Front Cover EQ INTERNATIONAL | December 2016 Volume 8 | Issue # 12
Volume # 8 | Issue # 12 | December 2016 | Rs.5/-
INTER SOLAR INDIA SPECIAL ISSUE 2016 R.N.I. NO. MPBIL/2013/50966 | DT OF PUBLICATION: DECEMBER 20 | POSTAL REGD.NO. MP/IDC/1435/2016-2017
Largest Single Site Worldwide, 1GW Yanchi, Ningxia, China Cockhill, 20MW, Trowbridge, Wiltshire, UK Waaree, 25MW, Gurramkonda, Andhra Pradesh, India
@ Huawei FusionSolar EQ INTERNATIONAL | December 2016 Volume 8 | Issue # 12 R.N.I. NO. MPBIL/2013/50966 | DT OF PUBLICATION: DECEMBER 20 | POSTAL REGD.NO. MP/IDC/1435/2016-2017
Largest Single Site Worldwide, 1GW Yanchi, Ningxia, China Cockhill, 20MW, Trowbridge, Wiltshire, UK Waaree, 25MW, Gurramkonda, Andhra Pradesh, India
@ Huawei FusionSolar EQ INTERNATIONAL | December 2016 Volume 8 | Issue # 12 R.N.I. NO. MPBIL/2013/50966 | DT OF PUBLICATION: DECEMBER 20 | POSTAL REGD.NO. MP/IDC/1435/2016-2017
Largest Single Site Worldwide, 1GW Yanchi, Ningxia, China Cockhill, 20MW, Trowbridge, Wiltshire, UK Waaree, 25MW, Gurramkonda, Andhra Pradesh, India
@ Huawei FusionSolar
VOLUME 8 Issue # 12
INTERNATIONAL
Owner : FirstSource Energy INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED PLACE OF PUBLICATION : 95-C, Sampat Farms, Bicholi Mardana Distt-Indore 452016, Madhya Pradesh, INDIA Tel. + 91 96441 22268 Tel. + 91 96441 33319 www.EQMagPro.com 09 EDITOR & CEO : ANAND GUPTA [email protected] Wonders of Solar Electric Passenger PUBLISHER : Planes To Operate ANAND GUPTA Within Next 10 Years: Solar Impulse Founder PRINTER : ANAND GUPTA
TRENDS & ANALYSIS SAUMYA BANSAL GUPTA Hindustan [email protected] Zinc enters solar energy ARPITA GUPTA 12 biz, to invest [email protected] 14 Rs 630 cr PUBLISHING COMPANY DIRECTORS: ANIL GUPTA ANITA GUPTA Largest ever investment in CONSULTING EDITOR : off-grid solar: SURENDRA BAJPAI Lumos Global SALES & MARKETING : raises $90 million GOURAV GARG [email protected] SUBSCRIPTIONS : PIYUSH MISHRA [email protected] 26
DESIGN & GRAPHIC DIRECTOR : MIDDLE EAST ANKIT PANDEY (Sahil) DEWA signs Designer : Power Purchase ANAND Agreement with PRINTING PRESS : Masdar for third SHREE GRAPHICS, 74-75, HAMMAL COLONY phase of the INDORE (MADHYA PRADSH) Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Disclaimer,Limitations of Liability Solar Park CONTENT While every efforts has been made to ensure the high quality and accuracy of EQ international and all our authors research articles with the greatest of care and attention ,we make no warranty concerning its content,and the magazine is provided on an>> as is < RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT Perovskite solar cells hit new world 52 efficiency record FEATURED NEWS Global Business Innovators Launch $1 Solar Frontier and Delta Electronics 46 Billion Investment Fund announce the installation of CIS For Next Generation Vikram Solar solar systems in Thailand Energy Technologies announces MoU with the Indian Institute of Engineering Science and 34 Technology (IIEST) at the World Bank 54 Rashtrapati Approves an Bhavan Additional $22.93 MN SOLAR PV Grant to Support MANUFACTURING Grid-connected Rooftop Solar Trends/Innovation Program in ndia In Solar Mounting Technology 68 INTERVIEW With Manish Chourasia, RESEARCH Managing & ANALYSIS Director 70 Mercom (MD), Tata 50 Forecasts Cleantech QUARTER 76 Gw In Capital Ltd. RESULTS Global Solar Azure Power Installations Announces In 2016, A Results for 48% Yoy Second Fiscal Increase Quarter 2017 Over 2015 56 INTERVIEW 21 10 49 with Andrew Hines, Head Of Business Development south India, Cleanmax Solar NEWS & ANALYSIS Pg. 08-49 RESEARCH & ANALYSIS RESEARCH & Jakson Bags IHS Markit: Electric ANALYSIS Rooftop Solar PRODUCT Vehicles Expected to $20 Million Grant Power Plant Account for 15 to 35 to Spur Private At Rashtrapati Pg. 74-76 Percent of World’s Sector Solar Power Bhawan Vehicle Sales in 2040 Investment in Nepal If things never change, what would happened to the world? This is a television of 30 years ago. R&D, science and technology give life to innovation and evolution. Innovation always brings technological improvements, while evolution is necessary to reach the best results. BACKSHEETS CAN CHANGE FOR BETTER PERFORMANCE FILMBACK Filmback MLP represents a NEW GENERATION (PET 185//PRIMER120) of backsheets with an innovative and performing MLP PET MONOLAYER high grade, UV stable and Over 3000 hrs of DHT hydrolysis resistant that is the ULTIMATE SOLUTION in terms of durability, performance Superior UV resistance and cost reduction. High reflectivity PDT 1200 VDC RTI 140°C www.filmcutter.it [email protected] WONDERS OF SOLAR Just months after two Swiss pilots completed a historic round-the-world trip in a Sun-powered plane, another Swiss adventurer on Wednesday Swiss Unveil Stratospheric unveiled a solar plane aimed at reaching the Solar Plane stratosphere. he SolarStratos, a sleek, white two-seater The stratosphere lies above Earth’s lowest atmospheric aircraft with long wings covered with 22 square layer, called the troposphere. At middle latitudes, the metres (237 square feet) of solar panels, is stratosphere runs from a lower boundary of about set to become the first manned solar plane 10,000 metres to an upper boundary of about 50,000 to make a stratospheric flight, according to metres. Aeronautics engineers use a rough benchmark Raphael Domjan, who is behind the project. called the Karman line, located at about 100,000 metres above sea level, for defining the boundary between Earth’s atmosphere and space. The announcement “Our goal is to demonstrate came after two of Domjan’s compatriots, Bertrand that current technology Piccard and Andre Borschberg, completed the first-ever offers us the possibility to round-the-globe trip in a solar plane last July, in a bid achieve above and beyond what to showcase the possibilities for the future of renewable fossil fuels offer, he said in a energy. Solar Impulse 2 circumnavigated the globe in 17 stages, covering a remarkable 43,000 kilometres (26,700 T statement, after unveiling the miles) across four continents, two oceans and three plane at the Payerne airbase seas, in 23 days of flying without using a drop of fuel. in western Switzerland. Domjan meanwhile launched his SolarStratos project Electric and solar vehicles are amongst the major in 2014, two years after he became the first person to challenges of the 21st century, said the youthful sail around the world in a fully solar-powered boat. He insisted Wednesday that the new aircraft’s ability to 44-year-old with short, blond hair, adding that pierce the stratosphere “opens the door to the possibility the SolarStratos “can fly at an altitude of 25,000 of electric and solar commercial aviation, close to metres (82,000 feet).” space.” Until now, reaching the stratosphere has until now required large quantities of energy or helium. But SolarStratos is scheduled to begin test the SolarStratos aircraft, could do so leaving only “the flights next February, while medium altitude equivalent environmental footprint of an electric car”, Wednesday’s statement said. flights are planned for next summer, and the first stratospheric flights should take place in 2018, the statement said. To keep down the The project “opens the door weight, the plane will not be pressurised, and to new scientific knowledge, Domjan will wear a spacesuit, also powered at an affordable price, by solar energy, which will also mark a world first, it added. The statement also claimed exploration and the peaceful the craft could “reach space.” “Travelling to use of our stratosphere.” the stratosphere will take approximately five - Mr. Roland Loos, hours: 2.5 hours to reach space, 15 minutes who heads SolarXplorers, the organisation in charge of broad daylight and stars, then three hours of developing the project. to return to Earth,” it said. Source:rAFP 10 EQ December 2016 www.EQMagPro.com WONDERS OF SOLAR Electric Passenger Planes To Operate Within Next 10 Years: Solar Impulse Founder The co-founder of a project, which saw a solar-powered aircraft complete the first fuel-free flight around the world, this year expects electric passenger planes to operate in just under 10 years. “In 9 years and 8 months, ertrand Piccard, who along with fellow pilot Andre you’ll have 50 people travelling Borschberg founded Solar Impulse, also shrugged off concerns that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s short-haul on electric planes,” appointment of a fossil fuel industry defender as his Piccard, founder and chairman top environmental official could hamper global clean of Solar Impulse told an IATA technology efforts. Since completing their historic fuel-free airlines association briefing flight in July, Piccard and Borschberg have been working on projects to show how the technologies used in their in Geneva. Why 9 years and plane can be used in other applications. eight months? Because B since four months, I’ve been They were especially interested in how the saying it will be ’10 years’. technology could be used to develop small It will happen, he added. He electric planes with a flying time of about 1.5 said that it didn’t matter hours. The two plan to announce their next what people thought about project early next year, Borschberg said. climate change because clean technology was getting cheaper and would help to drive growth. He cited examples of insulation Mr. Bertrand Piccard making homes cheaper to live in, of LED lights reducing lighting costs. Five years ago everything that was clean tech was more expensive – that is not the case today. If the aim is to be profitable and create jobs, then coal is out of business,” Source: reuters www.EQMagPro.comPilot Andre Borschberg EQ December 2016 11 ASIA PACIFIC $20 Million Grant to Spur Private Sector Solar Power Investment in Nepal Nepal is to receive a $20 million grant to spur private sector investment in utility-scale solar power. The funding should ensure installation of at least 25 megawatts (MW) of solar power by 2018 but, more importantly, will provide a business model that can be replicated and scaled up elsewhere in the energy- strapped South Asian nation. epal has been suffering chronic power shortages, with peak demand of 1,444 MW far outpacing installed capacity of 885 MW. Only 65% of the country’s households have access to electricity. Hydropower has, so far, been a mainstay of the country’s clean energy supply but solar power is an ideal complement, particularly during the low- water season. Until now, however, private sector N investment has largely been in micro- and mini- grid solar power, with utility-scale plants of 4 MW or more attracting little private sector attention. Now, companies will be able to bid to develop solar systems through an international competitive bidding process, with power purchase agreements awarded on the basis of the best offtake prices. The funding under the grant will be payable on the “Providing some financial first day of operation of the solar system, up to end security to the private June, 2022. Bidding is expected to start in the first sector should draw more quarter of 2017 and last around 6 to 12 months. private investment into The $20 million grant is being financed by the this critical sector in Nepal Scaling Up Renewable Energy in Low Income and, in doing so, reduce Countries Program (SREP) of the Climate pressure on government Investment Funds (CIF) administered by the Asian finances. And once the Development Bank (ADB). It will form part of the private sector better $440.50 million South Asia Subregional Economic understands the Nepal Cooperation Power System Expansion Project, solar sector, I would which kicked off in January 2015. ADB, based in expect them to seek Manila, is dedicated to reducing poverty in Asia investment opportunities and the Pacific through inclusive economic growth, elsewhere in Nepal or environmentally sustainable growth, and regional indeed the region.” integration. Established in 1966, ADB in December 2016 will mark 50 years of development partnership - Aiming Zhou, in the region. It is owned by 67 members—48 from Senior Energy Specialist at the region. In 2015, ADB assistance totaled $27.2 ADB’s South Asia Regional billion, including cofinancing of $10.7 billion. Department 12 EQ December 2016 www.EQMagPro.com ASIA PACIFIC Solar Frontier and Delta Electronics announce the installation of CIS solar systems in Thailand Solar Frontier K.K., the world’s largest provider of CIS solar energy solutions, and Delta Electronics (Thailand) PCL., one of the world’s leading producers of power supplies and electronic components, announced today the completion of four projects totaling 510kWp in size at the Delta Electronics factory site, in the Bangpoo Industrial Estate near Bangkok, Thailand. The projects were constructed by Energy Pro Corporation Ltd., a Thai solar power EPC specialist. “Delta Electronics is planning to get the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certificate for all our factories in Thailand, and as Solar Frontier’s premium CIS solar panels are able to achieve excellent power output under strong sunlight and even during the rainy season, it makes them a reliable solution all-year round. We have been providing inverters for Solar Frontier in Japan since 2015, and we are confident that the success of the four projects will further develop our business partnership with Solar Frontier in Thailand,” - Mr. Hsieh Shen-yen, President, Delta Electronics (Thailand) PC “Thailand aims to increase its installed solar power capacity to 6GW by 2036, and has great potential for solar power. Solar Frontier’s CIS solar panels generate more olar Frontier’s CIS thin-film solar panels have electricity (kilowatt-hours per been installed on rooftops and carparks of kilowatt-peak) compared to two Delta factories at Delta Electronics. crystalline silicon modules in The construction started in July 2016 and real-world environments, and the all four installations were completed at the panels’ high shadow tolerance beginning of October 2016. The four projects means that they are efficient are expected to provide an annual power even during Bangkok’s 6-month generation of approximately 793MWh and all rainy season. We believe that S power generation will be for self-consumption the partnership of Solar Frontier’s by Delta Electronics. Japanese technology and Delta The transformer-less Delta grid Electronics’ expertise can contribute to photovoltaic (PV) inverters installed are the the spreading of solar power across the PRI M50A and RPI-M20A series of products. country.” The PV inverters produce one of the highest - Mr. Yuichi Kuroda, power efficiencies in the market and the PRI Executive Officer of Solar Frontier M50A model is also the smallest & lightest 50kW PV inverter in the world. Delta’s state- Delta Electronics was recently awarded the Top of-the-art designs have incorporated many Corporate Brand in the electronics sector and is innovative features to ensure optimum cost often recognized as one of the top companies in and space savings in addition to ease of Thailand for its socially responsible business practice installation and internationally certified safety based on ESG (environmental, social and governance) factors. Solar Frontier will continue to create standards. The entire solar power solution partnerships around the world providing solar is seamlessly linked with Delta’s in-house solutions by harnessing the power of the sun to make developed software which allows monitoring solar power more accessible and provide a cleaner, and controlling of the power consumption. more comfortable life for all. www.EQMagPro.com EQ December 2016 13 BUSINESS & FINANCE Quercus Announces the €150 Hindustan Zinc enters Million First Close of its solar energy biz, to New Renewable Energy invest Rs 630 cr Infrastructure Funds Hindustan Zinc Ltd (HZL) recently said it is foraying into solar energy business and will Quercus Assets Selection, which specialises in renewable infra- set up 115 MW of solar energy projects with structure investments announces that it has reached its first close an investment of Rs 630 crore. of €150 million, led by its Co-Founder and CEO, Diego Biasi. he company led by billionaire Anil he three new funds are targeting an annual dividend Agarwal already produces 474 MW yield of 6%, distributed semi-annually and an IRR of thermal power and 274 MW of above 11%. Quercus is looking to raise a combined wind energy. “Hindustan Zinc €500 million across the three funds by December has been working progressively 2018, which will place Quercus among the top three towards setting up 115 MW of renewable energy infrastructure funds in Europe. The solar energy projects with an funds’ next closing is expected to take place during the investment of Rs 630 crore,” HZL first half of 2017. TCEO Sunil Duggal told PTI. He said that in the first T Quercus launched the three funds early in 2016 phase, the company will set-up 15 MW solar energy as part of a unique project to combine three separate projects which would require an investment of renewable energy funds to provide choice and flexibility. Rs 80 crore and are likely to be commissioned by The funds are a €150 million Italian Wind fund, a €150 March 2017. The second phase would be of 100 MW million Italian Solar fund and a €200 million European requiring an investment of Rs 550 crore, which is MultiTech fund. likely to be commissioned by September 2017. The average cost of setting up 1 MW of solar energy “2016 is proving to be another big year for Quercus. plant is about Rs 5.50 crore, Duggal said. We will double AUM, as we have annually since “The energy produced will be utilised for captive use inception, despite increasing global market volatility. only. Out of 15 MW, 10 MW solar power projects will be We are aiming to be one of the largest European installed at Zinc Smelter Debari and remaining 5 MW investors in renewable energy within five years, which will be installed at Rajpura Dariba Mine of Hindustan we will do by collaborating with the top financial and Zinc,” he added. The 5 MW solar power project at industrial partners across Europe.” Rajpura Dariba Mine would be the first such project in the district of Rajsamand in Rajasthan. The 10 MW Diego Biasi, Co-Founder and CEO of Quercus project would also be the largest solar energy project in “Our goal is to acquire existing facilities that have a the district of Udaipur, Duggal noted. The company also minimum of three years’ consolidated activity behind produces 274 MW of wind power in its green energy them, ensuring that our plants reach productivity targets. farms located in Gujarat, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Tamil This aspect, along with defined rates attributed to each Nadu and Maharashtra. Hindustan Zinc has already facility, translates into returns that match high yield bonds while also benefitting from investment grade assets installed solar roof top projects with a capacity of 100 whose returns are uncorrelated with market volatility.” KW each at head office-Udaipur and Chanderiya Lead Zinc Smelter in January 2016. It is also looking to develop Vito Gamberale, Chairman of Quercus solar energy projects in other parts of Rajasthan. Source:businesswire Source: PTI 14 EQ December 2016 www.EQMagPro.com BUSINESS & FINANCE Green bonds can potentially fund renewable energy: Report Said ccording to a report released jointly by Assocham With the government and Crisil, to meet the renewable energy target, India, with an installed there is a need to look at innovative channels capacity of 306 GW, has the setting an ambitious fifth largest power generation target of 160 GW of solar for financing and banking alone would not be portfolio in the world and able to support the huge requirements. “Green the current renewable and wind capacities by bonds could be a potential option to support energy contribution to this 2022, green bonds can these funding needs.These proceeds could portfolio stands at 45.6 GW either be used for funding the capital expenditure as of September 30, 2016. The be a potential option country’s total installed wind A of green projects such as renewable energy and solar power capacities to support the funding projects or refinancing existing loans of eligible stand at 28 GW and 8.5 GW, green projects of the issuer,” the report said. respectively, as on September needs, a recent report The report also noted that while the green 30. “Given that green bonds said. Green bond is a debt bonds are relatively nascent in the Indian would facilitate attracting a category of investors which instrument used to raise context with only few of the renewable energy are environment friendly independent power producers issuing these and demand investments in funds from investors and bonds, globally first green bond was issued in green/sustainable financial the proceeds are used 2007. “Though the initial issuances remained instruments, these could be small, they have gained lot of prominence in the a good option to part fund the only towards financing huge investment needs of the past couple of years due to increasing appetite renewable energy sector,” ‘green projects’. and commitment of investors in making climate- the report said. responsible investments,” it said. Source: PTI www.EQMagPro.com EQ December 2016 15 BUSINESS & FINANCE Largest ever investment in off-grid solar: Lumos Global raises $90 million Lumos Global, an off-grid solar firm operating in Nigeria, has recently announced $90 million in fundraising, the industry’s largest ever investment. With this record breaking investment, Lumos Global is demonstrating the growing business maturity of off-grid small business and residential solar systems. harting a course to transform the sector and millions of “We are proving on a daily basis that lives, Lumos Global will use the capital to grow in Nigeria our systems have a unique ability to and satisfy the high demand for its solar systems. It will change lives. This major investment round shows the level of confidence that be rolling out the service to homes, small businesses OPIC and PRIF have in Lumos Global’s and community service centres such as hospitals, ambition and impact. “I believe that churches and mosques. Lumos will also seek to expand private sector-led solutions fuelled by into other countries, building on its foundation in Nigeria. development-oriented funders is critical Lumos Global’s innovative solar system provides to achieving one of humanity’s biggest social challenges: providing access to C affordable and accessible renewable electricity in energy to those who do not have it.” communities that have limited or non-existent electricity access. In partnership with MTN, Nigeria’s leading mobile Davidi Vortman, CEO of Lumos Global phone operator, Lumos Global allows its customers to pay for the system as they go, obtaining electricity for “In Nigeria, only half the population less than 50 US cents a day, using mobile phone credit. is connected to the grid, and only 25 The recently completed funding round was comprised of percent of the population has access to a regular supply of electricity. OPIC’s a series of commitments, including $50 million of debt commitment and support is helping funding from Overseas Private Investment Corporation Lumos Global bring vision, innovation, (“OPIC”), the U.S. Government’s development finance and sound business sense to address institution and a total of $40 million of equity. The equity Nigeria’s severe energy shortage. was raised from a consortium led by Pembani Remgro “Together, OPIC will advance the understanding that business can be Infrastructure Fund (“PRIF”), the African infrastructure a force for good and Lumos Global investor, and existing investors VLTCM and ICV. This will provide reliable and affordable investment enhances Lumos Global’s position as one electricity solutions to thousands of of the largest and fastest growing off-grid solar firms households with limited or no access to worldwide, and positions it to transform millions of lives electricity.” around the globe. Elizabeth L. Littlefield, OPIC President and CEO “Lumos Global has established a strong track record in deploying the next generation of smart infrastructure in Africa, which is what PRIF is seeking to finance. We are thrilled with this new partnership and are looking forward to supporting Lumos Global in deploying solar systems across emerging markets in Africa and globally.” Herc van Wyk, CEO of Pembani Remgro Infrastructure Managers Punj Lloyd Ltd has informed BSE that Punj Lloyd Infrastructure LTD (PLIL), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company has executed definitive agreements with India Power Green Utility Private Limited (IPGUPL) to co-develop 30 MW of solar assets in Uttarakhand unj Lloyd Ltd has informed BSE that Punj Lloyd divest 49% of its shareholding in its three subsidiaries Infrastructure Limited (PLIL), a wholly owned subsidiary viz. PL Surya Vidyut Limited, PL Sunrays Power Limited of the Company has executed definitive agreements and PL Solar Renewable Limited. The SPVs have signed with India Power Green Utility Private Limited (IPGUPL) 25 years power purchase agreements with Uttarakhand to co-develop 30 MW of solar assets in Uttarakhand, in Power Corporation Limited. The Company shall be respect of three Solar Power Projects, each of 10 MW responsible for the entire engineering, procurement and capacity won by PLIL under the tarrif based competitive commissioning of the above projects.The transaction bidding process in October 2015 to be executed by is expected to be completed once customary closing P its Wholly Owned Subsidiaries (WOS) viz. PL Surya conditions and approvals are obtained. Greenstone Vidyut Limited, PL Sunrays Power Limited, and PL Solar Energy Advisors is acting as the exclusive financial Renewable Limited. As per the transaction, PLIL will advisor to PLIL for the transaction. Source:moneycontrol 16 EQ December 2016 www.EQMagPro.com BUSINESS & FINANCE India and U.S. Launch $95 Million CleanMax Solar Clean Energy Projects commits Rs 1,200 cr for Karnataka n an interaction with DH, CleanMax Solar South India Business Development Head Andrew Hines said the company will set up a solar farm with a total capacity of 200 mW. “Besides rooftop solar plant, we are present Iin supplying power from a solar farm The U.S. recently announced two financial projects worth $95 million in India to to the grid. With a progressive policy of bring more energy-efficient appliances torural sector, as part of its efforts Karnataka, we are planning a long-term to continue the global transition to zero-and-low carbon energy sources. investment of producing 200 mW,” he said. CleanMax has commissioned 30 mW solar he US has committed $70 million in Overseas Private Investment farm in Tumakuru district in March 2016. Corporation (OPIC) financing for renewable energy projects “Our second farm is expected to come up in India; and announced to launch a $20 million partnership in March, and that will be another 50 to 60 this week with the philanthropic sector to bring more efficient mW. Karnataka solar policy provides some appliances torural Indian villages. The $75 million OPIC financing sort of incentives for solar plants, set up until is for a utility-scale PV project in Telangana. It is sponsored March 2018. Under that window we are by ReNew Power Ventures. This commitment represents the looking to set up a plant of approximately rapid mobilisation of financing under a $250 million facility to 200 mW,” he said. Hines said each mega Tsupport up to 400 MW of new solar power projects in India across multiple states, watt will have a capex investment of Rs the White House said. Further the OPIC and Indian 6 crore and so the total investment for “When deployed it is Government will this week formally launch a $20 200 mW will be Rs 1,200 crore. Besides, expected to reduce million distributed solar facility in partnership with 0.5 mW rooftop solar plant at Bengaluru energy consumption leading philanthropies, it said. airport, the company also plans to come up by over 50 per cent Known as US-India Clean Energy Finance another project with Bangalore Metro. “We for rural households, program (USICEF), it will address a key financing are India’s largest supplier of solar power increase revenue for gap in the Indian distributed solar market by funding under the corporate sector with different mini-grid operators early-stage project preparatory work, it said. USICEF models. The first one is we install rooftop by over 300 per is anticipated to unlock up to $400 million in long- solar plant and supply directly to them. The cent per household, term debt financing from OPIC and private sector second model is we supply power from a and generate rural investors, the White House said. According to the solar farm in a rural area into the grid and employment for people White House fact sheet, the Rockefeller Foundation’s then the corporate consumer can avail it,” involved in distribution Smart Power for Rural Development Initiative is also he said. He said in corporate model, the and supply chain announcing a new partnership with the Clean Energy company offers investment. “Then we own management of the Ministerial’s (CEM) Global Lighting and Energy and operate the plant for 20–25 years and devices,” it said. Access Partnership (Global LEAP) to accelerate sell the solar power to our customers. From the deployment and use of energy efficient off-grid devices in rural India. The US our customers’ perspective, it is a zero Department of State will, subject to Congressional notification, provide funding for investment opportunity for them. So all they Global LEAP to support the development and roll out of a programme to deploy have to do is get into a contract with us to energy- efficient devices such as televisions, fans, and refrigerators at selected buy the solar power that will also be at a Smart Power supported mini-grid sites, the White House said. It will also develop a discount of whatever their power supplier strategy for a programme-wide scale-up targeted to reduce energy costs for some offers,” he said. of the poorest people in India. “There are two ways that we raise capital Noting that the US President Barack Obama’s leadership has catalyzed a global - One from within the company itself and the second for a particular project. So, for a transition towards a clean energy economy, the White House said from 2010-2015 specific project we can raise some capital at alone, the US has invested in more than $11 billion in international clean energy a project level also,” he said. The Mumbai- finance. At the same time, the US has made research and development a top priority. headquartered ClearMax has completed Key achievements include establishing Mission Innovation (MI), with the leaders of 19 72 projects across 20 plus industries with presence in Rajastahn, NCR, Haryana, countries, to accelerate innovation by doubling public investment in clean energy Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil research and development to $30 billion over five years. Nadu and Telangana. www.EQMagPro.com EQ December 2016 17 BUSINESS & FINANCE First Solar, Inc. Announces Acceleration of Series 6 Solar Module Production to 2018; Restructures Operations; Updates 2016 Guidance & Provides 2017 Guidance First Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: FSLR) today announced an acceleration of Series 6 production into 2018, with approximately 3 Gigawatts of production expected in 2019. Over the course of 2017 and 2018 the Company’s existing production facilities will be converted to Series 6 production and the current Series 4 product will be phased out. As a result of the change in roadmap the Company will cancel its Series 5 product. “The acceleration of the Series 6 roadmap is an important development for First Solar. Following the completion of an internal review process to evaluate the best competitive response to address the current challenging market conditions, we have developed plans that will enable us to more quickly begin production of our Series 6 module. Although the decision to accelerate our Series 6 roadmap requires a restructuring of our current operations, we expect the transition to Series 6 will enable us to maximize the intrinsic cost advantage of CdTe thin-film technology versus crystalline silicon. Recent steep module pricing declines require us to evaluate all components of our cost structure and streamline our business model to best position the Company for long-term success.” Mark Widmar, CEO of First Solar he Company will reduce its workforce • Up to $80 million for a non- at its manufacturing facilities both cash impairment of goodwill domestically and internationally as • $10 to $15 million in cash a result of the transition from Series severance charges, 4 to Series 6 production. Additional expected primarily in 2016 reductions in administrative and other staff are also planned. • $15 to $20 million of other charges, expected primarily Resulting from the transition to in 2017. Series 6 from Series 4 and other • These pre-tax restructuring competitive factors, the Company and asset impairment T expects to incur restructuring charges are expected to and asset impairment charges have an offsetting tax benefit of $500 to $700 million, which of $50 to $100 million. includes a cash impact of $70 to $100 million. The charges are In addition to the restructuring anticipated primarily in 2016 and and asset impairment charges, the are comprised of the following: Company also expects to incur $220 to $250 million of tax expense in • $475 to $585 million, 2016 associated with the distribution including asset impairments of between $700 and $750 million related to Series 4, Series of cash to the United States 5 and stored manufacturing from a foreign subsidiary. This equipment, and charges distribution will provide liquidity for for cancellation of open the restructuring of U.S. operations purchase orders. The cash and Series 6 investment. The cash impact is anticipated to range tax impact related to this transfer from $50 to $70 million. is expected to be between $8 and $10 million. As a result of the restructuring and other related charges, the Company has updated 2016 GAAP guidance in the table below. 2016 non-GAAP guidance has also been updated to reflect the sale of the entire remaining interest in the Stateline project and excludes the impact of the current or previously announced restructuring actions. Source:businesswire 18 EQ December 2016 www.EQMagPro.com PV MANUFACTURING Cut-throat Competition on the Polysilicon Market The polysilicon industry Chinese producers aiming for will experience severe cut-throat competition semiconductor-grade polysilicon in 2018. According to Between 2017 and 2019, however, new capacities of up to 141,000 MT – 70% of the Polysilicon Market them in China – are planned to come on stream while the annual growth rate of Outlook 2020, the new new PV installations will sink below 10%. This disparity between supply and demand report from polysilicon will result in strong cut-throat competition. “We expect that some projects will market research firm be deferred, others will end up as stranded investments, and several existing Bernreuter Research, manufacturers will disappear from the market,” says Bernreuter. Chinese half a dozen polysilicon polysilicon producers are not only expanding the capacity for solar-grade manufacturers could be polysilicon, but a few are also trying to break the oligopoly that six incumbent pushed out of business manufacturers hold in the production of electronic-grade polysilicon for the Johannes Bernreuter, by the end of 2018. Head of Bernreuter semiconductor industry. “It remains to be seen if Chinese producers can meet “Slowing demand from the high purity requirements for semiconductors,” comments Bernreuter. Research and author of the photovoltaic industry the report. on the one hand and Low market share for fluidized bed reactor increasing production (FBR) technology capacities on the other will cause turmoil on the Regarding fluidized bed reactor (FBR) technology, the high hopes that were polysilicon market,” pinned on it for producing low-cost solar-grade polysilicon have not been fulfilled so far. “Obviously, the technical challenges of keeping silicon dust formation low have been underestimated,” says Bernreuter. As a result, the established he polysilicon spot price will slump from more Siemens process will continue to be the dominant production method. Bernreuter than 14 US$/kg currently below 12 $/kg in Research predicts that the market share of FBR will fall below 3% in 2016 and 2018, forecasts Bernreuter. Already in 2014 remain in the single-digit range over the coming years. and 2015, supply of polysilicon grew more rapidly than demand from the photovoltaic (PV) industry, which consumes approx. 90% More details on the polysilicon, solar and of polysilicon produced worldwide. The global semiconductor markets are provided in The output of 313,000 and 363,000 metric tons Polysilicon Market Outlook 2020. The 70-page report contains elaborate scenarios of supply T(MT), respectively, led to swelling inventories, which drove the and demand, detailed forecasts of polysilicon spot price down to a record low of 12.93 $/kg in January 2016 prices and manufacturing costs through 2020 “Only the massive Chinese PV installation rally in the first half as well as the latest development of FBR of 2016 saved the polysilicon industry from even more serious technology. oversupply,” says report author Bernreuter. Renewsys First New Company To Start PV Cell Production In India RenewSys India Pvt Ltd announces the start of its 100 MW brand-new PV Multi crystalline cell line at its Hyderabad factory. he European line has been commissioned with the help of Solsol GmbH, a leading German consultancy. Apart from the few Indian companies that have been making PV cells in India since many years, RenewSys believes that it is the first new company to have installed and commissioned a cell line in India. RenewSys’ decision to invest in cell-making was based on the Indian Government’s T policies supporting domestic manufacturing industry. With the confidence that this support will be on-going, RenewSys intends to enhance its cell and module making capacity next year as well. Plans to increase the EVA/POE and Backsheet capacity are also at an advanced stage. 20 EQ December 2016 www.EQMagPro.com RESEARCH Discoms to see marginal rise in credit metrics in 2017: Fitch Indian power distribution launched by India to address the persistent in turn benefit from timely clearance of firms will require large financial and operating weakness at state- dues and higher utilisation rates, it added. capex in 2017 which owned electricity distribution companies Fitch expects greater private sector will lead to marginal (discoms). It said progress under this participation in grid assets as more projects improvement in their programme should give some additional are tendered although PGCIL will account credit metrics, but their breathing space to the discoms, which is for more than two-thirds of new capacity ratings may remain stable, important for the overall electricity off-take investments.Interest and investments in says Fitch in its report. from generators in India and improvement of renewable energy will continue, supported plant utilisation levels, which are at historic by government policy initiatives. However, itch expects the rated lows.It further said investment opportunities bidding discipline, especially in solar, Indian state utilities abound – especially in renewable generation remains an issue. to have large capex and electricity network assets – but bidding “We expect electricity prices to continue requirements in 2017. This discipline is key. Indian state distribution to hover at their low levels in 2017. This will lead to only marginal companies struggling with years of cash will be driven by high generation sent improvement in their losses will have some leeway in 2017, out from power stations, continued grid credit metrics. However, with 16 states and a union territory signed congestion and poor financial health of the we expect the ratings up for voluntary financial and operational distribution companies limiting off-take,” Fto remain stable. The linkages with the restructuring of their distribution utilities, it said. Fitch expects issuers, including sovereign also provide a rating buffer for it said.However, Fitch Ratings believes smaller renewable players, to continue these entities, Fitch said in its its outlook that sustained improvement in distribution to tap offshore markets to diversify their report on the Indian utilities sector. companies’ financial profiles will hinge funding sources and take advantage of According to the report, 2017 is a test on gradual reduction of network losses. potentially lower interest rates. This will year for the success of the reforms package Generation and transmission utilities will free up bank facilities as well. Source:PTI RESEARCH Solar panels have repaid their energy Falling costs • Over an average lifespan of ‘debt’: Netherlands research study 30-odd years, a PV system pays back the energy that was used in producing it “multiple times,” said the study authors. • Looking at data since 1976, the researchers calculated that on a global scale, solar energy’s “debt was likely already repaid in 2011” for both energy input and greenhouse gases. • Even on the least optimistic data, break-even point will be reached at the latest next year for net energy, and in 2018 for greenhouse gases, they said. • The photovoltaic effect, by which certain materials convert the photon particles The climate-friendly electricity generated by solar panels in the past 40 years in sunlight into energy, was has all but cancelled out the polluting energy used to produce them, a study said first identified by French Tuesday. Indeed, by some calculations, the so-called “break-even point” between physicist Edmund Bequerel dirty energy input and clean output may already have arrived, researchers in the in 1839. Netherlands reported. • The first photovoltaic battery was built in 1954 but was too e show strong downward trends of environmental expensive for widespread impact of solar panel production, the team wrote in use. the journal Nature Communications. The study sought to address concerns that solar • The technology was used in technology may be using fossil fuel energy in the panels’ the 1960s to generate power manufacture, and emitting greenhouse gases, faster on spacecraft, and only than it was able to offset. started taking root on Earth The authors found that for every doubling in solar in the 1970s. W capacity installed, energy used to produce solar panels • From 1975, costs decreased decreased by 12-13 percent, and greenhouse gas by about 20 percent for emissions dropped by 17-24 percent, depending on every doubling in capacity, the material used. the study found. Solar panels, which convert sunlight into electricity, are a key player in the fast-growing renewable energy • In 1976, one would have sector, which also includes water- and wind-generated paid about $80 (75 euros at electricity. today’s rates) for one Watt- Unlike energy from fossil fuels such as oil, coal peak (Wp) unit, compared to and gas, the generation of electricity by so-called about 64-67 US cents today. photovoltaic (PV) panels does not release planet- harming carbon dioxide. Source:AFP Solar panel capacity grew sharply, on average, by 45 percent per year from 1975 to reach 230 billion watts (Gigawatt or GW) in 2015. In 1975, there were fewer than 10,000 solar panels around the world, compared to about a billion today, study co-author Wilfried Van Sark of Utrecht University in the Netherlands told AFP. By the end of 2016, “we would have some 300 GW installed” - about 1-1.5 percent of global electricity demand. 22 EQ December 2016 www.EQMagPro.com RESEARCH IHS Markit: Electric Vehicles Expected to Account for 15 to 35 Percent of World’s Vehicle Sales in 2040; One of Several Converging Factors that Could Bring About Greatest Transformation Since Dawn of Automotive Age Electric vehicles could make up 15 to 35 percent of total new vehicle sales globally in 2040, according to IHS Markit, a world leader in critical information, analytics and solutions. The findings are part of a new research project, Reinvent- The growth of electric vehicles is ing the Wheel, that will be conducted over the first half of 2017. one of several forces reshaping the future of transportation that are the subject of Reinventing the Wheel, “The key question is whether we are approaching a a major new multi-client research transformative shift akin to the first decade of the 20th century, initiative combining the industry- when the internal combustion engine, cheap gasoline, bicycle leading chemical, automotive and technology and mass production combined to usher in the energy expertise of IHS Markit. automotive age. Converging developments along multiple This initiative will be the subject of tracks are leading us to focus on this important question.” a comprehensive new study to be completed in 2017. Other critical - Dr. Daniel Yergin, Vice Chairman of IHS Markit and factors to be examined by the study Chairman of the study who wrote about the beginning of the include the potential impacts of car automotive age in his most recent book, The Quest sharing, ride hailing and autonomous vehicles on the transportation While electric vehicles constitute a small percentage of the world’s ecosystem. The study is set to begin vehicle sales and are just 1 percent of the on-road fleet today, sales December 15 in Detroit. in 2016 are up more than 1000 percent since 2010—a trend that IHS Markit expects to continue with the potential to make electric vehicles more than one third of the new vehicle sales in 2040. “How and when this transformation takes shape will “Significant advances in battery technology, have significant financial support from governments, regulations impacts on the global economy and values of millennials will be key factors and raises leading to increases in electric vehicle adoption.” fundamental questions for - Dr. Daniel Yergin, Study Co-Director the oil and gas, and Chief of Research at IHS Markit for crude automotive, Oil markets and energy scenarios chemical and the electric power industries, as well as individual consumers.” Electric vehicle share in individual markets will vary based on these factors, IHS Markit says. For instance, in China and Europe- - Tiffany Groode, regions where policies are favorable to electric vehicles-IHS Markit Study co-director and estimates that electric vehicles could comprise over half of new head of IHS Markit passenger vehicle sales in 2040. automotive scenarios www.EQMagPro.com EQ December 2016 23 energy storage Huge Boost in Grid-Connected Energy Storage Leads to 4.5 Gigawatt Opportunity for Inverter Suppliers, IHS Markit Says “While prices in the energy storage industry are still relatively attractive for suppliers compared to similar industries, the price premium they hold will likely reduce over the coming years. We forecast that global PCS prices will decrease 13 percent a year on average from Sam Wilkinson, 2016 to 2020.” Senior Research Manager at IHS Technology Leading energy storage suppliers IHS Technology tracks more than 30 suppliers with inverter products below 100 kW. Over 25 companies shared half of the energy storage inverter shipments in 2015. Panasonic, Sharp and Omron were in the top five suppliers for 2015. The large-scale energy storage inverter market is more concentrated, with BYD, Parker Hannifin and Woojin accounting for nearly half of the market in 2015. As the global market for grid-connected energy Price trends storage expands, the op- Average PCS prices are forecast to experience significant reductions over the coming years as the market becomes increasingly competitive with new suppliers entering the market, and portunity for energy stor- volumes increasing, the IHS Technology report said. Whilst the cost of energy storage inverters age inverters and power is higher than PV inverters due to the increased functionality, IHS Technology anticipates that conversion systems (PCS) as the market grows the size of this premium will rapidly decrease. will grow from 910 MW in “Competition in the large-scale sector has already led to prices being 2015 to 4.5 GW in 2020. The significantly lower, and we forecast the average global price per watt of 1 new forecasts from the En- MW+ inverters will fall below $0.10 in 2020,” Wilkinson said. “However, ergy Storage Inverter (PCS) prices will undoubtedly be below this average on occasions as large-scale Report 2016 were released tenders attract highly competitive pricing.” today by IHS Markit, a Surge in commercial and industrial systems world leader in critical In the forecast period, commercial and industrial (C&I) energy storage installations are forecast information, analytics and to grow faster than those in the residential and utility-side-of-meter segments, growing by solutions, are part of the an average of over 70 percent per year for the next five years. “As average system sizes grow, larger inverters are predicted to gain share of this segment as well, leading to close group’s Energy Storage to 700 MW of 100–999 kW inverters shipped to C&I installations in 2020,” Wilkinson said. Intelligence Service. Residential market trends AC-coupled systems will make up over 60 percent of the market by 2020, the IHS Technology report said. The systems are easier to retrofit to existing PV systems and the increasing importance of aggregated residential systems to create virtual power plants and provide grid services will help drive this trend. Source:ihsmarkit 24 EQ December 2016 www.EQMagPro.com energy storage Capacity of Lithium Ion Batteries for Plug-In Elec- tric Vehicle Second-Life Stationary Energy Storage is Expected to Grow 10 GWh From 2022 to 2035 A recent report from Navigant Research explores the concept of reusing plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries for stationary energy storage system (ESS) applications, focusing on the key issues, market drivers, and challenges related to reusing second-life PEV batteries. i-ion battery packs in EVs have shown less degradation and better performance than The regional distribution of second- expected thanks to robust pack design and careful life batteries will be relatively thermal and charging management. Although the proportional between Asia Pacific, specific power and energy capacity performance Europe, and North America, according parameters for second-life reuse will need to to the report. The low cost and heavy be determined, these batteries will likely have weight of these batteries will likely high power and energy capacities, making them preclude intercontinental shipping, so most batteries employed in stationary L well-suited for grid storage applications such as ESS reuse applications will be in close frequency regulation as well as longer duration vicinity to where they are removed applications. Click to tweet: According to a recent from vehicles. report from @NavigantRSRCH, capacity of Li-ion batteries for PEV second-life stationary energy The report, Alternative Revenue Models storage is expected to grow 10 GWh from 2022 for Advanced Batteries, explores the to 2035. concept of reusing PEV Li-ion batteries for stationary ESS applications. The study examines the issues, including “The release of the market drivers and challenges, related Chevrolet Volt and to second-life batteries and suggests Nissan LEAF in 2010 moves for stakeholders to help make ushered in the modern the concept become a reality. Global era of mainstream vehicle forecasts for the availability and electrification. PEVs that capacity of these batteries, as well as use traction batteries with their future price ceilings, are provided. Li-ion chemistries are now The report also assesses the residual available globally, and energy storage asset value and many of these batteries alternative revenue streams associated William Tokash, show less degradation with the reuse of PEV Li-ion batteries. Senior Research and better performance An Executive Summary of the report Analyst with than expected and may is available for free download on the have value after their Navigant Research website. Navigant Research vehicle life is over.” “This breakthrough in efficiency Phillips 66 Sets World Record in brings us closer to the possibility of commercializing this promising form of solar Organic Solar Cell Efficiency technology,” said Merl Lindstrom, vice president Phillips 66 has successfully set a new world record in power conver- of Technology at Phillips 66. “Continuing to increase the ability of OPV sion efficiency for polymer-based single junction organic photovoltaic cells to convert power with high efficiency will one day make this energy source more (OPV) cells. The 11.84 percent efficiency was certified by Newport affordable for the consumer.” Corporation, a recognized center for independent verification of solar cell results under standard testing conditions. OPV technology enables the development of flexible, lightweight he solar cells are based on proprietary state-of-the-art and transparent solar modules that polymers and interfacial layers, which have been developed can be manufactured at a low cost. by Phillips 66. The advantaged technology can be printed The Phillips 66 materials provide the using low-cost roll-to-roll manufacturing processes. The potential for cost-effective renewable organic solar cells do not contain hazardous components, electricity generation on par with such as lead or cadmium, unlike some other types of thin conventional energy technologies. T film technologies. Source:.phillips66 www.EQMagPro.com EQ December 2016 25 research & development Perovskite solar cells hit new world efficiency record They’re flexible, cheap to produce and simple to make – which is why perovskites are the hottest new material in solar cell design. And now, engineers at Australia’s University of New South Wales in Sydney have smashed the trendy new compound’s world efficiency record. peaking at the Asia-Pacific Solar Research Conference in Canberra on Friday 2 “The versatility of solution deposition of perovskite December, Anita Ho-Baillie, a senior research fellow at the Australian Centre makes it possible to spray-coat, print or paint on for Advanced Photovoltaics (ACAP), solar cells,” said Ho-Baillie. “The diversity of chemical announced that her team at UNSW has compositions also allows cells be transparent, or achieved the highest efficiency rating with made of different colours. Imagine being able to the largest perovskite solar cells to date. The cover every surface of buildings, devices and cars S with solar cells.” 12.1 per cent efficiency rating was for a 16 cm2 perovskite solar cell, the largest single perovskite photovoltaic cell certified with the highest energy conversion efficiency, ost of the world’s commercial solar cells are made from and was independently confirmed by the a refined, highly purified silicon crystal and, like the most international testing centre Newport Corp, in efficient commercial silicon cells (known as PERC cells Bozeman, Montana. The new cell is at least M and invented at UNSW), need to be baked above 800°C in multiple 10 times bigger than the current certified high-temperature steps. Perovskites, on the other hand, are made high-efficiency perovskite solar cells on at low temperatures and 200 times thinner than silicon cells. record. But although perovskites hold much promise for cost-effecti`ve Her team has also achieved an 18 per solar energy, they are currently prone to fluctuating temperatures cent efficiency rating on a 1.2 cm2 single and moisture, making them last only a few months without protection. perovskite cell, and an 11.5 per cent for a 16 Along with every other team in the world, Ho-Baillie’s is trying to cm2 four-cell perovskite mini-module, both extend its durability. Thanks to what engineers learned from more independently certified by Newport. “This than 40 years of work with layered silicon, they’re are confident they is a very hot area of research, with many can extend this. Nevertheless, there are many existing applications teams competing to advance photovoltaic where even disposable low-cost, high-efficiency solar cells could design,” said Ho-Baillie. “Perovskites came be attractive, such as use in disaster response, device charging out of nowhere in 2009, with an efficiency and lighting in electricity-poor regions of the world. Perovskite solar rating of 3.8 per cent, and have since grown cells also have the highest power to weight ratio amongst viable in leaps and bounds. These results place photovoltaic technologies. UNSW amongst the best groups in the world producing state-of-the-art high-performance perovskite solar cells. And I think we can get “We will capitalise on the to 24 per cent within a year or so.” Perovskite advantages of perovskites and is a structured compound, where a hybrid continue to tackle issues important organic-inorganic lead or tin halide-based for commercialisation, like scaling material acts as the light-harvesting active to larger areas and improving cell layer. They are the fastest-advancing solar durability,” said Martin Green, technology to date, and are attractive Director of the ACAP and Ho- because the compound is cheap to produce Baillie’s mentor and simple to manufacture, and can even be sprayed onto surfaces. 26 EQ December 2016 www.EQMagPro.com The project’s goal is to lift perovskite solar cell efficiency to 26 per cent. The research is part of a collaboration backed by $3.6 million in funding through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency’s (ARENA) ‘solar excellence’ initiative. The achievement demonstrated the importance of supporting early stage renewable energy technologies: “In the future, this world-leading R&D could deliver efficiency wins for households and businesses through rooftop solar as well as for big solar projects like those being advanced through ARENA’s investment in large-scale solar.” - Ivor Frischknecht, ARENA’s CEO To make a perovskite solar cells, engineers grow crystals into a structure known as ‘perovskite’, named after Lev Perovski, the Russian mineralogist who discovered it. They first dissolve a selection of compounds in a liquid to make the ‘ink’, then deposit this on a specialised glass which can conduct electricity. When the ink dries, it leaves behind a thin film that crystallises on top of the glass when mild heat is applied, resulting in a thin layer of perovskite crystals. The tricky part is growing a thin film of perovskite crystals so the resulting solar cell absorbs a maximum amount of light. Worldwide, engineers are working to create smooth and regular layers of perovskite with large crystal grain sizes in order to increase photovoltaic yields. Ho-Baillie, who obtained her PhD at UNSW in 2004, is a former chief engineer for Solar Sailor, an Australian company which integrates solar cells into purpose-designed commercial marine ferries which currently ply waterways in Sydney, Shanghai and Hong Kong. www.EQMagPro.com EQ December 2016 27 MIDDLE EAST AFRICA DEWA signs Power Purchase Agreement with Masdar for third phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park “Masdar is proud to partner with DEWA on this important milestone in the development of the UAE’s solar energy capacity. Saeed Mohammed This agreement Al Tayer, MD & demonstrates the CEO of DEWA competitiveness of solar as a commercially- “We are pleased to sign the Power Purchase viable clean energy Agreement with Abu Dubai source for electricity Future Energy Company generation. It is through to produce 800MW ambitious projects of based on the Independent this scale that Masdar Power Producer model is able to drive for the third phase of the the clean Mohammed bin Rashid Al technology Maktoum Solar Park, which industry is the largest single-site Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has solar park in the world, forward.” signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Abu with a planned capacity of 5,000MW by 2030. The - HE Dr Sultan Dubai Future Energy Company (Masdar), for the agreement with Masdar Ahmed Al Jaber 800MW third phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al supports the directives of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Maktoum Solar Park. bin Zayed Al Nahyan, “Today’s signing continues President of the UAE, and the strong momentum he agreement was signed by HE his brother His Highness created at the outset Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & Sheikh Mohammed bin of the project thanks CEO of DEWA, and HE Dr Sultan Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice to DEWA’s efficient President and Prime tender process. The Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Minister of the UAE and State and Chairman of Masdar, with Ruler of Dubai, to support Mohammed bin Rashid HE Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, the growth of the promising Al Maktoum Solar Park CEO of Masdar also present. clean energy sector, and is a major undertaking The signing ceremony was our efforts to achieve which will become an the Dubai Clean Energy international reference T attended by DEWA staff including Strategy 2050, launched point for the renewable Waleed Salman, Executive by His Highness Sheikh energy industry. Vice President of Strategy and Mohammed bin Rashid Through the Solar Park, Business Development, Nasser Al Maktoum to diversify DEWA is making a Lootah, Executive Vice President the energy mix so clean energy will generate 7% significant contribution of Generation, Hussain Lootah, of Dubai’s total power to the UAE’s vision for Executive Vice President of output by 2020, 25% a green economy. The Transmission Power, Khawla Al by 2030 and 75% by collaboration between Mehairi, Vice President of Marketing 2050. The directives all parties to reach this and Corporate Communications of His Highness are the milestone has been roadmap that guides our and Jamal Shaheen Al Hammadi, exceptional, and we ambitious initiatives and look forward to bringing Vice President of Special Projects. development projects. The Masdar’s expertise and Earlier this year, DEWA agreement also supports experience from the past announced the Masdar-led the Dubai Plan 2021 to 10 years to bear, in consortium as selected bidder for promote sustainability and happiness in Dubai, and order to successfully the third phase of the solar park. achieve the aspirations of deliver this project The consortium bid the lowest cost its citizens and residents, for the UAE.” of electricity. and DEWA’s vision to become a sustainable Mohamed Jameel innovative world-class utility,” Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar Source:Dewa 28 EQ December 2016 www.EQMagPro.com MIDDLE EAST AFRICA n November 2015, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Kenya, World Bank Consider $150 IMaktoum launched the second phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. In June 2016, Million Off-Grid Power Project His Highness witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Masdar-led consortium to implement the third phase of the solar park based on the IPP model. The MoU signing was attended by HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance, and HH Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs. The 800MW third phase will be operational in 2020 to coincide with the World Expo 2020 in Dubai. DEWA also launched the largest Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) project in the world, based on the IPP model, with a planned capacity of 1,000 MW by 2030. HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park at Seih Al Dahal in early 2012. The first phase was successfully completed the next year, and is producing 13MW. The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Kenya and the World Bank are in talks about financing a $150 million solar- Maktoum Solar Park includes a and-wind project in the country’s remote, off-grid northeastern region. Creativity & Innovation Centre that will be equipped with the latest renewable and clean technologies to sharpen national “We anticipate firm positions on where this project will be capabilities, boost the competitiveness of situated,” before inviting international bidders to tender, business, develop new renewable energy Ben Chumo, the managing director of electricity distributor technologies, support the overall regional Kenya Power Ltd., said in an interview Wednesday in the advancement of the industry, and raise capital, Nairobi. The government of East Africa’s biggest social awareness about renewable and economy is building more power plants as it targets a sustainable energy. tripling of capacity to 6,766 megawatts by 2020, from about 2,327 megawatts. Most of the new capacity will be from renewable sources including geothermal, according to The Research and Development the state-run Energy Regulatory Commission. Centre will conduct studies for industrial and social requirements, Construction of the solar-and-wind project is scientific research, link researchers, expected to start by mid-2017, Chumo said. academics and developers, and Electricity consumers in the remote northeastern devise strategies for innovative region are currently served by diesel-fuel and productive ideas. It has generation. Kenya Power, the nation’s sole two testing facilities, one for electricity distributor, plans to add 1.5 photovoltaic solar testing and million new customers to its 5.4 million client the other for concentrated base next year, taking the number of solar power (CSP). The centre is people connected to the national grid to currently testing 30 modules of photovoltaic panels from global 70 percent, from 62 percent, Chumo said. specialist manufacturers to check the properties, analyse the results, and use them in research and Kenyan consumers pay an average of 18.7 U.S. development. It collaborates cents per kilowatt-hour, compared with 9 cents with international organisations on soiling and dust mitigation in neighboring Tanzania and 3 cents in Ethiopia, on photovoltaic equipment. African Development Bank data shows. An The tests are currently being unreliable and expensive power supply is cited by performed to set a baseline for the development of specifications, tests business as a deterrent to investment in the $63.4 and standards for photovoltaic billion economy. equipment. Source:Dewa Source:bloomberg www.EQMagPro.com EQ December 2016 29 DISTRIBUTED SOLAR Pune University to give Rs 5 lakh to Harish Hande seeks colleges to adopt solar energy decentralisation of solar power Taking up its mission for green energy a step further, the production Savitribai Phule Pune Univer- sity (SPPU) will now incentivise he man who has taken solar lights and other solar colleges for installing solar light-based appliances panels. To enable this, the uni- to inaccessible areas versity administration recently of the country pushed passed a decision to include for decentralising solar solar panel installation in the power production to list of approved expenses under prevent transmission and Tdistribution losses. Talking to reporters on the its Quality Improvement the sidelines of a workshop on ‘Emerging Programme (QIP). Solar PV Technology Applications for Academics’ here on Saturday, Chairman of SELCO-India H. Harish Hande said big solar power plants lead to conflict “Under the QIP, we give a fund of Rs with land and water and there would be transmission and distribution loss. It’s better 5 lakh from the university once in two to decentralise solar power production and years to attached colleges for various have units at each house/building to meet proposals for their development, that until the power requirement. now included building expenses, buying sports equipment, library, equipments for Lack of human laboratory and computers. However, from resource was acting this year, installation of solar panels unit is as a bottleneck also eligible for this scheme. Those colleges in scaling up who wish to install solar panels can send production of solar their proposals under QIP for funding. power, which was Wasudeo Gade, presently as low as This decision has been taken to reiterate 5 per cent in the Vice Chancellor, the university’s commitment towards country. He said the curriculum in Pune University propagating green energy initiatives and the Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) should be remodelled to include to encourage our affiliated colleges in the people who can manage solar same direction,” power devices and also those who can bring out innovations. These personnel need financial support of banks to become entrepreneurs, ccording to a circular issued in this regard, colleges he said. He urged academic wishing to avail of this fund will have to send proposals institutions to innovate products online between December 2 and 31 while hard copies of for those in rural areas, such as a proposals can be sent till January 5, 2017. “Three types solar-powered floor mill and solar of systems can be installed — grid tied photovoltaic (PV) powered X-ray machines, which will bring about big changes. system, off-grid system and hybrid system. While grid- tied PV systems have certain advantages, like it helps Problems at the grassroots should be save more money with net metering, the utility grid is addressed by the universities, he said. A a virtual battery that allows electricity generated to be Earlier, Mr. Hande inaugurated the seminar that was jointly organised by consumed in real time. But it needs uninterrupted and the Mangalore University and IIT Bombay- reliable grid-supply and such a system is not advisable based kWatt Technologies Pvt. Ltd. for colleges that have recurrent power outages. An Chairman of kWatt Technologies Chetan off-grid system is the obvious solution where grid is Singh Solanki said the company has been, not available and it leads to energy self-sufficiency, but for the last two years, involved in the Central government programmes to they require battery storage and this is an expensive provide solar lamps in one million houses and complicated job. Hybrid systems combine the best in tribal and educationally backward of the other two systems and are also less expensive,” areas in the country. They have covered said an official. 10,900 villages and reached out to nearly one million children, he said. Source:IE Source:TH 30 EQ December 2016 www.EQMagPro.com DISTRIBUTED SOLAR Solar-powered charging stations for e-auto rickshaws in Jabalpur The Jabalpur Municipal Corporation (JMC) has proposed to set up solar- powered charging stations in various localities of the town to charge the batteries of e-auto rickshaws. Currently there is no such facility available in the city to charge the batteries of the e-auto rickshaw and the individual owner charges the batteries from their houses through the power generated from conventional sources of energy like coal. Over 160 e-auto rickshaws are currently plying within JMC limits. he e-auto rickshaws were introduced in Jabalpur The stations will be run by the Jabalpur City Transport on January 30 this year after chief minister Services Limited (JCTSL). Shivraj Singh Chouhan handed over the keys to “After identifying the spots 70 persons in a function. New and renewable a proposal has been sent to energy department principal secretary Manu the MP Urja Vikas Nigam for Shrivastava told HT that the MP Urja Vikas Nigam technical assistance to set up such stations having facilities and JMC are working on the modalities to have the to charge batteries of 15-20 solar-powered charging stations for e-auto rickshaws at the same T e-auto rickshaws in Jabalpur and soon time,” JCTSL chief executive officer Sachin such stations will be set up. He said Vishwakarma told HT step to have solar-powered charging stations is being taken to encourage Pawan Virha, owner of an e-auto rickshaw usage of renewable energy, energy said, “It takes eight-nine hours to charge efficiency and energy conservation the batteries and the power last for 80 by slowly reducing dependability kilometres”. He said, “I charge batteries in the night when all the electricity usage on the conventional sources of energy. The JMC is low in the house and incur additional has proposed to set up solar powered charging expenditure of over Rs 700 per month on stations in various localities, including near the power bills”. “If we get facility to charge railway station, medical college hospital, Damohnaka the batteries on cheaper rates, I will Square, Gwarighat, Gohalpur and Gokalpur localities, definitely opt for it,” he said. Parmanad Kori owner of an e-auto rickshaw said “if inter-state bus stand and Deendayal Square.Solar- the JMC provides the facility to charge powered charging stations will provide electricity batteries on nominal rates, it will be helpful at cheaper rates than that available from state-run as charging batteries from domestic power discoms, the municipal officials say. is costly affair.” Source:HT “We are proud to be ReNew Power to help Indian Railways associated with the Indian Railways, the most extensively used means of go solar; bags 5 MW project transportation in India. It is a great honour for us to enewable energy development company, ReNew Power Ventures, be instrumental in accomplishing has won bids for 5 MW solar installations across locations pan- their initiative of going solar.” India for the Indian Railways. The company will be investing close to Rs 35 crore in these projects which will supply energy to the Sumant Sinha, Chairman Indian Railways through long term power purchase agreements and CEO, ReNew Power (PPAs) for 25 years. This is the first set of allocations by Indian “It is indeed a matter of Railways to any company under PPA mode. Out of the total 5 pride for us that after MW allocation under various zones, 1 MW has been allocated by metro rail and airport, we R North Central Railway division for Allahabad & Kanpur, 1 MW has will now be catering to been allocated by South Western Railway division for Bengaluru Indian railways under the distributed solar segment. & Hubli. Another 1 MW has been allocated by East Coast Railway We hope to be a part of division for Vishakhapatnam and 2 MW has been allocated by South many more such government Eastern Railway division for Kharagpur, Adra, Chakradharpur, projects along with several private Jamshedpur etc. The pan-India installations mentioned above customers whom we serve across India.” will be carried out to a large extent in the station buildings, railway Prabhat Kumar Mishra, offices, workshops amongst other building premises. In total, these Head-Distributed Solar and projects will generate more than 7 million units of power annually Offtake, ReNew Power and offset over 6000 tonnes of carbon emissions every year. Source:moneycontrol www.EQMagPro.com EQ December 2016 31 DISTRIBUTED SOLAR Kargil puts on its solar Rooftop solar plant project to manage its hospital to make Jaipur metro In order to give relief to the patients and staff of Community Health stations self sufficient Center Shakar Chiktan from the daily power curtailment, Chief Executive Councillor LAHDC Kargil Kacho Ahmad Ali Khan inaugurated Going green in its second year of operations, Jaipur Metro has decided to set up rooftop solar panels at a 10 KV SPV Power Project which will provide 24 hours power supply eight elevated stations on its 9.25-km-long corridor to the Health center. Khan also inaugurated CHCs heating system in between Mansarovar and Chandpole. its Labour Room area where heat panel was installed for heating the room. It will also be powered by the SPV Project. he power generated by 2,500-kwp ‘Rooftop Solar Power Plant’ will be used to meet all the requirements at the stations in day time and would reduce its dependence on non- renewable sources. This will be the biggest solar plant, which will be installed on any of the government Tbuilding. “For all Metro operations, approximately 11 lakh units are required . The plant will produce 2.5 lakh units which will meet all the requirement of the stations in day time,” said JMRC director (operations) C S Jeengar. Earlier, the JMRC has proposed to install 1,000- kwp ‘Rooftop Solar Power Plant’. However, proposal was recently forwarded by JMRC to the Centre to install the solar plant of higher capacity. The Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited will finalise a firm which will sign a power purchase agreement with JMRC. The appointed firm will install the rooftop solar panels which will maintain it for next 25 years. “The JMRC has requested the Centre to install LAHDC, Kargil officials after inaugurating the solar power project at Chiktan 2,500-kwp ‘Rooftop Solar Power Plant’ under its scheme. We have received the approval and work for installation is expected to next year,” alking to media, Khan said the Power said Jeengar. The expenditure cost of the plant will generated from Solar project will be the only be Rs 16 crore and it will be borne by the appointed alternate to cover and mitigate the shortage firm. The plant will be set up under Renewable of Electricity during winter. He said one 5-MW Energy Service Company (RESCO) model. As SPV Project from the already sanctioned 5 per the model for the rooftop plant, the developer projects will be commissioned next year at invests, owns and operates the plant while JMRC Yourbaltak Kargil. He further told that SPV purchases the electricity generated through a power Rooftop projects for Kargil town and many purchase agreement. “The JMRC will purchase T more are expected and the team led by Project electricity for Rs 5.37 per unit for next 25 years. At Director KREDA Kacho Ahamd Ali Khan is present, the electricity consumption of one Metro working day and night to make Kargil the first station is approximately 1,200 units per day. The energy sufficient district of J&K and in future rooftop solar panels will generate electricity to Electricity will become the prime industry of cater all the requirement during day time.” The Kargil district. Jaipur Metro would be the first department in the Talking on this occasion Advocate state to install rooftop solar panels under Centre Mohammad Amir thanked Project Director government’s ambitious scheme. Central government KREDA for installing the project at CHC has set a target for installation of one lakh megawatt Chiktan on behalf of the people of Shakar (MW) solar power plants by 2022. Out of this, about Chiktan and hoped that this will add in the 40,000 MW has to come from grid connected solar performance of the hospital staff during rooftops systems. Centre wants Rajasthan to play an winters. He also told in days to come the active role in installing solar rooftops systems. Since casualty block of the CHC will be heated up the announcement of the target in 2014, Rajasthan by the space heating technology by KREDA was among the pioneer states to have released net which will help in heating the causality during metering (two-directional energy meter) policy. But day time. the response of discoms and consumers has been lukewarm due to the high set-up cost. Source:ETIE 32 EQ December 2016 www.EQMagPro.com DISTRIBUTED SOLAR CREDA to Install Roof-Top Solar Plants Chhattisgarh Renewable Energy Development Agency has commenced the process for installing grid connected roof-top solar photo voltaic power plants in several establishments across the State, officials informed otably, Chhattisgarh will procure additional power from renewable energy sources to the tune of approximately 700 MW by FY 2018. With this the average power purchase cost for Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Ltd (CSPDCL) based on the above power availability will increase from 2.58 preparation for setting up 51,000 solar Rs/kWh in FY 2015-16 to 3.12 Rs/kWh in powered irrigation pumps in a span of two- N FY 2018. and-half-years in the State. The government The rates have been derived based has set the target of setting up 11,000 solar on cost of power at existing rates and pumps in the current financial year till March considering no escalation in power purchase 2017 and the rest during the next two years. cost since it is passing through for the Notably, Chhattisgarh Government distribution company. Notably, CREDA is also planning to add 2640 MW of has invested Rs400 crores during last 11 additional renewable energy capacity by years in developing infrastructure for solar financial year 2018-19, officials informed. power generation which had resulted in The State currently has total renewable 40 MW of electricity being generated from energy potential of 4,500 MW which includes non- conventional energy sources. The solar (grid connected and roof top), wind agency will be installing a total of 10,000 biomass and small hydro. The State has submersible and surface solar photo voltaic also planned to install solar powered pump (SPV) irrigation pumps in farm lands soon sets for agriculture consumers which will across the State. benefit 16,000 consumers. It may be The SPV Pumps shall be provided with recalled that there are significantly more lightening and over voltage protection. The number of villages which are to be electrified principal aim in this protection is to reduce in Chhattisgarh using the off-grid (solar) the over voltage to a tolerable value before mode than the grid-based (conventional it reaches the PV or other sub-systems power supply. The State will soon also components. The source of over voltage launch a ‘Solar Community Irrigation can be lightening or any other atmospheric Project’ for drawing water extracted using disturbance, officials informed. Notably, the solar pumps for supplying to the agricultural State government has already commenced land of farmers across the State. Thanks To CRPF, This Remote Village Of Latehar, Jharkhand Has Now Got Solar Powered Lights harkhand’s Latehar district is known to be plagued with frequent Naxal attacks and is one of the most Maoist violence-affected areas in India.There is a constant presence of CRPF jawan’s in this area, who at times even go beyond the call of duty to protect the locals and help Jthem in any way that they can. While we have heard many stories of Naxal encounters in this area, CRPF’s 112 Battalion recently installed the remotest village of Latehar with Solar Powered lights so that the village remains illuminated even at night.Further, they finished the whole project within 8 days of locals demand to DG CRPF, looking at its urgency. The news was also shared by CRPF’s official twitter handle, where many Source:topyaps.com thanked the team for their hard work and effort. www.EQMagPro.com EQ December 2016 33 FEATURED Google to Run Exclusively on India’s 87% solar cell Renewable Energy by 2017 imports from China in Apr-Sept: Goyal Shri Piyush Goyal MNRE Minister INDIA In a bid to reduce its carbon footprint and address climate ndia imported solar and photovoltaic cells worth change, Google announced that it plans to buy enough solar about USD 826 million from China in the first and wind electricity by 2017 to power the entire company with six months of the current fiscal, which is over renewable energy. 87 per cent of the country’s total such imports. Like this story, share it with millions of investors oing so would be a significant achievement for a on M3 Indias 87% solar cell imports from China tech company the size of Google, whose massive I in Apr-Sept: Goyal India imported solar and data centers power much of the Internet. Google photovoltaic cells worth about USD 826 million from claims that it is already the world’s largest corporate China in the first six months of the current fiscal, which buyer of renewable power, with commitments is over 87 per cent of the country’s total such imports. reaching 2.6 gigawatts of wind and solar energy. Post Your Comments Share Cancel | 1 Comments India D imported solar and photovoltaic cells worth about USD Those energy sources are “good 826 million from China in the first six months of the for the economy, good for business current fiscal, which is over 87 per cent of the country’s and good for our shareholders,” total such imports. Google’s senior vice president of India’s total imports of these cells were worth USD technical infrastructure, Joe Kava, 948.88 million, including USD 825.98 million from China, told the New York Times, in part constituting 87.05 per cent, during the April-September because their costs have rapidly period of 2016-17, New & Renewable Energy Minister decreased in recent years. Piyush Goyal stated in a written reply to Lok Sabha today. India had imported USD 2,344.56 million worth Solar energy is 80 percent cheaper now of cells last fiscal, out of which USD 1,960.26 million than it was six years ago, Google said. Like was from China constituting 83.61 per cent of the total. other companies that have pledged to use only In 2014-15, the proportion of solar and photovoltaic renewable energy, Google will still consume power cells imports from China was 73.49 per cent of the total from the grid. Since electricity generated from solar imports at USD 603.34 million. India imported solar cells and wind flows into the grid, Google simply has and photovoltaic cells worth USD 820.95 million in that to invest in enough turbines and solar panels to fiscal. Goyal informed the house that India does not cover its total energy consumption to make good have enough manufacturing capacity currently for cells on its goal. And as the Times points out, it is nearly and modules to cover its full demand. impossible to compare how much renewable He further said that the development of solar power energy Google will use to other industries, since in the country is taking place with indigenous as well energy consumption data is hard to come by. as imported solar equipment and components. In order Still, the voracious energy consumption of to make National Solar Mission (NSM) a success, he Google’s data centers makes any attempt to said, the government has launched several schemes reduce the company’s reliance on fossil fuels and is providing benefits to indigenous manufacturers noteworthy. It is also increasing the data centers’ including concessional excise and custom duties. It is also efficiency, and now claims that they are 50 percent providing capital subsidy for setting up of manufacturing more efficient than the industry average. units for solar cells and modules and the entire value Facebook is also increasing the efficiency of chain under Modified Special Incentive Package Scheme its data centers. The first one it built, in Prineville, (M-SIPS) programme of Ministry of Electronics and Ore., now boasts a power efficiency ratio of 1.07. Information Technology. “The government is supporting That means the cooling equipment, lights, and domestic solar PV manufacturing by various means and heaters-anything that’s not a computing device- incentives. However, there is no exclusive national policy consume just 7 percent of the facility’s total energy to develop indigenous solar power manufacturing in the usage. Source:pcmag country,” Goyal said. 34 EQ December 2016 www.EQMagPro.com FEATURED New from Heraeus! Andreas Liebheit, President Heraeus Photovoltaics, named Vice Chairman of Asian Photovoltaic Industry Association (APVIA) ffective immediately Heraeus Photovoltaics President Andreas Liebheit, has been nominated Vice Chairman of Asian Photovoltaic Industry Association (APVIA), one of the worldwide most influential associations of PV related enterprises, scientific institutions and related organizations in Asian countries. “It is my great honor to take the role of Vice Chairman of APVIA, a leading PV industrial organization. I am committed to working with my colleagues to fulfill our mission of promoting the advancement of Asia’s PV industry by enhancing bilateral E relationships between governments, industries and enterprises of different countries in Asia”, said Andreas Liebheit. The nomination follows Andreas Liebheit’s intensive engagement of continuously driving innovation that delivers value for customers across the board. An important milestone of Heraeus worldwide leadership as supplier of metallization paste has been last month launch of the new Heraeus SOL9641A series front-side silver paste, raising the conversion efficiency of solar cells by 0.1% thus helping customers improving performance while addressing costs. Now Read on Tablet & Smartphone www.EQMagPro.com FEATURED RAIlWAys targets of using 10% of energy needs from renewable sources World Bank The Railways has set a target of utilising at least 10 percent of its energy needs Approves an from renewable sources and has accordingly planned to set up separate solar and Additional $22.93 wind power plants over the next four years. Addressing consultative committee of MPs here, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said that Railways being a “significant” MN Grant to consumer of energy, identifying cost-effective options to achieve and realise an energy system with least environmental impacts is “essential”. Support Grid- ision 2020 document of the Indian Railways states that the key connected target is to utilise at least 10 percent of its energy requirement from renewable sources.As a part of this, Indian Railways has planned to set up 1000 MW solar power plant and Rooftop Solar about 200 MW of wind power plants by 2020 across Zonal Railways & Productions Units,” an official statement said. Program in India The Ministry said its first major feat was achieved in ‘Harnessing Green Energy on Railways’ when a 10.5 MW capacity wind power plant was set up in 2009 by Integral Coach Factory The World Bank Board (ICF), Chennai- the first green production unit of the Railways. approved an additional grant V The next significant step was setting up of 26 MW solar power plant commissioned in 2016 at Jaisalmer in Rajasthan in North of $22.93 million to further Western Railway (NWR), it said. As of now, the Railway is already harnessing 50 MW green energy from solar and wind enhance the installed power plants including harnessing solar energy at rooftop of capacity of Grid-connected stations and service buildings. This includes 500 KW each on Varanasi, Katra, Jaipur, Kolkata Metro and Secunderabad Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic Railway Stations. Chairing the meeting, Prabhu noted the cost (GRPV) Program and strength- of producing solar energy is gradually becoming less, but there are still issues related to its storage. en the capacity of relevant institutions for widespread “…globally there are efforts going on for developing storage technologies and a installation of GRPV. breakthrough is likely to be achieved soon. We are also using biodiesel by blending it in a small he additional Global percentage with the diesel,” Prabhu said. Environment Facility (GEF) grant will The Minister informed the Parliamentarian that the other activity support the overall the Railways has taken towards use of renewable energy is US$625 million GRPV replacement of conventional light sources with LED light sources program approved by which is more energy efficient and more environmental friendly. T the World Bank Board He said producing energy through waste and biomass earlier this year, and a total program are other options which need to be looked into. The Minister investment of US$915 million in also pointed out that Railways has already done energy audit solar rooftop developments. It will and working for more energy efficient system. Referring to provide incentives to the State Bank station redevelopment, Prabhu pointed out that the Ministry of India to lend to riskier categories has recently signed an MoU with Urban Development Ministry of GRPV customers such as the non- for redeveloping stations along with the smart cities. banking financial institutions (NBFCs) and small and medium enterprises He also said that Railways is taking many green (SMEs) to finance and install GRPV. initiatives like bio toilets, waste recycling, revival of water It will also strengthen the investment bodies and plantation along the tracks and will continue climate for GRPV by building capacity to take such measures. The panel members gave several of the main stakeholders involved in suggestions for increasing the production of solar and the expansion of GRPV. Under the wind energy. In addition, the members also mentioned ongoing program, SBI is on-lending various pending projects in their respective constituencies funds to solar PV developers and end- and requested for expediting them. They also made request users, who wish to invest in mainly for some new lines, passenger amenities and some new commercial and industrial rooftop train services pertaining to their respective areas. PV systems. 36 EQ December 2016 www.EQMagPro.com FEATURED Lightsource to invest “The Grid-connected Rooftop Solar program is critical to harnessing Rs 6,500 cr in India in India’s solar potential. This additional financing 2-3 years will strengthen the capacity of key UK-based Lightsource Renewable Energy will institutions and help in bringing international invest Rs 6,500 crore over the next 2-3 years to best practices to set up 1000 MW solar energy projects in India. support the program fulfill its aim of developing at least 400 “The company is looking at MW of GRPV across developing 1000 MW of solar India.” power projects entailing an investment of Rs 6,500 crore Junaid Ahmad, over the next 2-3 years,” World Bank Country Lightsource Renewable Energy Director in India Ltd Managing Director and Head India Operations Rupesh Agarwal told PTI. espite energy shortages, and the high cost of backup supply, ightsource recently won a 50 rooftop solar PV systems have MW solar project in Maharashtra Dnot yet become widespread in India. This under the Centre’s ambitious solar is primarily due to the lack of adequate programme. This is the maiden financing, unfamiliar technology and solar project secured by the low consumer awareness. Until now, company in India.We are eyeing those that wanted to install solar 1000 MW of solar power projects in rooftop PV systems had to pay the the country which is bare minimum full cost up-front. The total capacity in the backdrop of government’s of rooftop solar, therefore, remains ambitious target of adding one lakh “The knowledge and low. These solar PV installations will MW by 2022. provide clean, renewable energy, and advisory support L reduce greenhouse gas emissions by being made available through the GEF grant We would like to do even more than displacing thermal generation. The GEF complements the will address a number of constraints financial support to targeted 1000 MW in coming years in successful investments in GRPV. the parent program. depending on the auctions of these This includes commercial, policy and The overall Program of projects,” Agarwal said. He added that the regulatory, technical and financing rooftop solar financing has just become company will “only secure projects through challenges. The GEF grant includes effective, so we intend competitive bidding in India as it has no knowledge support to the Electricity that this grant will be Distribution Companies (Discoms), utilized quickly, to help plans to procure projects through MoUs or training for State Nodal Agencies build the capacity of otherwise”. (SNAs), learning and knowledge utilities to implement solar rooftop projects, sharing programs for policy makers ensure smooth He also said Lightsource will operate alone in the and regulators to develop regulatory implementation of country and is unlikely to tie with any domestic or other frameworks, technical training for GRPV regulations, and operator for the execution of the projects. Earlier last investment bankers and technical and help SMEs and NBFCs year, Lightsource had announced tie-up with SREI knowledge capacity building programs to access debt for rooftop projects.” Infrastructure Finance Ltd as its the first partner for for project developers and SMEs, all of foraying into Indian solar energy space. Lightsource which will be guided by the Ministry of Simon Stolp, Renewable Energy – one of the largest solar PV energy New and Renewable Energy alongside World Bank’s Lead generators globally had recently appointed Agarwal the World Bank. Energy Specialist as Managing Director for its India operations. In the last 5 years, Lightsource has deployed over 2 billion The GEF Program is one of the largest and longest pounds to develop and operate 1300 MW of solar PV standing trust-funded programs in the World plants in the United Kingdom. Bank Group. Since 1991, when the World Bank The company has a number of firsts to its credits helped to establish the GEF, it has integrated global such as the Thames Water 6.5MW plant, the world’s environmental benefits across the Bank programs first deep water floating solar PV installation or the first through more than 790 investment projects and large scale solar plant in the island of Ireland, installed programs in 120 countries. in the Belfast International Airport, that saves over Source:worldbank 2,345 tonnes of carbon per year. Source:PTI www.EQMagPro.com EQ December 2016 37 FEATURED SECI to Launch 1000 MW Rooftop Solar PV Scheme for Government Sector As a step towards fulfilment of the Government of India’s target for installation of 40 GW rooftop solar power plants by the year 2022, Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) is launching recently a tender of 1000 MW capacity for development of grid- connected rooftop solar capacity for Central Government Ministries/Departments. his would be the largest against their committed targets in the given Ministries/departments for implementation rooftop tender to be timespan. In this scheme the Grid connected of the systems. Based on the indicative list launched by SECI, and rooftop solar systems shall be installed with of sites provided by MNRE and various is expected to give a big the financial assistance for MNRE in the interested Ministries, SECI is carrying boost to the hugely potent form of Incentives. The power generated out a potential assessment which shall rooftop solar power from the systems shall be used for meeting be provided to the solar PV developers generation segment. The the captive requirement of the buildings and (SPD). The SPDs will be selected state- 1000 MW tender, one of the surplus power, if any, shall be fed to the wise through national competitive bidding Tthe largest globally, is a move to rapidly grid under the net-metering arrangement process and provision of one Rate / state escalate rooftop solar capacity in the of the respective State.Ministry of New & shall be kept in the scheme. The 1000MW country, and comes in quick succession to Renewable Energy (MNRE) has allocated capacity will be distributed between CAPEX SECI’s earlier tender of 500 MW capacity, 21 Ministries/ Departments to SECI interalia and RESCO modes of implementation in targeting buildings in the residential/ Ministry of Human Resource Development, the ratio 30/70. institutional and social sectors. Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Urban In this scheme, SECI in consultation SECI is the leading PSU in the Development, Ministry of Parliamentary with MNRE, is also introducing a rooftop solar segment, and has already Affairs etc. The ministries have shown Payment Security Mechanism which commissioned over 54 MW capacity of great enthusiasm and have assured their is apparently a first in the history of the rooftop solar projects under multiple commitment with submission of “Green rooftop programme, with the assurance government schemes. The upcoming Energy Commitment Certificates” to MNRE of all rightful payments to the SPDs 1000 MW tender is especially targeted for implementation of Grid Connected SPV under RESCO model. SECI has also at utilising the numerous buildings of power plants at the roof of their offices/ tied up with Financial institutes (FIs) the Central Government Ministries/ other buildings etc., as part of their Clean Banks such as IREDA and SBI for Departments. The highlight of this tender energy initiatives and achieving National disbursement of loans with Special is its innovative ‘Achievement-Linked target of alleviating Global Warming. Various Discount Packages to be offered by Incentives scheme’ wherein the incentives ministries/department have been sensitized these institutions to the developers. in terms of capital subsidy shall be provided by MNRE/SECI for implementation of Grid A toll-free number is being set up on the basis of performance achieved connected rooftop systems.MNRE has to ensure ease of communication of by designated Ministries/departments also collated the demand of the various various stakeholders to SECI. ReNew Power Offers Maiden Green Issue of NCD’s eNew Power Ventures Private Limited, Climate Bond Initiative (an international, ReNew Power’s First Ever Issue of India’s leading renewable energy investor focused not-for-profit entity) Green Bonds Worth 500 Crore company, today announced public as Green bonds. The capital raised issue of Non-Convertible Debentures through the issue was utilized towards l Funds Utilized Towards (NCD’s) with a face value of Rs. development of wind energy project Development of Wind Project in MP 10,00,000 each aggregating Rs. 500 in Dhar and Ujjain districts of Madhya l Rated A+ by CARE Ratings R Crore. This is the first certification of Pradesh. The offer of NCD’s has been an already issued Project Bond by the rated as A+ by CARE Ratings. “The renewable energy sector in India is at Kotak Mahindra Bank is the Lead Arranger for the a very exciting phase at the moment and NCD issue. The issue was opened for subscription on ReNew is today a market leader in the August 01, 2016 and closed on the same day. space. We are poised to grow aggressively and increase assets thereby creating a value driven enterprise which will play a key role in “The renewable energy sector currently faces a lot of offsetting India’s reliance on fossil fuels and challenges related to fundraising and Green Bonds are an achieving the 175 GW renewable energy innovative way to fund projects. This fund offer presents generation target.” a great opportunity for investors looking to participate in the India’s renewable energy story.” Sumant Sinha, Kailash Vaswani, Chairman, ReNew Power Ventures Pvt. Ltd. Deputy CFO, ReNew Power Ventures Pvt. Ltd. Source:PTI 38 EQ December 2016 www.EQMagPro.com www.EQMagPro.com EQ December 2016 39 India Himachal Pradesh becomes 18th State to join UDAY: an overall net benefit of approximately Rs. 823 crores to accrue to the State An overall net benefit of approximately Rs. 823 crores would accrue to the State by opting to participate in UDAY, by way of savings in interest cost, reduction in Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) and transmission losses, interventions in energy efficiency etc. during the period of turnaround. overnment of India signed a Memorandum of investment requirement. This is expected to provide Understanding (MOU) with the State of Himachal interest cost saving of around Rs.6 crores to the Pradesh and the State DISCOM under the Ujwal DISCOM. DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY) today, the Demand Side interventions in UDAY such as for operational and financial turnaround of the usage of energy-efficient LED bulbs, agricultural DISCOM. Himachal Pradesh is the 18th State to pumps, fans & air-conditioners and efficient sign MoU under UDAY. industrial equipment through PAT (Perform, Achieve, By signing the MOU under UDAY, the Government Trade) would help in reducing peak load, flatten load G of Himachal Pradesh would take over Rs.2891 curve and thus help in reducing energy consumption crores of DISCOM debt, being 75% of the total in the State. The gain is expected to be around DISCOM debt of Rs.3854 crores outstanding as Rs.278 crores. on 30.09.2015, as envisaged in the scheme. The While efforts will be made by the State scheme also provides for the balance debt of Rs.963 Government and the DISCOM to improve the crores to be re-priced or issued as State guaranteed operational efficiency of the DISCOM, and thereby DISCOM bonds, at coupon rates around 3% less reduce the cost of supply of power, the Central than the average existing interest rate. The annual government would also provide incentives to the saving in the interest cost to the State would be DISCOM and the State Government for improving around Rs.140 crores on account of restructuring Power infrastructure in the State and for further of the DISCOM debt. lowering the cost of power. UDAY not only focusses on bringing about Central schemes such as Deen Dayal Upadhyaya financial turnaround of the DISCOMs, but also Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY), Integrated Power lays stress on improving operational efficiencies of Development Scheme (IPDS), Power Sector the DISCOMs. In order to bring about a sustainable Development Fund (PSDF) or such other schemes turnaround of the DISCOM, the State Government of Ministries of Power and New & Renewable and the DISCOM will improve operational efficiency Energy are already providing funds for improving through compulsory Distribution Transformer Power Infrastructure in the State and additional/ metering, consumer indexing & GIS mapping of priority funding would be considered under these losses, upgrade/change transformers, meters etc., schemes, if the State/DISCOM meet the operational smart metering of high-end consumers, thereby milestones outlined in the scheme. The ultimate bringing about reduction in transmission losses benefit of signing the MOU would go to the people and AT&C losses, besides eliminating the gap of Himachal Pradesh. Higher demand for power between cost of supply of power and realization. from DISCOM would mean higher Plant Load The reduction in AT&C and transmission losses to Factor (PLF) of Generating units and therefore, 12.75% and 3.50% respectively is likely to bring lesser cost per unit of electricity thereby benefitting additional revenue of around Rs.119 crores during consumers. The DISCOM would also increase the period of turnaround. power supply in areas with reduced AT&C losses. With the financial turnaround through financial Availability of electricity would boost the economy, and operational efficiencies, the rating of the promote industries, thereby improving employment DISCOM would improve, which would help them opportunities and see Himachal Pradesh develop in raising cheaper funds for their future capital into one of the leading industrialized States in India. 40 EQ December 2016 www.EQMagPro.com india Govt plans projects to In the First Half of FY overcome land problems 2016-17 Solar Imports for solar power Grew by 47 Percent YoY and Exports by 12 Percent “The government has planned to overcome the challenge by launching the schemes like develop- ment of solar parks and ultra mega solar power projects, development of solar zones in the he first half of financial year country and roof top solar projects,” (FY) 2016-17, import and export activity worth over $1 billion o overcome the scarcity of land (Rs.67 billion) was registered in for expansion of solar energy the Indian solar sector, compared in the country, government is to $700 million (Rs.44.5 billion) planning a number of initiatives like during the same period in 2015. development of solar parks, ultra During the six-month period, India exportedT solar modules and cells worth $52 million mega solar power projects and solar zones. Minister for Power, Coal and (Rs.3.5 billion), and imported modules and cells New and RENEWABLE ENERGY worth $949 million (Rs.63.5 billion). Compared to T Piyush Goyal said during Question the same period in 2015, exports have increased by Hour. Goyal said solar parks are 12 percent and imports have grown by 47 percent. common development areas for China continues to be the single largest exporter solar power projects and offer the of solar modules and cells to India accounting for developers location/land with prior $826 million (Rs.56 billion) of India’s total solar approvals that is well characterised imports with an 87 percent market share. Malaysia with proper infrastructure and is the second largest exporter to India accounting access to amenities and where for a $69 million (Rs.4.7 billion) share of India’s the risk of the projects can be overall imports and a market share of 7 percent. minimised. According to developers who spoke to Mercom, unless India scales up its manufacturing capacity, cost of modules are not likely to come down. The “Under solar zone scheme, a large United Kingdom was the largest importer of Indian zone with solar radiation and other solar modules and cells, accounting for 36 percent requirements is identified for solar of India’s total solar exports. According to Mercom’s projects. The land is to be arranged Global Solar Forecast November 2016 Report, with by the solar project developers. Under budgetary cuts and no policy support, UKsolar roof-top scheme, land is not required and market is expected to decline. Italy accounts for rather projects are established at roof 9 percent of exports, followed closely by China at TOPS of the existing buildings,” he said. over 8 percent. www.EQMagPro.com EQ December 2016 41 India Metro to run on solar HARYANA SIGNS MOU FOR power by 2017: DMRC chief SETTING UP OF 100 MW SOLAR POWER PROJECTS “In a bid to decrease its carbon footprint and to insulate itself from the electricity hike, which has increased by at least 20 per cent in the last five years, the corporation had planned topurchase power from the alternate sources,” an official said. Mr Singh said, aking a major leap toward green energy initiatives, Delhi Metro trains will be powered by SOLAR ENERGY by mid 2017. Speaking to this newspaper, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation chief Mangu Singh said that the Delhi Metro has signed an agreement eading Chinese company Prestige with a SOLAR POWER facility which will be used Ocean Holding and Investments Limited to operate Delhi Metro trains. Solar energy till now on Friday signed a Memorandum of had been used for the ancillary purposes such as Understanding (MOU) with Haryana Tlighting of the Metro stations. Government for the setting up of 100 “Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has signed a power MW solar power projects in the State purchase agreement with a solar facility in Rewa district of with an investment of `500 crore. Madhya Pradesh. Under the agreement, DMRC will receive Danny Cheng signed the agreement 250 MW from the upcoming 750 MW plant,” he said. on behalf of Prestige Ocean Holding and He, however, added that the corporation will use a L Investments Limited. Speaking on this power back-up for the train operations due to unreliability occasion, Danny Cheng said that in the of solar power. The Delhi Metro has about 7.2 MW of first phase, 100 MW power plant would installed solar rooftop capacity at present but for the overall be set up in the State which would also operations 250 MW additional power will be required. generate employment opportunities for From 2017 onwards, the corporation will start receiving about 400 to 500 youth. power from the facility. He said that the work for setting up “Though solar power has its own limitations and cannot of project would be completed within 15 be 100 per cent reliable, it can still be used as a primary months after the allotment of land for the source for the train operations with an ALTERNATE same. In the second phase, the company POWER back-up,” Mr Singh added. has a plan to start the manufacturing At present, the Delhi Metro has a peak power of solar panel,solar fan and other solar requirement of 150MW, which is likely to go up to 250MW equipments for which there would be a by the time the third phase of its construction is completed. requirement of 1600 acres of land, said Mr Singh further said that to meet the ancillary power Cheng. requirements such as lighting, solar plants are being Haryana Government had announced installed at Delhi Metro’s Yamuna Bank, Ajaronda, Kalindi its Solar Power Policy-2016 earlier Kunj depot and an 880 KW plant at Kalindi Kunj. He said this year. The policy aims at creating that by 2017, DMRC will start receiving 20 MW and by conducive atmosphere for the investors 2018 31 MW solar power. to invest in the state in the solar energy The corporation has set a target of 50 MW solar power sector and envisaged to add 4000 MW by installing rooftop solar power plants on its buildings of solar power by 2022. by 2021. 42 EQ December 2016 www.EQMagPro.com india 5791.54 MU Electricity Clean energy share generated by Cumulative Solar rises to 7.54% in India’s Installations till September 2016 power generation ower generation from renewable energy sources like solar and wind has increased to 7.54 per of the total electricity generated in the country during April-September this fiscal, Parliament was informed. During the period, out of total powerP generation of 631.84 billion units (BU), 47.62 BU was generated fromrenewable energy sources, New & Renewable Energy Minister Piyush Goyal said in a written reply to Rajya Sabha. According to the statement, in 2015- 16, total power generation in the country was 1,173.60 BU including 65.78 BU (or 5.60 per cent of total generation) from renewable energy sources. The share of power generation from renewable sources was 5.56 per cent at 61.78 BU in 2014-15. India’s total power generation in that fiscal was 1,110.45 BU.The total installed capacity from various renewable energy sources in the country as on October 31, 2016 is 28,279 MW from wind, 8,728 MW from solar, 4,997 MW from bio-power and 4,323 MW from small hydro power In another reply, the Minister told the House that total wind power generation capacity added in the country during 2015-16 is 3,423 MW and during 2016- 17 (up to October 31, 2016) is 1,502 MW. In a separate reply to the House, the Minister said, “Silicon in any form (Raw poly, ingot or wafer) is not produced in India. All cell makers currently import wafers only.” As per information received from Ministry of Commerce, 7,39,039 kg of undefused silicon wafers and 3,12,616 Kg of others were imported during 2015-16. The Minister said that for the poly silicon available globally, rates vary from USD 11 per kg to USD 20 per kg. He further said that government provides capital subsidy for setting up of manufacturing units for solar cells and modules and the entire value chain under Modified Special Incentive Package Scheme (M-SIPS) programme. “Solar Photovoltaic products and their value chain including Polysilicon is an eligible vertical for incentives under M-SIPS. Till date, one project with a proposed investment of Rs 13,985 crore has been received under M-SIPS where Polysilicon has been proposed to be domestically produced,” he added. www.EQMagPro.com EQ December 2016 43 INDIA A low-carbon future for India’s railways... uch has been made of the dawn of the Given this promising role for rail in providing lower- age of electric vehicles, and the role that carbon intensive transport for passengers and freight, a decarbonising passenger transport will play fifth of all government pledges to the Paris Agreement in meeting climate targets set out by the Paris (known as Nationally Determined Contributions) include Agreement. But in countries like India, rail measures for carbon reductions in the railway sector. transport still continues to play a central role This is particularly important since a growing share in moving people and goods. of electricity in the rail sector comes from renewable India has the highest passenger-rail sources. In 2013, that figure was around 9%. M activity in the world, reaching over 1 trillion India plans to increase the share of railways in passenger-kilometres in 2013 – seven total land-based transportation from 36% to 45% by times than in 1975. Freight activity has also 2030. It is also developing a set of dedicated freight expanded more than fivefold over the past 40 corridors across the country. In the first phase, two years. However this rapid growth of rail has corridors are being built: Mumbai-Delhi in the west, also led to a rise in carbon emissions because and Ludhiana-Dankuni in the east. of the sector’s reliance on diesel. About 10% These freight corridors are expected to reduce of all CO2 emissions in India’s transportation carbon emissions by about 450 million tonnes over 30 sector come from railroads, which accounts years. Indian Railways is also installing solar power for about 13% of all passenger travel and a on its land and on its coaches. third of freight transport. Globally, the rail sector is one of the few that is IEA analysis developed in cooperation on track to meet global goals to limit temperatures with the International Union of Railways has from rising more than 2 degree Celsius. With strong, shown that rail transportation offers a more achievable targets and performance monitoring, the sustainable alternative to most other modes rail sector can be a model of transport both in terms of energy use and for sustainable transport carbon emissions, and will continue to do so in a more efficient, low- in the next decades. carbon future. Part of this is to the result of rising electrification. The use of coal, which powered locomotives for decades, has fallen dramatically since the late 20th century. In 2013, more than half of the rail sector ran on oil and a third on electricity. The story in India has been similar, with oil powering two thirds of rail activity, and electricity accounting for one third. PGCIL Seeks US$ 1,000 Million Loan for Green Energy Corridor From ADB ower Grid Corporation of The Minister further informed that the – North Trichur (Kerala)- Scheme 3: India Limited (PGCIL) has Loan would be utilized for funding of the Pugalur- Trichur 2000 MW VSC based sought a loan assistance following transmission projects including HVDC System. of US$ 1,000 million from a project under Green Energy Corridor (iii) Real Time Measurement/ monitoring the Asian Development projects in next 3-4 years: scheme. Bank (ADB) comprising of (i) HVDC Bipole link between Western (iv) Inter State Transmission System Sovereign guaranteed loan Region (Raigarh, Chhattisgarh) and (ISTS) associated with Green Energy of US$ 500 million and Non- Southern Region (Pugalur, Tamil Nadu) Corridor as under: PSovereign loan of US$ 500 – North Trichur (Kerala) – Scheme a) Ajmer(New) – Bikaner (New) 765 kV D/c million. This was stated by Shri Piyush 1: Raigarh-Pugalur 6000 MW HVDC b) Bikaner(New) – Moga (PG) 765 kV D/c Goyal, Minister of State (IC) for Power, System. c) LILO of one circuit of 400kV Bhadla- Coal, New & Renewable Energy and (ii) HVDC Bipole link between Western Bikaner (RVPN) line at Bikaner(New) Mines, in a written reply to a question in Region (Raigarh, Chhattisgarh) and d) Establishment of 2×1500 MVA, 765/400 Lok Sabha. Southern Region (Pugalur, Tamil Nadu) kV S/s at Bikaner (New) 44 EQ December 2016 www.EQMagPro.com INDIA avoid these problems. Huawei string inverter is protected to IP65 and can withstand perennial sun and rain, ensuring 25 years of service life. The natural cooling design without fans and fuses eliminates the possibility of frequent faults. Power Line Carrier Communication (PLCC) technology substitutes for RS485 communication cables to reduce cable routing duration and expenses as well as the line loss on signal transmission, and improves data transmission efficiency. The string-level monitoring allows you to rapidly locate the PV modules with low energy yield, which ensures high energy yield and improves the maintenance efficiency. These advantages help solve the problems that trouble PV owners for a long time and are the main reasons why Huawei Smart PV Solution has won customers’ favor. Mr. Jayant Parimal, CEO of Adani Huawei and Adani Green Signed a 500 Green Energy, said that Adani is moved by Huawei’s professional MW Procurement Contract belief of treating customers as the center and continuously The Adani Group is one of India’s lead- paving the way for the JNNSM’s goal of 100 GW renewable energy creating benefits for them. ing companies with revenue of over by 2022. Adani believes that Huawei $10 billion. Founded in 1988, Adani has To achieve this goal, Adani FusionSolar Smart PV Solution actively searches for strong grown to become a global integrated partners worldwide. As per the is a great technological infrastructure player with businesses latest report from IHS and GTM innovation and is perfect fit for Research, the shipment of Huawei Adani’s plants. Adani expects in key industry verticals – resources, inverters reached No. 1 in the not only continuous and higher world in 2015. logistics, energy and agriculture. Worldwide Huawei Smart PV energy yield, but also higher Solution has been highly praised he Group’s integrated model is efficiency, intelligent O&M, and by customers due to its higher well adapted to the infrastructure better economic benefits from yields, smart O & M, safe & reliable challenges of operating in emerging operation. Huawei treats India as a this Solution. economies. very important market outside China. In renewable energy sector, Outstanding performance of Huawei, This is win-win Adani has ~800 MW projects in prompted Adani to partner with it for cooperation between operation. Solar capacity includes its renewable energy development Adani and Huawei a 648 MW solar power project at business. The cooperation between in industry leading T Ramanathapuram district in the both parties is undoubtedly a strong technology. Huawei southern state of Tamil Nadu, which combination and will assist the boom actively supports Adani is the world’s largest single location of renewable energy market in India. in building industry solar power plant. The company has With India’s hot and humid climate, benchmarks in India. a pipeline of 1.2GW Solar PV and traditional power plants face certain Meanwhile, the value of 300 MW Wind Power Projects and is limitations, such as difficulties in Huawei Smart PV Solution set to become the largest renewable installation and maintenance, is recognized by leading power generation company in India. frequent failures of consumables developers in the world Adani plans to develop 10 GW power such as fans and fuses. Huawei plants in the next five years in India, once again. Smart PV Solution can perfectly www.EQMagPro.com EQ December 2016 45 INDIA 14.30 GW RE Capacity added during USAID Announces last two and half years under $75 Million Loan Grid Connected Renewable Power Guarantee For capacity addition of 14.30 GW of renewable energy has been reported during the last two and half years under Grid Connected Renewable Power, which include 5.8 GW from Off-Grid Solar In Solar Power…. 14.30 GW RE Capacity added during last two and half years under Grid Connected Renewable Power India A capacity addition of 14.30 GW of renewable energy has been reported during the last two and half years under Grid A number of foreign entities, Connected Renewable Power, which include 5.8 GW from SolarA Power, 7.04 GW from Wind Power, 0.53 from Small Hydro Power and including development banks, have 0.93 from Biopower. This was stated by Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of State (IC) for Power, Coal, New & Renewable Energy and Mines in a written reply committed financial support to In- to a question in Rajya Sabha today. dia’s rooftop solar power market. The Minister further said that NITI Aayog presented the achievement of the various infrastructure Ministries including. Ministry of New & Renewable n yet another boost for the small- Energy before the Prime Minister on 22nd August 2016. The progress and scale solar power market in India, overall achievement made under Wind Power, Solar Power, Solar Roof Top, the United States Agency for Solar power capacity tendered, state policies etc were satisfactory. International Development (USAID) announced financial support in The target partnership with an Indian bank. set for the RBL Bank and USAID recently announced a loan guarantee various I program worth $75 million to renewable support off-grid and rooftop solar energy sources power projects in India. The program is also expected to for the next 3 cover energy efficiency years are: projects pursued by small and medium- sized enterprises. In order to achieve the targets, various initiatives have been taken by India plans to have the Government which interalia include: an installed rooftop solar power capacity of amendments in the Tariff Policy for strong enforcement of Renewable 40 GW by March 2022. Purchase Obligation (RPO) and for providing. Renewable Generation According to a recent report Obligation (RGO); setting up of exclusive solar parks. development of power by the Bloomberg New Energy transmission network through Green Energy Corridor project. identification Finance, India would need an of large government complexes/ buildings for rooftop projects. provision of investment of $50 billion to achieve roof top solar and 10 percent renewable energy as mandatory under Mission this target. Statement and Guidelines for development of smart cities. amendments in Earlier this year, the Ministry building byelaws for mandatory provision of roof top solar for new construction of New & Renewable Energy or higher FAR. infrastructure status for solar projects. raising tax free announced that the government solar bonds. making roof top solar a part of housing loan by banks/NHB. managed to secure funding incorporating measures in Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS) for pledges from various multilateral encouraging distribution companies and making netmetering compulsory and national development banks raising funds from bilateral and international donors as also from the Green for its ambitious rooftop solar Climate Fund to achieve the target. creation of Surya Mitras for installation power program. The World Bank and maintenance of the Solar Projects. has committed $620 million, while the Asian Development Bank and “In coming years, Ministry is going to focus on : conducive BRICS New Development Bank policies for promotion of Grid Interactive Renewable have pledged to provide $500 million Power so as to reach 175 GW by 2022, Low cost Financing and $250 million, respectively. with long tenure for Renewable Energy technologies and The German development bank Projects, creation of transmission infrastructure for evacuation KfW has provided $100 million, of Renewable Power, focus on promoting indigenous technologies, and negotiations for $1.14 billion technological innovation and research & development in the renewable worth of funding are underway, the sector and creation of qualified and skilled man power”, Shri Goyal added. ministry reported. 46 EQ December 2016 www.EQMagPro.com INDIA Rs 67.01 Crore Sanctioned under Solar City Programme Rs 67.01 Crore Sanctioned under Solar City Programme. A total amount of Rs. 67.01 crore has been sanctioned for preparation of master plans, solar city cells, promotional activities and installation of renewable energy projects and an amount of Rs. 24.16 crore has been released, so far, under Solar City Programme. This was stated by Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of State (IC) for Power, Coal, New & Renewable Energy and Mines in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha. Shri Goyal further stated that Out of 7 identified solar cities in Maharashtra, an amount of Rs. 7.74 crore has been sanctioned and an amount of Rs. 3.04 crore has been released for 6 solar cities. The details of sanctioned and release funds for approved solar cities are as follows: Statewise funds sanctioned and released to Solar Cities(Rs. in crore) www.EQMagPro.com EQ December 2016 47 INDIA Vikram Solar announces MoU with the Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology (IIEST) at the Rashtrapati Bhavan ikram Solar, a globally recognized participation of faculties and leading solar energy solutions students of IIEST and scientists provider recently announced a of VSPL. Memorandum of Understanding with Reiterating the significance of the Indian Institute of Engineering the partnership, Prof. Ajoy Ray, Science and Technology (IIEST), Director IIEST, commented, “Vikram an Institute of National Importance Solar is among the leading PV listed by the Government of India. companies in India. The company V IIEST is recognized as one of the has already carved its positioning Centres of Excellence in Solar around the world and now it’s Energy by the Ministry of New and looking to further expand presence Renewable Energy (MNRE), Govt. in the subcontinent though of India. The announcement was innovative products, projects and made at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in services. A grounded, well-knit, Vikram Solar, commented, the presence of Hon’ble President efficient and progressive Research “We are glad to announce of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee at & Development ecosystem is the this partnership. It is a a Session on Industry-Academia building block of every kind of proud moment for us Collaborations with CII. innovation and it also has the power to collaborate with the As per the agreement, both to do away with an avalanche of esteemed Institute for the organisations will collaborate issues that the country faces today. research and development for the purpose of research and This is precisely why we view this purpose and in order to development for enrichment of partnership as an exceptionally address the immediate knowledge in the area of solar beneficial one. We look forward requirements that the photovoltaic, beneficial to both to more such associations in the country faces in terms the academia and industry. The near future.” of developing advanced two entities will also collaborate Talking about the company’s technological solar and identify key R&D areas expansion plans, Mr Ivan Saha, solutions.” (knowledge generation, know-how President and Chief Technical update, technology exploitation, Officer, Vikram Solar said “We Mr. Gyanesh Chaudhary system development, novel have structured plans to expand MD & CEO, Vikram Solar or new technology resources, our manufacturing capability and applied research etc.) to address emerge as the largest and the most the immediate requirements of integrated player in the PV industry the country, arrange seminars in India. Vikram Solar aims to reach and training programs on a manufacturing capacity of 2 GW solar photovoltaic with active by FY 2020.” 48 EQ December 2016 www.EQMagPro.com INDIA OPIC And Renew Power Ventures Sign BHEL commissions Commitment For 100 Megawatt Solar captive solar Farm In India photo voltaic “In India, outdoor air power plant in pollution is an ever growing public health concern. OPIC’s Trichy partnership with Renew 5 Megawatt Power Ventures will have a Peak (Mega transformative impact by Watt peak) grid helping India both reduce its emissions and increase interactive captive energy capacity in the solar power country through a diversified plant has been power generation mix. OPIC commissioned by is committed to assisting BHEL, Trichy, on India in its transition to a low Aits premises in June, as part of its carbon economy by investing efforts to promote the use of clean in clean energy projects.” and renewable energy sources and to achieve significant reduction in Elizabeth L. Littlefield, energy costs. The captive power President & CEO plant, including photovoltaic OPIC modules, power conditioning units, high tension switch gear panels and the SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) he Overseas Private Investment Facility, up to 400 MW of system, were manufactured and Corporation, the U.S. new solar renewable power supplied by BHEL’s Electronics Government’s development generation will be constructed Division, Bengaluru. Utilizing finance institution, signed a in India across multiple an array of 19,968 photovoltaic commitment with ReNew of projects. ReNew will be modules spread over 25 acres, approximately $74 million for utilizing the innovative Master the solar power plant has already a 100 MW solar project in the Financing Facility provided by generated over 18 lakh units Indian state of Telangana. OPIC to streamline the timeline of electricity since June and is T Announced during the 22nd for financing new renewable expected to facilitate substantial session of the United Nations energy projects. savings in energy costs over the Framework Convention on Generating electricity from long term. Climate Change Conference renewable energy can reduce a Payback period for the of Parties (COP22), this project country’s dependence on fossil investment of about Rs 30 crore will diversify the country’s fuels and offers significant including civil works is expected to power generation mix with a health benefits, in addition to be just 5 years and 1 month while clean source of renewable being a sustainable source of the operational life of the solar power and help the country energy. As the fourth largest power plant will be a minimum reduce GHG emissions. energy consumer in the world, of 25 years. While this is the first The Telangana solar project India must overcome a number megawatt scale solar power plant is the first project approved of challenges to meet its rising at BHEL Trichy, it has earlier under the ReNew Master energy demand and sustain commissioned two 50 kW and one Financing Facility, a $250 economic growth. Currently, 20 kW solar power plants on the million facility between OPIC solar energy accounts for roof-tops of major office buildings and ReNew to be used for the approximately one percent of including the Administrative development, construction, total energy capacity in India, Building. Five 30 kW, one 25 kW and operation of solar energy or 7.5 gigawatts. This project and one 5 kW roof-top solar power projects awarded under will support the Government of plants are also in operation in the the Government of India’s India’s goal to have 170 GW of township schools and BHEL Trichy Jawaharlal Nehru National installed renewable capacity has also installed a total of 289 Solar Mission. Under the by 2022, of which 100 GW are solar powered street lights so far in ReNew Master Financing to be solar. its factory and township premises. www.EQMagPro.com EQ December 2016 49 POLICY & REGULATIONS Integrated Energy Policy Formulated covering all sources of Energy Including Renewable Energy Sources Will surpass $10 bn overnment has formulated an Integrated Energy Policy (IEP) document gives a roadmap investment commitment to develop energy supply options and increased exploitation of renewable energy sources. In addition, for promotion of Renewable Energy, for India: SoftBank Government has amended the National Tariff Policy for electricity in January 2016. By this “We have already invested USD 2 billion in amendment several provisions for promotion last few years… we will surpass my commit- Gof renewable energy have been made. This was stated by Shri Piyush Goyal, ment of investing USD 10 billion,” Minister of State (IC) for Power, Coal, New and Renewable Energy and Mines in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today. Giving details of plan to achieve 100 GW “We continue to expand on that,” of solar capacity installation by 2022 through high-profile businessman, who made installation of projects under various schemes, headlines earlier this year when he the Minister said several schemes have been decided to continue as the head of launched by Ministry of New and Renewable SoftBank instead of handing over the Energy (MNRE) which are as follows : baton . Mr. Nikesh Arora (I). Scheme for Development of Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects. (II). Scheme for Development of Solar PV Power ositive on India’s prospects, Japan’s SoftBank today pledged that it will Plants on Canal Banks/ Canal Tops. “surpass” the stated commitment of (III). Scheme for setting up of 300 MW of Grid con- investing USD 10 billion in the country nected Solar PV Power Projects by Defence as it ramps up investments in solar power Establishments under Ministry of Defence generation and Internet-led businesses. and Para Military forces with Viability Gap SoftBank Chairman and Chief Funding (VGF) under Batch-IV of Phase-II/III Executive Masayoshi Son said at the HT of National Solar Mission. P Leadership Summit here. He further said SoftBank is investing in areas like solar (IV). Implementation of scheme for setting up of power generation and “lots of Internet- 1000 MW of Grid- Connected Solar PV Power related companies”. Projects by CPSUs with VGF under Batch-V SoftBank in 2014 had announced plans of Phase-II of JNNSM. to invest USD 10 billion in India over the next decade. It has invested in online (V). Implementation of Scheme for Setting up of marketplace Snapdeal, Ola Cabs and 15000 MW of Grid connected Solar PV Power property site Housing.com and InMobi, Projects under Batch II of Phase II of National an Indian mobile-advertising network. Solar Mission (by NTPC/NVVN) It also has a joint venture with India’s Bharti Group, Bharti SoftBank, the (VI). Setting up of 2000 MW Grid connected solar investments of which include the mobile power with VGF through Solar Energy Corpo- application Hike Messenger, now a ration of India (SECI) unicorn. In January this year, Son had said 21st century belongs to India and (VII) . Development of Solar Cities Programme. huge opportunities exist in the country, but wanted the government to develop a (VIII). Scheme for .Development of Solar Zones in robust mobile phone infrastructure and the country resolve slow Internet issues. 50 EQ December 2016 www.EQMagPro.com P&R Paris Agreement formally enters into force The International Energy Agency will soon release World Energy Outlook 2016, which will highlight the various pathways to reach these targets. The report this year looks at individual country pledges and examines how close - or far - nations are from reaching these goals. It outlines a course that would limit the rise in global temper- ature to below 2°C and, for the first time, it also plots possible pathways for meeting the much more ambitious 1.5°C goal. ith the entry into force of the historic Paris Agreement today, “Let’s not underestimate the the world is finally committing to task ahead,” tackling climate change. Dr Fatih Birol, the executive The agreement was ratified director of the IEA. “Limiting last month, less than a year carbon emissions and after it was approved by 197 changing our energy systems countries under the French is a monumental challenge. WPresidency at COP21 last December. The agreement But the IEA is working with marks an unprecedented milestone in the global effort governments around the world to combat climate change. to help identify solutions and Under the landmark agreement, nations have show how it can be done.” agreed to limit greenhouse gas emissions and focus Mr. Dr Fatih Birol efforts and investments toward a low-carbon, resilient Executive Director and sustainable future. The goal is to keep global average temperatures from rising well below 2°C with the aim of working to limit it to 1.5°C. WEO-2016 offers the most comprehensive The question now turns to implementing the terms of the agreement, helping nations meet their analysis of what this transformation of the goals and, more critically, ratchet them further. Next energy sector might look like, thanks to its week, the world meets in Marrakesh, Morocco, during energy projections to 2040. It reviews the COP22 to do just that. The Paris Agreement will transform the global key opportunities and challenges ahead for energy system for decades to come. WEO-2016 will renewable energy, the central pillar of the examine how a post-Paris world redefines the idea of energy security, particularly in the power sector, the low-carbon energy transition, as well as the frontline in the fight against climate change. critical role for energy efficiency. Jakson Bags Rooftop Solar Power Plant At Rashtrapati Bhawan akson has secured a contract of 508 orders to execute a 5.92 MW Solar Power kWp Rooftop Solar PV Plant with net Project at Jaklaun Pump Canal Top in District metering to be installed at Rashtrapati Lalitpur (U.P.). As part of the project, Jaksonwill Bhawan, New Delhi. It will design, supply, install and commission this power plant for Jakson Group that install, commission and maintain Irrigation Department,Uttar Pradesh.In addition to Jakson is among top 2 the plant at Rashtrapati Bhawan. producing electricity it will also reduce evaporation players in India Solar The system will also incorporate net of water from the canal and benefit the end-users Rooftop market and metering system for exporting power like farmers.The power generated will be fed to has a portfolio of 30 MW Rooftop project. in case of surplus. The project is expected to be the Grid.The solar Power plant will be installed J It is geared to achieve on first 7 KM of the canal and the efficiency of commissioned by this year end. It will generate 50 MW by end of the approximately 7.41 lakh units per year. Jakson the solar power plant will be closely monitored financial year 2016-17. Engineers Limited to establish Canal Top Solar by the experts to assess the real time data. Lal Plant of 5.92 MW onJakhlaun Pump Canal Top in Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi, Mr. Sundeep Gupta District Lalitpur (U.P.) Jakson has bagged Turnkey U.P. is going green with the installation of Solar VC&MD, Engineering, Procurement and Consultancy Power Plant by Jakson Engineers Limited. JAKSON Group www.EQMagPro.com EQ December 2016 51 rESEARCH & ANALYSIS MERCOM FORECASTS 76 GW IN GLOBAL SOLAR INSTALLATIONS IN 2016, A 48% YOY INCREASE OVER 2015 Mercom Capital Group, llc, a global clean ather than a slowdown as expected earlier, global energy communications and consulting firm, solar demand outlook has improved for 2017 as steep module price declines have triggered a forecasts global solar installations to reach rebound in China in anticipation of the next round of 76 GW in 2016. Solar installations to hit tariff cuts. In fact, this latest rebound has stabilized 70 GW in 2017. module price declines somewhat. Similar demand recovery due to improved project economics is expected in other markets. After installing 15.1 GW in 2015, China overshot its 2016 installation goal of 18.1 GW in the first half “Global solar demand will R of 2016 alone with approximately 22 GW installed overshoot most forecasts made as developers rushed to complete projects before earlier this year due the country’s June 30 tariff deadline. Demand fell to an unprecedented after the tariff cuts, which triggered a drop in solar level of activity module prices resulting in an oversupply situation. in China. Record Spot module prices have fallen approximately 30 installations in percent YTD and about 21 percent since June. Due to unprecedented installation levels, China’s China followed by a National Energy Administration is looking at a 27 slowdown resulted percent reduction in the country’s solar installation in an oversupply target from 150 GW to 110 GW by 2020. situation, which led to a module price crash. Low module Mercom’s forecast for the U.S. solar market in prices are helping demand 2016 is approximately 13 GW. The forecast is recovery going mostly unchanged from our earlier estimates into 2017.” as channel checks have consistently indicated slower than expected activity after the ITC - Mr. Raj Prabhu, extension was announced in December 2015. A CEO of Mercom Capital Group substantial number of large-scale projects have been postponed to 2017 due to the absence of an impending ITC deadline. 52 EQ December 2016 www.EQMagPro.com rESEARCH & ANALYSIS ather than a slowdown as expected earlier, global solar demand outlook has improved for 2017 as steep module price declines have triggered a rebound in China in anticipation of the next round of tariff cuts. In fact, this latest rebound has stabilized module price declines somewhat. Similar demand recovery due to improved project economics is expected in other markets. After installing 15.1 GW in 2015, China overshot its 2016 installation goal of 18.1 GW in the first half of 2016 alone with approximately 22 GW installed as developers rushed to complete projects before the country’s June 30 tariff deadline. Demand fell after the tariff cuts, which triggered a drop in solar module prices resulting in an oversupply situation. Spot module prices have fallen approximately 30 percent YTD and about 21 percent since June. Due to unprecedented installation levels, China’s National Energy Administration is looking at a 27 percent reduction in the country’s solar installation target from 150 GW to 110 GW by 2020. The U.S. market is projected to grow about 78 percent year-over-year in 2016. Utility-scale solar projects continue to drive the U.S. solar market with an estimated pipeline of more than 30 GW. The European market continues to decline with only Power purchase agreements (PPAs) are the U.K., Germany and France expected to install being signed at lower and lower prices more than 1 GW in 2016. In 2017, France and Germany and rapid module price declines due to the are the only European markets forecast to install oversupply situation in China are expected to stimulate activity in the U.S. even more as more than a gigawatt. project IRRs improve. All of this could lead Australia is expected to install approximately to a strong 2017 for the U.S. 1 GW in both 2016 and 2017. The unexpected election of Donald Trump has left the market questioning if it will be impacted by the results. While the U.S. Clean Power Plan, President Obama’s signature climate change policy, may be the first casualty, the ITC Other solar markets to watch include extension will likely remain due to the bipartisan nature of how the extension Latin America, an important growth was passed and the fact that the solar sector employs more than 200,000 market led by Mexico, Chile and citizens. Japan and India will follow China and Brazil, and the Middle East and North the U.S. as the third and fourth largest Africa (MENA) region, which is also markets this year. India has a chance to move up to the third spot in 2017 based a significant up and coming market on its current project pipeline. Japan is expected to install 10.5 GW this year. especially after the collapse of oil The tariff revisions coming up in Japan in April 2017 could be steep. Reverse prices. South Africa and Saudi Arabia auctions and regulations are also expected in April 2017 as Japan moves are forecast to show significant toward auctions in an effort to reduce growth. subsidy bills. India is expected to install about 4 GW this year and double that in 2017. The Indian solar market is largely driven by auctions and has a robust 20 GW pipeline. www.EQMagPro.com EQ December 2016 53 FEATURED GLOBAL BUSINESS INNOVATORS LAUNCH $1 BILLION INVESTMENT FUND FOR NEXT GENERATION ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES Recently, members of the Breakthrough Energy Coalition (BEC) have committed to invest more than $1 billion in Breakthrough Energy Ventures (BEV), an investor-led fund that will finance emerging energy breakthroughs to deliver affordable and reliable energy with the goal of reducing global greenhouse gas emissions to near-zero. “It is extremely exciting for us to launch this fund as the next step in the commitment made by the Breakthrough Energy Coalition last year. I am honored to work along with these investors to build on the powerful foundation of public investment in basic research. Our goal is to build companies that will help deliver the next generation of reliable, affordable, and emissions- free energy to the world.” -Bill Gates, BEV Chairman About Breakthrough Energy Ventures he world is demanding more energy and and have the ability to invest for growth as innovations mature. goods than ever before, bringing about Today’s announcement continues the commitments made by new opportunities for economic growth, but these investors when the BEC was launched last year alongside also increasing pressure on our climate. Mission Innovation, an international collaboration to accelerate Successfully navigating this dynamic the pace of clean energy innovations through smart government requires a combination of new tools and investment. BEV will help build companies based on the promising solutions to help scale the most promising technologies that come out of these countries’ scaled-up public technologies we have recently. Breakthrough research pipelines.In addition to the formation of the BEV, the BEC Energy Ventures will collaborate with other today shared its “Landscape of Innovation,” which illustrates the Tinvestors, governments, research institutions and corporate universe of technologies that public and private investors might partners, bringing to the table an investor-led fund with internal support in order to lead us to a world of zero carbon emissions. scientific expertise, a long-term horizon, and a tolerance and The Landscape will serve not only as a tool for the BEV to guide understanding of the investment risks required to transform energy investment focus, but also as a guide for other public and private markets. The mission, experience and global networks of BEV investors committed to reducing global greenhouse gas emissions. investors will allow it to attract the best scientists, entrepreneurs, The scale of the challenge and the size of the opportunity presented and private sector experts to guide the fund’s trajectory. BEV by the global energy market will require investments far beyond is not confined to any segment of the investment pipeline—it the resources of the BEV. It will take the efforts of governments will build companies, engage in traditional venture investment, and investors from around the world. Because of the size of the challenges and opportunities, the launch of the BEV and sharing of the landscape is just the initial step for Breakthrough Energy. In the future it will explore how the coalition can help organize an ecosystem of investment by engaging strategic corporate partners to coordinate expertise and capital to move these technologies forward. Led by our partners at the University of California, we will engage a similar network of international research institutions to develop an investment pipeline of projects as well as identify other investment partnership opportunities. 54 EQ December 2016 www.EQMagPro.com FEATURED BOARD OF DIRECTORS STATEMENTS “Too often we let what we think we know limit Perkins Caufield and Byers “BEV is taking what is possible. When it comes to energy, the bold step to support companies in people say you cannot make money, meet a complicated market with tremendous demand, and also benefit the environment. But promise for changing the world while being we can, and we will. This effort will a strong investment. Successful investing combine technological innovation in any market requires patience and scientific knowledge with for failure and identifying the the investment expertise needed best tools for addressing the to transform energy markets. idiosyncrasies of that market. Together, we’ll remind the The investors leading BEV world that visionary ideas make will back some of the most wonderful realities.” innovative companies.” Jack Ma, Vinod Khosla, Executive Chairman, Alibaba Group Founder, Khosla Ventures “BEV is a fresh, bold initiative to “The dearth of venture funding for clean energy invest in energy breakthroughs. technologies threatens to create a valley of It is building a global network of death for the industry, with emerging the best scientists, innovators, ideas unable to find the necessary investors, and business leaders. capital to reach commercialization. As BEV’s mission is to find, fund, an investor led effort, Breakthrough and accelerate the success of Energy Ventures is designed as a technologies and entrepreneurs source of patient capital to spur who will create our zero carbon innovation to meet the growing demand future.” for low-cost, clean energy solutions.” John Doerr, John Arnold, Chairman, Kleiner Perkins Caufield and Byers Co-Chair, Laura and John Arnold Foundation “Energy is one of the critical drivers for “We need to create new companies to economic growth. Several parts of the developing push the boundaries of innovation. The economies still do not have access to affordable businesses that Breakthrough and reliable energy. It is an immediate need to Energy Ventures will fund and find and provide new energy sources that grow are going to develop the are affordable, clean and reliable for every disruptive technology to help person on our planet. Breakthrough satisfy the world’s energy needs Energy Ventures will help build the while also limiting the impact on companies that can solve and deploy our environment.” new energy solutions everywhere.” Mukesh Ambani, Hasso Plattner, Chairman, Reliance Industries Ltd. Co-Founder, SAP SE About The Breakthrough Energy Coalition The Breakthrough Energy Coalition (BEC) is an influential group of investors and institutions that is committed to investing in technology that can help solve the urgent energy and climate challenges facing the planet. The BEC was launched alongside Mission Innovation, a global initiative of 22 countries and the European Union to accelerate the pace of clean energy innovations through smart government spending that increases the rate of innovation in their domestic sectors. www.EQMagPro.com EQ December 2016 55 MOUNTING STRUCTURES TRENDS/INNOVATION IN SOLAR MOUNTING TECHNOLOGY Solar is an burgeoning industry, where customer is working on the energy economics based on his requirements and driving the sector growth thus creating RE as a “favourable option” for everyone. With continuous reduction in the solar system prices w.r.t higher grid rates is resulting in increasing global demand for solar solutions and thus leading to its rapid growth. Solar is undeniable the future and a leading source of renewable energy. olar panels work best when they receive shade free sunlight for maximum number of hours, mounted at precise tilt angle with face directed towards the south. This is where solar panel mounting structures comes into the picture. These structures help panels to rest comfortably, prevent from being damaged and more importantly position them at precise tilt angle to harness maximum sun’s energy. Mounting structures can be made for rooftops, ground mounting, carports and sun tracker solutions which now have seen a lot of developments in terms of weight, material, adaptability and ease of installation. There have been many technological innovations that have led to reduced cost, faster and better installation, S high durability and with enhanced output. When properly designed and installed, solar power systems are extremely reliable. There are several ways to mount solar panels according to the space availability and to maximize energy production. Here are the latest trends and innovations in solar mounting technologies, that are shaping the solar market: Material Solar system is designed to function for 20 to 25 years thus material plays an important role in the over all solution. The strength of the material is defined by the geography and environment of the location being installed. Hence, there is a growing need for highly durable, rust- free, corrosion-resistant materials in the industry. This is leading to the emergence of evolutionary products like rust-resistant steel that have become highly popular in the solar panel market with its competitive pricing and greater durability. There are several types of steel depending By Mr. Vinay Goyal, on its weight, strength grade and coating which involves different prices. MD, GANGES Internationale While selecting the material one should look at the warranty provided by the company for maximum return on investment. 56 EQ December 2016 www.EQMagPro.com MOUNTING STRUCTURES Rooftop Mounting Structures Rooftop solar power generation has expensive due to high investment cost in bolts, built-in wire management pathways, been gaining a lot of importance in drilling, pilling, which not only damages and other roof integrity and installation India primarily to gain independence the roof instead water seepage also enhancement functions that drive down from the power grid, backed by range of becomes a big problem. cost and increase durability up to 25 years. government incentives. Roof top can be There are now new flat roof mounting They also consist of design engineering flat RCC or sloppy with a roofing system. systems to drive down the costs of solar considerations which includes seismic Rooftops provide the opportunity to turn PV and to avoid seepage problems. These behavior analysis, boundary layer wind unused space into an energy-producing, features integrated with roof protection tunnel testing, and UL 2703 certification cost-cutting asset. Earlier considered pads, captured ballast, pre-assembled for grounding and bonding. Fixed ground mounting and sun trackers Accelerating solar tracking development in the rapidly growing market, there are new globally accepted products that work to revolutionize solar tracking with unrivaled flexibility and efficiency, yielding to higher power generation, while offering measurable reductions in the total costs. These new solar trackers systems direct solar panels toward the sun, changing their orientation according to the sun throughout the day to follow the sun’s path. This maximizes energy capture by 15- 20%. The system is designed with robust mechanical technology with best- of-breed project intelligence technology to deliver superior energy production and long-term ROI for tracker projects anywhere in the world. Structural integrity is of paramount importance. Just like any other component of a building, solar systems must be structurally sound and secure. Numerous problems can result if systems are of low quality or poorly installed. The solar industry is committed to bring remarkable products and systems to the Indian and global markets to enhance solar development across the world. The entry of innovative technologies and products in the sector is paving the way for a cleaner and greener future. Car ports Most of the place are restricted to provide required space to install solar panels due to several obstacles or being used for other purposes. Area where cars are parked can well be utilized when such obstacles are seen. The top floor of the car parks are perfectly placed for making the most of the sun’s free energy, with options to optimise the angles of the solar panels on the surface thus delivering dual benefits. GIPL Solar (India) deals in high grade PV mounting structures for commercial and residential premises for rooftop, ground based, single axis tracking and carports. www.EQMagPro.com EQ December 2016 57 INTERVIEW INTERVIEW WITH ANDREW HINES company), Karnataka (2 MWp, EQ : Government of India automotive manufacturer), Gujarat target of 40GW Rooftop (2 MWp, automotive manufacturer), Solar by 2022. Can the and Tamil Nadu (2.6 MWp, automotive industry achieve this target? components manufacturer), to name a few. However, confidentiality AH : This target is very requirements of our corporate clients ambitious, but not unachiev- prevent us from identifying many of able. Rooftop solar has seen these clients by name. tremendous growth in the l Manipal University (Karnataka) and past few years, and that will Manipal University Jaipur, 900 kWp continue. Achieving 40 GW each. These are the two largest private will require strong policy and university solar installations in India. regulatory support, including: l Bangalore International Airport, l Enabling financing struc- 500 kWp, rooftop, including on tures. Accelerated deprecia- airside buildings tion has been an important HEAD OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT driver of rooftop solar in par- SOUTH INDIA, CLEANMAX SOLAR ticular, and it’s hard to see India reaching the 40 GW target if AD is removed. l Sensible net metering rules. It’s been fantastic to see net metering introduced across the country recently. However, there are a lot of EQ : Please describe in detail arbitrary restrictions such as about your company, its promoters, caps on capacity. Telengana directors, investors, vision, objectives recently revised its policy in and its plans in the solar industry a way that will directly boost AH: CleanMax Solar is India’s largest rooftop solar in the state. It rooftop solar developer, and has would be great to see other been ranked #1 by a large margin in states follow suit. Bridge to India’s annual survey in the past 2 years, since the survey began. We focus primarily on the corporate EQ : Please present case study of segment, where our market share is few noteworthy projects executed around 50% as per our estimates. We by your company in the distributed started as a rooftop solar developer in solar space 2011, and have recently expanded into AH: As the oldest and largest open access solar, with Karnataka’s rooftop solar developer in India, we first solar farm. We are also exploring have installed the largest onsite/ energy storage and select international rooftop solar plants in Maharashtra opportunities, but targeting the same (3.9 MWp, telecommunications corporate segment 58 EQ December 2016 www.EQMagPro.com INTERVIEW EQ : What are your USP’s and looks similar to that of solar PV several differentiating factors as compared years ago, and we see a lot of potential. to your competitors? The utility segment will probably be larger EQ : Kindly rank various states in size, but we see a lot of opportunities As the largest rooftop developer, in the order of attractiveness of AH: in the B2B, onsite segment as well, we are differentiated in a number of distributed solar market ? and this is a strong complement to our ways: solar business. We are looking to begin AH : It will be like- l our first projects in advanced battery True pan-India scope. We have 1)Maharashtra around 60 MWp of onsite installations technologies, for some of our existing across all major states in India. Corpo- corporate customers. Accelerated 2)Tamil Nadu rate customers have facilities nation- depreciation on energy storage systems 3)Karnataka wide, and they want someone who can would be a big boost for the sector, and service them anyway in India. We have this is justified given the significant 4)Rajasthan a rooftop plant in the same neighbour- benefits for the grid (peak shaving) and 5)Gujarat hood, and the same segment, of all our for reducing diesel usage. 6)Haryana target customers. This gives them a EQ : Policies & Regulations: What 7)Telangana lot of comfort that we can deliver and are the benefits, subsidies given meet their expectations by SECI, Central, State and Local l Cost-competitiveness. Our scale Government, What are the key policy EQ : What are the costs of solar on rooftop installations gives us a real & regulatory features announced by energy in various states for cost advantage, particularly on compo- the government? different category of consumers nents like string inverters and module AH: Given that grid parity has already such as Commercial, Industrial & mounting structures, of which we are been reached, the most important Residential? among the largest customers in India policy supports would be in terms of l Our people. From engineering to tax and financing structures. Accelerated AH : Large commercial and projects to sales, we have a very high depreciation has really helped the industrial rooftop solar today is standard for people, and in turn they rooftop solar industry to grow, and in the range of Rs. 5.5-6.5/kWh are a big source of competitive advan- removing it will dampen growth. A high as a levelized cost, for a highly tage. Our customers recognize our GST rate on solar, and the removal of bankable offtaker with low credit professionalism and expertise, and Section-80IA benefits would have a risk. Costs go up as the system this is a major advantage for us in the similar impact. At a state level, there is gets smaller, particularly as you market. a lot that state governments, regulators, electrical inspectorates and others can go below 100 kWp per roof. EQ : What are the opportunities in this do to make it easier to adopt solar. Residential systems are much space and the challenges in upscaling For example, in Maharashtra we have costlier, and in fact the market and mainstreaming distributed solar? seen streamlined CEIG processes for is so small that systems are AH: Rooftop solar in India is growing at mid-sized rooftop solar installations. not really standardized and it’s 2-3X, and this growth does not look to These small initiatives really add up to hard to even get a handle on the be slowing anytime soon. Customers encourage wider adoption. numbers. Costs should drop and are more informed, and they are ready EQ : Net Metering vs Gross Metering: become more consistent as and to make decisions more quickly. Costs Kindly explain what are the various when the market takes off. are extremely competitive – we can metering techniques, their pros and offer large discounts to grid power, from cons Delhi to Kanyakumari. The market is power to the grid, in which the entire quantum fragmented and volatile – we have seen AH: Net metering is a policy which allow of solar energy goes to the grid. Gross metering our competition shift significantly every 6 export of net solar energy production tends to be more important for residences months. This makes it hard for customers (generation minus consumption) to the and particularly warehouses, where there is to figure out who are the serious players. grid. Net metering is a very important not a lot of power consumption, and where enabler of rooftop solar, particularly for a preferential rate can encourage adoption. EQ : Kindly enlighten on “Energy commercial and industrial customers Getting the right tariff is the key here, and Storage as Game Changer”…. and educational institutions, whose Indian states don’t have a great record here. Technology & Cost Trends, Incentives power consumption may be very low However, gross metering could really kick-start and Government Support needed on non-working days or holidays. Gross the residential segment, which is unlikely to AH: The cost curve for energy storage metering (also known as a feed-in-tariff) grow much in the meantime without such a is effectively the sale of onsite solar policy. www.EQMagPro.com EQ December 2016 59 INTERVIEW EQ : Kindly enlighten our readers Solar, which are more focused, but EQ : Enlighten our readers with the power tariffs in various many are very small. We have seen on the Off grid solar appli- states for commercial, industrial more of these emerge in the past 12- cations such as solar water and residential customers, tariffs 18 months. We have seen one or two pumping, home lighting, rural for various levels of consumptions, competitors pitching solar leases, but & agriculture applications, power availability/shortage, the have not gotten much traction in the gadgets, mini & micro grids, price trends corporate segment. I can credit a lot of CleanMax Solar’s success in this Solar PV diesel hybrid sys- Industrial tariffs typically range AH: segment to our consistent focus. It’s tems & technologies, markets, from Rs. 6/kwh to Rs. 8/kwh, with impossible to do everything well, and Solar power in public sector, Maharashtra (>Rs 9/kwh) as the we always strive to keep a laser focus highest. The only states still below Rs defense, off shore areas etc. on our target corporate customers. 6/kwh are smaller states with a lot of AH: Off-grid solar has a lot hydroelectric power. Commercial tariffs EQ : Foreign Investment: What is of potential, but as a de- are typically around Rs. 1-2/kwh higher the scenario of foreign investors veloper it’s hard to justify than industrial tariffs. Grid tariffs are (Debt & Equity in this space)? unpredictable and political in the short attention there when the AH: While foreign investment has term, but surprisingly consistent (5- on-grid market is exploding, been an important factor in utility 6% CAGR) in all major states when scale solar of late, this is less true in and is much more scalable. I taken over a period of 5 or more years. the distributed space, where the scale doubt the on-grid developers It’s reasonable to expect this trend to is smaller. will really succeed in these continue over the next 5 years or more. applications anytime soon, EQ : Kindly present best EQ : Are there any financing benefits technology solutions…module, for this reason. I would love like interest or capital subsidies by inverters, mounting, BOS…the to see some more focused Government, banks, NBFC’s for roadmap etc. entrants in these areas make financing distributed solar projects? their mark in some of these AH: As a long-term investment, inves- AH: These benefits exist in theory, markets, which will require a tors will be wary of unproven tech- but both banks and developers have nologies, and the most attractive PV very different focus. struggled to use them. This reflects a technology improvements are often fundamental challenge of the distributed the incremental ones. We place a lot space: aggregating small projects to a of importance on components like scale at which large-scale financing module mounting structures, where I can be done think quality is often neglected in the EQ : Please present some business cost-competitive Indian market. We models, finance models, returns are currently looking at microinvert- expectations, insurance, lending ers, but the cost needs to be competi- rates tive for it to become mainstream. AH: Particularly in the corporate seg- EQ : Enlighten our readers ment where CleanMax focuses, the with Market shares of various PPA model is really starting to domi- players in the value chain such nate over the capex model. When as Developers, EPC, Modules, they have the choice, very few corpo- Inverters, Mounting etc. rates want to own these assets them- AH: Bridge to India is the most reliable selves. When we look at our competi- source for market share in distributed tors in the rooftop PPA space, we see solar. CleanMax has been #1 in the a wide range. For larger projects, util- past 2 years since the survey began, ity scale developers may be present, with market share around 25%, and but it’s hard for them to divert atten- we are the only truly national player. tion to MW-scale orders when they Amplus Solar has emerged quickly are simultaneously targeting tenders recently, partly by buying out SunE- in the hundreds of MWs. There are a dison’s rooftop assets. The market is few pure-play players like CleanMax very fragmented. 60 EQ December 2016 www.EQMagPro.com EQ International Magazine Editorial Advisory Board ENERGY STORAGE Corporate Investments in Energy Storage Reach $660 Million in Q3 2016 According to the latest edition of GTM Research and ESA’s U.S. Energy Storage Monitor, corporate investment in energy storage reached an all-time high in terms of quarterly investments in Q3. Disclosed venture funding and project finance totaled $660 million in the third quarter of the year, bringing the annual total to $812 million. he largest announced deal during the quarter was $300 million in project financing from the Electric Gas & Industries Association for Tabuchi Electric. The report notes that Advanced Microgrid Solutions also closed a large project financing deal worth $200 T million with Macquarie. “Financing activities in this most recent quarter are noteworthy not just because of the scale, but also because project financing made up a significant portion of the total. While one quarter alone doesn’t constitute a trend, growth in project financing, especially in the residential segment, is a harbinger for further strengthening of deployment business models.” - Mr. Ravi Manghani, GTM Research’s director of energy storage Compared to corporate investment, deployments for the quarter were relatively quiet, however, as no front-of-meter projects above 1 megawatt were brought on-line. Across all segments, the U.S. saw 16.4 megawatts of energy storage deployed in the third quarter of 2016. “In 2016 we are seeing a critical trend in energy storage The behind-the-meter segment, deployment — a wider range of competitive applications which is made up of residential and is becoming available to storage systems, and as a result demand for longer-duration systems is increasing. Measured commercial deployments, accounted in megawatt-hours, the industry is projected to grow by for the majority of the quarter’s more than 284 percent by the end of the year, reflecting storage deployments. The U.S. a broader set of applications, an increase in distributed deployed 14.1 megawatts of behind- storage systems, and a larger role in grid reliability like the the-meter storage in the third quarter Aliso Canyon procurements.” of the year, which is essentially flat - Mr. Matt Roberts, year-over-year. Executive Director of the Energy Storage Association Despite the low deployment total Key Findings From The Q4 2016 U.s. Energy Storage Monitor for the quarter, GTM Research expects a strong finish for 2016, as • Corporate investments in energy straight quarter, representing 96.2 storage totaled $660 million in Q3 percent of the market in Q3 2016 several front-of-meter projects are 2016 • Total closed the company’s acquisition slated to come on-line in December. • U.S. deployed 16.4 megawatts of of Saft in July 2016 According to the report, the U.S. energy storage in Q3 2016 • Measured in megawatt-hours, the annual energy storage market will • Behind-the-meter deployments industry is projected to grow by more accounted for 86 percent of total than 284 percent by the end of 2016 grow to 260 megawatts in 2016, up megawatts deployed in Q3 2016 • SCE and SDG&E have contracted 84.5 from 226 megawatts in 2015. • Lithium-ion batteries dominated the megawatts of energy storage as part energy storage market for the eighth of Aliso Canyon procurement Source:greentechmedia 62 EQ December 2016 www.EQMagPro.com 100 95 75 25 5 www.EQMagPro.com EQ December 2016 63 0 Energetica 14 December 2016 14:48:49 SOLAR INVERTERS DETAILED ANALYSIS AND LEARNING FROM O&M REPORT OF 590 MW PV PLANT IN GOLMUD: IMPORTANCE OF SELECTING PV DEVICES In the recent two years there has been tremendous decrease in prices for solar plant equipments as well as solar power tariff. Solar community is debating on quality and selection of right equipments to work on Levelised cost, instead of only initial CAPEX. During the 25 years of service life of a PV plant, the only way to maximize the PV system benefits is to reduce the Levelised cost of electricity (LCOE). sum of costs over lifetime inverters and string inverters. The practical LCOE = sum of electrical energy produced over lifetime O&M shows that faults are found on both the AC and DC sides. AC faults occur less otal cost of a PV plant in its lifetime = Total initial frequently and mainly relate to cables, box- investment + O&M cost –Salvage value of the type transformers, civil work, and step-up system. Considering that the cost of PV devices occupies a part of the initial investment on a PV transformers. They account for 9.82% of total plant, the plant will be faulty once a device fault faults. DC faults occur more frequently, are occurs. What is more, if the device vendor goes not easily to be found, and mainly relate to bankrupt, after-sales O&M for the plant cannot PV modules, inverters, and combiner boxes. be ensured. This not only increases the O&M They account for 90.18% of total faults. T cost, but also weakens the overall benefits of the PV plant. So what are the factors for selecting PV devices? Huanghe Hydropower Development Co., Ltd. (Huanghe for short) shared the major device faults and O&M experience on the 590 MW PV plant in Golmud for your reference. Golmud in Qinghai is rich in light resources. It is the area with the best lighting condition in China in addition to Lhasa. Since 2011, Huanghe started to construct a 590 MW PV plant in Golmud. The plant occupies 14.62 km2 and is divided into five stages. The first stage of the PV plant connected to the power grid and started to generate power in 2011. The fifth stage of the PV plant connected to the power grid and started to generate power in June 1, 2016. As the PV plant is located in the Gobi Desert with harsh environment such as fierce wind and sandstorm, occupies a large area, and has a great deal of equipment, challenges exist in the monitoring, inspection, and troubleshooting of the plant. The high fault ratio, routine inspection, and replacement of devices are the difficulties in O&M. According to Shi Tianze, General Manager of the Haixi New Energy Yield Dept, Qinghai Huanghe Hydropower Development Co., Ltd., the 590 MW PV plant in Golmud uses both central 64 EQ December 2016 www.EQMagPro.com SOLAR INVERTERS The Golmud PV plant uses 5756 DC combiner boxes. The (including the damage of the communications collection module fault ratio of DC combiner boxes is about 18%, and the fault ratio in the combiner box), wiring terminals overheated (caused by caused by fuse blown is around 21%. DC combiner boxes have loose terminals and high resistance), circuit breaker faults (such the following major defects: fuse blown (due to poor fuse quality or as heating and tripping), branch faults (such as grounding faults extremely small rated current of fuses), abnormal communication and overcurrent), and DC arcing. Inverter Failure Rate in 2015 Product Number of Installed Number of Type Failure Rate (%) Name Inverters Faults Brand A 70 2 2.86 Brand B 58 2 3.45 Brand C 84 10 11.90 Brand D 38 7 18.42 Brand E 118 32 27.12 Centralized Brand F 10 3 30 type Brand G 60 19 31.67 Brand H 58 22 37.93 Brand I 20 10 50 Brand J 58 32 55.17 Brand K 128 185 144.53 String Type 5372 9 0.16% Shi Tianze said that the Golmud 590 MW PV plant contains box trips immediately to minimize the harm. 702 central inverters and 5372 string inverters. The comparison Xu Hailiang, vice president of TÜV SÜD Greater China pointed analysis shows that the inverter faults locate in fan damage, fuse out that TÜV SÜD evaluates the overall quality of PV plant blown, module overtemperature, and circuit breaker tripping. devices based on the device status indicators such as the fault Among the central inverters of 11 brands, the highest fault ratio of key devices, fault duration, and availability. TÜV SÜD ratio reaches 144.53%, while the lowest is 2.86%. The fault ratio evaluated the annual failure rate, availability, and array yield of of string inverters, however, is only 0.16%. Judging from the inverters for Golmud 220 MW PV plant before long. energy yield and availability, which solution is more competitive Xu Hailiang Said That, “For fairness and impartiality, we chose is obvious. Because there is no DC combiner box in the string five different PV plants each with several mainstream inverters, inverter solution, each PV string directly connects to the inverter and we got the comparison results of the three indicators. The on the DC side. The fuse-free design in addition to short and annual failure rates of string inverters are all below 0.4%, and the few DC power cables ensures proactive security protection lowest one is 0.189%. The availability of all the string inverters is and suppresses arcing effectively. On the AC side, short-circuit currents are from the power grid and are very high (10–20 kVA). above 99.99%.” The data answers why string inverters are widely Once an exception occurs, the circuit breaker in the AC combiner used in large-scale ground-mounted PV plants for recent years. www.EQMagPro.com EQ December 2016 65 SOLAR INVERTERS &M for the Golmud PV plant of Huanghe showed that operating voltage, and operating current. The fault identification the PV modules often experience the faults of loosing, rate is low and misjudgment is likely to occur. For example, Ohot spots, glass breakage, and failure of diodes in the the first stage of 200 MW PV plant in Golmud contains 192 PV connection box. The inspection on PV modules is also a difficult arrays, 816,612 PV modules of nine types, 3072 combiner boxes for a large-scale PV plant. In the PV industry, PV modules are of six types, 384 inverters of nine types, 192 box-type step-up usually spot-checked. Assuming that the spot-check ratio is transformers of four types, about 50 thousand DC branches, 0.1%, a spot-check costs 40,000 RMB for a 10 MW PV plant. and up to about 160,000 points for collecting data. So many The low spot-check ratio is not good for evaluating a PV plant devices bring challenges to safe production and management. in a comprehensive way. Totally eight faulty PV modules are To solve the pain points exist in the traditional inspection found in PV array 38 in zone 9 at Longyangxia plant. The way, Huawei and Huanghe Hydropower Development Co., number of faulty PV modules accounts for 0.17% of the total Ltd. develop the smart IV curve diagnosis technology through number of PV modules in the PV array. However, there is a joint innovation. Based on the inverter output IV curve, deploy probability of only 2.4% that faulty PV modules in the PV array algorithms on the management system and synchronize data will be spot-checked according to the spot-check ratio of 0.3% analysis and mode recognition to scan all PV strings of a PV of Huanghe. That is to say, faulty PV modules will not be spot- plant precisely in one-click mode and locate the root cause. checked in a probability of 97.6%. The traditional O&M method The IV curve diagnosis technology helps determine device is not instructive. faults such as hot-spot effect on PV modules, loose connection, In addition, O&M personnel have to take appropriate test faulty PV string, reverse connection of PV strings, incorrect tools, remove the PV modules, and check for faults one by connection of PV strings, disconnection of certain PV strings, one manually. This not only consumes time and labor, but also faulty combiner boxes, open circuits on combiner box branches, makes it impossible to locate faults in a short time. The current blown of fuses in combiner boxes, and inverter faults accurately O&M method usually identifies PV module faults by comparing and comprehensively in an all-round manner, which reduces the output power, open-circuit voltage, short-circuit current, the inspection strength greatly. According to the analysis using Huawei smart IV curve diagnosis technology, the major diodes of 33 PV strings are broken down. Replace the diodes that are broken down and the six PV modules with low efficiency. From the O&M experience on the 590 MW PV plant in term stable running, and is associated with the investment Golmud of Huanghe, we know that we could not focus only value and final benefits of the PV plant. Therefore, how to on the cost when selecting PV devices, but should consider optimize the initial system investment and reduce the O&M the LCOE over the 25 years of service life. After a PV plant is cost to achieve optimal cost per kilowatt hour and pursue constructed and connects to the power grid, O&M becomes the lowest LCOE over the 25 years of lifetime is owners’ the work focus for the PV plant, directly relates to its long- real goal. 66 EQ December 2016 www.EQMagPro.com 68 EQ December 2016 www.EQMagPro.com www.EQMagPro.com EQ December 2016 69 INTERVIEW INTERVIEW WITH MANISH CHOURASIA MANAGING DIRECTOR (MD), Tata Cleantech Capital Ltd. EQ : What is the likely impact of Demonetization on the of the Copenhagen Climate Summit in 2009, a co-signatory to a Indian solar and renewable energy industry? letter to Obama which pointed out that clean energy technologies would spur economic growth, create new energy jobs and In India, solar and other renewable energy projects are high- MC: increase energy security. value big ticket investments carried out by the organized sector and hence we do not see any major impact. While we anticipate In the long run, we expect technological advancements in minor delays in land acquisition and project implementation in storage of power, efficiency in power generation etc. to more than the short-term, we do believe that demonetization is good in compensate for any short term pain and believe that renewable the long run since it will reduce the cost of capital, which is the energy could actually become more economical than fossil fuel major cost in renewable energy projects. Also, there might be based power leading to significant disruption in energy markets. an indirect effect of channeling money into big solar projects due Many US / global renewable energy giants operate in India, as to the tax benefit of accelerated depreciation offered. This could both asset owners and suppliers. Any move on the Government’s indeed provide a boost to the sector in the short to medium term. part to curb renewable energy projects in the US might impact EQ : How is the road ahead for the global and American their Indian operations as well.But we believe that the projects renewable industry following the victory of Donald Trump in being set up in India are commercially viable on their own, the US Elections? What impacts might it have in the Indian considering a fixed tariff model against the escalating tariffsin solar energy market? fossil fuel based projects.Hence these projects might be able to sustain in the medium to long term, once the equity is in place. MC: President-elect Donald Trump’s comments suggest that he might choose to move away from Obama’s Clean Power Plan We do not expect any policy changes made by Donald Trump and the Paris Agreement, which has already seen a negative to impact the Indian Government’s stance on renewable energy impact on the stock prices of some US solar companies and an sector and hence, do not see an immediate regulatory risk posed uptick in coal stocks. Having said that, Donald Trump was, ahead by the US election result. 70 EQ December 2016 www.EQMagPro.com INTERVIEW EQ : What is the impact of recent decline in solar module EQ : Comment on the ratification prices in the Indian PV market and what is going to be likely of the Paris Agreement on trend of solar module pricing and technology? MC: We have seen solar module prices dropping from levels Climate Change? of around $1.20per Wpin 2012 to around $0.35 per Wpin 2016. This has been primarily on account of two factors – technological AH : In terms of scope and impact, the innovation and oversupply. The decline in solar module prices have Paris Agreement is probably the most resulted in much lower project costs, which in turn have resulted in far-reaching international agreement decreasing tariffs and consequently, lower overall blended cost of ever. In India, as in the rest of the world, power. We do not see significant capacity additions happening in the solar module manufacturing business and hence believe that we can expect the commitment to lead to the demand-supply mismatch will reduce going forward. This in changes in the way we live our lives. India turn should decelerate the fall in solar module pricing. However, has committed to generate at least 40% other innovations like reduction in the cost of energy storage and of its power capacity from non-fossil fuel improvement in efficiency of power production in next 3 to 5 years sources by 2030. India plans to install as could lead to a further cost reduction as we have seen over the last 3 decades in the solar sector. much as 100 GW of electricity generation capacity through solar energy by 2022, of EQ : What is your view on the WTO ruling against the which 40 GW would be through rooftop Indian Government’s local content requirement on solar power developers? systems. In order to achieve these targets, India will have to set its energy policy in MC: The WTO ruling in the US v/s India conflict in February 2016 tune with these commitments. We be- as well as in September 2016 (rejection of India’s appeal) found that India has violated global trade rules by imposing mandatory lieve that the back end projections done local content requirements on solar power developers. We believe to reach this number will now have to be that India’s arguments regarding solar cells and modules being integrated into the new energy policy that indistinguishable from solar power generation and solar cells NitiAyog is championing for the Indian and modules being characterized as inputs of generation of solar power do have merit. Having said that, India is a strong government. The agreement has definitely supporter of the multilateral, rule-based trading system andhence, enhanced the focus on renewable energy we believe the Indian Government would look to explore alternative sector and has highlighted the importance mechanisms by which to promote local development of the solar of clean energy in ensuring a sustainable module manufacturing sector. In the short-term, India could look to future for humanity. There are definitely incentivize production of solar modules and cells in a manner which is WTO compliant like direct subsidies to domestic manufacturers, challenges involved such as availability of tax breaks etc. In the long run, India must deeply engage with low cost finance, health of the key off-tak- international partners and get the best available technology at er of power i.e. State Electricity Boards, internationally competitive rates. It will also have to take steps to grid availability etc. We hope these chal- promote research and development in renewable energy sector. lenges will be eventually overcome and This will in turn reduce the cost of energy and increaseenergy efficiency. that the Indian renewable energy sector will flourish in the days to come. The government’s recent launch of the ‘International Solar Alliance’ is definitely a positive move in this direction. The views expressed are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of/are not necessarily endorsed by Tata Capital. www.EQMagPro.com EQ December 2016 71 Quarter result Azure Power Announces Results for Second Fiscal Quarter 2017 Azure Power Global Limited (NYSE:AZRE), one of the leaders in the Indian solar industry, today announced its consolidated results under United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) for the second quarter period ended September 30, 2016. Second Quarter 2017 Period Ended September 30, AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 Operating Highlights: 2015 2016 INR INR US$ • Operating & Committed Megawatts were at 1,021 Nominal MW, as of September 30, 2016 an increase of 111% contracted over the same date last year payments • Revenue for the quarter was INR 895 million (US$13 (in thousands) 123,566,324 247,388,527 3,715,658 million), an increase of 40% over the same quarter last year Total estimated • Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was INR 561 million energy output 19,964 43,345 (US$8 million), an increase of approximately 44% over (kilowatt hours the same quarter last year in millions) • Key Operating Metrics one megawatt of new solar power plant capacity during Electricity generation increased by 112.8 million the reporting period.Operating and committed megawatts kWh during the six months periods ended September increased, as of September 30, 2016, by 536 MW to 1,021 30, 2016 to 275.1 million kWh as compared to the same MW as a result of the increase in new projects won since period in 2015 as a result of the increase in operational September 30, 2015. capacity during the period. Total revenue grew to INR 1,916.6 million (US$28.8 • Nominal Contracted Payments million) during the six months ended September 30, The Company’s PPAs create long-term recurring customer 2016 from INR 1,211.1 million in the six months ended payments. Nominal contracted payments equal the sum of September 30, 2015, an increase of 58% over the same the estimated payments that the customer is likely to make, period in the previous year. The increase in revenue was subject to discounts or rebates, over the remaining term of the driven by the commissioning of new projects. PPAs. When calculating nominal contracted payments, the The project cost per megawatt operating for the company includes those PPAs for projects that are operating six months ended September 30, 2016 decreased by or committed. INR 2.9 million (US$0.1 million) to INR 58.1 million The following table sets forth, with respect to our PPAs, the (US$0.87 million), as compared to the same period in aggregate nominal contracted payments and total estimated the previous year. The project cost per megawatt has energy output as of the reporting dates. These nominal declined in line with decreasing solar module prices contracted payments have not been discounted to arrive at and reduction in balance of plant costs. Project cost the present value. per megawatt operating consists of costs incurred for 72 EQ December 2016 www.EQMagPro.com Quarter result Nominal contracted payments increased from Company’s PPAs, the aggregate portfolio run-rate and September 30, 2015 to September 30, 2016 as a estimated annual energy output as of the reporting result of entering into additional PPAs. Over time, the dates. The portfolio run-rate has not been discounted to Company has seen a trend towards a decline in the arrive at the present value. Central Electricity Regulatory Commission benchmark tariff for solar power procurement. Second Quarter Period ended September 30, 2016 Consolidated Financial Results: For fiscal year 2011, the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission benchmark tariff for solar • Operating Revenue power procurement was INR 17.91 per kilowatt hour. It Operating revenue grew to INR 894.9 million was reduced to INR 10.39 per kilowatt hour for fiscal (US$13.4 million) in the second quarter period ended year 2013, which was further reduced to INR 7.72 per September 30, 2016 from INR 640.9 million in the second quarter period ended September 30, 2015, an kilowatt hour for fiscal year 2015 and INR 5.68 per increase of 40% over the same period in the previous kilowatt hour for fiscal year 2016. year. The increase in revenue was driven by the The overall trend of solar power tariffs is that commissioning of new projects. the tariffs are declining in line with the solar module • Cost of Operations prices. Cost of operations increased to INR 75.4 million AS OF SEPTEMBER 30 (US$1.1 million) in the second quarter period ended September 30, 2016, from INR 43.0 million in the 2015 2016 second quarter period ended September 30, 2015, INR INR US$ an increase of 75% over the same period previous Portfolio year. The increase was primarily due to increase in run-rate 5,422,172 10,560,382 158,612 plant maintenance cost related to new commissioned (in thousands) projects. Estimated annual • General and Administrative Expenses energy output 791 1,856 General and administrative expenses during the (kilowatt hours second quarter period ended September 30, 2016 in millions) increased by INR 51.2 million (US$0.8 million), or 24.7%, to INR 258.4 million (US$3.9 million) compared to the same period in 2015. This was primarily due to legal ortfolio run-rate increased expenses incurred on projects and lease rent expense by INR 5,138 million incurred on under-construction projects during the three (US$77.2 million) to INR months ended September 30, 2016. 10,560 million (US$159 • Depreciation and Amortization million) as of September 30, 2016 as compared to Depreciation and amortization expenses during September 30, 2015, due to the second quarter period ended September 30, 2016 increase in operational and increased by INR 71.3 million (US$1.1 million), or 41%, committed capacity during to INR 246.5 million (US$3.7 million) compared to the P same period in period ended September 30, 2015. The the period. principal reason for the increase in depreciation was due to new projects which were capitalized during the period from September 30, 2015 to September 30, • Portfolio Run-Rate 2016. Portfolio run-rate equals annualized payments • Interest Expense, Net from customers extrapolated based on the operating and committed capacity as of the reporting date. Net interest expense during the second quarter In estimating the portfolio run-rate, the Company period ended September 30, 2016 increased by INR 64.3 million (US$1.0 million), or 12%, to INR 583.3 multiplies the PPA contract price per kilowatt hour by million (US$8.7 million) compared to the same period the estimated annual energy output for all operating in period ended September 30, 2015. Interest expense and committed solar projects as of the reporting increased primarily as a result of borrowings for new date. solar power projects operating during the three months The estimated annual energy output of the period ended September 30, 2016. Company’s solar projects is calculated using power • Loss on Foreign Currency Exchange generation simulation software and validated by Foreign exchange loss during the second quarter independent engineering firms. The main period ended September 30, 2016 decreased by INR assumption used in the calculation is the project 246.4 million or 145% to INR 76.1 million (US$1.1 location, which enables the software to derive million) compared to the same period in the prior year. The closing exchange rate of Indian rupees as of the estimated annual energy output from certain September 30, 2015 depreciated against the U.S. dollar meteorological data, including the temperature, by INR 1.9 to US$1.00 over the closing exchange rate wind speed and solar radiation based on the project as of June 30, 2015 while the closing exchange rate of Indian rupees as of September 30, 2016 appreciated location. against the U.S. dollar by INR 0.9 to US$1.00 over The following table sets forth, with respect to the the closing exchange rate as of June 30, 2016, www.EQMagPro.com EQ December 2016 73 Quarter result respectively. September 30, 2016 from a pre- financial results for the second • Income Tax Expense IPO financing round. Subsequent quarter ended September 30, to September 30, 2016, the 2016, on Tuesday, November Income tax benefit increased during the second quarter period Company has raised INR 9,081.5 22, 2016 and hold its quarterly ended September 30, 2016 by INR million (US$136.4 million) from conference call to discuss the 26.9 million to INR 53.8 million its initial public offering and results and updated outlook at (US$0.8 million). The Company’s effective income tax rate for the concurrent private placement. The 9:30 a.m. US Eastern Standard second quarter period ended Company has drawn INR4,970 Time. Investors may access a live September 30, 2016 was 19% million (US$74.7 million) of webcast of this conference call by as compared to 7% for the same project debt during the quarter visiting http://investors.azurepower. period in 2015. The increase in income tax benefit and the and has undrawn project debt com/events-and-presentations. An effective tax rate in the six months commitment of INR17,557.1 million archived webcast will be available ended September 30, 2016 was (US$263.7 million) as of the end through the same link following a result of lower taxable profits generated by AZI, which provides of the quarter. The company has the call. The conference call certain engineering, procurement secured financing for all committed can be accessed live by dialling and construction services to its and under construction projects 1-888-317-6003 (in the U.S.) Indian subsidiaries, in the current period. of 663MW for the calendar year and 1-412-317-6061 (outside the 2017. U.S.) and entering the passcode • Net Loss 5573341. A replay will be available • Adjusted EBITDA Net loss for the second quarter approximately two hours after the period ended September 30, 2016, was at INR 138.9 million Adjusted EBITDA was INR conclusion of the call till December (US$2.1 million), a decrease 561 million (US$8 million) for the 22, 2016 and can be accessed of INR 308.1 million (US$4.6 second quarter period ended by dialling 1-877-344-7529 (in the million) as compared to the same September 30, 2016, compared U.S.) and 1-412-317-0088 (outside period in the previous year. This was primarily due to an to INR 391 million in the second the U.S.) and entering the replay increase in operating revenue by quarter period ended September pass code 10096842. 40%. 30, 2015. This was primarily due to • Exchange Rate • Cash Flow and Working the increase in revenue during the Capital period. This press release contains translations of certain Indian • Guidance for Fiscal Third During the three months ended rupee amounts into U.S. dollars Quarter 2017 and for the Fiscal September 30, 2016, the Company at specified rates solely for the Year 2017 generated INR 7,104.6 million convenience of the reader. Unless (US$106.7 million) from financing The following statements are otherwise stated, the translation activities. This cash inflow was based on currentexpectations. of Indian rupees into U.S. dollars primarily due to proceeds of INR These statements are forward- has been made at INR 66.58 to 1,666.5 million (US$25.0 million) looking and actual results may US$1.00, which is the noon buying from issuance of Series I CCPS, differ materially. As of December rate in New York City for cable new loan proceeds of INR 7,062.2 31, 2016, the Company expects transfer in non-U.S. currencies as million (US$106.1 million) in the 520 MW to be operational and certified for customs purposes by form of term loans from banks for it expects 950 – 1,050 MW the Federal Reserve Bank of New the Karnataka 3 and Punjab 4 solar operational by December 31, 2017. York on September 30, 2016. The power plants. These inflows were The Company expects revenue Company makes no representation offset in part by INR 1,624.1 million to be in the range of US$64 – 68 that the Indian rupee or U.S. (US$24.4 million) in repayment of million for the fiscal year ending dollar amounts referred to in loans. March 31, 2017 this prospectus could have been converted into U.S. dollars or • Liquidity Position • Webcast and Conference Call Indian rupees, as the case may Information The Company raised equity be, at any particular rate or at of INR 1,666.5 million (US$ 25.0 The Company will report all. million) during the quarter ended 74 EQ December 2016 www.EQMagPro.com CHOOSE EQ FOR EFFECTIVE VIDEO MARKETING NEXTRACKER™ LAUNCHES THE INDUSTRY’S 1ST SOLAR TRACKER PLUS STORAGE SOLUTION NEXTracker, a Flex company, announced recently it has launched an innovative solar plus energy-storage solution for U.S. and international markets. NX Fusion Plus integrates the latest, best-in-class solar tracker, battery, inverter, and software to deliver better return on investment to owners of solar power plants. By incorporating battery storage technology into its product, NEXTracker is further increasing the energy output and duration of solar power plants, just as tracking technology did for fixed-tilt solar applications. “NX Fusion Plus is an he NX Fusion Plus enables cus- “We are excited about the new incredibly powerful tomers to use more solar energy opportunities that NX Fusion Plus development for the throughout the day while simul- opens up for our agricultural energy industry. Our goal T taneously lowering their electric- customers. It’s a perfect match for has always been to identify ity bills. As the #1 solar tracker distributed generation the best technologies supplier worldwide, NEXTracker power plants. With for addressing solar is able to leverage economies of large-scale solar + generation’s intermittency. scale with parent company, Flex. storage and smart We can now dispatch In order to bring solar + storage software and controls, uninterrupted clean energy into the mainstream, NEXTrack- our customers will have a in the most effective er leverages Flex’s secure data solution that lowers their manner possible for the platform with NEXTracker’s pre- energy bill and peak customer. Our dictive smart control software, hour demand charges. tracker becomes which is already embedded in We’re anticipating an the data acquisition the tracker’s electronics. Comple- enhanced ROI from the savings backbone of the menting this product portfolio is NX Fusion Plus can create through plant, offering machine learning capability, ac- demand management and energy complete system quired through the purchase of load shifting.” analytics and BrightBox earlier this year, which monitoring. NX optimizes solar power plant per- Fusion Plus enables - Dylan Dupre, formance and reduces operations CEO of CalCom Solar higher return on and maintenance (O&M) costs. investment than solar alone because we Prior to the advent of solar trackers, fixed-tilt systems were the only mounting option for PV and can now utilize more delivered a single output profile. With the maturity of the solar power plants and accompanying clipped[1] energy and technologies – such as NEXTracker’s advanced self-powered tracker– the solar generation curve offset demand charges has broadened, delivering more energy production to owner-operators. With NEXTracker’s solar + for end users. This is storage solution, NX Fusion Plus, the tracker generation curve is now even further broadened, by particularly attractive to shifting excess energy from peak periods to later in the day. customers such as farms in the Central Valley of “Cost has been a major barrier to battery integration in California. We can also mainstream solar projects, but now we’re solving this challenge. By provide stable, reliable combining our world-class component electronics with a cyber- power in countries such secure software platform, Flex and NEXTracker are providing the as India, where power solution to cost reduction of complex solar plus storage systems, fluctuates.” delivering more value to the end-user.” - Alex Au, - Kerry McCraken, NEXTracker CTO Vice President of connected intelligence at Flex 76 EQ December 2016 www.EQMagPro.com SMA SOLAR TECHNOLOGY AG RECEIVES ORDER FOR 616 MW INVERTER POWER IN INDIA SMA Solar Technology AG (SMA) and Greenko Energies Pvt Ltd, a market leader, owner and operator of clean energy projects in India, have signed contracts for the supply of 616 MW of Sunny Central 1000CP XT inverters from SMA. With the inverters, Greenko will realize PV power plants in the Indian states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh within the next year. “We are proud that Greenko has chosen SMA to help them bring such a huge amount of clean and affordable energy to the people of India. Our highly experienced local sales and service team will support Greenko’s ambitious projects not only with our high-performance, cost-efficient Sunny Central 1000CP XT inverters, but also with the highest level of sales, service and technical support.” - John Susa, SMA Executive Vice President Sales Asia Pacific. SMA has especially developed the Sunny Central 1000CP XT inverter for high-growth markets with particularly high price pressure and challenging ambient conditions, such as India. “Greenko has chosen SMA based on its many years of global experience, its technologically advanced solutions and comprehensive service portfolio. “We are “With its outdoor rating, OptiCool technology, pleased to partner with extensive earthquake and wind speed tests as well them on some of our key PV as its highest power density in the market, the Sunny projects in Karnataka and Central 1000CP XT inverter clearly focuses on reducing Andhra Pradesh.” Balance of System (BOS) components, maintenance and logistical costs for any solar power plant project” - S.K Mohiddin , Senior Vice President - Boris Wolff, Contracts and Material SMA Executive Vice President business unit Utility. Management of Greenko Source:sma www.EQMagPro.com EQ December 2016 77 KACO NEW ENERGY HAS LAUNCHED THREE NEW INVERTER MODELS The German inverter manufacturer, KACO new energy GmbH, has made new three-phase devices available. The blueplanet 8.6 TL3 and 10.0 TL3 are suitable for residential and commercial-scale PV arrays; the blueplanet 20.0 TL3 fits commercial systems as well as large-scale, industrial-sized power plants. All three inverters enter the market with approvals for a large number of countries. he blueplanet 8.6 TL3 fits seamlessly DC and AC plug connector technique East/west facing roofs (symmetrical into the range of three-phase blue- which facilitates the quickest wiring, in load), factory roofs which are shaded planets with a lower output. They are addition to a wide voltage input range or inconsistently designed and open T addressed to PV operators in the resi- spanning 200 V to 800 V. Everything spaces (asymmetrical load) can thus dential and small commercial sectors. is well protected and sits cozily in a be dealt with. With sockets for digital As with all blueplanets the numeric compact IP65 housing. inputs and outputs, the blueplanets denomination describes the AC out- The blueplanet 20.0 TL3 INT fol- are proving themselves to be future- put. Accordingly, the new inverter has lows the blueplanet 50.0 TL3 INT: It proof solutions, capable of responding a rated output of 8.6 kilowatts which is a wall-mounted device operating to all control issues, whether received makes it especially suited for the on the threshold between commercial from the grid operator or in communi- French market: It is tailored to comply and utility applications that feature a cation with the electrical appliances. with building-integrated photovoltaics decentralised plant concept. Whereas (BIPV) subsidy thresholds, a highly at- the blueplanet 50.0 TL3 INT is target- The new inverters already pos- tractive market segment in France.The ed at optimum cost-efficiency with its sess certifications for the deploy- blueplanet 10.0 TL3 is cut from the “reduce to the max” concept, the new ment in various countries. These same cloth as the blueplanet 8.6 TL3. 20 kVA inverter offers all variables include, amongst others, Austria, The new 10 kVA inverter closes when it comes to getting to grips with France, Germany, Poland, Portugal, this “small” blueplanet range which smaller, complex systems and difficult Spain, South Africa, Switzerland, now consists of six devices with rated design scenarios. The blueplanet 20.0 Turkey, and the UK. A complete outputs between 5 and 10 kilowatts. TL3 INT operates using two separate overview of all country certificates Both new inverters are particularly MPP trackers that can handle both is available for download at www. convincing with their 2 MPP trackers, symmetrical and asymmetrical loads. kaco-newenergy.com 24M HAS DEVELOPED A BREAKTHROUGH BATTERY TECHNOLOGY he world-wide market potential for energy storage is projected to grow to over $100B by 2020. Of this total, T advanced electrochemical batteries for the grid will constitute over $30B; adding opportunities in EV will in- crease the number to well over $40B per year by 2020. However, the en- ergy storage industry today struggles to access the largest growth markets because its cost structure is too high, having been developed for high pow- er applications and not for the long- duration “energy” applications that will experience the majority of the el coupled to the value of energy stor- drying process found in convention- growth over the next five to ten years. age in key grid, off-grid and mobility al factories. This radically simpler 24M has developed a breakthrough markets, 24M will be in a position to manufacturing model achieves its battery technology that provides low- command industry-leading profitabil- cost target at low scale (~120MWh cost, high energy density, safe and ity. The 24M technology is based on per year) with capital requirements long-life storage for transportation a series of inventions at MIT and 24M below $20M as opposed to multiple and grid markets. The 24M approach in the area of semi-solid electrodes hundreds of millions required in con- represents one of the most significant and is incorporated in a novel design ventional lithium-ion manufacturing. breakthroughs in the field in the last that reduces cell cost to under $100/ The technology itself is protected by 25 years delivering the performance kWh. The manufacturing platform a growing patent portfolio consisting attributes of Li-ion at 40% the cost of and cell design eliminates 80-90% of of 20 issued or allowed patents and conventional Li-ion. With a projected the inactive materials and does away an additional 80 applications across COGS below $100/kWh at the cell lev- with the entire electrode coating and 20 patent families filed to date. 78 EQ December 2016 www.EQMagPro.com 08 June 2017 28June 2017 2017 21 Dec.2017 12 Oct.2017 28 Nov.2017 06 Nov.2017 20July 2017 24Jan.2017 28 Feb.2017 24 May 2017 30 Nov.2017 03 May 2017 22 March 2017 02 Nov.2017 JA SOLAR...... 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