Here are some noteworthy cleantech announcements of the day from around the world:

Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission (PSERC) allowed Punjab State Power Corporation’s (PSPCL) petition to adopt the tariff of ₹2.65 (~$0.035)/kWh for 150 MW solar projects located in Punjab selected through a competitive bidding process. SJVN had quoted a tariff of ₹2.65 (~$0.035)/kWh for 100 MW capacity, and SAEL had quoted ₹2.65 (~$0.035)/kWh for 50 MW, both of which were approved. PSERC also ordered PSPCL to make the names of the successful bidders public and the tariff quoted by them after executing the power purchase agreements.

West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (WBSEDCL) has issued a tender to procure power from non-solar renewable energy sources to fulfill its Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) from May 10, 2022 to March 31, 2023. The last date to submit the bids is April 29, 2022. Bids will be opened on May 2. Bidders must submit a non-refundable tender fee of ₹24,000 (~$314).

Renewable energy solutions provider Cleantech Solar commissioned a 625 kW rooftop solar system at Yachiyo India’s manufacturing facility in Bhiwandi, Rajasthan. From signing the power purchase agreement to commissioning, the project was executed in 59 days. The rooftop solar project is expected to generate approximately 11,605 MWh of clean energy, which is equivalent to offsetting over 10,561 tons of CO2 emissions. The fully operating system has been funded, designed, built, and will be operated and maintained by Cleantech Solar across the term of the agreement.

Solar module manufacturer JinkoSolar Holding Co has achieved a technical breakthrough for its 182 mm high-efficiency N-type monocrystalline silicon solar cell by achieving a maximum solar conversion efficiency of 25.7%. The National Institute of Metrology, China, has independently confirmed this result. The monocrystalline silicon solar cell was fabricated on a high-quality CZ Mono-Si substrate. High temperature gettering, advanced diffusion, semi-transparent metallization, JinkoSolar’s self-developed HOT technologies, and material upgrades were integrated into the cell process to set this new world record.

Inverter solution supplier Sungrow will supply its latest string inverter, SG350HX, to a 45.75 MW solar project for Jubail 3A Independent Water Plant (IWP) in Saudi Arabia. Jubail 3A IWP will help the Kingdom meet the buoyant electricity demand for the desalination plant and support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan. The Jubail 3A IWP is expected to begin commercial operation in Q4 2022 and generate 600,000 cubic meters of potable water per day. This operation will significantly contribute to the water demand of millions of households and Saudi Arabian efforts to ensure water security.