IIT Bombay group suggests method of detecting early-stage discoloration in EVA encapsulants
A new, non-destructive technique has been proposed by researchers who say identifying early-stage discoloration in EVA encapsulants can help detect degradation in solar panels before power output is affected. The IIT Bombay group used an ultraviolet accelerated aging test during 34 days on three encapsulant samples.
SECI tenders 34 MW (AC) solar projects for SCCL in Telangana
The grid-connected, ground-mounted projects—to be set on turnkey basis—shall come up at Chennur (11 MW) and Kothagudam (23 MW) sites of Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL). Bids can be submitted till April 20.
Magenta Power to roll out street lamp integrated EV charger
The ChargeGrid Flare, costing around Rs 95,000, shall enable faster deployment of curbside vehicle charging with less street clutter than other approaches.
Proposals invited for joint India-South Korea research in renewable energy and green mobility
Proposals must reach the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, and Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) of the Republic of Korea by May 8. Each selected project will be funded for a period of three years.
Cheaper flow batteries with new membrane
US scientists claim to have discovered a membrane which could lead to cheaper large scale flow batteries. The material is an ion-selective, aqueous-compatible polymer with intrinsic microporosity known as AquaPIM and is said to have tunable thickness and high conductivity in aqueous electrolytes.
NTPC arm tenders 50 MW (AC) grid-connected solar project in Jharkhand
March 30 is the last date to bid for the solar capacity tendered by NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Limited. The project—to be set up on turnkey basis—shall come up at Panchet power station of Damodar Valley Corporation and shall be awarded through domestic competitive bidding followed by reverse auction.
US based XNRGI opens lithium-ion battery factory in India
Based in Gurugram, the factory is spread over 30,000 sq.ft and can produce 240 MWh of high-temperature battery storage solutions annually. These batteries can charge to 80% capacity within two hours and operate in excess of 55ºC, which makes them suitable for hot, humid tropical climates.
Is green hydrogen necessary to balance a renewables grid?
A report by Norwegian energy consultant DNV GL has considered the opportunity for long-term energy storage to play a role in balancing annual supply and demand fluctuations in a renewables-led grid. Using 58 years of Dutch weather and energy consumption data, the study found long-term solutions such as green hydrogen could make a valuable contribution – but perhaps not as much as some analysts believe.
Project developers in south Asia can secure cash from IRENA funding pot
The Climate Investment Platform launched by three multilateral bodies in September is now open for business and renewables companies in developing nations across 14 regions including south Asia could qualify for help with clean energy facilities, renewables-related grid improvements and energy efficiency schemes.
Solar will turn vicious water-energy-climate cycle into virtuous loop
The International Water Management Institute is promoting the Solar Irrigation for Agricultural Resilience (SoLAR) initiative to expand the use of solar irrigation systems throughout Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan. Proponents of solar irrigation pumps say that they can have a strong positive impact on groundwater.
