The long read: PV in the water-energy-food nexus
Sector coupling may be somewhat of a buzzword, but it also points to opportunities for PV beyond the power markets, which may quickly reach limitations during peak hours of irradiation. Combined energy, food and clean water production presents one such opportunity, with benefits for developers, utilities and communities.
Sterling and Wilson commissions 25 MW solar project in Oman
The latest addition is the Indian multinational’s second project in Oman after a 125 MWp solar plant commissioned in June last year.
The long read: Smarter robots to step up to service
On Dec. 1, Tel-Aviv based robotic cleaning provider Ecoppia launched an initial public offering on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange. In doing so, the seven-year-old solar startup raised $83.8 million from public and institutional investors – although heavily slated toward the latter. Jean Scemama, who joined Ecoppia as CEO in April 2020, says the IPO will allow it to double down on R&D efforts and expand into the provision of services.
Ecoppia robotic cleaners selected for Azure Power’s 450MW solar project
The Israeli developer of module cleaning robots has bagged an order from Indian solar developer Azure Power to deploy its water-free cleaning solution across a 450 MW solar project in Rajasthan.
Solar panel cleaning startup Solavio Labs selected into Canadian accelerator program
The Coimbatore-based startup has designed an autonomous solar panel cleaning bot with a modular design, making it compatible with almost any structure, mounting area, or climatic condition.
India and Israel to work together on perovskite solar cells and lithium sulfur batteries
Low-cost batteries and novel perovskite materials are among the topics selected for joint research and development.
IEEFA: Why India can’t match the Gulf region’s record-low solar tariffs
India’s solar tariffs—whilst some of the lowest in the world—are almost double the Gulf region’s US¢1.35-1.80/kWh.
MNRE puts call for ‘global supergrid’ proposals on hold
India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy had invited consulting proposals for its ambitious globally interconnected power grid plan called ‘one sun, one world, one grid’ (OSOWOG). The program—taken up with assistance from the World Bank— aims at seamless sharing of renewable energy resources among countries for mutual benefits and global sustainability.
Sterling and Wilson commissions 125 MW (DC) solar plant in Oman
The plant—Oman’s first renewables-based independent power project—is also the world’s biggest single-unit solar park to use bifacial modules.
MNRE seeks consultants for the global supergrid plan
July 6 is the last date to submit proposals for the ambitious ‘one sun, one world, one grid’ plan that aims at seamless sharing of renewable energy resources among countries for mutual benefits and global sustainability. The program has been taken up by the Ministry with assistance from the World Bank.
