IRENA and the UN ink agreement in New Delhi to combat desertification with renewables
A memorandum of understanding signed by the institutions was not solar specific but the use of PV modules for shading, especially in agriculture, can reduce water consumption and help halt the expansion of deserts.
The energy transition is easily affordable but all hope of 1.5C warming will vanish in 2028
Technical consultancy DNV GL has published its Energy Transition Outlook 2019. While the electric vehicle, storage and renewable energy industries are likely to see significant rises in demand, the sobering conclusion is the world will miss carbon reduction targets by a long shot.
Solar irrigation product converts sunlight directly into motion
The invention converts energy produced by PV cells directly into mechanical motion without batteries or power electronics. Its developers claim the solar motor can drive irrigation water pumps and ventilation turbines for more than 20 years without maintenance.
Gujarat may lead the renewables race by adding 4-5 GW annually: IEEFA
The state—which had 8.5 GW of renewables capacity (2 GW solar, 6 GW wind and 0.8 GW biomass) operational as of March—is expected to add a staggering 46 GW to reach 55 GW mark by 2029-30.
CSIR-CMERI develops rotating solar power tree
The solar tree—costing around Rs 3 lakh for 3 kW capacity—auto tracks the sun to generate 10-15% extra power.
Visaka’s solar roofing to power Air India SATS’ walkways
Air India SATS has introduced new aircraft-boarding walkways that use integrated solar roofing panels from Visaka Industries to run two air-conditioners for up to six hours.
India’s renewable power generation cost the lowest in Asia Pacific
The cost of solar power generation in India has fallen to half the level seen in many other markets in the region due to extensive solar resource, market scale and competition.
Guntakal railway station installs canopies to harness solar energy and rainwater
The ‘inverted umbrella’ shaped canopies use monocrystalline flexible solar panels on top to generate electricity for functions like mobile and laptop charging, and lighting.
Economic Survey calls for $330 billion investment in renewables
The annual report has placed EVs at the heart of India’s decarbonization and called for an Indian answer to the U.S. ‘Motor City’ of Detroit, where electric vehicles and the batteries to run them could be manufactured.
Greenpeace report lauds India’s ‘solarization of agriculture’
Analysis of the solar pumping programs being rolled out across five states backs claim switching irrigation systems to PV could give the nation a huge leg-up towards its renewable energy ambition.
