Utility Scale PV

The South African Government’s Department of Mineral Resources and Energy announced French utility Électricité de France (EDF) will develop 257 MW of battery energy-storage systems across three projects, while South African renewable energy company Scatec Africa will develop one 103 MW project.

Eden Renewables India has announced the signing of 300 MW power purchase agreement (PPA) with Solar Energy Corp. of India Ltd, for sale of renewable energy.

ReNew has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Asian Development Bank for the financing of renewable energy, manufacturing, carbon offset, and green hydrogen projects between 2023 and 2028.

A study by engineers at UNSW, published in the Renewable Energy journal, shows that aerosols and greenhouse gas emissions reduce the productivity of photovoltaic installations and that this differs according to the global region.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $250 million policy-based loan to strengthen the market for power trade and related ancillary services in India, facilitating the integration of intermittent renewable energy. The loan will also enable measures to improve the financial performance, corporate governance, and service quality of electricity distribution companies (DISCOM) and create a conducive environment for private sector investment.

While the benefits of solar adoption are evident, challenges persist. The irregularity of solar power and the lack of efficient storage technologies remain primary concerns. The upfront costs of solar installations, though decreasing, remain a barrier for many. Complex regulations and bureaucratic hurdles often deter individuals and businesses from embracing solar energy. Addressing these challenges demands a concentrated effort.

Solar Energy Corp. of India (SECI) is inviting bids from developers to supply 1.5 GW of firm, dispatchable power from renewable energy projects with storage systems. The successful bidders will set up RE projects with storage on a build-own-operate basis to supply RE power in a demand-following manner.  Bids can be submitted till Jan. 9, 2024.

Sterlite Power has secured a transmission project for the evacuation of power from Rajasthan Renewable Energy Zone Phase-IV.

Jakson Green has set up an office in Dubai as it looks to increase its presence in sustainable energy solutions across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The company said its Dubai office will help it foster closer collaborations with partners and clients in the region.

BloombergNEF says historically low module prices will drive the global solar industry to record installations in 2023.