations in Maharashtra. Bidding closes on September 25.

Delinking the battery (which accounts for 30-40% of the total vehicle cost) will bring the upfront cost of the electric 2-wheelers (2W) and 3-wheelers (3W) to be lower than internal combustion engine counterparts. The battery could be provided separately by the original equipment manufacturer or the energy service provider. 

Analysts at Wood Mackenzie have looked at plans for the incoming decade and concluded that about 119 manufacturing sites will be up and running by 2030. China currently sits firmly in the driving seat, with Asia Pacific comprising 80% of global manufacturing capacity, but Europe is catching up.

Bidders have until August 25 to lodge the interest for design, engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) work of a 25 MW floating solar plant in Khandwa district.