The average cost of large-scale solar projects in India declined by 8.1% year-over-year in Q2 of 2023. Continuing from the previous quarter, the cost reduction was primarily driven by the falling module prices, which account for approximately 60% of the solar project cost. The average project costs decreased by 4.5% quarter over quarter. The findings were published in Mercom India Research’s recently released Q2 2023 India Solar Market Quarterly Update.

The Ministry of Power has released a comprehensive framework to create an ecosystem for developing energy storage systems to guarantee affordable, clean, stable, flexible, and secure power. The recommendations range from financial incentives to changes in bidding guidelines for storage projects. The Ministry has proposed policy and regulatory measures that are either under review or may be contemplated in the future. To enhance the cost-effectiveness of energy storage and make the battery energy storage system (BESS) a feasible choice, a recommendation has been made to extend the viability gap funding support to the first few BESS projects.

NLC India has invited bids for the balance of system works for 600 MW grid-connected solar power projects at Khavda, Gujarat. The last date for the submission of bids is September 29, 2023. Bids will be opened on the same day. The scope of the work includes design, engineering, site development, manufacture, inspection at supplier’s works, supply, insurance, transport, storage, erection, installation, testing, and commissioning of the total capacity and the evacuation system up to the point of connection (i.e., 33 kV side of 33/400 kV pooling substation).

Cooperative Dairy Golkul Milk Kolhapur has floated a tender for engineering, procurement, and commissioning (EPC) of a 6.5 MW captive solar power project in Maharashtra. The last date for the submission of bids is September 25, 2023. The EPC contractor will be responsible for design engineering, procurement of components, inspections, project installation, and commissioning, along with tasks such as acquiring land, obtaining right-of-way clearances, and liaising with government agencies.

Ayana Renewable Power, an India-based independent power producer, has signed a power purchase agreement with Hindalco Industries, the metals flagship company of Aditya Birla Group, for the supply of 100 MW of round-the-clock renewable power to Hindalco’s smelters in Odisha. The 25-year power purchase agreement will be facilitated by 330 MW of solar-wind plus storage projects to be developed across India and connected through inter-state transmission systems. Ayana will offer storage solutions in partnership with Greenko Energies’ pumped hydro storage project in Pinnapuram, Andhra Pradesh.