A close look at nature could lead to cheaper hydrogen
Scientists at the Australia National University have observed a key stage in the process of photosynthesis which could be copied to greatly increase the efficiency of sunlight-powered water splitting processes used to produce hydrogen.
BHEL tenders for supply of grid-connected power conditioning units
Bids are invited for supply, installation and commissioning of eight 1250kW 3-phase grid-connected power conditioning units for a 10 MW (AC) solar power plant in Charanka Solar Park of Gujarat. Bids will open on August 26.
NLC commissions 100 MW solar plant in Tamil Nadu
The plant—located at Maranthai and Pudur Villages in Tirunelveli District of Tamil Nadu—is part of 709 MW solar power projects awarded by utility Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation.
MNRE invites solar research proposals
The ministry has invited proposals for high-efficiency perovskite solar cells, solar panel recycling, hybrid inverters and new applications that combine solar and storage, among others.
Vikram Solar commissions 5 MW solar plant for state-owned Bharat Dynamics Limited
The plant was conceived under viability gap funding scheme for Ministry of Defence establishment to set up 300 MW of grid-connected and off-grid solar power projects at their locations.
SECI tenders 1.2 GW ISTS-connected renewable energy projects with storage
The projects — solar, wind or a combination thereof — are expected to supply power for a minimum of six hours per day during periods of peak demand. The last date for bids is Sept. 17.
NTPC opens global bids for 20 MW floating solar project in Uttar Pradesh
The winning developer will be able to use solar modules and cells of any origin for the plant, which will be built in Auraiya district, Uttar Pradesh. Bidding closes on Sept. 5.
The long read: Change to the cast
Few in the industry predicted the speed at which monocrystalline technology would develop, or the impressive cost reductions it would achieve by 2019. This has left producers of multicrystalline products facing rapidly shrinking market share and struggling to compete on a cost per watt basis. Many are now turning to cast mono processes, essentially creating a monocrystalline, or ‘mono-like’ silicon ingot in a multicrystalline furnace, to reach higher efficiencies and extend equipment lifetimes.
SECI tenders 1.5 GW solar with VGF support for state-run power generators
Micro and mini grid-connected projects will also be considered. The projects—to be developed on ‘build-own-operate’ basis—can be set up anywhere in India for self-use or use by government entities at maximum fixed tariffs of Rs 3.50/kWh. Bidding will close on August 23.
Azure Power wins 300 MW ISTS SECI solar project
The NYSE-listed solar developer now has 1.5 GW of interstate transmission system projects with sovereign counterparties—the largest such portfolio in India.
