www.mnre.gov.in MESSAGE

DECEMBER 2017–APRIL 2018 | Volume 11 • Issue 3–5|

A bi-monthly newsletter of the Ministry of FORTHCOMING New and Renewable Energy, Government of EVENTS (Published in English and Hindi) RE NEWS CHIEF PATRON Shri Raj Kumar Singh 5 National Minister of State (Independent Charge) International for Power and New & 8 52 Renewable Energy

PATRON RE UPDATES Shri Anand Kumar 16 Secretary, MNRE, New Delhi Universal COVER 20 EDITOR Energy Access Expression of Interest Dr P C Maithani and Saubhagya 10 by SECI MNRE, New Delhi STORYFounding Conference of the Scheme 22 EDITORIAL BOARD SPECIALFEATURE International Solar Alliance D K Khare Solar Anti-Dumping B S Negi Duty in India R K Vimal PRODUCTION TEAM RE FEATURES 31 Anupama Jauhry, Sangeeta Paul, Renewable Energy Abhas Mukherjee, Anushree T Sharma, and Improved Cooling Naina Mukerji, Rajiv Sharma, 24 Technologies Raman K Jha, Santosh K Singh, 32 R K Joshi, Aman Sachdeva, Energy Sector Maximizing 44 TERI, New Delhi; Nimai Ghatak, MNRE Transitions Generation Year End Review EDITORIAL OFFICE 2017 Dr P C Maithani Editor, Akshay Urja 38 MNRE, Block No. 14, CGO Complex, 27 Lodhi Road, New Delhi - 110 003 Offshore Wind Energy RE CASE STUDY RE TECHNOLOGY Tel. +91 11 2436 1830, 2436 0707 Development FOCUS E-mail: [email protected] Optimizing Transmission Web: www.mnre.gov.in 41 from Large Renewable Building Green: From Energy Farms and PRODUCED BY Impact of Using Energy TERI Press Principle To Practice Storage TERI, Darbari Seth Block, IHC Complex Lodhi Road, New Delhi -110 003 Tel. +91 11 2468 2100, 4150 4900 RE EVENTS 46-48 Fax: +91 11 2468 2144, 2468 2145 Email: [email protected] Web: www.teriin.org CHILDREN’S BOOK PUBLISHER AND PRINTER Ministry of New and Renewable Energy CORNER 49 ALERT 50 Disclaimer: The views expressed by authors including those of the editor in this newsletter are not necessarily the 16 24 32 views of the MNRE.

Published, printed, and edited for and on behalf of the Ministry of New and Debajit Palit says that the Aayushi Awasthy and Neha In this article, Satish N Diwakar Renewable Energy, , Government of India’s target Pahuja discuss some of the key outlines various aspects of solar from B-14, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, date and IEA estimated date energy sector transitions in India photovoltaic (SPV) systems on for achieving universal access as well as in the world and feel rooftops, including evaluation New Delhi. in India is almost the same that despite the resilience of oil of existing roofs where SPV Printed at: India Offset Press, A-1, which further points out that demand, much of the changes systems can be safely installed. Mayapuri Indl. Area Phase-I, the Saubhagya objective is in the energy sector are being New Delhi-110 064, India. achievable within the coming made with the long-term aim of 2 years. decarbonization. MAILBOX v{k; mQtkZ dk vxLr&vDrwcj 2017 vad informative article that highlights the development of solar parks in India dkiQh tkudkjh ls ycjst yxkA fo'ks"k :i ls major achievements of the solar and and the related tariff trends. It is a wind sectors in the last 3–4 years good article to understand the critical ^dkWi 23 esa lkSj mQtkZ* ys[k ;g crkrk gS fd and also the future for the sector. I issues and developments that have Hkkjr 175 xhxkokWV dk vkj-vkbZ- y{; izkIr also liked reading the article on wind taken place with regards to solar djus esa iwjh rjg ls l{ke gSA xqtjkr jkT; osQ power development in India as the parks in the country. The case study lwjr 'kgj esa LekVZ flVh dk;ZozQe osQ liQy author has traced the trajectory of on Grid-connected Solar PV plants at fozQ;kUo;u osQ ckjs esa i<+dj Hkh vPNk yxkA wind energy in India via detailed policy AMU also highlights the initiative by fuf'pr :i ls lwjr osQ fodkl dh izsjd xkFkk measures, commercial viability, and the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) ns'k osQ vU; lHkh vkdka{kh LekVZ 'kgjksa osQ fy, wind power infirmity management for the installation of grid-connected ekxZn'kZd izdk'kLraHk dk dk;Z djsxhA guidelines. Thanks for publishing such solar PV plants in its campus with useful articles and making the general total capacity of 4.5 MW. The RE xkSre lksyadh public aware about the initiatives Event coverage on ‘The Sun Reigns onksnjk] xqtjkr of the government for promoting at COP23’ has been presented very ...... renewable energy in the country. nicely with good pictures. Kudos! B M Raju Sandeep Banerjee I liked reading the article on Surat: Hyderabad, Telangana Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh India’s leading ‘Smart Solar City’ ...... published in August–October

2017 issue of Akshay Urja. The I am a regular reader of Akshay Urja Government of India launched v{k; mQtkZ osQ uhoure~ vad esa izdkf'kr magazine. I noticed that you have the in 2015, I fo'ks"k fjiksVZ dkiQh lkjxfHkZr yxhA 'kqYd@VSfjiQ changed the presentation style and am glad to know that TERI has vk/kfjr izfrLi/hZ cksyh izfozQ;k osQ fy, u, layout of the magazine since the been actively participating with August–October 2017 issue; I really fn'kk&funsZ'kksa dh tkudkjh bl {ks=k ls tqM+s lHkh the Surat Municipal Corporation liked the new format of the magazine. yksxksa osQ fy, cgqr ykHknk;d gSA xkSjryc gS fd [SMC] in planning and execution As usual, the magazine is replete with Hkkjr esa iou mQtkZ dk mi;ksx] chrs oqQN o"kks± esa of various projects. In RE News, information on renewable energy and ‘Indian scientists Develop Leaf vuojr vPNh nj ls c<+k gSA ys[kd us foLr`r other aspects of green energy. The that Absorbs Water, Sunlight to uhfrxr mik;ksa] okf.kfT;d O;ogk;XZrk] vkSj iou article on green jobs in renewable Create Fuel’ is very interesting and 'kfDr vfLFkjrk izca/u fn'kk&funsZ'kksa osQ ekè;e energy is quite enlightening as the informative. It may provide clean ls ns'k esa iou mQtkZ dh izxfr&;k=kk dk vPNk author has discussed the potential energy for powering eco-friendly cars C;kSjk fn;k gSA v{k; mQtkZ i<+dj vkuan dh and scope of the generation of green in the future. Other articles on solar jobs in the RE sector in India and vuqHkwfr gqbZA l/U;oknA parks and solar tariff are good. As also highlights that in the light of such, tariff is a major factor for the recent events in the climate change lqosQrq vkpk;Z development of solar project in any sphere, it becomes crucial to evaluate country. Congratulations to MNRE dksydkrk] if'pe caxky new opportunities and sustainable and TERI team for such a wonderful green jobs that can be generated by publication. transition to RE. Er. Anant B Tamhane Manoj K Arora Consulting Engineer New Delhi Renewable Energy Send or email your letters to: Nagpur, Maharashtra Editor, Akshay Urja The ‘Success Story of Solar Parks in MNRE, Block No. 14, CGO Complex, The feature article ‘Escalation to India’ very succinctly describes the Lodhi Road, New Delhi - 110 003 E-mail: [email protected] the Renewables in India’ is a very critical success factors including

Dear Reader, Thank you very much for your suggestions and encouragement. The editorial team of Akshay Urja will make every effort to make this magazine highly informative and useful to all our readers. We welcome your suggestions and valuable comments to make further improvements in the content and presentation. Editor, Akshay Urja

December 2017–April 2018 | Akshay Urja | 2 MESSAGE

December 2017–April 2018 | Akshay Urja | 3 FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK UNION BUDGET 2018/19 UPDATE

lwjt ,d :i vusd RE IN UNION From the Editor's Desk BUDGET 2018/19

Distinguished readers, The Union Budget 2018/19 was tabled In the past few years, a portion of Akshay Urja is a humble effort to on February 1, 2018 by the Finance renewable energy budget was being met provide information on the latest Minister, Government of India. It has from the National Clean Energy Fund renewable energy initiatives and proposed a budget estimate of `4,895.60 (NCEF). The NCEF was created out of developments in India. crore for renewable energy. Of this, cess on coal produced/imported through The Founding Conference of the highest allocation of `2,045 crore has Finance Bill 2010/11. NCEF guidelines International Solar Alliance (ISA) was been proposed for achieving a capacity of April 2011 were revised in March held on March 11, 2018, in New Delhi. addition of 11 GW solar power. This 2017, to expand the scope of the fund to The one-day Founding Conference translates into a financial support of include clean environment initiatives and was attended by Heads of State/ `18 lakh for 1 MW solar power capacity re-named as National Clean Energy and Heads of Government, dignitaries addition. Similarly for wind power, Environment Fund (NCEEF). from the United Nations, Presidents for each MW capacity additional The Goods and Services Tax of Multilateral Development Banks, financial support of approximately (Compensation to States) Act, 2017 which ` and global funds/financial institutions, 2 lakh is envisaged. Emergence of has been notified in April 2017, provides leaders from energy-related renewables requires augmentation of grid that coal cess, along with some other cess institutions, corporate sector, and civil infrastructure and for implementation would constitute GST Compensation society. The Hon’ble Prime Minister of of Green Energy Corridor project `600 Fund and the same would be utilized India, Shri inaugurated crore has been allocated. In the off-grid to compensate the States for five years the conference along with the President and decentralized renewables, major for potential losses on account of GST of France, Mr Emmanuel Macron. allocations are for off-grid solar (`848 implementation. After five years any In this issue, we have presented the crore) and biogas programme (`135 amount left would be shared on 50% basis Founding Conference of the ISA as crore). In monetary terms, the Budget between the Centre and States. Budget the cover story. We hope you get all estimate for 2018/19 has no quantum proposals for 2018/19 are a reflection of the relevant information about this jump from the allocation for 2017/18. important global event. Saubhagya the government’s priority for renewables scheme, another major initiative of MAJOR HIGHLIGHTS without any impact of subsuming NCEEF the Government of India, have been OF BUDGET for GST purposes. detailed in this issue. We also seek ANNOUNCEMENTS Renewable energy is considered as suggestions for the next issue. (RELATED TO RENEWABLE a merit good. Therefore, till the time With best compliments and greetings! ENERGY) the marginal social cost of the baseline energy options is more than the marginal ¾¾ Measures for purchasing surplus solar private cost, there is strong justification power from solar pumps in farmers’ to incentivize renewable energy systems fields and device. This is broadly accepted as a ¾¾ Reduction of customs duty on solar rationale and justification for affirmative tempered glass or solar tempered P C Maithani action to develop and deploy renewable (anti-reflective coated) glass for [email protected] energy technologies. manufacture of solar cells/panels/ modules from 5% to zero. Source: Energy Next, Volume 8, Issue 4.

December 2017–April 2018 | Akshay Urja | 4 NATIONALMESSAGE RENEWABLE ENERGY NEWS

FOWIND COMMISSIONS INDIA'S FIRST LIDAR FOR GOVERNMENT EXTENDS OFFSHORE WIND RESOURCE ASSESSMENTS IN GUJARAT TRANSMISSION CHARGE The FOWIND Consortium has installed capacity of close to 33 GW. WAIVER TO SOLAR, WIND successfully commissioned India's However, India does have an acute need POWER TILL MARCH 2022 first offshore LiDAR (Light Detection for large-scale, clean and indigenous The government has extended the waiver and Ranging), off the coast of Gujarat, energy generation to fuel its rapidly of inter-state power transmission charges in the Gulf of Khambhat. The data growing economy. Offshore wind power and losses for the solar and wind power from this offshore LiDAR will support could play a very important role in projects commissioned till March 31, the Ministry of New and Renewable India due to the large wind resources 2022, with a view to giving a boost to Energy's efforts towards exploring the available near centres of high-energy clean energy sources. full potential of offshore wind along demand. Globally, offshore wind power Earlier, the waiver was available India's long coastline. The National is becoming increasingly cost-effective to solar and wind power projects Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) with installations close to 14.5 GW at commissioned till December 31, 2019, developed the offshore platform on the end of 2016. and March 31, 2019, respectively. The which the FOWIND LiDAR has been The four-year FOWIND project aims waiver was available for a period of 25 commissioned. This activity is another to put together a roadmap for developing years from the date of commissioning significant contribution by the GWEC a sustainable and commercially viable of the project. “For generation projects led FOWIND consortium towards offshore wind industry in India. based on solar and wind resources, no ensuring that the offshore wind sector in Upcoming offshore wind feasibility inter-state power transmission charges India is supported by strong underlying assessments by FOWIND, would further and losses will be levied on transmission technical data. This offshore LiDAR is a add to the knowledge of businesses and of the electricity through inter-state Leosphere WINDCUBE v2 procured by government institutions as to what is transmission system for sale of power by FOWIND from MeteoPole. required for developing a successful such projects commissioned till March India has the world's 4th largest offshore wind industry in India. 31, 2022,” according to an order issued onshore wind market with a total Source: [email protected] by the Power Ministry. The waiver will be available to these projects for 25 years from the date of commissioning provided the developers sign power purchase agreements with entities, including discoms, for sale of power for compliance of their renewable purchase obligation, the order said. The order also provides that the waiver would be available to only those projects which are awarded through competitive bidding process as per the guidelines issued by the central government. Earlier the incentive was not available to firms other than power distribution companies. Thus, other entities procuring clean energy from these projects were at disadvantageous position. Now they can also avail the benefit. Source: http://www.livemint.com/

December 2017–April 2018 | Akshay Urja | 5 NATIONAL

LAUNCH OF BRPL SOLAR CITY INITIATIVE As part of their initiative to promote clean energy, BSES Rajdhani Power Ltd (BRPL), one of Delhi's two electricity distribution companies (Discoms) along with GIZ, USAID, and TERI launched the country's first solar rooftop consumer aggregation programme 'BRPL Solar City Initiative' for residential buildings. The programme is designed to maximize rooftop solar power use in south and west Delhi. The programme inaugurated by Delhi Power Minister Mr Satyendar Jain took place at the hotel, Vivanta by Taj, Dwarka, on January 7, 2018. Unlike conventional methods, under this programme, rooftop solar installations will be provided at a single point for the entire apartment complex. In the first residential segments across BSES licensee of installing solar PV system. TERI is an phase of the programme, around 150 areas. Mr Shirish Garud, Senior Fellow, outreach partner of BRPL in its Solar City residential societies will be targeted in RET Division, TERI, addressed the Initiative. BSES also launched the website Dwarka. Evaluating the response, the gathering of more than 200 residents conceptualized and designed by TERI across Dwarka and explained the benefits during the event. programme will be extended to other Source: http://www.teriin.org/

“INDIA TO ACHIEVE 175 GW RENEWABLE ENERGY AHEAD OF 2022 DEADLINE”: SHRI ANAND KUMAR

"India would achieve its target of 175 GW of installed renewable energy capacity well before 2022 for which bidding process would be completed on time and International Solar Alliance (ISA) shall help mobilize sufficient funds for projects,” said Shri Anand Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy at Action to Transaction’ Meet under the aegis of PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry in New Delhi. Shri Kumar said in the statement issued by industry body that over the years the renewable energy has become cheaper and is set to replace conventional energy, which is a healthy development, and added that India has one of the fastest growing renewable energy programmes in the world. ideas for renewable sources particularly he added. He said the ISA is an excellent "Prime Minister wants India to be an in solar energy with the objective of idea which helps millions of people to innovation hub for which we have to start providing renewable energy to the provide universal energy excess. thinking and supporting about the new common man as an affordable pricing," Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com

December 2017–April 2018 | Akshay Urja | 6 RE NEWS

SECI COMMISSIONS INDIA’S SECOND-LARGEST GRID-CONNECTED ROOFTOP SOLAR PROJECT IN UP The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has announced that it has commissioned the country’s second largest rooftop solar PV power plant at GAIL’s Petrochemical complex at Pata in Uttar Pradesh. The 5.76 MWp solar plant would generate about 7,930,000 units of electricity per annum for GAIL’s captive use. The plant is expected to reduce approximately 6,000 tonnes per annum of carbon dioxide emission and contribute towards India’s goals under COP21 commitment. “GAIL as a marketer of benign fuel is thrilled to integrate captive solar PV towards achieving lower carbon footprint at our major installation,” B C Tripathi, Chairman and Managing Director of GAIL said. The award for Turnkey “SECI being the PMC for this project rooftop installation,” Jatindra Nath Swain, execution of the project, including 5 years is committed to provide its best services Managing Director at SECI said. SECI of operation and maintenance, was placed towards designing, engineering, had also recently launched bids for 2 GW on Thermax Limited, selected through procurement, construction, and of ISTS-connected wind power and ISTS- an open competitive bidding process by commissioning of the project including connected solar power each. SECI. its quality assurance to make it India’s best Source: energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com

FOUR DELHI GURUDWARAS TO HARNESS SOLAR ENERGY FOR POWER

Four famous Sikh shrines in Delhi gurudwaras—Bangla Sahib, Gurudwara Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management including Rakab Ganj and Bangla Sahib Rakab Ganj, Nanak Piao, and Majnu ka Committee (DSGMC). “The Gurudwaras will go green by employing Tila—will be provided with rooftop solar commissioning of solar plants will be solar energy to meet their daily power panels having a total capacity of 1 MW, completed by March-end,” he said. A needs from April 2018. These four said Manjit Singh GK, the president of company enlisted with the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has been selected through competitive bidding, for executing the project, Singh said, adding a power purchase agreement has also been signed and the DSGMC is likely to save around `60 lakh per year as power bill. The solar project is a tribute to the 7th Sikh Guru Har Rai whose love for the nature and teaching for its preservation inspires the community to take care of the environment, he added. The DSGMC president said the project will generate around 4,000 units power per day, touching approximately 1.3 million units per year. "It will allow the gurudwaras to use peak-hour load during the day. Source: http://www.business-standard.com/

December 2017–April 2018 | Akshay Urja | 7 MESSAGEINTERNATIONAL

A NEW ‘SOLAR PAINT’ LETS YOU TRANSFORM YOUR HOUSE INTO A SOURCE OF CLEAN ENERGY Powering homes using clean energy is products to keep them becoming easier thanks to a growing free from damage by number of innovative technologies absorbing moisture. and initiatives. Some government According to a report programmes help homeowners with on RMIT’s website, the financial burden of equipping their the material absorbs residences with energy-generating solar energy as well solar panels, and Elon Musk’s Tesla as moisture from the has developed roofing tiles that double surrounding air. It can as solar panels to give solar power then split the water into generation an aesthetic boost. A new hydrogen and oxygen, innovation from Australia is poised to collecting the hydrogen make clean energy even more appealing. for use in fuel cells A team of researchers from the Royal or to power a vehicle. Melbourne Institute of Technology “The simple addition (RMIT) has developed a paint that of the new material can can be used to generate clean energy. convert a brick wall into panels, maximizing the capability of any The paint combines the titanium oxide energy harvesting and fuel production property to generate clean energy. Any already used in many wall paints with a real estate,” explained lead researcher Dr surface that could be painted—a fence, a new compound: synthetic molybdenum- Torben Daeneke. The paint could be used shed, etc.,—could be transformed into an sulphide. The latter acts a lot like the to cover areas that wouldn’t get enough energy-producing structure. silica gel packaged with many consumer sunlight to justify the placement of solar Source: https://futurism.com

EUROPE INCREASES SOLAR INSTALLATIONS AS 8.6 GW INSTALLED IN 2017

Estimates from SolarPower Europe show that Europe installed about 8.6 GW of solar power systems in 2017, a 28% increase over systems installed in 2016. SolarPower Europe said that EU member states installed about 6 GW in 2016, a 6% year-over-year increase. "Solar in Europe is growing, this is good news for the energy transition; now we need the right policies in place to make sure the EU can fully benefit from our clean energy technology,” James Watson, CEO of SolarPower Europe, said. According to SolarPower Europe’s estimate for solar installations, the largest European solar market in 2017 was Turkey, which gridconnected 1.79 GW in 2016, followed by Germany at 1.75 GW. installations dropped by 54% to around head of market intelligence, SolarPower SolarPower Europe said that final figures 912 MW in the UK, from 1.97 GW in Europe, said. “This makes perfect sense could place Germany in the first place. 2016. "We are expecting strong growth in as solar is the most popular energy source The UK, which dropped its solar the coming years as several EU member among EU citizens, due to its low-cost, incentive programmes, lost its position states are choosing solar to meet their versatility and reliability.” as the leading European solar market. national binding 2020 renewables targets,” Source: http://www.renewableenergyworld.com SolarPower Europe said that new Michael Schmela, executive advisor and

December 2017–April 2018 | Akshay Urja | 8 RE NEWS

STAND-ALONE SYSTEM TO PRODUCE DRINKING WATER BY MEANS OF SOLAR ENERGY

Researchers from the University of managing empty batteries. Furthermore, Alicante's research group in applied it can be adapted and applied for treating electrochemistry and electrocatalysis water of many different origins, such as have developed a stand-alone system for seawater, wells containing brackish water, desalinating and treating water through treatment plants, industrial processes, electrodialysis. The system is directly etc., which makes it particularly well- powered by solar energy and can be suited to remote, off-grid areas.” In this applied in off-grid areas. Designed only sense, this equipment can be employed the maximum energy supplied by for desalinating water, it is a sustainable, to obtain clean water for human panels when exposed to sunlight, and eco-friendly technology, as its energy is consumption, irrigation, street cleaning its availability is also high, as it enables supplied by solar photovoltaic panels in a and others, both when there is no energy treated water accumulation for periods in CO -free process, thus not contributing to grid available and after natural disasters, 2 which renewable sources do not provide climate change. such as earthquakes, floods, or fires. enough energy. According to research group director Among other advantages, this new Source:www.sciencedaily.com Vicente Montiel, “the new system requires technology makes it possible to recover no batteries and has none of the economic approximately 80%– 90% of all treated and environmental costs involved in water. Besides, it makes the most of

NEW LEAD-FREE PEROVSKITE MATERIAL FOR SOLAR CELLS Perovskites have emerged as a promising alternative to silicon for making inexpensive and efficient solar cells. A group of researchers at Brown University and University of Nebraska—Lincoln (UNL) has come up with a new titanium- based material for making lead-free, inorganic perovskite solar cells. In a paper published in the journal Joule, the researchers show that the material can be a good candidate, especially for making tandem solar cells—arrangements in which a perovskite cells are placed on top of silicon or another established material to boost the overall efficiency. “Titanium is an abundant, robust, and convert sunlight into electricity. The first predicted that a class of perovskites biocompatible element that, until now, perovskite solar cells had a conversion with cesium, titanium and a halogen has been largely overlooked in perovskite efficiency of only about 4%, but that component (bromine or/and iodine) research,” said the senior author of the has quickly skyrocketed to near 23%, was a good candidate. The next step was new paper, Nitin Padture, the Otis E which rivals traditional silicon cells. to actually make a solar cell using that Randall University Professor in Brown's And perovskites offer some intriguing material and test its properties, and that School of Engineering and director of advantages. They're potentially cheaper is what we've done here." The team made Institute for Molecular and Nanoscale to make than silicon cells, and they can semi-transparent perovskite films that Innovation. “We showed that it's possible be partially transparent, enabling new had bandgap—a measure of the energy to use titanium-based material to make technologies like windows that generate level of photons the material can absorb— thin-film perovskites and that the electricity. of 1.8 electron volts, which is considered material has favourable properties for "One of the big thrusts in perovskite to be ideal for tandem solar applications. solar applications which can be tuned.” research is to get away from lead-based The material had a conversion efficiency Interest in perovskites, a class of materials and find new materials that of 3.3%, which is well below that of lead- materials with a particular crystalline are non-toxic and more stable," Padture based cells, but a good start for an all-new structure, for clean energy emerged in said. "Using computer simulations, material, the researchers say. 2009, when they were shown to be able to our theoretician collaborators at UNL Source: www.sciencedaily.com

December 2017–April 2018 | Akshay Urja | 9 MESSAGECOVER STORY

FOUNDING CONFERENCE OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOLAR ALLIANCE

The Founding Conference of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) was held on March 11, 2018, at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Center in New Delhi. The one-day Founding Conference was attended by Heads of State/Heads of Government, dignitaries from the United Nations, Presidents of Multilateral Development Banks, and global funds/financial institutions, leaders from energy-related institutions, corporate sector, and civil society. As the President of France, Mr Emmanuel Macron paid a State Visit to India from March 10–12, 2018, the , Shri Narendra Modi and the President of France co-hosted the Founding Conference of the ISA.

December 2017–April 2018 | Akshay Urja | 10 FOUNDING CONFERENCE OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOLAR ALLIANCE COVER STORY

part from the President of “Over the last few months, we have been and development base is essential. The France and the Indian Prime intensely engaging with various signatory Solar Technology Mission announced by Minister, 21 Heads of State countries to ascertain their interest and the Prime Minister envisages a national and Heads of Government, seek proposals for potential solar projects mission with international focus. The A6 Vice Presidents and Deputy Prime in their respective countries. As you can Prime Minister also mooted a 10-point Ministers, 19 Ministers as Heads of see that our initiative has generated an action plan for the world on solar energy. Delegation attended the founding overwhelming positive response. The He said, “We are happy that in addition conference in addition to many other projects which we will be looking at or to making the contribution in the ISA ministers who were accompanying taking up in these 15 countries include Corpus Fund an amount of $62 million the Heads of State and Heads of setting up of solar PV power plants, has been provided for the establishment Government. Ten heads of multilateral mini grid and off grid usage, irrigation, of ISA Secretariat. I’m happy to announce banks, top representatives from UN rural electrification, street lighting, solar that every year we will provide 500 training agencies, corporate sector particularly in power for urban infrastructure including slots to ISA members in the field of solar renewable energy, civil society, academic for health, hospitals, colleges, schools, energy. We have either completed 13 solar and research institutions and think tanks government establishments, low income projects worth $143 million dollar in the were present from India and from all over families, etc.” entire world or they are in the process the world. Before the conference more A project preparation facility was of being implemented. India is going to than half the potential States, that is, 61 announced by the Prime Minister to assist provide an assistance of $1.4 billion to countries had signed the International India’s development partners towards 27 more projects in 15 other developing Solar Alliance (ISA) Framework and 32 preparation of project documentation as countries. We have set up a projects had ratified it already. consultancy support. The Prime Minister preparation facility which will provide It was evident that there has been a also announced a path breaking initiative consultancy support to partner countries huge surge and interest in joining the relating to solar technology mission. This is for designing bankable projects.” ISA as witnessed by the presence of so in line with Prime Minister’s own initiative many high level dignitaries. It signifies the for India to take the lead internationally in ADOPTION OF THE commitment at the highest level of these solar energy development. The focus is on DELHI SOLAR AGENDA founding States of the ISA to go for clean, development of solar technology which is The leaders of the founding states of the affordable, appropriate and sustainable appropriate, innovative, and affordable for ISA adopted the Delhi Solar Agenda. The energy to make our world a better place scaling up commercially and to become agenda re-emphasizes the determination to live in. Sustainable development has genuine alternative to unsustainable of the ISA member states to increase the received a very huge boost. energy sources. Consequently, solar share of solar energy in their respective technology innovation and development national energy mix to facilitate affordable THE INAUGURAL including creation of a solar research financing including innovative financing SESSION The inaugural session was launched with the soulful rendering of the ‘We shall overcome’ by the solar mamas who have all been trained in India under the ITEC (India Technical Economic Cooperation) programme. They stand as a symbol of what can be achieved at the grassroots level to bring about genuine change in the lives of local communities. The Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, in his inaugural address inter-alia announced India’s commitment to extend nearly $1.4 billion worth of lines of credit which will cover 27 projects in 15 countries. This initiative has been widely welcomed by the ISA Founding States and the beneficiary countries. This is indeed one of the largest commitments to financing »» The Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi and the President of the French Republic solar energy projects around the world. Mr Emmanuel Macron at the Founding Conference of the International Solar Alliance in New Delhi

December 2017–April 2018 | Akshay Urja | 11 COVER STORY

context, IRENA stands ready to work with ISA and its members to scale-up solar energy deployment as a means to expanding affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy access, as well as to addressing climate and energy security concerns. IRENA looks forward to strengthening collaboration with ISA, sharing its knowledge and experience, and making available its project facilitation tools and platforms.” “The International Solar Alliance has a well-articulated goal to facilitate the mobilization of $1 trillion of capital to rapidly accelerate the adoption of solar energy all over the world,” said »» The Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi addressing the Founding Conference of the Shri Upendra Tripathy. He further said, International Solar Alliance in New Delhi “While solar is fast becoming one of the most cost-effective ways to generate mechanisms to facilitate joint research up of off-grid solar energy, women and new power and deliver energy access, and development effort to undertake off energy, enhancing energy access in small to deploy fast enough, complementarity grid solar applications for poorer and/or islands states and on ISA as a catalyst must exist between our work and the remote communities, to enhance skills, for sustainable development goal (SDG) broader renewable energy mandate to undertake capacity building, and to number 7, by panels of distinguished and development tools established by strengthen ISA to become an action- ministers from many countries, IRENA. This fusion of capabilities will oriented and member-driven multilateral representatives from multilateral help to catalyse solar development in line organization. development banks (MDBs) and from with the goals set out under the Paris In the speeches of the leaders other experts. Agreement.” from France and other countries, Driven by rapid advances in technology the importance of this initiative for SIGNING OF JOINT and economies of scale, the cost of combating climate change and the need to DECLARATION BY IRENA electricity from solar ensure access to affordable and innovative AND ISA decreased by almost 70 per cent between solar energy especially for developing On the occasion of the Founding 2010 and 2016. IRENA estimates that countries including for Africa and small Conference of the ISA, the Director average cost of electricity from solar island states was underlined. Scaling up General of the International Renewable photovoltaics can decrease by further of solar technology and production was Energy Agency (IRENA), Mr Adnan 60 per cent in the coming decade. Solar re-emphasized. Z Amin, and the Interim Director power is also a significant employer The President of Rwanda, the Chair of General of ISA, Shri Upendra Tripathy of people worldwide, with around 3.1 African Union eloquently called the ISA signed a Joint Declaration to deepen million jobs working in the sector in a transformative initiative and called for the cooperation between the two 2016. The Joint Declaration affirms implementing the twin mission of the organizations to accelerate solar the commitment of IRENA and ISA ISA, namely, technology transfer and energy deployment. to collaborate on advancing solar innovative financing. He reiterated that “Driven by remarkable cost declines, deployment and projects through helping Africa stood to benefit from the ISA. innovative policies and new business countries develop policies and regulations As the Governor General of Australia models, solar energy has emerged as around solar energy and through the mentioned, “ISA is the gift of India to the the fastest growing renewable energy implementation of IRENA initiatives world”. President of Togo mentioned that worldwide. There is an immense such as the Clean Energy Corridors and history will remember New Delhi as the opportunity at hand to bring its benefits the SIDS Lighthouses. IRENA’s project place where the ISA was born. to more and more countries around the facilitation tools and platforms such as world,” said Mr Amin. “IRENA estimates the Global Atlas for Renewable Energy, TECHNICAL SESSIONS that solar must account for at least 35 per the Project Navigator, and the Sustainable There were a series of technical sessions cent of global power capacity by 2050 to Energy Marketplace will be made also where discussions centered around meet the objectives the Paris Agreement available to ISA, in support of its project- solar priorities, low cost finance, scaling on climate,” Mr Amin added. “In this focussed work in countries.

December 2017–April 2018 | Akshay Urja | 12 FOUNDING CONFERENCE OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOLAR ALLIANCE COVER STORY

JOINT DECLARATIONS Climate Change and Green Growth; the stated that more such financial partnership OF FINANCIAL Asian Development Bank (ADB), deals shall be signed by the ISA in near PARTNERSHIPS Mr Bambang Susantono, Vice-President future to achieve its mandate in a proper The International Solar Alliance (ISA) and Knowledge Management and Sustainable and effective manner. Shri Tripathy also the African Development Bank (AfDb), Development; the Asian Infrastructure underlined that the ISA, the International the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Investment Bank (AIIB), Dr Joachim Von Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Amsberg, Vice President - Policy and the International Energy Agency (IEA) Bank (AIIB), the Green climate fund Strategy; the Green climate fund (GCF), have agreed to deepen their collaboration (GCF), and the New Development Bank Mr Kilaparti Ramakrishna, Head of to promote solar energy globally. The (NDB) signed Joint financial partnership Strategic Planning & Director of External methodologies, tools, and analysis Declarations and the International Energy Affairs; the New Development Bank related to solar technologies developed Agency (IEA) signed Joint partnership (NDB), Mr K V Kamath, President; the by both agencies will help design policy Declaration in the presence of Shri Arun International Renewable Energy Agency, environments that will facilitate solar Jaitley, Hon’ble Minister of Finance and Mr Adnan Amin, Director General; projects in ISA member countries. Shri Shri R K Singh, Hon’ble Minister of State the International Energy Agency, Mr Arun Jaitley, Hon’ble Minister of Finance, (I/C) for Power and New and Renewable Keisuke Sadamori, Director of the Office Government of India, congratulated ISA, Energy, Government of India, with an for Energy Markets and Security, signed AfDB, ADB, AIIB, GCF, NDB, IEA, and objective to deepen their cooperation in the declarations. During the signing IRENA for partnering with an objective support of renewable energy. The previous ceremony Shri Anand Kumar Secretary, to deepen cooperation in support of three partnerships were signed by ISA Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, renewable energy. He also hoped that with the World Bank, the European Government of India was also present. ISA would firm up such partnership Investment Bank, and the European Bank H E Shri Upendra Tripathy, the Interim deals with more multilateral and bilateral for Reconstruction and Development. The Director General ISA informed that the donor agencies in order to meet its stated signing ceremony took place on March ISA, AfDB, ADB, AIIB, GCF, and NDB objectives. He urged the signing parties to 10, 2018 in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. have agreed to strengthen cooperation in go in for innovation of new and dynamic ISA is working for deployment of over pursuit of their shared goals of mobilizing mechanism for credit enhancement and 1,000 GW of solar energy and mobilizing green energy financing. The collaboration risk mitigation in solar sector. Citing the more than $1,000 billion into solar energy will provide an opportunity to AfDB, ADB, first financial partnership collaboration by the year 2030. From ISA’s side, Shri AIIB, the GCF, and NDB to support solar of ISA with The World Bank, he urged Upendra Tripathy, the Interim Director energy investment in the least developed that more and more multilateral and General, ISA and on behalf of the African countries especially in Africa, Asia, and development banks should come forward Development Bank (AfDB), Mr Amadou the Pacific. This will also help funding of and join hands with ISA in help fulfilling Hott, Vice President for Power, Energy, solar projects in these regions. He also the objectives of massive and affordable deployment of solar among 121 ISA member countries. Shri R K Singh, Hon’ble Minister of State for Power and New and Renewable Energy, congratulated as well the signatories for providing wholehearted support to solar energy development and deployment in every possible manner. Recalling that the ISA initiative is the vision of the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, he reaffirmed Indian Government’s continued support for the ISA. Shri Kumar also spoke about the Government plans to increase the share of renewable ’s energy mix, especially towards achieving cumulative installed renewable power capacity of 175 GW by 2022. » » The Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Shri Arun Jaitley at the signing ceremony of the Compiled by Editorial team, TERI Press. Sources: Joint Declarations between the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and ADB, AIIB, AfDB, GCF, IEA & http://www.pib.nic.in/; http://isolaralliance.org/ NDB, in New Delhi on March 10, 2018. The Minister of State (I/C) for Power and New and Renewable Energy, Shri Raj Kumar Singh; the Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Shri S C Garg; and Shri Anand Kumar, Secretary, MNRE are also seen.

December 2017–April 2018 | Akshay Urja | 13 RE EVENT

IREDA AND EIB SIGN EURO 150 MILLION LOAN AGREEMENT FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY FINANCING IN INDIA European Investment Bank (EIB) and village, Shri R K Singh said, “There line of credit was negotiated shows the Indian Renewable Energy Development are villages in Ladakh and Arunachal mutual confidence and comfort that Agency (IREDA) Ltd. have signed a loan Pradesh where you track on foot for EIB and IREDA had developed after agreement for a second line of credit three to four days to reach. Our aim is working with each other for last 4 years. (LoC) of Euro 150 million on non- to bring electricity to even these remote Moreover, the EIB has extended this line sovereign basis on March 10, 2018, in places. We have decided to go green, of credit without insisting for sovereign New Delhi. The line of credit is for tenure as we have a responsibility to future guarantee from Government of India, of 15 years including a grace period of generations and the planet.” Highlighting which also shows their commitment and 3 years, and it will be used for financing the fact that renewable energy has now confidence in the sector, he added. Mr W renewable energy and energy efficiency become economically viable, he said Hoyer, President, EIB appreciated India’s projects in India. More than 1.1 million that companies bidding for RE projects role in International Solar Alliance and households are expected to benefit from are getting funds from all over the its commitment to Paris climate deal. He clean energy produced with these funds. world. Today, many countries want us to said that with much sunlight, solar energy The loan agreement was signed by share our experience in this field.” is evidently a solution here. Shri K S Popli, Chairman and Managing Shri Anand Kumar, Secretary, MNRE Mr Tomasz Kozlowski, Ambassador of Director, IREDA and Mr W Hoyer, said that two factors—efficient technology the European Union to India was among President, EIB in the presence of Shri R K and easy finance, are important for the the dignitaries present along with other Singh, Union Minister of State (IC) Power success of the RE sector. He expressed senior officials of MNRE, IREDA, and and New & Renewable Energy and Shri confidence that India will exceed its target EIB. Anand Kumar, Secretary, MNRE. of 175 GW renewable energy by 2022. Source: http://pib.nic.in/ Speaking about India’s fascinating Shri K S Popli, CMD, IREDA said journey to electrify every single that the speed with which the second

December 2017–April 2018 | Akshay Urja | 14 MESSAGERE EVENT ENERGY TRANSITIONS COMMISSION INDIA LAUNCHED he Energy Transitions various levels of government, industry reserves and flexibility requirements in Commission India (ETC India) and associations, and media to test the the Indian power sector and continuous was launched by The Energy analysis and hypothesis formulated engagement with relevant stakeholders. and Resources Institute (TERI) through ETC activities in India. The Energy Transitions Commission was Ton the sidelines of the World Sustainable Speaking on the occasion, Dr Ajay convened to help identify pathways for Development Summit (WSDS) 2018 on Mathur, Director General, TERI said,” change in our energy systems to ensure February 16, 2018. ETC India is a unique, As India’s energy mix and demand both better growth and a better climate. high-level, multi-stakeholder platform on patterns change, due to significant This is inspired by the work of the Global energy and electricity sector transitions addition of renewable energy in the grid Commission on the Economy and in India. In the first year of inception, and new energy efficiency measures, Climate and its flagship project the New ETC India will focus on policy, research, it is important that the policy and Climate Economy. The Commissioners and outreach on decarbonizing the power regulatory environment in the power bring a diverse and remarkable range of sector. ETC India will bring together sector rapidly adapts itself to the viewpoints and extraordinary depth of a diverse group of individuals from changing landscape. It is necessary to experience. They come from across the the energy and climate communities: engage with all stakeholders—suppliers, energy spectrum, including investors, investors, energy companies, industry consumers, funding agencies, developers, incumbent energy companies, innovators, disruptors, equipment suppliers, governments, and regulators to enable industrial energy users, public and energy-intensive industries, non-profit accelerated action and decarbonization. academic institutions and foundations, organizations, and academicians. This is where ETC India will play the advisors, and academics from across the ETC India is the first country-specific role of an enabler and facilitator for developed and developing world. What Commission. India was chosen to have achieving pathways to low-carbon energy they share is a mission to accelerate its own ETC as the country is taking systems in India.” TERI, in collaboration change towards zero-carbon energy great strides in transitioning towards with Climate Policy Initiative, National systems that enable robust economic renewable sources of energy. The Indian Renewable Energy Laboratory and development and limit the rise in global ETC can thus act as a model for other International ETC will provide a ‘systems temperature to well below 2 °C. They will emerging economies as they seek to approach’ to the challenges faced by do this by providing decision-makers with move to renewable energy sources. The India and help in addressing the global insights and options for action at local deliberations at the platform will shape challenge with the same approach. and/or sector level. This will stem from the research and engagement agenda, ETC India will support and facilitate objective research and wide engagement intended to support policy and strategy Government of India’s objective of with actors in the energy system. decisions in the years to come. There will decarbonization of energy systems Source: http://wsds.teriin.org/ be strong engagement and continuous through assessment of power demand and interactions with policymakers at supply scenarios along with balancing

December 2017–April 2018 | Akshay Urja | 15 MESSAGESPECIAL FEATURE UNIVERSAL ENERGY ACCESS AND Connecting the Unconnected in India

The recent International Energy Agency (IEA) publication Energy Access Outlook clearly credits India’s achievement on electricity access: half a billion people have gained access to electricity since 2000, with electricity now reaching 82% of the population, up from 43% in 2000. The IEA further opines that if the pace is maintained, India will achieve universal access in the early 2020s and achieve one of the largest successes in the history of electrification. In this regard, Debajit Palit says that the Government of India’s target date and IEA estimated date for achieving universal access in India is almost the same which further points out that the Saubhagya objective is achievable within the coming 2 years.

December 2017–April 2018 | Akshay Urja | 16 UNIVERSAL ENERGY ACCESS AND SAUBHAGYA SCHEME SPECIALMESSAGE FEATURE

little more than six years ago, While the national rural electrification such as female-headed households, the Sustainable Energy for programme has been functioning since scheduled caste and tribal households, All (SE4All) was launched 2005, this is for the first time during landless households, and so on. in September 2011. We are the last decade Government of India Second, households not found eligible Anow a third of the way to 2030, the year recognized that there may be unelectrified to get subsidy as per SECC data can by which universal electrification for all households in urban slums and has devised choose to be connected by paying `500, has been targeted. In line with the global a scheme to connect these households with which shall be recovered by the respective target to achieve universal electrification, electricity. Saubhagya will run parallel to electricity distribution companies the Indian government launched a new DDUGJY, and any unfinished task of the (DISCOMs) in 10 instalments along scheme, Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har scheme will continue concurrently with with their electricity bills. Based on the Ghar Yojana (Saubhagya), in September the DDUGJY till 2021/22. The total cost evaluation of the previous Rajiv Gandhi 2017 to achieve universal electrification outlay for Saubhagya has been estimated at Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY), for urban and rural households in India by `16,320 crore, including a gross budgetary The Energy and Resources Institute March 31, 2019, which is 10 years ahead support of `12,320 crore from the (TERI) had previously recommended of the global target. Since then much of Government of India. such a micro-lending scheme to enhance the attention has been on the viability household connection rate. Many and implementation of such an ambitious SAUBHAGYA: non-BPL households have not taken goal. The new goal is certainly challenging CONNECTING THE connections (for a variety of reasons), (if not impossible) within the given UNCONNECTED IN INDIA thereby creating a huge gap between timeframe. However, Saubhagya Three areas distinguish Saubhagya the number of grid-connected villages did achieve some important advances compared to previous efforts towards and the number of households actually worth noting. rural electrification in India. connected. Despite a huge amount of The scheme estimates that about 25 First, besides expanding subsidies money spent on creating electricity million rural households remain to be for electrification to include BPL infrastructure for around 108,000 villages electrified or are not covered under the households, it will now identify over the decade from 2004, the percentage broader rural electrification programme, beneficiary households using the 2011 of rural households electrified showed a Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana socio-economic and caste census (SECC) marginal increase from 43% to around (DDUGJY). According to the scheme, data and provide free connections to 60% as of March 2014. around 10 million rural below poverty line unelectrified households having at Third, Saubhagya made a provision (BPL) households will be covered under least one ‘deprivation’ (out of the seven for solar power systems of 200–300 Wp the DDUGJY. Additionally, there are 5 identified under SECC). This is significant capacity for the 0.5 million households million urban unelectrified households as the deprivation criteria are more in extremely remote areas. Most of the who will be covered under Saubhagya. encompassing and include parameters earlier programmes such as Remote Village Electrification Programme, though had the provision for solar home systems, were limited to meeting only basic lighting needs. With the advent of energy-efficient LEDs and other efficient appliances, a 300 Wp panel can now easily power lighting for a number of rooms, as well as energy-efficient fans and televisions and/or other communication devices. While implementation will have a number of challenges, Saubhagya should be credited with tackling these previous shortcomings and aiming to provide universal access in such a short period of time. There is also an additional opportunity, which if tapped properly can assist in the creation of a large number of rural jobs. As the large number of electricity connections will also need electrical wiring in the houses

December 2017–April 2018 | Akshay Urja | 17 SPECIAL FEATURE

Electricity Supply Technology Mission with the aim to electrify all villages and households progressively by the year 2012 through grid and off-grid options.Thereafter, the Electricity Act was enacted in 2003, which made both the centre and states obligated towards universal rural electrification. The Indian government launched the RGGVY in April 2005 and successfully created electricity infrastructure in more than 108,000 villages in less than a decade. The current Indian government has progressed further, with 99% of Indian villages now provided with electricity infrastructure. The next logical step to the Saubhagya scheme would be to ensure that all villages and households, once provided with electricity connection, should also get 24×7 power and their maintenance, this can provide Access Outlook clearly credits India’s supply in the most reliable and affordable opportunities to the rural youth to train achievement on electricity access: half manner. The electricity supply-side as electricians and provide the services. a billion people have gained access to challenges that have persisted for a And while the Saubhagya goals seem electricity since 2000, with electricity long time have been resolved to a large unrealistic to some, there is a precedent now reaching 82% of the population, extent, and new capacities (especially in India. For instance, West Bengal’s rural up from 43% in 2000. The IEA further based on grid-integrated renewable electrification rate more than doubled opines that if the pace is maintained, energy sources, including rooftop solar from 40% in 2011 to 95% in 2016, India will achieve universal access in the and mini-grids) are being added to the connecting an additional 7.8 million early 2020s and achieve one of the largest network at a fast pace, with the national households. This was done primarily by successes in the history of electrification. goal to have 40% of the cumulative the state DISCOM easing the process That the Government of India’s target electric power installed capacity from of connection, organizing camps, and date and IEA estimated date for non-fossil fuels by 2030. reducing the connection cost to just `379. achieving universal access in India is This also assisted in substantially bringing almost the same further points that that 24×7 POWER SUPPLY down the power theft. the Saubhagya objective is achievable IN VILLAGES: THE More than 99% of people who have within the coming 2 years. CHALLENGES AHEAD gained access in India since the year 2000 While the central government has been have done so as a result of grid extension, EVOLUTION OF RURAL steering the sector towards a better which has been the focus of government ELECTRIFICATION IN scenario, the task for providing electricity measures. At the same time, those who INDIA: FROM VILLAGE supply round-the-clock primarily falls on cannot be reached via grid expansion TO HOUSEHOLDS DISCOMs, which are mostly state-run. were covered via solar mini-grids and While the ultimate aim is to provide DISCOMs not only have to ensure that stand-alone solar home systems under reliable and affordable 24x7 power they produce/buy and supply electricity the decentralized distributed generation supply to all households, we also need to rural areas, but also do it in the most component of DDUGJY. The major states to appreciate that this can be done efficient manner possible and recover with a large number of unelectrified progressively and not overnight. Since the revenues for long-term sustainability. households (e.g., Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, 2002, progressive steps have been Until such time, stand-alone solar Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan) taken by the Government of India to photovoltaic (SPV) systems and each have less than 6 million unconnected extend rural electrification and to make micro-grids will continue to be households, with the exception of only both the centre and states obligated to favoured by many rural households as Uttar Pradesh, which has around 14.6 universal access. For example, the then a coping measure. million unconnected households. government recognized the importance Considerable improvement in the The recent International Energy of rural electrification for country’s operational efficiency of DISCOMs is Agency (IEA) publication Energy development and initiated the Rural also required through extensive and

December 2017–April 2018 | Akshay Urja | 18 UNIVERSAL ENERGY ACCESS AND SAUBHAGYA SCHEME SPECIALMESSAGE FEATURE intensive change management and ELECTRICITY ACCESS years, renewables have started to gain capacity-building programmes as well as ACHIEVEMENTS: ground. While grid connectivity is feasible strengthening the electricity sub-stations BEYOND INDIA in countries such as India and Bangladesh and sub-transmission network. While While India has achieved considerable because of the higher density of the accrued debt of DISCOMs has been success in the last decade to connect the population, the same may not be the case reduced to a large extent because of unconnected, the pace is also accelerating for most of sub-Saharan African countries, different measures taken by the central globally: The number of people gaining which are sparsely populated. Thus, mini- government, such as the Ujwal DISCOM access has risen from 28 million per year grids and stand-alone off-grid solutions Assurance Yojana (UDAY), change between 2000 and 2012 to 41 million will be the key to achieve the universal management programmes will help to people per year in 2016. The World access in such countries. The WEO special develop the needed working culture in Energy Outlook (WEO) special report report estimates that by 2030, renewable DISCOMs. Further, DISCOMs need to titled, ‘Energy Access Outlook 2017: energy sources will power more than 60% move from purely ‘administration’ to From Poverty to Prosperity’ indicates that of new access, and off-grid and mini-grid a mode of ‘enterprisation’ in decision the number of people without access to systems will provide the means for almost making and management and from electricity fell to 1.1 billion in 2016 from half of the new access. The technologies providing ‘public service’ to a ‘customer- 1.7 billion in 2000. The access situation is used to provide access have started to centric service’ model. on track to decline to 674 million by 2030 shift, with renewables providing 34% of At the same time, electricity delivered under the business-as-usual scenario. In new connections since 2012, and off-grid to the rural areas must be priced Asia, China has already covered its entire and mini-grid systems accounting for 6%. rationally and the tariff structure is population with electricity network, The pace is going to further improve with simplified for the consumers so that the while 100 million people in Indonesia new technological advancement especially consumers easily understand the bill and and 90 million in Bangladesh gained in metering and control systems and their willingness to pay increases and access during the last decade. Most of reducing prices of solar panels and at the same time it is financially viable the developing countries in Asia are well storage systems. for the DISCOMs to serve. For efficient on track to reach universal access by Another noteworthy development is management of local power distribution, 2030 with many countries, such as India, the formation of the International Solar the government should also reactivate Indonesia, and Bangladesh are expected Alliance (ISA) at the United Nations the rural electricity distribution franchise to achieve the number well ahead of the Climate Change Conference in Paris on system, once change management target date. 30 November 2015. India took the lead programmes are initiated. The franchise Though electrification efforts in sub- in forming the alliance, consisting of 121 system was operational in many states Saharan Africa outpaced population countries, to collaborate on increasing during the late 2000s and produced growth for the first time in 2014, solar energy use around the world. positive results towards revenue leading to a decrease in the number of The alliance is working with respective sustainability and efficient delivery people without access in the region, the countries and trying to aggregate demand of service as various TERI studies electrification rate in sub-Saharan Africa from various member countries to have found. However, the system was currently is still less than 50%. The WEO considerably reduce the cost of finance discontinued from 2012/13 in many states special report further states that while and technology and provide the required due to internal DISCOM issues. The several countries in sub-Saharan Africa, support for increasing the use of solar franchise system can be operationalized including Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, and energy, including providing electricity by engaging local franchise entrepreneurs, Kenya, have reached or are on track access via mini-grids and off-grid options. including mini-grid operators (acting as to reach universal electricity access by While the developments are positive, independent electricity service providers), 2030, progress across the region as a what is needed is to ensure that the using their own generation and balance whole is uneven, and the number gaining challenges are addressed on priority and procuring at a wholesale price from access fails to keep pace with population partnership models—both south–south DISCOMs, and then selling electricity at a growth. Thus, proactive efforts, including cooperation and pro-poor public–private weighted price. However, this may require innovative business models and financing, partnership models—are developed and some changes in the current regulation. would be needed for connecting the operationalized to achieve universal These franchisees could be linked with unconnected in most of the sub-Saharan electricity access and round-the-clock the mission for building African countries. power for all by 2030 to build a new world capacity on techno-managerial aspects Although the new connections paradigm. and then supported with low-interest worldwide, similar to India, are mostly Mr Debajit Palit is Associate Director and Senior loans from the Micro Units Development through a central grid, with power Fellow in TERI, New Delhi. The views expressed and Refinance Agency (MUDRA) generation mostly from fossil fuels, the in this article are personal. and others. positive trend is that during the last 5

December 2017–April 2018 | Akshay Urja | 19 REMESSAGE UPDATE Expression of Interest by SECI For Setting up of Solar PV Manufacturing Capacities in India

The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has invited an Expression of Interest (EoI) from prospective manufacturers to set up an integrated solar manufacturing facility in India within a three-year time-frame. The total capacity to be set up is 20 GW. This move by the SECI assumes significance as it shows how the implementing and policymaking agencies are learning from experience. The selected manufacturers will be given an assured solar power project capacities to be set up by them in a phased manner. The allocation of solar power capacity will be done through an open tender to be floated by SECI. The tender document will be finalized based on the inputs received from this EOI. Within a fortnight, the MNRE has provided the Indian solar market with an adequate push and visibility for the next few years, both in terms of manufacturing and project development. Sarvesh Devraj discusses the major highlights of this EoI.

December 2017–April 2018 | Akshay Urja | 20 EXPRESSION OF INTEREST BY SECI REMESSAGE UPDATE

ecently, the Ministry of manufacturing facilities, must be used in New and Renewable Energy solar energy projects. (MNRE), Government of India, had stressed to SALIENT FEATURES OF Rstrengthen India’s manufacturing THE SCHEME capabilities. For this MNRE released a concept note to upgrade country’s solar Selection of manufacturers manufacturing supply chain. In this Selection of manufacturers will be concept note, MNRE proposed to reduce decided by bidding process. Those who dependency on foreign imports and are willing to set up vertically integrated create demands for local products. The solar PV modules manufacturing facility government is thinking to adopt three- will be able to participate in the bidding pronged approach to encourage local process. The manufacturing facility for modules and ingot and wafers manufacturing: includes ingots, wafers, and cell and manufacturing from the issue date of the I. Imposition of anti-dumping duty on modules manufacturing. SECI has given letter of intent. modules and cells; freedom to prospective manufacturers II. Create local demand through to form joint ventures/consortiums with DEVELOPMENT OF domestic content requirement (DCR) other entities. Even also as per the EOI PROJECTS programme; and document, the existing manufacturers, The project can be developed anywhere III. Supporting manufacturers financially who are already in business of in the country but shall be monitored by facilitating several subsidies. manufacturing of solar cells and modules through CTU or as directed by SECI in Also, MNRE has declared a clean energy and they intend to set up integrating line with PSA arrangements with states. rollout trajectory, which requires power solar manufacturing facilities are eligible Also, it is said in the document that plants of 77 GW total capacities by the to bid under this scheme. The set-up project could be set up in solar parks, if year 2020. To deploy such huge amount of manufacturing facilities by selected there is any capacity available in park. of solar power there must be a need of manufacturers should be done within the As per the EOI document, land for huge raw materials and equipments. specified period. implementing projects will be arranged Under the ‘’ initiative of the by the selected manufacturers only. In Government of India, MNRE has decided Scheme capacity case of not meeting the deadlines or not to promote local manufacturers for this. The total scheme capacity will be of able to attain milestone by the successful Keeping this in mind that current available 20,000 MW in a single stage. The project bidder the capacity allocation would be manufacturing facilities are not sufficient is expected to complete in a phased cancelled after 15 days’ notice. However, to support the target of 77 GW, MNRE is manner within 4 years’ time. Depending extension of timeline for valid reasons can ensuring to set up adequate indigenous upon the response of this scheme that be permitted by the competent authority. manufacturing facilities in India. The capacity could be increased at a later stage value of establishing 77 GW solar as an extension. SCHEME projects will require an investment of IMPLEMENTATION $54.56 billion. Power purchase agreement SECI is the implementing agency To boost up India’s solar manufacturing (PPA) of this project. It will take care of sector, the Solar Energy Corporation of With selected manufacturers at specified all the necessary arrangements for India (SECI) has invited Expression of tariff, comes through competitive bidding bidding process, such as inviting bids, Interest (EoI) for establishing 20 GW process PPA for 25 years, which will finalizations of bids, and signing PPA solar manufacturing facilities in India. be signed by SECI. The PPA will cover with selected bidders. SECI will be Duration of setting up this integrated the milestones of project of setting up responsible for motoring of the scheme, facility will be within 3 years. The aim of integrated solar manufacturing facilities. its implementation, and ensuring the this scheme is to develop manufacturing progress of milestones. For the ease facilities of at least 60% that should PROJECT ALLOCATION of bidders, SECI will provide suitable come from local manufacturing. MNRE A total of 20 GW project capacities will be payment security mechanism. It will also will launch a programme, where power allocated to selected manufacturers based help bidders in getting land, connectivity, purchase agreements for 20 GW will on inputs received through EOI from and other clearances. be allocated though open tendering various prospective manufacturers. The Mr Sarvesh Devraj, Research Associate, Renewable Energy Technology Applications, process. This scheme will ensure that the phasing of manufacturing set-up will be Renewable Energy Technologies Division, TERI, modules, wafers, and cells produced from 12 months and 18 months, respectively, New Delhi.

December 2017–April 2018 | Akshay Urja | 21 REMESSAGE UPDATE Solar Anti-Dumping Duty in India Protection is Needed to Build a Bright Future

In this article, Karunesh Chaturvedi says that allowing import of solar modules within India has created an issue within capacity utilization for domestic manufacturers. In such a scenario, re-visiting the recent anti-dumping issue in the solar industry can bring the results India desperately needs to become solar reliant.

he Indian solar sector has other market dominating countries have. shown incredible growth India’s aggressive solarization initiative trajectory. The industry made its intent of phasing out fossil doubled its solar capacity in fuels to bring in socio-economic Tthe last few years (5 GW in 2015, 10 GW change clear. However, the rise of solar in 2016, and ~16.6 GW in 2017), which module import year-after-year shows a is really very inspiring considering completely opposite picture than what the country lacks enhanced industrial ‘Indian Solar Vision’ and ‘Make in infrastructure that China, the US, and India’ indicated.

December 2017–April 2018 | Akshay Urja | 22 SOLAR ANTI-DUMPING DUTY IN INDIA REMESSAGE UPDATE

Indian solar industry has supported the initiative to impose anti-dumping duties on foreign solar suppliers. However, higher anti-dumping duties should be levied on solar modules, as they are the finished products.

WHY HIGHER ANTI- DUMPING DUTIES SHOULD BE LEVIED ON IMPORTED MODULES THAN CELLS? If we were to compare between solar cells and solar modules, we would Domestic solar manufacturers in India Huge forex outflows can be identified know that solar modules cost way have highlighted (on multiple occasions) as the result of importing solar more in the market as they are the the negative effects of increasing solar components. India spent $821 mn in finished products. Therefore, it is easy import. And appealing against solar FY 2014/15, $2.3 bn in FY 2015/16, and to translate that levying higher anti- imports, while India has grown its $3.2 bn in FY2016/17 in solar equipment dumping duties on solar modules would solar manufacturing capacity to satisfy imports, which is about 35 times its help Indian solar sector to reduce forex the in-country energy demand, can be solar equipment export. Indian solar outflow considerably and open up more considered valid. After nearly 5 years of industry has capability to create jobs, opportunities for profit through exports. appeals, on December 12, 2017, Office of improve upon industrial infrastructure, It is also important to note that India’s the Directorate General of Anti-Dumping bringing in socio-economic growth (since current solar cell capacity of 3.1 GW (DGAD) presiding over the anti- energy and economy are interrelated). is not capable of satisfying immensely dumping petition filed by domestic solar Such growth and development can be growing (current 8.4 GW) solar module manufacturers is seen as a step forward facilitated through protecting domestic capacity. Therefore, it is important for towards growth. manufacturing capacities (just like China Indian solar sector to continue to receive Allowing import of solar modules within and the US) and not by importing. imported solar cells at a feasible price. India has created an issue within capacity Uncontrolled increase of module Imposing higher or similar anti-dumping utilization for domestic manufacturers. In imports and lack of quality control have duties on cells as on solar modules such a scenario, re-visiting the recent anti- led to rise of low quality module usage on would make the module manufacturing dumping issue in the solar industry can domestic projects, which threatens the cost high, thus making the industry bring the results India desperately needs to energy security. Import of solar modules uncompetitive. become solar reliant. also brought consistent fall of solar tariff, So, although imposing anti-dumping which started to curb investor interest and on imported solar modules is extremely IMPORTING scaring them away. Too much importing necessary for the domestic industry to SOLAR MODULES has also blocked the path of technological survive, duties on imported solar cells EXTINGUISHES innovation (if a country concentrates on should be lower, until the country can DOMESTIC INDUSTRY importing low-priced products, there will satisfy existing and growing module POTENTIAL be little chance of in-country technology manufacturing demand with domestic growth), and has allowed more than Foreign solar suppliers have grown their cell capacity. 80% domestic market share to foreign manufacturing capacity with government India’s dream of improving industrial, suppliers. (foreign) support and financial aid. This social, and economic infrastructure has allowed them to mass produce solar through solar adoption can only become components (especially solar modules, reality through focus on domestic solar as it is the finished product) and export manufacturing. It has the potential of at a much lower rate than the existing making India the third largest economy in market price. Chinese modules used to be the world, and the opportunity should be 8–10% cheaper than that of domestically realized for success in solar revolution. manufactured modules. The lowered price Mr Karunesh Chaturvedi, Head, Corporate and huge availability within the market Affairs, . has encouraged developers of Indian solar projects to go for foreign products.

December 2017–April 2018 | Akshay Urja | 23 REMESSAGE FEATURE

ENERGY SECTOR TRANSITIONS A Move towards the Future We Want

During the re-launch of the World Energy Outlook Report 2017 at TERI on December 6, 2017, Tim Gould, Head of Division, World Energy Outlook, IEA, said, “Our analysis in the World Energy Outlook confirms that India is emerging as a major driving force in global energy trends, with all modern fuels and technologies playing a part.” In this article, Aayushi Awasthy and Neha Pahuja discuss some of the key energy sector transitions in India as well as in the world and feel that despite the resilience of oil demand, much of the changes in the energy sector are being made with the long-term aim of decarbonization. They conclude that dynamic changes in the energy system also demand innovations and solutions in terms of business models to suit the new dynamic market, governance structures, and regulations, to design incentives and disincentives to move towards the Future We Want.

December 2017–April 2018 | Akshay Urja | 24 ENERGY SECTOR TRANSITIONS RE FEATURE

nergy systems around the world GLOBAL CHANGES IN pillars of decarbonization: electrification, are witnessing transformations FUELS—RESILIENT OIL energy efficiency, and fuel switching. at an unprecedented rate. There DEMAND BUT POSITIVE The world made enough headway in this has been a very rapid increase DEVELOPMENTS IN direction. Electrification of demand saw a Ein renewable energy technology, costs RENEWABLES shift even in the transport sector. In 2016, of which have been falling at an average the spending on electricity by consumers Fossil fuel markets have also seen a churn of 60% since 2001. In terms of demand in the past 2–3 years. The oil market has reached parity with spending on other composition, more and more demand has been on a correction path, with prices fuels. Another way to look at this is two- been electrified; some of this demand is still on the lower spectrum and only thirds of the increase in global energy goes expected to be from increased penetration recently started seeing an increase. Oil to power. Even in India a major policy of electric vehicles, some from the newly inventories are at record high levels and announcement has been the aim to stop electrified households in developing the sector is yet to see impacts of cutback sales of petroleum vehicles post 2030. This countries and increased intensity of in investments in the past two years. The announcement further raises the question electrification in the developed countries. US shale revolution has led to the US of management of power system. In the last few years, especially since 2015, being the largest producer and also the the majority of energy demand has been swing producer, a position held by the CHANGES IN THE POWER from emerging economies and not just the OPEC (The Organization of the Petroleum SECTOR—NETWORK OECD (The Organization for Economic Exporting Countries) since the 1970s oil crisis. The IEA, in its latest, World Energy STRENGTHENING, Cooperation and Development) countries. INCREASED CAPACITY This has been a good step in terms of Outlook predicts that the US may become Power sector has been the most dynamic reduction of global energy inequality, a net exporter of oil by 2020, the US is sector in terms of changes. Most of the which is a large gap. There were major already a net exporter of gas. This has implications on what is popularly called INDCs submitted for the 2015 Paris changes in shares of consumption in 2016; peak oil. In the past many have predicted Agreement had some commitment on the large part of this demand had been that the world has reached the inflection power sector. The costs of renewable coming from China, which is a major point of oil demand—in other words, going energy technologies have been falling manufacturing hub. However, China is forward the demand for oil will decrease very rapidly since 2010—solar PV costs witnessing a transition towards a more rapidly and not increase. However, the fell by 70%, wind by 25%, and battery service oriented economy. This impacts the recent changes in oil market show that it is by 40%. It is because of these falling nature and intensity of demand for energy. too early to write about the demise of oil. If costs that the conversations have now China wants to make efforts to move away anything, this fuel has been more resilient turned towards optimal management from a manufacturing intense base but than ever, with shale revolution leading of renewables in the system. There is no towards a more innovation-based economy. to manufacturers being able to adjust the longer a dispute that high renewables is This has implications on emissions and output in the shorter term. the future, the question remains how do China’s target of peaking CO emissions Despite this resilience of oil demand, 2 we manage them? Given that renewables by 2030. India also witnessed a steady much of the changes in the energy sector such as wind and solar are only available increase in energy demand growth at an are being made with the long-term aim at a certain time of day and month, it is average of 5% per annum; however, this of decarbonization. The UN’s Sustainable important for the system to develop in a growth is lower than anticipated in the Development Solution Network (SDSN) way to be able to complement these ‘fuel’ Indian intended nationally determined lead ‘Deep Decarbonization Pathways’ sources. For this, the world looks towards contribution (INDC). Project has identified three so-called battery technology. However, the costs of battery are still too high and given the flexibilities around natural gas, it can be used as a bridge fuel—a fuel that can temporarily make this transition possible. While this solution maybe viable for the world, this solution is still not viable for India as there are questions around the availability of natural gas. To illustrate this for India, if people would prefer to charge their EVs at night, it may exacerbate the already existing problem of a night peak, when solar energy would be unavailable. Therefore, development of storage solutions is critical for India. These don’t

December 2017–April 2018 | Akshay Urja | 25 RE FEATURE have to be limited to batteries, it could also be through development of fuels that can help in balancing such as small hydro and other ancillary services. Discussions on integration notwithstanding, renewables are making headway and have seen a large uptake. In 2016, 161 GW of renewable capacity was added to the global system. The total capacity addition globally was saw an increase in investments in coal. avoid buying power leading to cascading about 2017 GW, an increase of 9% since The total investment in power sector in problems in the system, such as delayed the previous year. Close to 20% of total 2016 was about $55 billion, with only 20 payment to the generators, unreliable energy generation is from renewables as billion going in towards fossils and the power supply, and insufficient investment compared to the less than 5% in 2001. other towards improving networks and in the grid infrastructure. However, the renewable capacity addition. For the first government of India has taken some INVESTMENTS— time, India saw more investment in solar very significant measures to reduce risks FACILITATING PV than wind. in investments in the power sector. The TRANSITION Ujjwal Discom Assurance Yojana (UDAY) These trends can also be seen in the TRANSITIONS IN INDIA— scheme is aimed at debt restructuring and investment trends in the energy sector. REDUCING RISKS TO also increasing efficiency of the DISCOMs. Oil and gas sector saw a rebound in MOVE TOWARDS A The reverse bidding process is also reaping investment by 6%, the investment had ROBUST POWER SYSTEM benefits, with proposed tariff falling to previously seen a falling trend, falling ` In India, the demand for energy has been as low as 2.2 per unit. This also helps in by 44% between 2014 and 2016. Much steadily growing at 5% increase than de-risking the investment and increasing of these investments have been in the 7% increase in 2016. Some of this can cost-effectiveness. With the success of the US Shale upstream investment, other be attributed to slower than expected reverse bidding in solar, the government places of investment were Russia and growth in the country. However, this is has also announced reverse bidding in Mexico. The oil and gas industry is not the whole picture; there were also wind, the proposed tariff for which has undertaking a major transformation in claims of ‘excess demand’ in the system, been at parity with solar. the way it operates, with an increased meaning that there was power available The changes suggest that we are going focus on activities delivering paybacks at the exchanges but not being bought in the right direction but the speed of in a shorter period of time and the by anyone despite favourable prices. changes need to increase. While in terms sanctioning of simplified and streamlined Currently, India’s coal capacity is double of electrification we have seen many projects. Investment in electricity than the peak demand in the country. positive changes, changes towards fuel sector after achieving parity with oil has However, the utilization of this capacity switching outside the power sector are stagnated with a modest 1% increase. has been very low. Coal plant utilization rather limited. There has been very slow The investments are also being made has been falling since 2005 and reached to growth of renewables in heating and towards upkeeping networks rather than a plant load factor of 60%. This would put other industrial uses. The investment generation, which was the trend earlier. In pressure on the attractiveness of coal in in network technologies is encouraging terms of different fuel sources, investment India. In the past two years, 7 GW each of but it is by no measure enough. The in renewables has slowed down and was capacity has increased for coal, the lowest dynamic changes in the energy system 3% lower than five years ago, but capacity levels since 2005. It may be pragmatic also demand innovations and solutions in additions were 50% higher. This is because for India to use the coal capacity as the terms of business models to suit the new of decline in unit costs. Also, technology balancing mechanism, until more reliable dynamic market, governance structures improvements in solar PV and wind technologies are available to balance the and regulations to design incentives and ensured that this increased capacity is grid. This may also help increase the PLF disincentives to move towards the Future 35% more efficient in terms of generation. for these capacities. This may also go a long We Want. Investment in coal-fired plants way in solving the financial viability of fell sharply, with nearly 20 GW less distribution companies (DISCOMs). Ms Aayushi Awasthy, Associate Fellow, Centre commissioned in 2017 than 2016. This for Global Environment Research, Earth Science The DISCOMs also have been in of course, reflects the concerns about and Climate Change Division, TERI, New Delhi; a financially difficult position for a Ms Neha Pahuja, Fellow & Area Convenor, local air pollution and also concerns Centre for Global Environment Research, Earth combination of reasons of low prices and about over capacity in China. India, Science and Climate Change Division, TERI, New high AT&C losses. The DISCOMs tend to Delhi. being on a different development stage

December 2017–April 2018 | Akshay Urja | 26 RE TECHNOLOGY FOCUS

OPTIMIZING TRANSMISSION FROM LARGE RENEWABLE ENERGY FARMS and Impact of Using Energy Storage

In this article, Snigdha Kala evaluates the efficacy of strategies such as ‘capped capacity transmission’, ‘local sale of surplus power’, and ‘energy storage’. Analysis suggests significant improvements in technical and cost performance upon using these strategies. The article also finds that at current costs, energy storage may not be viable, but with time, as the costs fall, it will start to play a more important role in large renewable energy farms.

nter-state transmission system ¾¾ Open-access consumers buying power plant load factors (PLFs) or MWh/MW (ISTS) consumers face some using the state grid pay transmission transmitted, the transmission costs for challenges upon buying energy and wheeling charges in INR/ renewable energy increase in terms of generated from large renewable kWh and may see direct benefit of `/kWh. farms,I whether solar, wind, or solar–wind transmission capacity optimization. The transmission costs for ISTS are hybrid. ¾¾ Most states offer banking facility, and profiled in Table 1. ¾¾ Although renewables enjoy waiver the banked power can be used up As can be seen, transmission charges of ISTS, transmission system cost for to a year. Generator does not need are high per unit of solar or wind energy. renewables is very high due to low to optimize generation schedule to ¾¾ Compared to generation costs, which plant load factors (PLFs). match demand with supply. touched ~`2.45/kWh for solar or ¾¾ RE generation suffers from variability, Inter-state transmission of renewable wind projects in 2017, transmission intermittency, and inability to supply energy was exempted from charges would add significant costs of 24×7 power; hence grid/thermal based on a gazetted notification dated ~`0.73–2.66/kWh (30%–100%). 28 January 2016 till recently. As per a power plants are needed on standby. Table 1 ISTS charges for renewable energy These plants pay fixed cost/kWh for revision on 30 September 2016, this transmission which can be optimized. benefit was limited to only DISCOMs Further the technologies would benefit buying renewable power using inter-state ISTS Charges INR/kWh transmission system (ISTS). For wind, from better scheduling ability and State Solar Wind Wind–solar maintaining more uniform supply. this relief is available till March 31, 2019. For solar, it expired in June 2017. Maharashtra 2.66 1.70 1.37 In the future, such waivers and BACKGROUND Gujarat 2.44 1.56 1.26 support to renewables are likely to be So far, most renewable energy generators Madhya did not have to worry about transmission progressively withdrawn and renewable Pradesh 1.39 0.89 0.72 energy capacities will have to compete with costs or the cost of scheduling. Jharkhand 1.60 1.03 0.83 thermal power plants for power evacuation ¾¾ Wind or early solar projects, selling services without multi-layered supports. Karnataka 2.72 1.74 1.40 power under feed-in tariff (FIT) to Telangana 2.09 1.34 1.08 distribution companies (DISCOMs), HIGH TRANSMISSION Andhra need only to connect to the grid. Pradesh 2.72 1.74 1.40 Additional transmission costs are not COSTS FOR RENEWABLES Rajasthan 2.89 1.85 1.49 charged from either the generators or Transmission costs for grids are charged the consumers. in terms of INR/MW/m. Due to low Tamil Nadu 1.42 0.91 0.73

December 2017–April 2018 | Akshay Urja | 27 RE TECHNOLOGY FOCUS

5MW, FIXED TILT, AC:DC-1:1-3, PV POWER PLANT ¾¾ Generating higher MWh/MW lowers 6000 5349 5500 5373 the transmission cost. Due to lower 5016 4951 5000 PLFs, standard solar installations at 4430 4336 4251 4500 4111 4123 1,600 MWh/MW would have the 4000 3608 3852 3441 4000 MAXIMUM GENERATION highest cost, and wind–solar hybrids 3500 3000 3131 2947 MAXIMUM GENERATION at 3,100 MWh/MW would have the 3000 AVERAGE GENERATION 2695 2500 2116 GENERATION <1000kw-32.94% TOTAL 2068

GENERTION, kW 2000 lowest cost. 2000 1560 GENERATION <2000kw-59.93% TOTAL ¾¾ Since thermal power plants are able 1500 1452 1228 GENERATION <3000kw-81.20% TOTAL 1000 GENERATION <4000kw-95.29% TOTAL 100 911 880 499 to evacuate 6,500–7,800 MWh/MW, 1037 350 500 393 85 736 663 143 thermal units have an advantage with 0 7:00 8:00 9:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 respect to transmission costs in the TIME, HH:MM range of 0.3–0.6/kWh (~10%–15% of »» Figure 1 Hourly generation pattern of a solar plant in Rajasthan generation costs). One can see from Figure 1 that MWh/ capacity being 73% of nominal capacity POSSIBLE MW will improve with lower capacity of solar the overall loss of generation is PROCUREMENT caps, because the use of the transmission only 0.3%. Thus, transmission capacity optimization is a good strategy for AND TRANSMISSION capacity or the procurement area covered under the flat-top/cap (depth reducing overall costs until costs of OPTIMIZATION of the curve) versus transmission additional transmission capacity is STRATEGIES capacity (Total area under transmission lower than the cost of surplus energy This section analyses various strategies capacity) increases as we move from (energy not supplied to grid due to lower that yield desired improvements in MWh/ higher transmission capacity to lower transmission capacity). MW and/or accuracy of schedules. transmission capacity. Our assessments indicate that SURPLUS ENERGY Choice of Technology decreasing transmission capacity ARISING FROM Choice of technology can improve the can improve transmission efficiency CAPACITY CAP AND MWh/MW factor. For example, Solar without significant loss of generation. ITS SALE plants with high DC:AC ratio, higher The transmission efficiency for a wind In order to complete this assessment, we performance ratio, or plants with trackers solar hybrid plant is better than solar estimated that if a buyer procures only the (single-axis tracker having proved projects and will improve even more energy supplied under the transmission viability) can yield higher MWh/MW. To when transmission capacity is limited. cap, what percentage of generated power demonstrate this, we evaluated the annual Our results (Table 2) indicate that solar– is left un-procured and how this surplus energy production of a 5 MW solar plant wind hybrids generate at much better energy can be used. in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. With DC:AC ratio transmission efficiency (1.5–1.9 times), The relative performance of various of 1.3, the plant can generate 2.03 GWh/ compared to a solar plants. For one such technologies under capped procurement MW/annum. With tracker, the plant can site we assessed that with rated hybrid is outlined in Table 3. This assessment generate 2.26 GWh/MW/annum. Clearly compared to 1.6 GWh/MW/annum Table 2 Improvement in GWh/MW for a plant with increasing capacity cap generation from a solar plant with 1:1 Transmission efficiency (GWh/MW) Capacity Cap (% of peak capacity DC:AC ratio, these figures are far superior taken as evacuation capacity) Solar without Solar with Wind –Solar and will result in 41% improvement in tracker tracker Hybrid transmission cost. Similarly, wind–solar 20% capacity cap 3.36 3.77 6.63 hybrid plants located in high wind zones 40% capacity cap 3.05 3.40 5.78 can deliver more than 3.1 GWh/MW 60% capacity cap 2.76 3.08 4.26 of capacity and would further optimize 80% capacity cap 2.43 2.71 3.61 transmission cost per unit. Table 3: Relationship of capacity caps with percentage of procured energy Procuring ‘capacity-capped’ Percentage of generated energy which is procured part from renewable energy Capacity cap Solar without tracker Solar with tracker Wind–solar hybrid generation curve 20% capacity cap 32.94% 33.18% 43.71% Another strategy for reducing 40% capacity cap 59.93% 59.85% 67.61% transmission costs would be to lower 60% capacity cap 81.20% 81.50% 84.15% transmission capacity and procure only 80% capacity cap 95.29% 95.64% 95.06% the ‘capacity-capped generation’. 100% capacity cap 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%

December 2017–April 2018 | Akshay Urja | 28 OPTIMIZING TRANSMISSION FROM LARGE RENEWABLE ENERGY FARMS RE TECHNOLOGY FOCUS indicates that wind–solar hybrids are 120.00% better at delivering higher energy to a 100.00% buyer with reduced transmission capacity % 80.00% as the percentage of energy procured

E nergy 60.00% is highest for the hybrid system when Solar W/o Tracker compared with solar installations alone. 40.00% In case of wind–solar hybrid even Solar With Tracker

Procured 20.00% when a buyer procures only 40% of W-S Hybrid nominal capacity (53% of rated capacity), 0.00% they would still procure ~78.5% of 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Capacity Cap Capacity Cap Capacity Cap Capacity Cap Capacity Cap generated power. Similarly, at 60% of rated capacities,1 the buyer could procure »» Figure 2 PercentageFigure (%) 1: Percentage of energy procured (%) of Ener vis-à-visgy Procure capacityd cap vis-à-vis for different Capaci technologiesty Cap for Di erent more than 80% of energy generated by Technologies the system. It may be feasible to sell the Table 4 Impact of battery on wind–solar hybrids- MWh/MW, surplus energy balance 20% power to DISCOMs at lower Wind Solar Hybrid value for local supply. Having local supply Capacity Cap 100% 80% 60% 30% 20% for surplus energy offers two benefits: Battery hr Surplus Energy I. Realize value for surplus electricity 0 0.0% 5.1% 15.9% 42.9% 56.5% beyond the cap. 0.25 0.0% 3.4% 13.7% 40.4% 54.3% II. Scheduling benefits: Schedules given to ISTS customers can be very 1 0.0% 0.3% 7.9% 33.2% 48.7% accurate, and the variability could be 2 0.0% 0.0% 2.3% 25.3% 43.3% absorbed by the local grid. 3 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 19.3% 41.1% Battery hr Transmission Efficiency ( MWh/MW) USE OF ENERGY 0 3100 3680 4343 5897 6737 STORAGE 0.25 3100 3745 4457 6161 7083 In order to explore the other uses for 1 3100 3863 4757 6904 7952 surplus power, we simulated the benefits of using energy storage2 in conjunction 2 3100 3875 5051 7723 8792 with renewable energy generation to 3 3100 3875 5165 8338 9131 improve the transmission efficiency for Our assessments of wind-solar hybrids plant of 76 MW, except in the morning various technologies. demonstrate that: hours when the supply drops. The ¾¾ Batteries will reduce energy surplus surplus power from this system would be Use of energy storage with exported during daytime hours, primarily wind–solar hybrids or MWh/MW as “capacity cap” is reduced. between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., peaking The following terms are defined for this around 12–2 p.m. study: ¾¾ Capacity cap reduction improves MWh/MW. Capacity cap: Power load which is Use of energy storage with ¾ supplied to a customer, expressed as ¾ When capacity cap is reduced to 40% wind farms percentage of rated capacity of the plant. of rated capacity Battery improves system MWh/MW • With zero storage capacity, the even in the case of wind, but it leaves Energy surplus: Means the energy system operates at 5,139 MWh/ significantly high surplus energy to surplus remaining after the capacity MW and would need yield 32.4% be sold to other customers, especially cap for ISTS buyer is supplied, can surplus energy. at reduced firm loads. For 40% firm be expressed as percentage of plant • With 3 h storage, the system load, wind–solar hybrid left only 7.2% generation. would operate at 7,057 MWh/ surplus energy compared to 21.03% for MW (which is equivalent to a wind-only case. The MWh/MW figures thermal power plant) with 7.2% 1 Rated capacity of hybrids is equal to are also better for wind–solar hybrid surplus energy. the evacuation capacity controlled by a compared to wind. controller. The supply curve to ISTS buyer, at 40% It is evident from the profile inFigure 3 2 Li-ion battery system with 7000 cycles capacity cap, with 3 h battery, would that with 3 h battery support and 76 MW life, 20% DOD, round trip efficiency of appear as given in Figure 4. As evidenced cap, the system operates like a base load 85%. in the surplus power profile and supply

December 2017–April 2018 | Akshay Urja | 29 RE TECHNOLOGY FOCUS

Month 1-12 80.0 Month 1-12 80.0 1 1 70.0 70.0 2 2 3 60.0 3 60.0 4 4 50.0 5 50.0 5 40.0 6 40.0 6 7 7 30.0 30.0 8 8

20.0 9 Surplus Power (MW) 20.0 9

Power Supply (MW) 10 10.0 10 11 10.0 11 0.0 12 012345678 910111213141516171819202122 23 0.0 12 01234567891011121314151617181920212223 Hours Hours »» Figure 3 Load firming for a wind–solar hybrid, cap at 30%, with 3 h battery

Month 1-12 120.0 Month 1-12 120.0 1 1 2 2 100.0 100.0 3 3 4 4 80.0 80.0 (MW) 5 5 60.0 6 6 60.0 7 7 40.0 8 8 40.0 9 9 Surplus Power (MW)

Power Supply 20.0 10 20.0 10 11 11 0.0 12 0.0 12 012345678910 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 012345678910 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Hours Hours »» Figure 4 Variation of power supply to ISTS buyer with 3 h battery for a 250 MW wind plant

curve profile battery does not add market prices for li-ion battery systems of energy. However, in the future, batteries significantly towards load firming. today. This can be expected to result in may become an economic and useful an annualized rental value of the storage component of renewable energy systems. Use of energy storage with system of approximately `8,050/kWh. At solar farms these cost levels, overall cost of delivered CONCLUSION Battery support works quite efficiently energy would increase to `12.19/kWh on Our assessments indicate that with solar. With a 30% capacity cap a 3 h using battery system. Despite improved significant improvements are possible battery support leaves only 8.7% surplus performance and grid benefits for the in transmission charges payable by energy and can achieve 7,901 MWh/MW wind-solar hybrid the high cost of storage renewable energy systems, by capping 3 supply for ISTS buyer. We assessed the may be prohibitive. If the costs of battery capacities to below 60% of nominal impact of storage with 2 h battery support system fall to $100/kWh in the next capacities. Wind–solar hybrids are most so as to limit battery costs. Generation 4–5 years, the cost profile will improve efficient in terms of transmission charges was found to uniform for most of the day significantly. The delivered costs will be at present. Energy storage would allow 8 am to 9 pm leaving only a few night brought down to below `3.5/kWh with generators to reduce surplus energy time hours of no generation. This would 1 h battery support. With the added when working with lower capacity caps. work to support the peak load times and benefits of reducing scheduling errors and However, at the current cost levels of would be useful in grid balancing. unscheduled interchange (UI) charges, the li-ion batteries, the benefits of storage are overall benefits of batteries will be positive not economical for saving transmission ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF for capacities between 0.25 and 1.0 h. charges. As storage prices reduce going ENERGY STORAGE We conclude that at the present cost– forward, the benefits will become As we can see, battery impacts system performance levels, batteries will not yield substantial over time. performance by improving MWh/ any improvements in the delivered costs Ms Snigdha Kala is Senior Manager- Investments, Emergent Ventures India Pvt. Ltd., Gurugram, MW as well as reducing surplus energy. 3 This assessment assumes a discount of Haryana, India. However, does it make economic sense? `1.0/kWh on surplus energy sale and We modelled battery costs at $650/kWh assumes Renewable Energy Certificate (42,000/kWh), which reflects the likely (REC) benefits.

December 2017–April 2018 | Akshay Urja | 30 RE UPDATE

RENEWABLE ENERGY AND IMPROVED COOLING TECHNOLOGIES Key to Reduce Water Use in India’s Power Sector

new policy brief co-authored technologies in thermal and other purposes. Moreover, the power sector’s by the International renewable power plants, could yield share in national water consumption Renewable Energy Agency as much as an 84% decrease in water is projected to grow from 1.4% to 9% (IRENA) and the World withdrawal intensity by 2030, lower between 2025 and 2050, placing further AResources Institute (WRI) finds that annual water consumption intensity stress on water resources. Renewable increasing the share of renewables, by 25% and reduce carbon emissions energy, with the added potential to in particular solar photovoltaic (PV) intensity by 43%, compared to 2014 levels. reduce both water demand and carbon and wind, in India’s power mix, and “India has emerged as a global leader emissions, must hence be at the core of implementing changes in cooling in renewable energy achieving record- India’s energy future. technologies mandated for thermal level growth in deployment, rapid cost “India’s move towards renewable energy power plants would not only lower reductions and many socio-economic is essential, especially as water stress puts carbon emissions intensity, but also benefits of the energy transformation.” increasing pressure on India’s thermal substantially reduce water withdrawal said Dr Henning Wuester, IRENA power plants,” said Dr O P Agarwal, and consumption intensity of power Director of the Knowledge, Policy and CEO, WRI India. “Water risks to thermal generation. Finance Centre (KPFC). “Scaling up power plants cannot be ignored when The brief, ‘Water Use in India’s Power the use of renewables, especially solar considering the cost of thermal energy. Generation—Impact of Renewables and PV and wind will yield further benefits, Renewables, especially solar PV and wind Improved Cooling Technologies to 2030’, in particular long-term reductions in energy, present a win-win solution for finds that depending on the future energy the dependency of the power sector on both water and climate.” The joint brief pathways (IRENA’s REmap 2030 and the freshwater.” was launched at the World Future Energy Central Electricity Authority of India), a More than four-fifths of India’s Summit 2018 in Abu Dhabi. power sector (excluding hydroelectricity) electricity is generated from coal, gas, Source: www.irena.org transformation driven by solar PV and and nuclear power plants which rely wind, coupled with improved cooling significantly on freshwater for cooling

December 2017–April 2018 | Akshay Urja | 31 MESSAGE

MAXIMIZING Solar Power Generation Making Use of Existing Roofs In this article, Satish N Diwakar outlines various aspects of solar photovoltaic (SPV) systems on rooftops, including evaluation of existing roofs where SPV systems can be safely installed.

he demand for power in India generating solar power. A huge potential in India would be to install efficient is increasing with the growing is available for generating solar power individual rooftop power-generation population and the aspiration using the unutilized existing and new systems to minimize the dependency on to become a developed nation. roof spaces of industrial, commercial, conventional power. THence, it has become necessary to explore educational, and residential buildings, the viability of power generation using or any other type of roof spaces available SOLAR POTENTIAL IN renewable energy sources such as solar on buildings. Solar power can be used INDIA power since climate change is forcing partially to cater to the captive power Geographically, India falls in the bright us to bring down the dependency on requirement of the individual facility sunny region of the world. Most parts fossil fuels. or building and any excess power can of India receive solar radiation of India has high solar insolation, which be fed to the grid (on-grid system). So approximately 4.7 kWh/m2/day with 300– provides a favourable condition for the best suitable long-term solution 325 sunny days in a year. The Ministry of

December 2017–April 2018 | Akshay Urja | 32 MAXIMIZING SOLAR POWER GENERATION RE FEATURE

New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has Battery back-up is an optional feature SPV panels needs to be provided been facilitating different initiatives for and can be provided depending on the for movement during and after the harnessing renewable energy in lighting, requirement where grid power supply is erection of SPV modules. cooking, and motive power in rural expected to be intermittent. ¾¾ Roof configuration: The roof plan areas, as well as in urban, industrial, and The roof must be able to accommodate configuration should be studied to commercial applications. To maximize and support the components of the know its location (including longitude the use of solar power, the ministry is SPV system safely. To achieve this, the and latitude), height, and slope, as making all efforts in rural and urban following minimum requirements should well as any facilities already present areas to create awareness of the benefits of be met to fetch maximum benefit. on the roof. It is also very important solar power. However, users might have ¾¾ Desired captive power requirement: It to know the possible usage of the apprehensions related to power output is necessary to assess the power that roof in the future, such as installation (yield) viŚ-a-viŚ roof area availability, would be needed to meet the captive of water tank, water heater, any strength of roof, cost of installation requirement and whether adequate equipment, or communication (including cost of roof strengthening, if roof area is available to generate such antennae for calculating the space any), payback period, installation and power considering the efficiencies of available for installation of SPV maintenance, and so on. SPV modules. modules. Since India is in the ¾¾ Accessibility: The roof must be northern hemisphere, the roof surface REQUIREMENTS: accessible to carry out installation facing south or south-east direction ROOFTOP SOLAR and maintenance of the panels. It is preferred for maximum power A rooftop SPV installation consists of PV should facilitate lifting and staking generation. Frame-mounted SPV panels assembled in arrays, mounting of the solar system components onto panels facing south or south-east frames to fix the panels on the roof, the roof and personnel to access the direction may be provided wherever wiring, inverters, and other components work area to install and maintain roof slopes face other than south or depending on the type of installation. the system. A walkway between south-east direction.

December 2017–April 2018 | Akshay Urja | 33 RE FEATURE

¾¾ Solar orientation and shading: It is EVALUATION OF AN additional loads due to wind acting on preferred to have shade-free roof EXISTING ROOF FOR SPV the supporting structure of the SPV panel. area for maximum utilization of SPV INSTALLATION In situ inspection and non-destructive system. Roof area may get shaded due As mentioned earlier, any well- testing may also be needed in certain to the presence of adjoining buildings maintained roof having a residual life cases to ensure structural adequacy. or trees or any other obstruction, of at least 15 years can be considered The structural health analysis report which may lead to lower power output for SPV installation. A structural should clearly indicate whether the roof of the SPV system. Although shading evaluation should be carried out to is adequately strong to sustain additional changes during the year, observing assess the strength of the roof and the loads throughout its balance life or any the roof at different times during a roof-supporting structure to sustain structural modifications required to day gives a fairly good idea of the additional loads (30–50 kg/m2) of the ensure the desired life. If roof space is approximate number of sunlight SPV system. If required, necessary being leased out to a third party to install hours and the effective roof area that repairs/replacements and strengthening solar systems, the owner should appoint can be used for power generation. A measures should be adopted in order to an architect or a structural engineer and sun path trajectory analysis for the achieve the required minimum strength a legal advisor who would confirm the entire year may also be performed to and life of the roof. feasibility of considering the roof for solar check shadow envelope. Generally, in India sloped roofs are installation from structural and statutory ¾¾ Residual life of the roof: The design life designed for live loads as per IS-875. aspects, respectively. of an SPV system is estimated to be When part of the roof area is occupied 25 years. Any existing roof having a by SPV modules, the roof area may not SLOPING METAL ROOF residual life of at least 15 years should experience the design live load. Since These roofs should also be inspected be considered for SPV installation the load due to the SPV system is less to see any distress such as excessive for reaping maximum benefit as the than the design live load, it is safe to deformations, open seams, and presence payback period of SPV installation is assume the additional weight of SPV of water ponding due to sagging of roof generally between 5 and 7 years. panels as part of the live load on the sheets. The roof and roof-supporting ¾¾ Aesthetics: One needs to check roof and no additional load is required structure should be inspected to check for whether SPV modules would affect to be considered due to SPV modules. any sag and other abnormalities. A sag the overall aesthetics of the building. However, the load-carrying capacity or depression may indicate a structural From the road level, solar modules of roof panels should be assessed for deformation that may require further will be more visible on a sloped roof concentrated loads due to the SPV panel investigation and rehabilitation. than on a flat roof. One may adopt mounting frames. When evaluating the health of an a suitable design to camouflage SPV Rooftop solar mountings should existing roof for PV installation, factors panels on sloping roofs without resist wind pressure acting below the such as the load-carrying capacity of the compromising the overall aesthetics of panels during cyclones. This is a critical primary and secondary members, the the building. design consideration if the site is located type of roofing system (standing seam, corrugated, or trapezoidal sheet) and ¾¾ Maintenance: Rooftop solar systems in a cyclone-prone area. The type of mountings to be selected for supporting slope, the service life of the roof and the require regular maintenance after consumed life, and wind and seismic installation. The maintenance plan panels must be discussed with the SPV system supplier. loads should be considered. typically involves regular cleaning One of the primary considerations of the solar panels, checking and If the roof is required to be strengthened, then the project viability is whether to install a penetrating type tightening of connections, servicing or mechanically fastened system on the electrical accessories in the system, and payback period for solar installation should be calculated considering the existing roof. It is preferred to have a including the inverter, and regularly non-penetrating system. In the case of monitoring the output of the system. cost of strengthening the roof and the roof-supporting structure. In the case of standing seam roofs, the installation The cost of maintenance will be of SPV panels would be very fast by less in the initial period after the extensive rehabilitation cost and longer payback period (more than 7 years), the adopting a non-penetrating system. installation and will increase with the With standing seam metal roofs, special age of the system due to reduction SPV installation may not be commercially viable. However, the decision to install clamps are fitted over the seam to install in panel efficiency. The approximate the panel, thereby avoiding penetration maintenance cost is 2% per annum SPV systems on existing roofs should be taken after proper commercial diligence. of the roofing material and eliminating of the capital cost of the system any possibility of leakages. Also, with installation. Based on the available drawings and documents, the structural health of a roof the non-penetrating system, the leakage should be determined considering the warranty of roofing manufacturers or

December 2017–April 2018 | Akshay Urja | 34 MAXIMIZING SOLAR POWER GENERATION RE FEATURE

Some of the typical installations on sloped metal roofs are shown in Figure 1. FLAT CONCRETE ROOF Generally, a flat or even low-slope concrete terrace roof will normally have the strength to bear the additional weight of the panels and supporting structures. In the case of flat concrete roofs, the primary concern is the performance warranty of water proofing provided over the roof. The type of water proofing provided over the roof and its slope needs to be examined and recommendation should be obtained from the waterproofing vendor on the modifications of the existing water- proofing system that are required to be carried out. pre-engineered building (PEB) vendors are still valid, check if installation of a For fixing the mounting structure of is not compromised. rooftop solar system could nullify the the SPV module on an existing roof, For existing low-slope roofs, it is performance warranty of the existing the water-proofing treatment only in recommended to use non-penetrating roof. A written confirmation should be the designated area might have to be systems to avoid leakage issues during obtained from the PEB vendor in this dismantled and redone with a similar monsoon. If penetration is inevitable, regard before making any decisions. or better water-proofing system. A then all the required precautions should Prior to SPV installation, all the well-designed framework of fixing be taken while fixing the SPV panels to damaged areas should be repaired arrangement of PV modules (with or prevent water leakage. appropriately, sheeting replaced, without water-proofing modification) In the case of non-penetrating systems, structural member strengthened, and is preferred. the strength of the existing roofing open seams sealed to maintain the It is often seen that utility equipment material should be assessed by the sheet structural integrity of the roof. such as air-handling units, cooling towers, manufacturer and clear recommendation on whether the existing roofing material is strong enough to withstand panel loads should be provided. The roof sheeting supported over purlins with centre-to-centre distance of up to 1.5 m is considered reasonably safe to support SPV panels. However, a “no-objection” certificate or a “recommendation” from either the sheet manufacturer or the roofing contractor needs to be obtained. Existing sloped roofs with metal sheets, (a) (b) tiles, or similar materials should be examined to find whether the primary rafters or trusses can support additional weight as per their residual strength available. This exercise is very important from the point of view that many steel buildings nowadays are PEBs, which are designed to the given loads without considering any margins in the loads. If the roofing installation and performance (c) (d) warranties offered by PEB vendors »» Figure 1 (a) Typical panel clamping detail; (b) Typical panel installation on steep slope; (c) Panels mounted on frames; (d) Panels mounted on low sloped roof

December 2017–April 2018 | Akshay Urja | 35 RE FEATURE

(b) (a) (c)

Figure 2 (a) Panels mounted on frames fixed directly on the roof; (b) Panel frames mounted on concrete pedestals; (c) Panels mounted on frames to get a shade-free area for SPV water heaters, hot water tanks, and pumps Solar cell efficiencies vary from 6% CONCLUSION are mounted on the roof. In such cases, a for amorphous silicon-based solar The Indian government has declared its proper study of the available area for SPV cells to 44.0% with multiple-junction solar expansion plans of targeting 100 GW installation and yield of the SPV system production cells and 44.4% with multiple of solar capacity, including 40 GW from should be carried out. If the required dies assembled into a hybrid package. rooftop solar, by 2022. India has witnessed area is not adequate to meet the captive Solar cell efficiencies for commercially an exponential growth in the last 5 years. requirement, it may not be viable to available multi-crystalline cells are around The solar-generation capacity grew from install an SPV system. 12–16%. 2650 MW to 12,289 MW during 2014–17. Some of the typical installations on flat The desired payback period for SPV The country added 3.01 GW of solar roofs are shown in Figure 2. installation over an existing roof should capacity in 2015/16 and 5.525 GW in be between 5 and 7 years considering 2016/17, the highest of any year. CAPITAL COST AND the efficiency of panels, maintenance A rooftop SPV system connected to PAYBACK PERIOD cost, various losses in the system, and the grid distribution system and feeding The average shade-free roof area required cost of roof strengthening, if applicable. the power in substations or load centres for a typical 10 kWp SPV power plant The financial viability or feasibility of the eliminates transmission and distribution 2 is approximately 1000 ft considering project is determined through the net losses. Also with grid-connected systems, 15% panel efficiency. Table 1 gives a fair present value method. the cost of batteries for storing power idea about the area required and desired is eliminated. These are the strong power for different panel efficiencies. TRENDS AND reasons for promoting grid-interactive DEVELOPMENTS IN rooftop SPV systems for captive power Table 1: Roof area required for different SPV SYSTEM AND generation. power outputs APPLICATIONS Although SPV systems are being Desired 1 kW 2 kW 5 kW 10 kW In the last 5 to 7 years, the solar industry installed on the roofs of newer power has undergone a sea change in the constructions, a large potential is Panel Roof area required in square quality of SPV systems and the type of available for generating solar power using efficiency feet applications to meet the challenging unutilized roof spaces. It is now attractive 12% 125 250 625 1250 demands of sustenance. Some of the latest and economical to install SPV systems 13% 115 230 550 1150 developments in SPV panels include over existing roofs considering the on- grid system promoted by DISCOMS. 14% 107 214 536 1071 frameless solar panels, clear (glass) solar panels, double-sided solar panels, and so While roof is a convenient and suitable 15% 100 200 500 1000 on. The newer constructions in residential place for installing solar panels, a right 16% 94 188 469 938 and industrial sectors have already approach is necessary for ensuring that The estimated cost of an on-grid 1 kWp commenced installing these SPV systems the serviceability performance of the roof rooftop SPV plant would be `0.9–1.1 lakh on the roofs. and the warranty offered by contractors (without considering any subsidy and In addition to rooftop or ground- for water tightness remain unaffected. incentive). Similarly, a 1 kWp off-grid mounted solar plants, different solar Roof spaces can also be leased out system with minimum battery back-up applications such as floating solar plants, (roof leasing) for generating solar power should require `1.2–1.7 lakh (without solar installations over water canals, either for captive requirement or for considering any subsidy and incentive) solar trees, and solar roadways are being transmitting back to the grid. approximately. The above costs would experimented or piloted, which could further reduce if subsidies and incentives transform the solar industry. Mr Satish N Diwakar, Senior General Manager— Civil (Discipline Head), Tata Consulting are considered. Engineers Limited.

December 2017–April 2018 | Akshay Urja | 36 RE STATS RENEWABLE ENERGY AT A GLANCE: INDIA

8

8

8

64,314.19 50,744.76

Source: MNRE

December 2017–April 2018 | Akshay Urja | 37 MESSAGERE FEATURE OFFSHORE WIND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT Indian Perspective

Wind in India’s offshore and coastal areas is steady and has high speeds due to the absence of any obstruction and less surface roughness. Despite these favourable conditions, the offshore wind potential of the country remains unexplored and unexploited mostly because of several constraints. In this article, Dr Siraj Ahmed discusses the potential and developments in the field of offshore wind energy in India.

consistent and smooth-flowing from the government with authenticated GLOBAL AND NATIONAL wind over the sea leads to studies and technologies for harnessing the OVERVIEW a lower turbulence level. offshore wind potential. They would find Approximately, 14 GW of offshore wind This exerts a steady load on it helpful if the government amends India’s capacity has been installed around the Awind turbines, thus offering a favourable offshore wind policies before entering into world till 2016 (Figure 1) with an equal operating condition and a reduced impact a mass development phase. capacity under construction. The major on the environment. Besides, higher Among the many challenges to installations are in the United Kingdom wind speeds at the sea result in increased harnessing the offshore wind potential (5,078 MW), Denmark (1,271 MW), production of energy. are the varying cost drivers associated Germany (1,049 MW), Belgium (712 Despite these favourable conditions, with different technologies required for MW), China (670 MW), The Netherlands the offshore wind potential of the country setting up any new offshore market. The (247 MW), and Sweden (212 MW). remains unexplored and unexploited cost of an offshore project is massive Japan has an ambitious plan to install mostly because of several constraints. In and would escalate quickly as a function wind turbines on innovative buoyant India, prior knowledge and experiences of seabed conditions and water depth, steel frames stabilized with ballast and of offshore development of wind farms apart from operating wind climate anchored to the seabed. The offshore wind are not consolidated. In addition, essential conditions. Therefore, one has to map power capacity is expected to increase datasets such as measured wind data, out in detail environmental constraints, manifold in the near future with significant correlated mesoscale models, detailed seabed conditions and structure, wind contributions from China and the United Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) resource, array layout and grid connection, States. Compared to onshore turbines, the studies, and oceanographic studies are turbine technology for the site as well as rotor size and power capacity of individual not readily available. At the initial phase installation methods to understand the wind turbines available for offshore of development, social response and scale of the opportunity and the capital installations are higher, which would clearance activities provide significant expenditure required to realize the contribute to the increase in capacity challenge. Prior to construction, development. (Figure 2). developers expect a detailed roadmap India has the right to install wind farms in the country’s territorial waters, which extend up to 12 nautical miles (nm) from the baseline, and in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), beyond the 12 nm limit and up to 200 nm, under international laws. India’s coastline is more than 7,500 km in length from the western coast of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Kerala to the eastern coast of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal. Under the Ministry of

December 2017–April 2018 | Akshay Urja | 38 OFFSHORE WIND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT RE FEATURE

»» Figure 3 Locations of meteorological masts in coastal India Source: NIWE

»» Figure 1 Offshore wind capacity worldwide

New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), the coast in Gujarat, where promising wind National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) potential has been shown. These are two has measured nearshore wind data at 78 main maritime areas in which offshore locations along the Indian coast (Figure 3) wind farm structures can be built in the by installing meteorological masts. near future. »» Figure 4 Offshore potential areas of Gulf of Kutch and Gulf of Khambhat A preliminary assessment suggests the The study over Gujarat region (Figure potential to establish wind farms, each of 4) found higher average wind speeds. The NIWE found great potential for wind around 1 GW capacity, along the coastline areas of assessment included the Gulf of energy development at Dhanushkodi, of Rameshwaram and Kanyakumari in Kutch and the south coast of the peninsula. Rameshwaram, in offshore Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu and in the Gulf of Khambhat, Using the remote-sensing technique of Gulf of Kutch, and Saurashtra open LIDAR (light detection and ranging), the OFFSHORE WIND RESOURCES Different agencies have assessed wind resource potential with the help of buoy- based and ship-based floating LIDAR systems. These systems are equipped to measure weather parameters, such as air temperature, barometric pressure, as well as wind speed and direction. They report these data via satellite radio links using the purpose-built communication system or commercial satellite phone networks to meteorological centres for use in forecasting and climate study. During the preparation of the Indian Wind Atlas, Risø DTU of Denmark, along with the NIWE, indicated some offshore wind potential around the coastline of southern India at 80 m above the ground level. Also in collaboration with Risø DTU, and facilitated through an MNRE- funded project, the NIWE carried out satellite-based wind resource mapping in »» Figure 2 Offshore wind turbine size

December 2017–April 2018 | Akshay Urja | 39 RE FEATURE a small region between Rameshwaram structure is affected by winds, waves, ice, development; creating and maintaining and Kanyakumari in the southern part of and water currents. The offshore turbines an offshore wind energy database and Tamil Nadu. It based the measurement and are subjected to additional loads such as archive system. analysis on the satellite synthetic-aperture sea wave loads, impact loads due to ship The environmental impact of offshore radar (SAR) data from the European movement and ice movement, depth wind farms is considerably reduced Space Agency (ESA), conducted under the variation due to tidal and storm surges, compared with onshore wind farms; both ENVISAT/ASAR mission. effects of marine vegetation growth, noise and visual impact are unlikely to earthquake loads, and scour effects. be issues, but still some considerations CHALLENGES TO remain. For example, an environmental OFFSHORE DEPLOYMENT INITIATIVES IN INDIA impact is possible from carrying Deployment of offshore wind power The essential components of a policy out offshore work, such as localized faces significant challenges related for the development of offshore wind disturbance of the seabed. Some studies to resource characterization, sub- farms include the following: preliminary have suggested that the noise from rotating sea cabling, turbine foundation, resource assessment and preliminary turbines travels under water and disturbs installation of turbines (including oceanographic and bathymetric studies sea life. Nonetheless, ships, boats, and logistics), grid interconnection and for the demarcation of blocks; EIA of engines have been a fact of life for more operation, development of transmission proposed offshore wind farms regarding than 100 years. infrastructure, and coastal security during aquatic life; studies relating to navigation, In addition to environmental issues, construction and operation. Adding undersea mining and related exploration/ financial issues are also considerable. large capacities of offshore wind power exploitation activities, and other users Capital costs are higher than those of generation to the power system requires of the sea. Detailed studies and surveys onshore farms due to larger machine size reliable integration to the national grid. would determine the construction costs and costs of transporting and installing Moreover, measurements of wind potential for special foundations and special ships equipment at sea. But this is partially offset in offshore regions are costly due to the for both operation and maintenance by higher energy yields, as much as 30%. higher cost of installing meteorological requirements. Other necessities include Also similar to onshore, these prices are masts. Furthermore, the wind velocity can seabed lease arrangement; statutory expected to drop as technology improves reach up to 200 km/h (55.55 m/s) during clearances and no objection from and more experience is gained. cyclones, and sea water may corrode the regulatory authorities; grid connectivity According to studies in Denmark, wind steel structure of wind turbines. and evacuation of power (both offshore resources up to 40 km from the shore Other challenges include higher capital and onshore); business model and are currently considered economically investment in offshore installations and technology development; incentives; feasible, with the key factor being water submarine cables; complications of the security of offshore installations and depth. As interest grows and technology offshore foundation, support structure, confidentiality of the data collected during advances, offshore wind appears headed installation, and decommissioning; less studies and surveys; and financing. for a prominent position in the renewable accessibility than onshore installations; The MNRE is overseeing the following energy mix. In June 2016, a project higher operations and maintenance costs; aspects of development: monitoring consortium led by the Global Wind Energy and downtime of machines. the overall offshore wind development Council (GWEC), along with the Centre Some technologies suitable for power in the country; coordinating with for Study of Science, Technology and transmission for offshore generation are as other ministries/departments; issuing Policy (CSTEP), DNV GL, Gujarat Power follows: For distances up to about guidelines/directives for the development Corporation Ltd (GPCL), World Institute 50 km, conventional three-phase high- of offshore wind energy; providing of Sustainable Energy (WISE), and NIWE, voltage AC transmission is the most necessary support for smooth functioning; prepared a detailed report, Facilitating economical solution. For distances beyond developing international cooperation Offshore Wind in India, as a roadmap 50 km, an alternative technical solution and coordination towards tariff setting for offshore wind energy development becomes increasingly attractive—high- and regulatory issues; calling for in India. The report evaluated supply voltage DC current (HVDC) transmission. proposals; entering into contract with chain, port infrastructure, and logistics For distances greater than 100 km, that project developers; carrying out and also for offshore wind farm development in is, for bulk transmission, HVDC is often coordinating resource assessment and Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. A new era of used. surveys; coordinating and monitoring offshore wind power has dawned for the While land-based turbines are affected technical activities of projects; promoting wind industry in India. by wind alone, components of offshore indigenous research for technology Professor Siraj Ahmed, Department of development; evaluating technical Mechanical Engineering, Maulana Azad National turbines such as rotor, nacelle, and tower Institute of Technology, Bhopal 462003, MP, are affected by wind and the support and financial aspects and reviewing India; Email: [email protected]

December 2017–April 2018 | Akshay Urja | 40 RE CASE STUDY BUILDING GREEN From Principle To Practice

Cost-effective implementation of a low-energy, sustainable design for a small office building requires commitment and planning, as well as an integrated application of advanced building technologies. The result can be exemplary low-energy performance as a prelude to a zero net energy building as demonstrated by this case study (by K M Dharesan Unnithan) of the office cum Energy Management Institute building of the Energy Management Centre (EMC) Kerala. The building is about to be announced as an IGBC LEED (Indian Green Building Council–Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) gold-rated green building. EMC’s new building is the first carbon neutral, net zero energy green building in the government sector.

he EMC office building Thiruvananthapuram, in Kerala. After architecture. In this building, cooling cum Energy Management considerable challenges in balancing solutions included natural ventilation Institute complex consists of design requirements, energy efficiency, with night cooling, using principles of a 43,000 sq. ft headquarters sustainability, and construction cost stack effect combined with innovative Toffice building in a 2 acre landscape issues, its dedication resulted in a high- material use. The design attempted a and further 2 acre land demarcated for performance, low-energy, and sustainable seamless integration of light, form, and organic cultivation and social forestry, facility on a speculative office building the surrounding greenery. including parking and driveways, while budget. The building was inaugurated in The project design pre-dates the retaining three old buildings of about February 2016. LEED IGBC (Leadership in Energy and 5,000 sq. ft in the premise as guest houses Passive and active energy optimization Environmental Design–Indian Green for the Energy Management Institute. was used to assist in the design of this Building Council) N.C v1.0 rating system The building is exemplary in its resource naturally ventilated and passively cooled for new construction and other similar efficiency. Designed and built within a modest budget, the actual metered energy usage averages 12.5 kWh/sq. m-year in summer and about 10 kWh/sq. m-year in winter/rainy seasons, which along with renewable energy generations from the solar PV installations onsite assured that the payment to utility company towards energy cost is zero.

INTRODUCTION The Energy Management Centre (EMC) Kerala, with support from the Government of Kerala, made a commitment to sustainable and energy- efficient building practices when it initiated the design of its office and training institute near Sreekariyam, »» Picture 1 EMC office building: partial northwest elevation

December 2017–April 2018 | Akshay Urja | 41 RE CASE STUDY best practice design guidelines available today. The important details of the building are as follows: ¾¾ Built-up area: 43,060 sq. ft ¾¾ Conditioned area: 9,794 sq. ft ¾¾ Number of floors: Ground + 1 floor ¾¾ North orientation: 205° ¾¾ Operating hours: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for 6 days in a week ¾¾ Climate zone as per ASHRAE 90.1: 1A/warm and humid as per ECBC 2007

DESIGN FEATURES The design process was driven by »» Picture 2 Central courtyard provides natural ventilation and daylight commitment to a goal of low energy use and the application of computer are improved, and initial costs associated stipulated by ASHRAE 90.1 being at 10.7 simulation tools to evaluate building with cooling are reduced. W/sq. m, the actual connected lighting options supporting that goal. The design Reductions in cooling loads due to power density for the building is 2.28 W/ goals were as follows: daylighting strategies enabled designers to sq. m. ¾¾ Reduce building energy consumption: downsize air conditioning systems, which The EMC facility should serve as an reduced the initial cost of equipment. RENEWABLE ENERGY example of innovative energy-efficient High-performance windows also helped The designers were keen to incorporate techniques adapted to commercial to minimize heat gain in warmer months onsite renewable energy facilities to meet buildings. and heat loss in colder months. Although the energy needs of the building. When windows can create glare and skylights evaluating site design issues, it is essential ¾¾ Other sustainable design goals: may cause overheating, properly to investigate renewable systems early in Selecting appropriate building designed daylighting strategies can reduce the process. materials; reducing the amount of both lighting and cooling energy and building materials; and improving the ¾¾ Considering building-integrated control glare. ecology of the site. photovoltaic systems for electricity The orientation of the building, the • To maximize solar access for production, the rooftop of the shape of the roof, and the materials daylighting and other solar building provides ample space for used for the external envelope were systems and minimize east and solar PV generation. Installing designed to cut the glare and reduce the west glass. Consider micro- building-integrated solar thermal unwanted solar gain. The surrounding climatic, micro-ecological, and systems for domestic hot water, space environment of dense deciduous geological conditions. heating, and absorption cooling for a vegetation and the prevailing wind • To consider the renewable energy future possibility was considered. directions were considered in making this resources at the site and the Initially, net-metered solar PV plants structure climate responsive and more potential for implementing solar of 30 kWp were considered in the design energy efficient. energy systems. stage. Later seeing the opportunity to The building’s section energy concept The final project design integrated a make the building net energy positive, equally divides the area into different number of energy-efficient strategies another 31.7 kWp through three different logical thermal zones. Daylight control that are innovative, straightforward, systems catering to different needs—10 zones follow the same configuration with functional, and cost effective. kWp for lighting and server room air the exception that private offices in the Daylighting and natural ventilation: The conditioning, 20 kWp for UPS charging, north perimeter zone are controlled by building adopted optimum orientation and 1.7 kWp for experimental set-up to two light sensors. Occupancy sensors of blocks to ensure that only the north run a split-type DC air conditioner—was were planned in public spaces such as and south facades are fenestration for installed. The solar panels are proposed to toilets to turn lights off when the sensor lighting and ventilation, while the east generate 103,000 kWh of energy. detects the location is vacant. and west facades were made minimum Renewable energy usage: The total energy Electrical demand of lighting systems: The and closed so that energy performance exported by the 30 kWp grid-connected equivalent lighting power density levels is greatly enhanced, comfort conditions solar PV unit is 48,160 units, which is

December 2017–April 2018 | Akshay Urja | 42 BUILDING GREEN: FROM PRINCIPLE TO PRACTICE RE CASE STUDY

»» Picture 3 Solar PV and hot water installations more than the power imported to the measuring the net solar energy being fed CONCLUSION campus from the grid. Since the building’s into the grid. Five sub-meters segregate This facility creates a meaningful computer system consumed the highest the electrical power for the office place that provides more than basic amount of energy, the EMC installed a building’s lighting panels, HVAC panels, administrative offices, conference and 21 kWp solar PV plant exclusively for general plug loads, and the power utility training rooms, and paved parking lots, catering the UPS load, which abates 35% services and UPS power panel to the which are status quo with strip mall of utility power. In addition, the lighting maintenance facilities. The total of the office developments. It demonstrates that load is now being diverted into a 10 kWp five sub-meters reconciles with the utility a high-performance, energy-efficient, PV unit with battery back-up that takes premises meter. The metered data for environmentally responsible small office care of the lighting energy usage, which 2016/17 indicate the office building used building is possible on a speculative office equals to another 35% of the utility power. 40,188 kWh for the year, which translates building budget. The integrated design to 3,162 BTU/sq. ft. process coupled with an extended project MEASURED RESULTS Analysing the energy usage over the last team allowed the team to capture energy To assess whether the project is year at an EPI of 9.97 kWh/sq. m-year, performance that is not possible with performing in line with the design EMC’s new green building outperforms conventional project design approaches. considerations, the building was the EPI of BEE five-star-rated building The project’s energy efficiency design monitored for more than 1 year with in warm and humid region for buildings goals were met or exceeded. The regard to detailed energy use, water usage, with less than 50% conditioned space. measured results of energy performance and renewable energy generation. Even with a comparable star-rated confirm that the energy goals were The utility company (KSEBL) meter building, the EMC green building saves achieved and are sustainable over time. measures the total site’s electrical power close to 1.5 lakh units of electricity Mr K M Dharesan Unnithan, Director, Energy for the building. An additional meter annually. Management Centre, Kerala. is provided after the utility meter for

December 2017–April 2018 | Akshay Urja | 43 RE UPDATE YEAR END REVIEW he Ministry of New and small hydro power, and 0.792017 from bio- November 30, 2017, making cumulative Renewable Energy (MNRE) power. As on November 30, 2017, solar achievement 62,053.73 MW. has taken several steps to energy projects with an aggregate capacity realize the largest renewable of over 16,611.73 MW including 863.92 SECTOR-WISE Tcapacity expansion programme in the MW from solar rooftop projects has been HIGHLIGHTS OF world, which is being taken up by India. installed in the country. ACHIEVEMENTS The government is aiming to increase the ¾¾ Largest ever wind power capacity share of clean energy through massive ACHIEVEMENTS addition of 5,502.39 MW in 2016/17 thrust in renewables. Core drivers for The details of year-round initiatives and exceeding target by 38%. During development and deployment of new achievements of the MNRE are as follows: 2017/18, a total 467.11 MW capacity and renewable energy in India have been was added till November 30, 2017, energy security, electricity shortages, GREEN POWER making cumulative achievement energy access, climate change, etc. CAPACITY ADDITION 32,746.87 MW. Now, in terms of Here, we present the highlights of the A total of 11,788 MW of grid-connected wind power installed capacity India is developments in renewable energy sector power generation capacity from globally placed at fourth position after in India in 2017. renewable energy sources was added in China, USA, and Germany. ¾¾ Government is on its way to achieving 2017 (January 2017 to November 2017) in ¾¾ Biggest ever Solar Power capacity 175 GW target for installed renewable the country. addition of 5,525.98 MW in 2017/18. energy capacity by 2022 A total of 11,319.71 MW of grid- During 2017/18, a total 4,323.1 MW connected power generation capacity ¾¾ India attains global 4th and 6th (including 207.92 MW solar rooftop) from renewable energy sources, such as position in global wind and solar capacity was added till November 30, solar (5,502.38 MW) and wind (5,585.98 power installed capacity 2017, making cumulative achievement MW), small hydro power (105.90 MW), ¾¾ By November 2017, a total of 62 GW 16,611.73 MW (including 863.92 MW bio-power (161.95 MW) has been added renewable power installed, of which solar rooftop). during 2016/17 in the country against 27 GW installed since May 2014 and ¾ target of 16,660 MW. During 2017/18, a ¾ So far, 1.42 lakh solar pumps have 11.79 GW since January 2017 total 4,809.51 MW capacity was added till been installed in the country as on ¾¾ Historic low tariffs for solar (`2.44/ unit) and wind (`2.64/ unit) achieved through transparent bidding and facilitation ¾¾ Ambitious bidding trajectory for 100 GW capacity of solar energy and 60 GW capacity of wind over the next 3 years laid down.

A capacity addition of 27.07 GW of renewable energy has been reported during the last three and half years under grid connected renewable power, which include 12.87 GW from solar power, 11.70 GW from wind power, 0.59 from

December 2017–April 2018 | Akshay Urja | 44 MNRE YEAR-END REVIEW 2017 REMESSAGE UPDATE

November 30, 2017 including 1.31 of 1,000 MW capacity at single been made available to State Bank of lakh during the last three and half location, Kurnool Solar Park has India (SBI), Punjab National Bank years. emerged as the World’s Largest Solar (PNB) and Canara Bank for solar ¾¾ Solar projects of capacity 23,656 MW Park. rooftop projects. have been tendered and LoI for 19,340 ¾¾ 650 MW capacity commissioned ¾¾ Suryamitra programme has been MW issued. in Bhadla Phase-II Solar Park in launched for creation of a qualified ¾¾ A capacity addition of 0.59 GW has Rajasthan. technical workforce and over 11,000 been added under grid connected ¾¾ 250 MW capacity commissioned in persons have been trained under the renewable power since the last three Phase –I of Neemuch Mandsaur Solar programme. and half years from small hydro Park (500 MW) in Madhya Pradesh. ¾¾ An online platform for expediting power plants. ¾¾ Three new solar parks have been project, approval, report submission, ¾¾ Biomass power includes installations approved in 2017 at Rajasthan and monitoring of RTS projects has from biomass combustion, biomass (1,000 MW), Gujarat (500 MW) been created. gasification and bagasse co-generation and Mizoram (23 MW) after issue ¾¾ Launched mobile app ARUN (Atal making a cumulative achievement of Guidelines for Enhancement of Rooftop Solar User Navigator) for ease to 8,181.70 MW. capacity from 20, 000 MW to 40, 000 of access of beneficiaries for request ¾¾ Family-type biogas plants mainly for MW under Solar Park Scheme. submission and awareness. rural and semi-urban households are ¾¾ Solar tariff has declined to lowest level set up under the National Biogas and of `2.44 /kWh. Wind Power Manure Management Programme ¾¾ During the year 2016/17, wind (NBMMP). During 2017/18, against Solar Rooftop power capacity addition of 5.5 GW a target of 1.1 lakh biogas plants, 0.15 The Ministry is implementing Grid- was made, which is highest ever lakh biogas plants installations has Connected Rooftop and Small Solar wind power capacity addition in the been achieved making a cumulative Power Plants Programme which country during a single year. The achievement to 49.8 lakh biogas plants provides for installation of 2,100 MW present wind power installed capacity as on November 30, 2017. capacity through CFA/ incentive in the in the country is around 32.75 GW. residential, social, Government/PSU, and Now, in terms of wind power installed MAJOR INITIATIVES institutional sectors. capacity India is globally placed at TAKEN BY THE MINISTRY Under the programme, central financial 4th position after China, USA, and assistance up to 30% of benchmark Germany. Solar Power is being provided for such projects in ¾¾ India has a strong manufacturing residential, institutional, and social ¾¾ Under , the base of wind power equipment in sectors in General Category States and target for setting up solar capacity the country. Presently, there are up to 70% of the benchmark cost in increased from 20 GW to 100 GW 20 approved manufacturers with Special Category States. For Government by 2021/22. Target of 10,000 MW, 53 models of wind turbines in sector, achievement linked incentives set for 2017/18 which will take the the country up to a capacity of are being provided. Subsidy/CFA is not cumulative capacity over 20 GW till 3.00 MW single turbines. Wind applicable for commercial and industrial March 31, 2018. turbines being manufactured in India establishments in private sector. are of international quality standards ¾¾ As on November 30, 2017, ¾¾ So far (till November 30, 2017), and cost-wise amongst the lowest in 23,656 MW has been tendered out, of sanctions for 1767 MWp capacity the world being exported to Europe, which LOI issued for 19,340 MW. solar rooftop projects has been issued USA, and other countries. ¾¾ Capacity of the scheme for and around 863.92 MWp capacity has ¾¾ The wind power potential of the 'Development of Solar Parks and Ultra been installed. country has been reassessed by the Mega Solar Power Projects' has been ¾¾ All the 36 State / UT ERCs have National Institute for Wind Energy enhanced from 20,000 MW to 40,000 now notified net/gross metering (NIWE), it has been estimated to be MW. 35 solar parks of aggregate regulations and/or tariff orders for 302 GW at 100 meter hub-height. capacity 20,514 MW have been rooftop solar projects Online wind atlas is available on approved in 21 States. ¾¾ Concessional loans of around $1,375 NIWE website. This will create ¾¾ Kurnool Solar Park in Andhra million from World Bank (WB), new dimension to the wind power Pradesh with 1,000 MW capacity Asian Development Bank (ADB), and development in the country. has already been commissioned and New Development Bank (NDB) have Source: http://pib.nic.in/ is operational. With commissioning

December 2017–April 2018 | Akshay Urja | 45 RE EVENT

IREDA AND RUMSL SIGN AGREEMENT FOR LARGE-SCALE SOLAR PARKS IN MADHYA PRADESH

»» The Interim DG of International Solar Alliance (ISA), Shri Upendra Tripathy witnessing the signing ceremony of sub-loan agreement between Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) and Limited (RUMSL), in New Delhi on January 31, 2018.

ndian Renewable Energy Interim Director General, International congratulated IREDA and RUMSL for Development Agency Limited Solar Alliance (ISA). achieving the feat in short time frame and (IREDA) and Rewa Ultra Mega The broad terms and condition of also for the innovative Payment Security Solar Limited (RUMSL) signed the agreement include fixed interest Mechanism which will ensure timely anI agreement on January 31, 2018, for rate of 8.5% p.a. for entire loan tenure, payment to the developer. financing the shared infrastructure of two moratorium from principal repayments Shri Manu Srivastava, Principal large solar parks in Madhya Pradesh. up to 5 years, and loan repayment period Secretary and Managing Director, The Ministry of New and Renewable of up to 20 years. RUMSL, mentioned that RUMSL, at Energy (MNRE), The World Bank, and Speaking on the occasion, Shri K S present, is implementing two solar IREDA have been able to work out a Popli, CMD, IREDA, appreciated the parks, that is, Rewa with capacity of proposal to channelize $100 million for initiative of MNRE, support of The 750 MW and Mandsaur with 250 MW creating common infrastructure for ultra- World Bank and more specifically of capacity in the state of Madhya Pradesh. mega solar parks in India to achieve the DEA to reduce the sovereign guarantee With the solar park model, Payment 100 GW solar capacity addition target fee to 0.5%. He further stated that this Security Mechanism and the Line of by 2022, set by the Prime Minister Shri support from DEA will enable to expedite Credit from The World Bank, the tariff Narendra Modi. Under the World Bank development of such proposals in other for Rewa project is discovered as low Line of Credit, IREDA has sanctioned its states also. as `3.30 on levelized basis. Out of the first loan of `210.62 crore to RUMSL to Shri Upendra Tripathy, Interim total power proposed to be generated at finance two such solar parks in the state Director General, ISA, mentioned Rewa solar park, 24% has been agreed of Madhya Pradesh. The agreement was that India being in leading position in to be purchased by Delhi Metro Rail signed by Shri S K Bhargava, Director solar technologies, there is immediate Corporation and balance 76% by Madhya (Finance), IREDA and Shri Avaneesh attention for the development of 121 Pradesh Power Management Company Shukla, Executive Engineer, RUMSL in projects of solar technologies in 121 ISA Ltd (MPPMCL). the presence of Shri Upendra Tripathy, member countries by April 21, 2018. He Source: http://pib.nic.in/

December 2017–April 2018 | Akshay Urja | 46 RE EVENT

INTERNATIONAL SOLAR ALLIANCE FORUM AT WORLD FUTURE ENERGY SUMMIT, ABU DHABI

n one of its first outreach ISA Ministerial was attended by seven programmes post-ratification, Energy Ministers of ISA Member the International Solar Alliance countries. They presented their views on (ISA) hosted a two-day benefits of collaboration, synergies, and Ievent ‘International Solar Alliance knowledge sharing at the international Forum’ during January 17–18, level to scale up solar energy for 2018, at the Future World Energy universal energy access and investing in Summit (WFES) 2018. WFES is a innovations, technology, and signature event of a global initiative, Abu R&D for solar projects followed by Dhabi Sustainability Week, hosted by breakout sessions. Masdar scheduled during January 15–18, Delivering the keynote address on the »» Shri Upendra Tripathy during a discussion at 2018, at Abu Dhabi (UAE). During the occasion, Shri Raj Kumar Singh, Minister the International Solar Alliance Forum ISA event, an ISA Pavilion was also set of State(IC) for Power and New & up for dissemination of information Renewable Energy, Government of India, stakeholders making ISA a reality in about ISA and its activities and congratulated ISA for organizing the a short time. The Ministerial Plenary programmes. ISA Forum as its first overseas outreach was followed by three technical panel On the first day of the ISA Forum, activity. He stated that over the years the discussions: ‘ISA a Trillion Dollar January 17, 2018 the Ministerial Plenary renewable energy has become cheaper Opportunity’; ‘Networking of R&D of ISA Energy Ministers was held. The and is set to replace conventional energy, Institutions in ISA Countries for Solar which is a healthy development, and Innovation, Incubation & Start-Ups’; and added that India has one of the fastest ‘Best Practices for Solar Capacity growing renewable energy programmes Building in ISA Countries’. These in the world and the country would sessions were attended by energy achieve its target of 175 GW of installed ministers, policymakers, multilateral renewable energy capacity well before banks and finance institutions, R&D 2020. The Minister said that ISA shall institutions and innovators, solar project help mobilize sufficient funds for solar developers and manufacturers, investors, energy projects. During his address, Shri and other stakeholders. Singh announced setting up of a $350 At the end of the ISA Ministerial million Solar Development Fund by the session, the YES Bank committed Government of India for financing of financing solar projects of over $5 solar projects. billion. M/s CLP and M/s NTPC Limited While formally opening the announced forging partnership deal with Ministerial session and welcoming the ISA and committed to make voluntary participants, Shri Upendra Tripathy, contribution of $1 million each to Interim Director General of ISA ISA fund corpus. IEA and GCF also informed about exchange of LoIs/ announced entering into partnership MoUs of ten solar related projects. He with ISA. Source: http://pib.nic.in/ further stated that ISA shall stand for translating ‘action into transaction’. He also informed that over 100 projects »» Shri R K Singh, Hon'ble Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy, delivering shall be signed by April 2018 under the keynote address at the International Solar the ISA umbrella. He also thanked Alliance Forum member countries and various

December 2017–April 2018 | Akshay Urja | 47 RE EVENT

ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE THIRD WIND POWER AUCTION SCHEME

»» The Minister of State (I/C) for Power and New and Renewable Energy, Shri Raj Kumar Singh addressing the gathering at the announcement of the Third Wind Power Auction Scheme, in New Delhi on November 24, 2017. The Secretary, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, Shri Anand Kumar and other dignitaries are also seen.

he Government has announced domestic manufacturing facilities to the bidder can bid for a minimum capacity the trajectory for achieving tune of 20 GW, in the near future. Further, of 50 MW and maximum up to 400 its targets of commissioning the MNRE is exploring innovative ways MW. The projects under this scheme are 175 GW of Renewable Energy to achieve additional installed RE capacity expected to be commissioned towards the (RE),T 100 GW of solar generating capacity through floating solar power plants over end of 2019. and 60 GW of wind power, by 2022 on dams, offshore wind energy systems and On the occasion, Power Sale November 24, 2017. hybrid solar-wind power systems, which Agreements (PSA) for purchase of wind Addressing the gathering, Union may provide over 10 GW additional power under second wind auction with Minister of State (IC) for Power and New capacity. The MNRE team of experts has States were also signed with Solar Energy & Renewable Energy, Shri Raj Kumar already surveyed the Bhakra Nangal dam Corporation of India with utilities Singh said that there was a long pending for floating solar power plants and off- of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, demand from the Industry to declare the shore Gujarat and Tamil Nadu for wind Assam, Punjab, Goa and Odisha. The RE roadmap of the government. Hence, power plants, the Minister added. Shri reverse auction for SECI-II wind bid was with the declaration of this trajectory, Kumar also said that with wind power conducted on October 4, 2017, which the Government has clearly spelt out its tariffs becoming competitive and State resulted in very competitive tariff of plan of speeding up of RE installation in DISCOMs encouraged to buy more of `2.64/2.65 per unit. the country and strengthening the RE renewable energy power, the government Other dignitaries present on the manufacturing base in India. has doubled the auction capacity for the occasion were Shri Praveen Kumar, Shri Singh informed that to encourage third national level wind auction from 4 Additional Secretary MNRE; Shri K S the Make in India in RE sector, the GW in 2016 to around 9 GW in 2017. Popli, CMD IREDA; Shri J S Swain, MD Ministry of New & Renewable Energy The present scheme of Wind Power SECI; and other senior officers of the (MNRE) is working out the scheme and Auction is for setting up of 2,000 MW Ministry and State Governments. going to issue an Expression of Interest Wind Power Project connected to inter- Source: http://pib.nic.in/ (EoI) to the industry, for establishing state transmission system (ISTS). The

December 2017–April 2018 | Akshay Urja | 48 CHILDREN'SMESSAGE CORNER

Green QUIZ Rohit, do you know that offshore wind power could play a very important role in India due to the 1. Which of these is a type of green energy? large wind resources available near centres of high-energy demand. (a) A petrol pump (b) A coal burning fire (c) A wind mill (d) An electric cable

2. An increase in the overall temperature of the atmosphere due to an increase in carbon dioxide is known as? a) Global warming b) Heating c) Summers d) Change in weather

3. When shopping for energy-saving lighting options for your home, which of the below-mentioned options would you consider buying? a) Incandescent lights b) Halogen lamps c) CFLs bulbs d) LED lamps/tube lights Yes Rahul, recently 4. Which village in Bihar is India’s first solar-powered village? there was an important development a) Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh in this regard. b) Dharnai, Bihar c) Ratnagiri, Maharshtra d) Okha, Gujarat Recently, India's first offshore LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), off the coast of Gujarat 5. Identify the lake which is the only floating lake in the world, is a was commissioned. The data from this offshore LiDAR will support source for hydropower generation, irrigation, drinking water supply, the government’s efforts towards exploring the full potential of and is also a means of livelihood for the local fishermen. offshore wind along India's long a) Oguta Lake, Nigeria b) Loktak Lake, India coastline. c) Kaptai Lake, Bangladesh d) Hamun Lake, Iran

6. Solar cells that convert sunlight into electricity are called: a) Photovoltaic b) LED c) None of the above d) All the above

7. Greenhouse effect was first predicted in 1896 by: a) William Nordhaus b) Sven Erikkson c) Svante Arrhenius d) Brian Wilson

8. RDF a recycled waste product stands for: a) Recycled Derived Fuel b) Refuse Derived Fuel c) Reuse Derived Fuel d) Repair Derived Fuel

Answers

1. (c), 2. (a), 3. (d), 4. (b), 5. (b), 6. (a), 7. (c), 8. (b) Oh, what is it Rohit? Source: http://edugreen.teri.res.in/ Illustrations by Vijay Nipane

December 2017–April 2018 | Akshay Urja | 49 BOOKMESSAGE ALERT

Sustainable Energy Technologies Eduardo Rincón-Mejía (Editor), Alejandro de las Heras (Editor); CRC Press, 399 pages This book examines the key aspects that will define future sustainable energy systems: energy supply, energy storage, security and limited environmental impacts. It clearly explains the need for an integrated engineering approach to sustainable energies, based on mathematical, biogeophysical, and engineering arguments. Resilient and efficient alternatives are compared to non-sustainable options. This book results from the collaboration of 50 international contributors. The book provides updated and detailed description of sustainable technologies for an informed dialogue between engineers and allied professionals dedicated to different energy specialities (including but not limited to energy storage, chemistry, bioengineering, built environment, decentralized systems, appropriate technologies, etc.). The book covers comprehensively solar-based technologies, and key geoscience elements impinging on the future sustainability of the global energy system.

The Solar Electricity Handbook - 2018 Michael Boxwell; Greenstream Publishing, 186 pages Solar Energy is a wonderful concept. Take free energy from the sun and use it to power electrical equipment. No ongoing electricity bills, no reliance on an electricity socket. ‘Free' electricity that does not harm the planet. Generating electricity from sunlight alone is a powerful resource, with applications and benefits throughout the world. But how does it work? What is it suitable for? How much does it cost? How do I install it? This best-selling, internet linked book answers all these questions and shows you how to use the power of the sun to generate electricity yourself. Now in its twelfth edition, this book assumes no previous knowledge. It explains the advantages of solar energy and the drawbacks you need to take into account. While explaining the underlying principles, it provides a step-by-step guide so that you can successfully design and install a solar energy system from scratch. The website that accompanies this book includes online solar calculators and tools to simplify your solar installation, ensuring that building your system is as straightforward and successful as possible. Readers can also get in touch directly with the author to ask questions and get further support with their solar projects.

Hydrogen Energy and Vehicle Systems Scott E Grasman; CRC Press, 366 pages With contributions from noted laboratory scientists, professors, and engineers, Hydrogen Energy and Vehicle Systems presents a new comprehensive approach for applying hydrogen-based technologies to the transportation and electric power generation sectors. It shows how these technologies can improve the efficiency and reliability of energy and transportation systems. The book’s interdisciplinary approach to sustainable energy systems disproves common misconceptions regarding hydrogen technologies and demonstrates that hydrogen technologies are a viable part of a sustainable, stable, and secure energy infrastructure. The book discusses intelligent energy management schemes for hydrogen energy and vehicle systems, safety and environmental science related to hydrogen technologies, and the infrastructure required for safe, renewable hydrogen options. A clear and up-to-date resource on hydrogen systems, this work provides a balanced presentation of theoretical/technical and application aspects of hydrogen technologies. It presents all stakeholder perspectives and connects hydrogen technology through proper systems analysis and integration, covering both quantitative and qualitative factors.

December 2017–April 2018 | Akshay Urja | 50 BOOK ALERT

A World in Transformation: World Energy Outlook 2017 The resurgence in oil and gas production from the United States, deep declines in the cost of renewables and growing electrification are changing the face of the global energy system and upending traditional ways of meeting energy demand, according to the World Energy Outlook 2017. A cleaner and more diversified energy mix in China is another major driver of this transformation. WEO- 2017, the International Energy Agency’s flagship publication, finds that over the next two decades the global energy system is being reshaped by four major forces: the United States is set to become the undisputed global oil and gas leader; renewables are being deployed rapidly thanks to falling costs; the share of electricity in the energy mix is growing; and China’s new economic strategy takes it on a cleaner growth mode, with implications for global energy markets. Solar PV is set to lead capacity additions, pushed by deployment in China and India, meanwhile in the European Union, wind becomes the leading source of electricity soon after 2030. As demand growth in China slows, other countries continue to push overall global demand higher—with India accounting for almost one-third of global growth to 2040. WEO-2017 finds it is too early to write the obituary of oil. Global oil demand continues to grow to 2040, although at a steadily decreasing pace—while fuel efficiency and rising electrification bring a peak in oil used for passenger cars, even with a doubling of the car fleet to two billion. But other sectors—namely petrochemicals, trucks, aviation, and shipping—drive up oil demand to 105 million barrels a day by 2040. The World Energy Outlook does not offer a forecast of what the energy system will look like but instead presents various projections to 2040 based on different policy assumptions, in order to give policy makers the tools to decide what path to follow. The main case is called the New Policies Scenario, and it models current and announced energy policies, including those in the Paris Agreement. This year, the report introduces the Sustainable Development Scenario, which offers an integrated way to achieve a range of goals: climate stabilization, cleaner air, and universal access to modern energy.

WEO-2017 Special Report: Energy Access Outlook The International Energy Agency (IEA) has produced a Special Report (Energy Access Outlook), which is part of its flagship World Energy Outlook (WEO) series.

The Energy Access Outlook report: • Expands and updates the WEO’s country-by-country electricity and clean cooking access database, and assesses the status for all developing countries, reviewing recent trends and policy efforts up to 2016. • Presents a global and regional electricity and clean cooking access outlook to 2030, with a dedicated chapter on sub-Saharan Africa • Provides a pathway for achieving access to modern energy for all by 2030, identifying policy priorities, detailing investment needs, and the role that decentralized and on- grid solutions may play • Analyses how energy development can unleash economic growth in sectors such as agriculture, and explores how energy access intersects with other issues, such as gender, health, and climate change. Source: www.iea.org

December 2017–April 2018 | Akshay Urja | 51 FORTHCOMINGMESSAGE EVENTS

May 11, 2018 | Kolkata, India SolarRoofs West Bengal 2018 Website: http://firstviewgroup.com/

May 23–25, 2018 | New Delhi, India Smart Cities India 2018 Expo Website: http://www.smartcitiesindia.com/

May 23–25, 2018 | New Delhi, India NATIONAL Solar India 2018 Expo Website: http://www.solarindiaexpo.com/

June 14–16, 2018 | Chennai, India Solar South 2018 Expo Website: http://www.solarsouth.in/index.html

July 12–13, 2018 | Chennai, India Green Power 2018 Website: http://www.greenpower-cii.com/

May 23, 2018 | Aberdeen, UK

June 5–6, 2018 | Texas, USA Solar Power Texas Website: https://www.seia.org/events/solar-power-texas

June 13–14, 2018 | Berlin, Germany INTERNATIONAL BDEW Congress 2018 Website: https://www.bdew-kongress.de/

June 20–22, 2018 Yokohama, Japan Grand Renewable Energy 2018 Exhibition Website: http://www.renewableenergy.jp/2018/english/

July 10–12, 2018 San Francisco, USA Intersolar North America Website: https://www.intersolar.us/en/home.html

December 2017–April 2018 | Akshay Urja | 52