India’s rooftop sector still lagging behind
With barely 1.8 MW solar power (roof top) achieved in the first month of the 2018-2019 financial year, against the end of year target of 1000 MW, India’s solar dreams are hitting massive rooftop blocks. Grid-interactive solar power (ground mounted) has fared better, achieving 231.81 MW against the EoY 10 GW target.
Statkraft acquires BLP’s shares in distributed solar venture
Statkraft and Bharat Light and Power (BLP) have decided to end their partnership for distributed solar PV solutions. As per the agreement, BLP will sell its stake in joint venture Statkraft BLP Solar Solutions (SBSS) to Statkraft.
MNRE to support 2.5 GW wind-solar hybrid projects
India’s Ministry of New & Renewable Energy has announced a Scheme for setting up of 2.500 GW Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS)-connected wind-solar hybrid projects.
Energy storage will be a challenge as India targets 100 GW solar PV capacity
For off-grid solar PV installations, the high cost of batteries is the biggest bottleneck. However, the cost of storage is expected to drop as technology advances and volumes go up.
Solarpack wins 133 MWp Karnataka contract
Solarpack, a Spanish solar plant developer, has won the contract to develop five solar photovoltaic plants with a total power of 133 MWp in the Indian state of Karnataka.
Affordability and lack of charging points stalls electric vehicle take-up in India: Bloomberg
Bloomberg New Energy Finance says EVs will make up only 7% of new car sales in nation by 2030, compared to a predicted 44% for European sales, 41% in China, 34% in the US and 17% in Japan
India may miss solar PV target, says CEO survey
The country will achieve solar PV capacity of 50 to 75 GW by 2022 – a little over 60% of the 100 GW target. Total rooftop capacity will be less than 10 GW.
By 2030, EVs could outnumber the total vehicles in India today
To smoothen this transition, the country needs to build fast solar PV-powered charging stations. In 2017, there were only 220-250 operational charging stations in India, compared to 56,000 petrol stations.
Azure Power awarded 130 MW solar project
Azure Power has been awarded a 130 MW solar PV project by the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL). It is expected to be commissioned in 2019.
India announces new policy for wind-solar hybrid systems
India has unveiled a national wind-solar hybrid policy that provides a framework for promotion of large grid connected wind-solar PV systems for optimal and efficient utilization of transmission infrastructure and land, reducing the variability in renewable power generation and thus achieving better grid stability.
