Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd (GUVNL) has invited proposals to set up pilot projects of standalone battery energy storage systems (BESS) connected with the State Grid, for an aggregate storage capacity of 500 MWh (250 MW x 2 hours) with two complete charge-discharge cycles per day.  It will utilize these energy storage systems, on an “on-demand” basis, suited to the requirements of the State DISCOMs during the peak and off-peak hours.

GUVNL will enter into a battery energy storage purchase agreement (BESPA) with the successful bidders.

BESS developers selected by GUVNL will set up the BESS on a build-own-operate (BOO) basis, with the primary objective of making the energy storage facility available to GUVNL for charging/discharging of the BESS on an “on demand” basis.

1 GW of solar projects

GUVNL has also launched a tender to procure 500 MW of solar power from the projects to be set up anywhere in India with Greenshoe option of additional capacity up to 500 MW without energy storage. Bidding closes on April 22.

The bidders selected by GUVNL will set up solar power projects on a build-own-operate basis.

“Projects under construction, projects which are not yet commissioned and projects already commissioned but do not have any long term PPA with any agency and selling power on short-term or merchant plant basis will, however, be considered, in case these projects are not already accepted under any other Central or State Schemes and do not have any obligations towards existing buyers,” as per the tender document.

GameChange Solar, a manufacturer of fixed tilt and tracker solar racking systems, has secured the contract to supply its Genius Tracker solar trackers for Spanish developer ACCIONA Energía’s new 412.5 MWp solar PV project in Rajasthan. It signed the contract with Waaree Renewable Technologies, which is executing the ACCIONA Energía PV project on an EPC basis.

The plant is set for commissioning in 2024. It will consist of 750,000 PV modules, producing around 800 GWh of clean energy annually, enough to power 840,000 households and cut CO2 emissions by a significant 724,000 tonnes per year.

The solar plant will be Acciona Energía’s largest project in India, where it already owns and operates four wind farms, and reinforces the company’s commitment to growth and geographic diversification.

From pv magazine Spain

In its strategic plan for the 2024-27 period, Spanish inverter manufacturer Power Electronics said it plans to invest €300 million ($328 million) to expand its inverter production capacity in Spain and the United States.

A company spokesperson told pv magazine that its current production capacity is 30 GW, and it will increase manufacturing capacity in the United States by more than 20 GW by 2026.

The new factory will cover an area of 174,015 square meters and “will be designed with the latest manufacturing and assembly technologies to serve as an optimal center for the manufacturing and distribution of its products throughout the country,” said the company.

The plan also foresees the completion of a new plant in Llíria, Spain, for the Electric Mobility division.

Power Electronics products are present in almost 2,000 plants in 35 countries around the world. The company closed the year 2023 with an installed AC power capacity of 91 GW. According to Wood Mackenzie’s report on inverter shipments in 2022 published in August, Power Electronics is ranked seventh globally.

From pv magazine Global

A group of researchers at the University of Cordoba in Spain has developed a new method to calculate how much land could be used for agricultural purposes under photovoltaic plants based on dual-axis solar trackers.

The scientists analyzed, in particular, the behavior of solar irradiance in a south-oriented facility hosting a tree crop in hedges planted in the same direction and found there is geometric space between the panel rows where the crop would not shade the modules.

The proposed methodology is specifically intended to identify these non-shading zones between the two-axis solar trackers. “Based on this analysis, an innovative method is proposed to estimate the maximum available space that could be occupied by crops within photovoltaic plants with rectangular collectors on dual-axis trackers with backtracking,” they explained.

In the study “Methodology for the estimation of cultivable space in photovoltaic installations with dual-axis trackers for their reconversion to agrivoltaic plants,” published in Applied Energy, the academics said the novel methodology initially defines the West, South, and Azimut vectors that characterize the PV system.

It also considers the latitude of the place and the solar declination, as well as the hour angle given by the angular rotation speed of the Earth, the time with respect to solar noon, and the unit vector directed towards the solar disk at all times.

“Once the azimuth and the elevation of the solar collectors are known, it is possible to determine the unit normal vector to the surface of the collectors at each instant,” the academics explained, noting that the proposed approach analyzes the behavior of the vectors as a consequence of the movement of the collectors that depends on the position of the sun at each instant.

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued guidelines for setting up green hydrogen hubs under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. The mission envisages to identify and develop regions capable of supporting large-scale production and/or utilization of hydrogen with central financial assistance (CFA) for developing the core infrastructure.

It is planned to set up at least two such green hydrogen hubs by FY 2025-26 with central financial support of INR 100 crore each for supporting the core infrastructure. The hydrogen hub should have a planned capacity of at least 100,000 mtpa.

A scheme implementing agency nominated by MNRE will invite proposals for the projects. The projects will be evaluated based on the planned production capacity (weightage 50%), technology, applications and end use (weightage 20%), and financial commitment (weightage 30%). Evaluation of proposal on this assessment criteria will be given a weightage of 80% with the balance 20% on the basis of the presentation made before the evaluation committee. The letter of award will be issued to the executing agency upon administrative sanction from MNRE.

The CFA will be disbursed to the winning projects as follows: 20% on the date of issue of administrative approval, 70% based on milestones achieved, and 10% on the completion of construction and commissioning.

The objective of the National Green Hydrogen Mission is to identify and develop regions capable of supporting large-scale production and/or utilisation of hydrogen; develop green hydrogen projects in the hubs in an integrated manner to allow pooling of resources and achievement of scale; enhance the cost-competitiveness of green hydrogen and its derivatives; encourage large-scale utilisation and export of green hydrogen and its derivatives; and enhance the viability of green hydrogen assets across the value chain.

The core infrastructure to be supported includes storage and transportation facilities for green hydrogen and its derivatives, pipeline infrastructure, green hydrogen-powered vehicle re-fuelling facility, hydrogen compression and liquefaction technologies, hydrogen storage systems, water treatment and storage facility, bunkering facilities in case of ports, infrastructure upgradation for shipping, power transmission infrastructure to the nearest existing grid substation, land re-development, energy storage to manage RE intermittency, effluent treatment plants, etc.

Sri Lanka’s Ceylon Electricity Board has kicked off a tender for the development of up to 165 MW (AC) of ground- mounted PV projects on a build, own, operate basis.

The solar plants can range in size from 1 MW to 5 MW and will be connected to one of 20 grid substations outlined in the tender documents, subject to capacity at each grid substation.

The chosen developers will design, finance, procure, construct, commission, operate and maintain the solar plants and all associated equipment and services. They will also procure or lease land required for the projects, meet the entire cost of grid interconnection, and secure all environmental clearances, government approvals and statutory licenses.

Mahindra Group’s renewable energy platform Mahindra Susten has won a 300 MW solar project in NTPC’s 1.5 GW solar auction. It won the capacity by quoting the lowest tariff bid of INR 2.59 ($0.031)/kWh.

NTPC will sign a 25-year power purchase agreement with Furies Solren, a special purpose vehicle (SPV) of Mahindra Susten. The project is set for completion within 24 months.

This win marks Mahindra Susten’s fifth successful bid this fiscal year, bringing its aggregated under development capacity to over 2 GWp.

The company’s comprehensive portfolio spans an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) capacity of over 4 GWp, an independent power producer (IPP) business with more than 1.54 GWp of developed solar plants, and more than 1.96 GWp of renewable power plants in the development pipeline spread across several states in India. Mahindra Susten is also a cosponsor of the Sustainable Energy Infra Trust (SEIT), India’s largest renewable Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT).

Fueled by government initiatives and growing environmental concerns, the adoption of EVs is rapidly transforming India’s transportation landscape. However, this burgeoning sector presents a new challenge: the responsible management of Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries that power these vehicles.  As the use of Li-ion batteries explodes, India has a unique opportunity to establish itself as a leader in the sustainable and responsible recycling of these critical components.

JMK Research estimates that India’s Li-ion battery market will reach a staggering 132 GWh by 2030, translating to a potential $1 billion opportunity in the battery recycling sector. This growth is driven by the government’s push for electric mobility, with ambitious targets like the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan 2020.

A robust Li-ion battery recycling industry is essential to ensure the long-term sustainability of this sector. Li-ion batteries contain valuable materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel, which can be recovered and reused in new batteries.  Effective recycling reduces reliance on virgin resources, minimises environmental impact, and fosters a circular economy for Li-ion batteries.

The Indian government is taking proactive steps to establish a Li-ion battery recycling ecosystem. The Ministry of Power released the Battery Waste Management Rules in August 2022. This policy enforces Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), making manufacturers accountable for battery collection and recycling.

Additionally, NITI Aayog collaborated with the UK government to create a roadmap for the battery reuse and recycling market. This roadmap outlines key strategies for developing a sustainable recycling ecosystem, including establishing collection centres, promoting technological advancements, and fostering collaboration between stakeholders. These initiatives highlight India’s commitment to building a circular economy for Li-ion batteries and mitigating the environmental impact of the EV revolution.

Opportunities for sustainable practices

Despite the challenges, India has the opportunity to establish a leadership position in sustainable Li-ion battery recycling by focusing on the following:

• Promoting innovation: Encouraging research and development in indigenous battery recycling technologies will reduce dependence on foreign know-how and ensure environmentally sound processes. Government funding and collaboration with research institutions can accelerate the development of innovative and efficient recycling methods.
• Formalizing collection systems: Establishing a nationwide network for collecting used batteries from consumers and EV manufacturers is crucial. This system should be efficient, transparent, and incentivize responsible battery disposal. Partnering with existing waste management companies and leveraging digital technologies can streamline the collection process and improve traceability.
• Building a local supply chain: Developing a domestic market for recycled battery materials will create a closed-loop system, reducing dependence on global markets and ensuring long-term sustainability. This requires collaboration between recyclers, battery manufacturers, and other stakeholders to establish quality standards and ensure the viability of recycled materials for use in new batteries. Government policies that incentivize the use of recycled materials in battery production can play a critical role in this process.
• Skilling the workforce: The Li-ion battery recycling industry requires a skilled workforce with expertise in handling hazardous materials, operating recycling technologies, and ensuring safety protocols. Developing training programs and certification courses can ensure a skilled workforce that can support the growth of this sector.

SJVN Green Energy Ltd (SGEL), the renewable arm of SJVN, has received the Letter of Intent (LOI) from Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd (GUVNL) to develop a 200 MW solar project on a build-own-operate basis in Gujarat. The project is to be developed at Gujarat State Electricity Corp. Ltd (GSECL) Solar Park at Khavda.

SJVN Green Energy had bagged the 200 MW solar project at a tariff of INr 2.66 ($0.032) per kWh in an auction by GUVNL. The project construction and development is estimated at around INR 1,100 crore. GUVNL will execute the power purchase agreement after the adoption of tariff by GERC.

The project is set for commissioning within 18 months from the date of signing of the PPA.

The project is expected to generate 508.40 million units in the first year after commissioning and about 11,698.16 million units over a period of 25 years.

Gensol Engineering Ltd, a solar EPC services provider, announced today it has completed a 160 MW ground-mounted solar project in Bhavnagar, Gujarat. It executed the INR 128 crore ($15.44 million) project for Continuum Green Energy, a renewable energy sector player serving commercial and industrial consumers across India.

Gensol has executed over 600 MW in diverse solar projects, including rooftop, ground-mounted, and floating installations across India. These projects have been completed for a wide range of clients, including commercial, industrial, and public sector units, under both turnkey and balance-of-system arrangements. The company’s EPC order book exceeds INR 1,000 crore.

“The Continuum Green Energy 160 MW installation marks Gensol’s sixth major ground-mount project, alongside ground-mount solar projects in the states of Karnataka, Haryana, Gujarat, and Jharkhand. The Bhavnagar project underscores Gensol’s full-service capabilities in the development, operation, and management of large-scale solar projects,” stated Gensol Engineering.

From pv magazine USA

The global solar market continues to grow, as an estimated 413 GW was installed in 2023, rising 58% year-over-year, according to Bloomberg NEF. Along with this growth comes a rising trend in system underperformance, said a report from Raptor Maps.

Raptor Maps analyzed data collected from drones, robotics, application program interfaces (API) and Ínternet of Things (IoT) sensors. The company operates an AI-driven “drone in a box” that it deploys at solar facilities. Its dataset comprises 125 GW of PV assets, spanning 41 countries.

Among the analyzed assets, the company found $177.7 million in preventable annualized revenue losses. Extrapolated to solar assets worldwide, this would equate to $4.6 billion in potential annual revenue losses.

The report found average losses of $4,696 per MW, though losses varied regionally. Since 2019, the average losses from underperformance have increased from a 1.61% average power loss to 4.47% in 2023. Raptor Maps said this equates to an internal rate of return at loss of at least 190 basis points in a 100 MW solar asset.

One factor in increased average power losses is the increase in average system size. Raptor Maps said larger projects tend to have a higher loss percentage. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) reports that average solar project sizes have grown from 13.9 MW in 2019 to 59.6 MW in 2023, contributing to increased average losses.

Furthermore, inefficiencies in operations and maintenance are causing potential revenue losses, said the report. In a 2023 survey, the company found “many operators identified preventative maintenance visual inspections as a significant source of time wastage, and a large number of respondents also identified validating nuisance alarms as another way time is wasted.”

Regionally, preventable losses vary widely. In the Midwest, average annual losses were modeled at $4,052 per MW, while in the Northeast, losses exceeded $6,108 per MW. The report noted that asset underperformance losses are lower in the U.S. than the global average.

An international team of researchers led by Australia’s CSIRO have claimed record-breaking efficiency when producing fully roll-to-roll printed, flexible solar cells.

When testing under ambient conditions, the team recorded an efficiency of 11% for 50 cm² large-scale solar panels consisting of optimized roll-to-roll fabricated hybrid perovskite solar cells and up to 15.5% efficiency on individual small-area cells.

CSIRO said scaling up production while maintaining efficiency has long been a hurdle for printed solar cell technology, with many researchers achieving efficiency levels of 1% to 2% for fully printed flexible solar panels.

The researchers’ hybrid perovskite solar cell modules consist of serially-interconnected cells, produced entirely using industrial roll-to-roll printing tools akin to how a newspaper is printed, and replacing metal electrodes with perovskite-friendly carbon electrodes.

The team used automated fabricated and screening systems capable of producing and testing more than 10,000 solar cells per day. They said this allowed them to quickly pinpoint the ideal settings for various parameters, leading to a substantial increase in efficiency outcomes.

The CSIRO said the results are the culmination of more than a decade of research and development. It it is now actively seeking industry partners to further develop and commercialize the technology.

FOB China prices for wafers have mostly fallen this week, mainly attributed to an oversupply scenario outweighing demand.

Monocrystalline PERC G12 wafer prices decreased by 2.24% week-over-week to $0.349 per piece (pc), while N-type M10 and G12 wafer prices dropped by 2.82% and 2.08% week to week-over-week to $0.241/pc and $0.377/pc, respectively.

The only exception was monocrystalline PERC M10 wafers, which trended flat week to week at $0.254/pc thanks to its manageable production output.

As outlined by a market expert, the fundamentals of the wafer market are currently defined by elevated inventory levels, high production costs, and heightened operating rates.

The high inventory level of wafers has placed a lot of strain on the wafer suppliers. A source from a major wafer producer expressed the challenge of sales being very tough, stating that without offering discounts on quotations, securing an order is practically impossible.

According to a source from a small-scale manufacturer, there’s a notable price variance among the quotes for N-type M10 wafers in the market. Despite the mainstream price standing at CNY1.93 ($0.27)/pc, some manufacturers have resorted to quoting as low as CNY1.8/pc to bolster sales.

According to the Silicon Industry of China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association, the wafer market’s average operating rate has currently exceeded 85%. The resurgence of downstream demand is one of the factors driving wafer manufacturers to maintain high operating rates, said a market participant.

The government of Bangladesh has approve the construction of three solar plants, each with a capacity of 100 MW.

The three plants will be set up in the Khulna, Moulvibazar, and Rajbari districts. The cabinet committee on government purchasing said the projects were awarded tariff rates of around $0.10/kWh.

All of the plants will be set up on a build, own and operate (BOO) basis.  The Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) will buy electricity from the plants for a period of 20 years under the “no electricity, no payment” approach. This means the BPDB will purchase the total net energy output of the facilities, but will only make a payment for the electricity delivered to the delivery point.

Energon Renewables (BD) Ltd and PWR will build a 100 MW solar farm in Khulna district, southwestern Bangladesh. A consortium formed by Thien Phu Vietnam New Energy Joint Stock Co and Dream Finder will build another facility in Moulvibazar District in the northeastern part of the country. China Datang Overseas Investmen and Engreen Engineering will construct the third solar farm in Rajbari district, central Bangladesh.

Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Co. Ltd (MSEDCL) intends to avail an energy storage facility to meet its Energy Storage Obligations and electricity demand from suitable standalone pumped hydro storage plants connected to the nearest ISTS/InSTS substation and located anywhere in India. It has therefore tendered for the selection of pumped storage developers to provide long-term ISTS/InSTS connected energy storage capacity of 1,000 MW/8,000 MWh (for 8 hours discharge with maximum 5 hours continuous discharge per day) from pumped hydro storage plants located anywhere in India on an on-demand basis for a period of 40 years.

The developers will be selected through tariff-based competitive bidding.

MSEDCL will enter into energy storage facility agreement on an annual fixed charge basis with the selected bidders for a period of 40 years.

The contracted capacity will be provided by the developer on a build-own-operate-maintain (BOOM) basis. The developer will be responsible for financing, development, design, engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, operation, and maintenance of the storage capacity.

MSEDCL intends to avail the energy storage facility to meet its storage RPO, manage surplus electricity available in the grid, meet electricity demand, manage intermittency of RE power and meet ancillary requirements, etc.

In a separate tender, MSEDCL has invited bids from developers to supply 5 GW of solar power from PV plants located in any part of the country. It will enter into power purchase agreement (PPA) with the solar developers selected through competitive bidding for the total capacity of 5 GW.

“Generating stations coming on stream on or after 01.04.2025 are required to supplement their
conventional generation with minimum supply of RE to the extent of 10%. RGO shall be assessed in terms of annual share of RE generation as a percentage of total annual generation (including both conventional and RE). Therefore, MSEDCL has decided to procure 5000 MW of solar power capacity..This will help MSEDCL in tying up large scale capacity in one step with optimal mix and it is expected to get better rates also due to benefit of larger scale. This will also attract potential generators of coal based power as they will be able to fulfill their RGO obligations,” stated MSEDCL.

Startup companies incubated at IIT Kanpur’s Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC) showcased their products ranging from dual-axis solar tracking systems to solar-powered UAV solution and aloe vera based batteries at Abhivyakti’24, IIT Kanpur’s two-day annual event focused on sustainable innovation and entrepreneurship.

Some of the companies exhibiting include SunSync, a provider of single- and dual-axis solar tracking solutions, JiVoule, which transforms waste into bio-CNG using anaerobic digestion (AD) technology; Aloe Ecell, which has developed an aloe vera based, biodegradable battery; Maraal Aerospace, which has developed an indigenous solar-powered UAV solution; and Saptkrishi, a developer of solar-powered, wheel-mounted vegetable storage cart.

IIT Kanpur’s Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre supports startups with mentorship and grant of INR 20 lakh per startup from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.

“We have started the evaluation process to select the next 20-25 startups from the domain of solar, iron, steel metal, industrial and other waste recycling. In solar waste domain, at least ten cleantech startups have applied for incubation at IIT Kanpur and support from MOHUA. In lithium battery recycling, currently two startups are already incubated at IIT Kanpur. These include ALOE Cells and Minimines,” Dr Riddhi Mahansaria, manager at IIT Kanpur’s Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre, told pv magazine.

Off-grid solar energy customers are currently facing several challenges, according to the Why Off Grid Energy Matters report released by US-based impact measurement company 60 Decibels.

The report analyzes issues such as product affordability, gender inequality, customer support, further investment in minigrids, and over-indebtedness, and proposes a series of recommendations to overcome them. The indebtedness recommendation, in particular, stems from reports from 5% of customers surveyed who said they find payments for their energy product or service to be a significant financial burden.

On customer support, Kat Harrison, director at 60 Decibels, told pv magazine there is room for improvement in the way some off-grid energy companies approach after-sale support. Issues ranging from technical faults, to a lack of customer education covering how to effectively use products, risk reputational damage for businesses and the off-grid technologies they sell.

“Some of these challenges prevent end users from unlocking the full benefits of energy access,” she stated. “So many of these markets rely on word of mouth. If your neighbor or friend is sharing their experience of their new solar product – and it doesn’t work or customer service is bad – then people won’t uptake these technologies.”

Despite these challenges, Harrison was positive about the role PV and other off-grid technologies can play in improving energy access globally. “Off-grid energy offers a real opportunity to get us closer to universal energy access, with benefits at a household level, and also a community and national level. We see real productivity, community, and economic impacts,” she added.

Solar lanterns

The report was compiled using survey data from more than 79,000 respondents in 31 countries. Field workers in each country contacted customers directly based on data supplied by 164 companies.

At a product level, the solar lantern offered the greatest return on investment in terms of quality of life improvement, according to the report. Of those surveyed, 64% of respondents with a solar lantern said it had “very much improved” their quality of life, while 62% of those with a residential PV installation said the same.

Around 88% of survey respondents live in Africa and East Africa was the largest region by number of customers surveyed, accounting for 68% of the total. A further 10% of respondents live in Asia and 1% were in Latin America.

In an era where the clarion call for environmental conservation rings louder than ever, businesses across the globe are stepping up, innovating not just in products and services but in fostering a culture of sustainability among consumers.

The emergence of green credits and green loyalty programs is a testament to this shift, showcasing how the corporate world can play a pivotal role in promoting eco-friendly behaviors. These initiatives are not just about making green choices more appealing; they’re about integrating them into the very fabric of our daily lives, ensuring that each action we take is a step toward a more sustainable future.

What are green loyalty programs? Ingeniously designed to reward customers for making environment friendly choices. For instance, a retail chain might offer points for every reusable bag used, a distribution-led company might include more than 50% rewards made of sustainable products, or an online marketplace might provide discounts on future purchases for customers who opt for carbon-neutral shipping.

These incentives, though seemingly small, add up to create significant environmental impacts. As per the Channel Loyalty Report 2024, a study revealed that such programs could reduce single-use plastic consumption by up to 30% annually in participating communities, illustrating the power of collective action in environmental preservation.

Moreover, green credits take this concept a step further by quantifying the environmental benefits of sustainable actions tangibly. By participating in activities such as cycling to work, recycling, or using renewable energy, individuals and companies earn credits that can be redeemed for various benefits. This system not only recognizes and rewards every effort but also provides a clear measure of the positive impact these actions have on the planet. Imagine a city implementing a green credit system for public transportation usage can see a 15% increase in ridership within the first year, significantly reducing carbon emissions.

The beauty of these programs lies in their versatility and adaptability across different industries. From airlines offering miles for carbon offsets, to coffee shops giving discounts for bringing a reusable cup, the possibilities are endless. These initiatives demonstrate how businesses can lead by example, encouraging sustainable consumer behavior while still driving economic growth.

Take the case of a European country which launched a national green loyalty program, where every citizen earns points for sustainable living practices. These points can be used for tax deductions, public service benefits, or discounts at local businesses. Within two years of implementation, the country reported a 20% reduction in household carbon footprints, setting a benchmark on how national policies can drive sustainable change through incentivization (Ref: Nu Spaarpas scheme launched in Rotterdam, the Netherlands)

As we forge ahead, the integration of technology and data analytics into green loyalty programs will further enhance their effectiveness. Personalized rewards, real-time tracking of environmental impact, and gamification can make these programs more engaging and rewarding for consumers, encouraging wider participation.

To Summarize, green credits and green loyalty programs represent a burgeoning movement towards sustainability that transcends traditional environmental activism. They embody a partnership between businesses and consumers, where every green choice is celebrated and rewarded. By prioritizing sustainability in our consumption patterns, we not only contribute to the health of our planet but also pave the way for future generations to thrive in a cleaner, greener world. As we continue to innovate and expand these programs, let us remember that every step taken toward sustainability, no matter how small, is a leap toward a sustainable future for all.

The announcement of the Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme 2024 is a timely move by the Government of India to support electric vehicle adoption in the country as the FAME-II subsidy scheme is about to end on March 31, 2024, according to rating agency ICRA.

The new scheme offers reduced subsidy benefits on a per vehicle basis than the existing FAME-II guidelines. As per ICRA’s calculations, the initial purchase cost of an e-2W would increase by close to 10% compared to that with the FAME-II subsidy. Moreover, this would make an e-2W over 70% costlier (in terms of initial purchase price) than a petrol scooter.

ICRA sees the reduction in subsidy benefits as a short-term impediment for e2W manufacturers that could exert pressure on cost structures. “If price hikes are not completely passed on, the pick-up in volumes is expected to partially mitigate the impact. Nevertheless, their ability to ensure timely fund raise to support the capital structure or competitiveness of manufacturers would be the key,” stated ICRA.

On March 13, 2024, the Ministry of Heavy Industries, Government of India, announced the Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme 2024 with a total outlay of INR 500 crore to support the adoption of e-2Ws and e-3Ws (including e-rickshaws, e-carts, and L5 category vehicles) for a period of four months from April 1, 2024 to July 31, 2024. Around two-thirds of the outlay is proposed to be earmarked for e-2Ws.

As per the scheme, the subsidy for e-2Ws has been reduced to INR 5,000/kWh of battery capacity from INR 10,000/kWh earlier with a cap of INR 10,000 per vehicle for e-2W (from 15% of ex-showroom price earlier), INR 25,000 for e-rickshaw/e-cart and INR 50,000 for L5 category e-3Ws, respectively.

Shamsher Dewan, senior vice president and group head – corporate ratings, ICRA, said, “The Government’s announcement to offer incentives under a new scheme for e-2Ws and e-3Ws will continue to provide a disruption-free environment for e-2W OEMs just before the FAME-II scheme was about to end. Although the reduction in the subsidy benefit is a short-term impediment and may impact demand to some extent, OEMs will continue to strive to offer competitive products by leveraging their cost structure through localization of key components and value engineering capabilities. In addition, softening in battery cell prices (which accounts for almost 40% of the vehicle cost) will also help them offset the impact of lower subsidies to some extent.”

ICRA estimates the payback period could get elongated to 5.5 years vis-à-vis five years under the FAME-II framework, in a scenario wherein the e-2W manufacturers completely pass on the subsidy reduction amount to the consumers in the form of price hikes.

However, the long-term potential for e-2W segment remains favourable aided by the improving cost of ownership vis-à-vis ICE vehicles and enhanced customer confidence with regard to range anxiety, financing avenues, and other vehicle attributes such as safety.

In addition, the Government’s focus on promoting electric vehicles through various initiatives (including PLI) will continue to drive electric vehicle adoption over the medium term.

ICRA expects penetration of e-2Ws to inch to 6-8% in the overall industry by FY2025 as compared to approximately 5% at present.

From pv magazine Global

Thyssenkrupp nucera and Fraunhofer IKTS have launched a strategic partnership to develop and scale up the production of SOEC technology.

Thyssenkrupp nucera expects to reach 1 GW of manufacturing capacity by 2030. The German company and Fraunhofer IKTS are now setting up a pilot plant in Germany that is scheduled to start operations in around one year.

The pilot plant will help the company and the research institute to adjust the manufacturing process to the requirements of large-scale production while developing SOEC stack technology. Fraunhofer IKTS bases the tech on a gas-tight oxygen-ion-conducting ceramic electrolyte with screen-printed electrodes and pressed interconnectors made of a chromium-based alloy (CFY).

“We are using different materials with respect to other companies working on SOEC,” said Alexander Michaelis, director of Fraunhofer IKTS. “But we have less components, the automatization of this process is very promising, so we will have advantages when it comes down to mass producibility.”

Michaelis said that in their initial pilot line, they aim to produce several thousand stacks per year. He noted that SOEC electrolyzers use commonly available materials, mitigating risks of price fluctuations.

“In the first pilot line we are setting up together, we will be able to manufacture several thousands of stacks a year,” said Michaelis. “The challenge is to optimize the stack and reduce the costs. We will be then ready for gigawatt-scale production.”

“The two processes, together, are a way to convert water and emissions into multicarbon products. So from water, you can produce hydrogen, and then green syngas,” Michaelis added. “This is particularly very important for petrochemical applications.”

He said that Germany has the longest tradition in SOEC technology. The joint project will solidify local expertise to meet European demand for green chemical components, including aviation fuels, as they will be crucial for achieving a net-zero environment.

Ponikwar said SOEC technology is very cost-competitive, similar to alkaline electrolysis, and more efficient than polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolysis.

The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur) is set to host Abhivyakti’24, an annual event focused on sustainable innovation and entrepreneurship. Scheduled for March 15 and 16, 2024, this flagship event aims to unite diverse stakeholders, including students, professionals, and investors, to explore the intersection of technology, sustainability, and entrepreneurship.

Organised by the Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC) at IIT Kanpur, Abhivyakti’24 with the theme “Innovating a sustainable future” will provide a platform for visionaries and change-makers to converge, collaborate, and generate novel ideas for a more sustainable future.

A key element of the event is Pitch Battle, where aspiring entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to present their innovative and sustainable solutions to a distinguished panel of judges and potential investors. This platform will provide valuable feedback and potential funding opportunities, nurturing the growth of groundbreaking ideas.

“Abhivyakti’24 serves as a platform for visionaries and change-makers to collaborate and generate novel ideas for a more sustainable future,” said Prof. Ankush Sharma, Professor-in-Charge of SIIC, IIT Kanpur. “We firmly believe that innovation is key to addressing current environmental challenges, and this event aims to spark the development of pioneering solutions that can positively impact our planet and society.”

The event will also feature a series of thought-provoking panel discussions and interactive workshops led by renowned industry leaders, academicians, and subject-matter experts. These sessions will delve deep into various aspects of sustainability, innovation, and entrepreneurship, exchanging insightful dialogues and knowledge-sharing. Attendees will also have the chance to connect with like-minded individuals, build valuable networks, and gain guidance from experienced mentors in their respective fields. A dedicated exhibition area will showcase over 150 cutting-edge technologies, innovative products, and sustainable solutions from various organizations and startups.

The Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC) at IIT Kanpur provides support and guidance to those looking to turn their ideas into successful and meaningful business models. The combination of domain expertise and top-notch infrastructure has led to tremendous social impact and technological advancement over the years.

Ohms Energy, a solar EPC company based in Mumbai, has announced the commissioning of a 600 kWp solar rooftop plant at Rossari Biotech Ltd. in Dahej, Gujarat. Unlike traditional installations, Ohms Energy deployed this plant without drilling any hole in the metal roof of the factory, ensuring efficiency and adherence to strict safety guidelines.

“The solar plant is expected to generate over 60,000 units per month, helping to offset carbon dioxide emission by 1,478,400 kg/year. This is equivalent to saving the Emisson of Green House Gases that 300 cars emit per year,” stated Ohms Energy.

The solar panels used in the project are manufactured by Waaree Energies.

IndiGrid announced this week that it has received Letter of Intent (LOI) from Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd (GUVNL) to design, supply, test, install, commission, operate and maintain a 180 MW/360 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) in Gujarat.

This project is part of a larger 250 MW/500 MWh BESS, envisaged by GUVNL, to bolster the overall energy storage capacities of the state and provide renewable energy during both peak and off-peak hours. Considering that this project will be grid connected and collocated in GETCO sub-station, it will be classified as part of transmission system.

IndiGrid emerged as the second lowest bidder in the reverse auction process conducted by GUVNL, winning 180 MW/360 MWh by quoting a fixed tariff of INR 449,996 per MW per month, which translates to an annual tariff of over INR 97 crore. It will develop the project on a build-own-operate (BOO) basis for a period of 12 years. Further extension of the project is possible on a mutually agreeable basis.

Over the last year, IndiGrid has made investments to strengthen its expertise in developing and managing BESS projects by undertaking pilot projects at its own sites. This is the second BESS win for the company in the last six months.

IndiGrid is the first Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT) in the Indian power sector. It owns 36 power projects, consisting of 46 transmission lines with more than 8,468 ckms length, 13 substations with 17,550 MVA transformation capacity and 855 MW AC (1.1 GWp) of solar generation capacity. IndiGrid has assets under management (AUM) of over $3.4 billion. The investment manager of IndiGrid is wholly owned by KKR.

China’s SolarSpace has entered into a collaboration agreement with India’s NTPC and Zetwerk to provide double-glass solar modules for NTPC’s 375 MW ground-mount PV project located in Bhuj, Gujarat.

This project is facilitated by Zetwerk, an India-based B2B custom manufacturing services provider. SolarSpace provided bifacial mono PERC modules for the project. All the manufacturing was done by SolarSpace in China and Zetwerk acted as the trading partner for supply to NTPC.

“In recent years, Zetwerk has established a strong trust through multiple successful collaborations with SolarSpace. After winning the bid for the NTPC project, Zetwerk decisively chose SolarSpace as the sole supplier for the Bhuj-Gujarat project, providing an opportunity for the first cooperation between SolarSpace and NTPC,” stated a release from SolarSpace.

This article was amended on March 14 to correct the role of Zetwerk as the trading partner.

OSDA Solar has introduced its ODA-156MHD series TOPCon bifacial modules with power outputs ranging from 590 Wp to 630 Wp and efficiencies up to 22.54% in India.

The modules are built with 156 n-type bifacial monocrystalline cells based on 182mm (M10) wafer and 16BB technology. The panels can be used with a maximum system voltage of 1,500 V. Pmax temperature coefficient is -0.300%/℃. The operational temperature range is from -40°C to 85°C.

The modules weigh 34.70 kg and measure 2,465×1,134×30 mm. These feature a 2.0mm antireflective tempered glass on the front and a 2.0mm glazed glass on the back.

The modules come with a 15-year guarantee on product material and workmanship and a 30-year linear power output warranty.