Daily News Wrap-Up: NTPC’s 3 GW FDRE-II Auction Result
MNRE adds 3.5 GW of new solar module capacity to ALMM
March 26, 2024
ABC Cleantech (Axis Energy), Juniper Green Energy, Serentica Renewables India 11 (Serentica Renewables), Tata Power Renewable Energy, and ReNew Solar Power won significant capacities in NTPC’s auction to supply 3 GW of firm and dispatchable renewable energy (FDRE) from inter-state transmission (ISTS)-connected projects anywhere in India under FDRE Tranche II. The other winners were Hero Solar Energy (Hero Future Energies), BN Dispatchable-1 (BrightNight Power), and ACME Cleantech Solutions.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has expanded the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) by adding 3,501 MW of new solar module capacity. The cumulative module manufacturing capacity now stands at 37,421 MW. Tata Power Solar accounts for 2,525 MW of the newly added capacity, while Goldi Solar contributes 976 MW. With the latest addition, the ALMM now has 81 module manufacturers.
In what could come as a big relief for renewable energy developers, the Supreme Court has considered limiting the undergrounding of power transmission lines to the Priority Area of 3,163 sq km of the endangered Great Indian Bustard habitat. The three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud also constituted an expert committee to determine the scope, feasibility, and extent of overhead and underground electric lines in the area identified as a Priority Area by the Wildlife Institute of India in Rajasthan and Gujarat.
Achieving the target set at COP28 in Dubai last year of tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030 is contingent on global determination, policy support, and investment at scale, a report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has said. In the World Energy Transitions Outlook presented at the Berlin Energy Transitions Dialogue, IRENA said that while evolving policies, geopolitical shifts, and declining costs have accelerated renewables expansion, there is a need for concerted efforts to triple the renewable power capacity.
Integrating renewable energy sources in Europe’s energy landscape is crucial to achieving sustainability and combating climate change. However, a recent report by energy think tank EMBER Climate underscores a concerning trend: many national grid plans underestimate the potential of wind and solar deployment, posing a significant risk to the seamless integration of renewables. Out of the 26 grid plans scrutinized, 11 fall short in accurately projecting wind and solar deployment compared to national targets.
The U.S. energy storage market saw breakneck growth in 2023, shattering previous installation records across multiple segments, as the country added 8.7 GW of new energy storage capacity. Installations across all segments were up 90% compared to 2022, just shy of doubling year-over-year, according to a report by Wood Mackenzie and the American Clean Power Association.
Adani Electricity Mumbai Santacruz Electronics Export Processing Zone has floated a tender to select developers to procure 50 MW of power from grid-connected solar projects. The developer must arrange the projects’ land, connectivity, and general access network. The last day to submit the bids is April 12, 2024. Bids will be opened on April 17. The declared annual capacity utilization factor must be not less than 19%.
The Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation has invited bids for the operation and maintenance of the 5 MW Berradol Solar Power Project in Bilaspur district for five years. Bidders must submit an earnest money deposit of ₹550,000 ($6,616). They must also deposit a tender document fee of ₹10,000 ($120). Bids are due for submission on April 18, 2024, and bids will open on the same day. Bidders must possess a valid registration with the Regional Provident Fund Commissioner and have an average annual turnover of ₹10 million ($120,288) in the last three financial years.