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GAZALA KHAN CONTENT tion to Help Scale Up India’s.. US$ 135 Million Financing [email protected]

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6 EQ July 2018 www.EQMagPro.com 65 62 INTERVIEW WITH MR. SAURABH BHANDARI SOLAR MAXX

ENERGY STORAGE Demand For Lithium Is Growing Rapidly As LI- ION BATTERIES ...

4672 54

INVERTER FUCHERED PV MANUFACTURING SOFARSOLAR Shows Strength China’s Bombshell Solar Policy Heraeus assists Solarspace to In Intersolar Exhibition And... Shift Could Cut Expected... 24 join the 10GW Club Solarspace

TECHNOLOGY TECHNOLOGY GCL SI Unveiled New 20.66% – LONGi Solar High-efficiency Modules Sets Another World 08 Featuring MBB Technol 10 Record For 60-cell ...

TECHNOLOGY Hanwha Q CELLS to 12 Launched Q.ANTUM Solar Module Series Q.PEAK-G5..

33 36 EQ NEWS INDIA ROOFTOP & OFFGRID Pg. 07-29 Amplus Solar Conferred National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy CleanMax Solar Donates a Solar With European Award for Released : Synergies of Energies Plant to Ahinsa Sthal in Delhi Best Practices 2018

www.EQMagPro.com EQ July 2018 7 LONGi Solar is a world leading manufacturer of high-efficiency mono-crystalline solar cells and modules. The Company is wholly owned by LONGi Group. LONGi Group (SH601012 )is the largest supplier of mono-crystalline silicon wafers in the world. Armedand powered by the advanced technology and long standing experience of LONGi Group in the field of mono-crystalline silicon, LONGi Solar has shipped approximately 4.6GW products in 2017. The Company has its headquarters in Xi’anandbranches in Japan, Europe, NorthAmeri- can, India and Malaysia. With strong focus on R&D, production and sales & marketing of mono-crystalline silicon products, LONGi Solar is committed to providing the best LCOE solutions as well as promoting the world widead option of mono-crystalline technology.

8 EQ July 2018 www.EQMagPro.com TECHNOLOGY

JinkoSolar Receives PID Certifi- LONGi Solar Launches Half-cut Bifa- cation from TUV Nord for Entire cial PERC Hi-MO3 Module rated at 320W Portfolio of PV Modules on the Front-side global leader in the solar PV at SNEC 2018, LONGi Solar released its Hi-MO3, an innovative half-cut bifacial n-mono PERC module. industry, announced that its entire This is another advanced PERC cell and module construction by LONGi Solar which follows on the portfolio of PV modules has passed heel of its Hi-MO1 PERC low-LID module in 2016 and Hi-MO2 bifacial PERC module in 2017. the Potential Induced Degradation i-MO3 uses half-cut techniques to reduce the (“PID”) resistance test under the operating current of the cell by half, effectively conditions of 85 Degrees Cel- reducing resistance losses and increasing sius/85% relative humidity (“double power by 5-10 watts on average. With bifacial G 85”) as required by TÜV Nord’s IEC technology, the front-side power of the module TS 62804-1 standards. As a global leader in the solar reaches 320W (60-cell), and the bifaciality is PV industry, JinkoSolar recognizes the harm brought higher than 75%. Under shaded conditions, about by PID and has devoted resources over the Hi-MO3 yields more energy than a full-cell course of its history towards increasing the PID H module array. The advantages of Hi-MO3 include lower hot spot resistance of its entire portfolio of modules. In August temperature that reduces LCOE by a factor of 10% or more 2012, JinkoSolar became the first PV company to compared to conventional products at all irradiation levels. pass the anti-PID test under double 85 conditions. In January 2013, JinkoSolar unveiled the world’s first “This 3rd generation of Hi-MO with higher double 85 certified PID-free solar module. In Novem- power, higher yield, lower hot spot effect ber 2016, JinkoSolar became the first PV module further improves product efficiency and manufacturer to guarantee anti-PID under double 85 performance which in turn accelerates the conditions. In July 2017, JinkoSolar became the first reduction of LCOE,” Zhong Baoshen, Chair- PV module provider to guarantee that all its standard man of LONGi, said. “It’s the result of the mass produced PV modules meet IEC62804 double R&D team’s relentless focus in technologi- anti-PID standards. cal innovations. We expect that the launch of Hi-MO3 can bring new breakthroughs to the development of the industry.” Mr. Kangping Chen, JinkoSolar’s { Chief Executive Officer, com- “PV power generation as a strategic mented, “Through our relent- emerging industry in China has huge less efforts over the years, we development potential for the future. are pleased to announce that all PV companies must have a sense of re- our regular mono and polycrys- sponsibility and mission to continuously talline PV modules meet TÜV make innovations and progress,” said Nord’s IEC TS 62804-1 double Li Junfeng, former director of National 85 anti-PID standards. I believe Center for Climate Change Strategy and this demonstrates our leader- International Cooperation. ship position when it comes { to developing and promoting Shi Dinghuan, Former Counselor of the global PV standards. State Council and honorary chairman of { China Renewable Energy Society, added, We have made great progress in improving our system “the advancement of energy revolution and voltage and in developing anti-PID technology in order green revolution requires the promotion of to guarantee that our products operate reliably under technical innovation in PV products, con- the toughest conditions and ensure the investment tinuous improvement of photoelectric con- return for our customers and the constant and stable version efficiency and PV investment value, output of our PV systems.” {and further acceleration of grid parity. LONGi has continuously increased R&D investment in the science and technology of mono-crystalline. In the past five years, the company invested a total of RMB 2.464 billion. In 2017 alone, the company invested RMB1.108 billion, 6.77% of its sales, into R&D, the highest among PV companies in the world. With continuous R&D investment, LONGi Solar has made remarkable technological progress. Since September 2017, In 2017, LONGi Solar shipped 4.66GW monocrystalline modules, ranking first in the world in monocrystalline cell and module shipments for three consecutive years. The release of Hi-MO3 is expected to further accelerate the progress of PV grid parity.

www.EQMagPro.com EQ July 2018 9 TECHNOLOGY

GCL SI Unveiled New High-efficiency Modules Fea- JinkoSolar Breaks turing MBB Technology at SNEC PV Power Expo World Records New Products To Power Expansion Into Emerging Markets for both P-type CL System Integration Tech- efficiency portfolio come in two nology Co., LTD. (SZ: 002506) series, normal single-glass and N-type PV Mod- (“GCL-SI”), a subsidiary of photovoltaic (PV) modules GCL Group, China’s leading and glass-to-glass bifacial ule Power energy service provider, has modules. The power output of premiered four new mono- the single-glass MBB polycrys- JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. (NYSE: JKS) crystalline and polycrystalline talline modules hits 305W in (the “Company,” or “JinkoSolar”), a global G modules featuring Multi-Busbar mass production, making them leader in the solar photovoltaic industry, (MBB) technology at the SNEC the normal-type polycrystalline announced that the 60P version of its P-type PV Power Expo in Shanghai. modules with the highest out- PV module peak power broke the world The company also revealed its put in the world. The wattage record again with power exceeding 370w and plans to place equal empha- for the single-glass monocrys- the N-type PV module peak power reaching sis on both module types and talline modules has reached 378.6w. Both records were certified by the expand into emerging markets 315W, 10W higher than the TUV Rheinland (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. across the globe. The new standard output in China’s Top additions to GCL-SI’s high- Runner Program. -type mono modules contain JinkoSolar’s world record high efficiency cells. These cells combined with low “Our new lineup of modules that feature electricity loss technol- MBB technology are game-changers for us. ogy, which reduces They allow us to offer high efficiency, reli- P the module internal ability and application flexibility at lower resistance and improves its fill factor, production costs, which makes them acces- allowing peak power to exceed 370W. sible to a wider range of potential custom- N-type dual glass modules, lever- ers,” said Luo Xin, the president of GSL-SI. age passivating contact technology achieve high efficiency with front-side peak power reaching 378.6W. With its excellent bifacial factor, this N-type module can improve outdoor power “Our overseas sales volume has doubled in the past output per unit dramatically. year. Going forward, we will expand our operations into emerging markets, especially countries that fall within China’s Belt and Road Initiative, by developing or investing in industrial parks, with the goal of achieving 50% of our sales overseas by the end of 2018, and 70% by 2020.”

MBB technology brings a 2% increase have cut production costs and boosted in cell efficiency and 30W increase in performance and efficiency. As a result, power output to modules. In addition, the the PV market is enjoying steady growth Dr. Jin Hao, Vice President of Jinko- glass-to-glass bifacial modules vastly and emerging markets especially are Solar commented, “Every techno- increase the power generation potential growing rapidly. logical breakthrough results from of each surface. These new products The world’s leading manufacturer of a strong pioneering spirit and con- showcase not only the company’s PV modules, GCL-SI serves both do- stant search for excellence. Com- technological advancements, but also mestic and global markets with various a variety in product lineup. A portfolio of needs and application conditions with panies with strong independent both monocrystalline and polycrystalline high-efficiency cell modules. The compa- innovation capabilities are able modules will create an advantaged posi- ny is able to address specific customer to grasp opportunities in fiercely tion in the industry for GCL-SI, leading to needs by creating tailor-made integra- competitive markets and estab- growth in market share. The emergence tion system solutions. GCL-SI has been lish leadership. JinkoSolar always of new technologies such as Polycrystal- making inroads in smart manufacturing, applies advanced technologies to line Black Silicon PERC, Monocrystalline improving product performance and pro- large-scale applications rapidly to PERC, N-type Monocrystalline and many duction efficiency with new technologies accelerate the popularization of PV others, along with highly differentiated such as automation, digitalization and applications.” products and technology breakthroughs, the Internet of Things.

10 EQ July 2018 www.EQMagPro.com www.EQMagPro.com EQ July 2018 11 TECHNOLOGY

20.66% – LONGi Solar Sets Another World Record For 60-cell Module Conversion Efficiency LONGi Solar announced that China General Certification Center (CGC), an authori- tative, independent testing organization, has validated that LONGi Solar’s 60-cell bifacial shingling module achieved a front-side conversion efficiency of 20.66%, Jolywood Partners with Imec the highest in the world to date. to Develop Bifacial Solar Cells ased on the high conversion efficiency of single-sided PERC, bifacial PERC cells Jolywood (Taizhou) Solar Technology Co. Ltd (“Jolywood” or “the Company”), a generate power from both the front and rear leader in the research, development and mass production of N-type bifacial sides, adding 10%-25% higher yield at a cost solar cells, has collaborated with Imec, similar to single-sided PERC. In the future, the market share of PERC bifacial modules he world-leading research and innovation will increase rapidly. hub in nano-electronics, energy and digital This is the third time this year that LONGi technology, on developing industrialized B Solar has led the industry and broke the world bifacial solar cells with an average front-side record for PV module efficiency. The achieve- conversion efficiency up to 21.9 percent. ment can be attributed to the company’s high As part of the collaboration, Imec has also R&D investments. In 2017, LONGi set a new demonstrated screen-printed monofacial n- record in the PV industry for R&D expenditure, T PERT cells with the conversion efficiency up investing USD 175.7 million, 6.77% of revenue to 22.8 percent. in R&D. LONGi Solar will gradually bring its “Jolywood is at the forefront of the n-type industrial innovative technologies to mass production technological developments in the PV industry, so and apply these advanced technologies to its we’re very satisfied with the close collaboration with products to provide customers with world lead- Imec, the world-leading PV research institution,” said ing efficient mono-crystalline solutions. Dr. Zhifeng Liu, R&D Director of Jolywood. { { Dr. Lv Jun, Vice President of LONGi Solar said, “this break- “And we’re very delighted with the excellent progress in the through in module conversion development of the high-efficiency bifacial n-PERT solar efficiency further confirmed cells that have come as part of our collaboration. With our the development potential strong commercialization capabilities and experience, we of monocrystalline PERC. We look forward to transferring the achievements into com- firmly believe this will commercial production.” pletely replace mainstream The new bifacial cells developed by the two parties use products in the next three narrow (~40 μm) printed silver (Ag) fingers on the front side years and effectively improve and printed aluminum (Al) fingers on the rear, the latter mak- PV system’s power generation ing contact with the emitter. By using Al instead of AgAl for efficiency and reliability, which the rear contacts, the cost per cell is lowered to US$0.01/Wp. in turn reduce LCOE and brings On a batch of M2-sized cells (area: 244.3 cm²), an average customers more benefits.” conversion efficiency of 21.9 percent was demonstrated, with the best cell topping 22.1 percent. Used in bifacial operations { under standard front illumination conditions in conjunction “Technological innovation is with an additional 0.15 sun rear illumination, these cells can the soul of LONGi,” Li Wenxue, achieve an efficiency of 25 percent. President of LONGi Solar Additionally, Imec also fabricates screen-printed monofacial said. “Oriented to the market n-PERT cells with efficiencies up to 22.8 percent, which is a and customers, our module state-of-the-art result for an industry-compatible fabrication technologies have successfully process. Also, the PV module has been proven compliant with balanced power and efficiency, the essential requirements, and a certificate from TÜV SÜD, and taken into account both the prestigious German product testing organization. costs and benefits. LONGi Jolywood is the world leader in the development, produc- promotion of monocrystalline tion and marketing of high-efficiency mono-crystalline N-type modules will bring customers bifacial solar cells. The company is the #1 N-type Bifacial higher return on investments, Cell Manufacturer in the world, and focuses on cutting-edge and contribute to green energy technology innovation to further improve cell efficiency and for the world.” to lower the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE). Imec, on the other hand, is an international R&D and innovation hub, active { in the fields of nanoelectronics and digital technologies.

12 EQ July 2018 www.EQMagPro.com TECHNOLOGY

BIG SUN Energy’s new dual axis tracker + bifacial module shows up to 60% gains in solar power generation The new amphibious power generation champion: iPV Tracker

IG SUN Energy’s patented iPV Tracker, when The effectiveness of PV power generation has three essen- compared with a fixed tilt system, has shown a 30% tial factors, inclination angle, height and ground reflection. increase in power generation. When iPV Tracker is The inclination angle is the optimal angle that power gen- combined with a bi-facial module there is a fur- eration systems are able to track and absorb sunlight. ther 10% increase. BIG SUN Energy has further Tracker height describes the necessary room to collect researched various underlying surfaces — discover- reflected and diffused sunlight on the rear side of a module ing the rates of reflection with natural ground cover, when paired with a bi-facial module. cement or mirror-like reflective surfaces. Reflection B Ground reflection can boost the rear side power genera- rates of grass, sand or mud will increase the power generation between 5-10%, while white cement will provide a 15% increase. tion in bi-facial modules, with different advantages for When mirror-like reflective surfaces such as water or snow are used, different types of ground cover. the gains reach 20-30%. By installing an iPV Tracker over a water Solar tracking power generation systems have become an surface using bi-facial modules, the increase in yields achieved important choice when building solar power stations. The world can reach 60% over fixed tilt systems utilizing mono-facial mod- has focused on the power generation efficiency of the bi-facial ules. Summer Lou, inventor of iPV Tracker and chairman of BIG module in conjunction with the solar tracking systems. BIG SUN SUN Energy noted “Two thirds of the earth is covered by water, by Energy was awarded the “Top 10 Highlights” at 2017 SNEC PV extending the application of iPV Trackers over water surfaces we will Power Expo in Shanghai for the highly efficient power generation help increase power generating efficiency without impacting the local features in the dual glass, bi-facial, dual axis iPV Tracker. BIG environment. iPV Trackers are able to harvest 60% of light transmit- SUN attended this year’s SNEC PV Power Expo held in Shang- tance and increase power gains by 50%. In shallow waters, the Aqua hai (May 28-30th) located in W1 Hall, booth #008. On display Solar solution will elevate the light transmittance 70-80%.” Summer werw the iPV Tracker in conjunction with high-efficiency bifacial noted “it is an eco-friendly system that provides space facilitating modules from two prominent suppliers, demonstrating it as a routine activities around the floating and mounted modules.” highly adaptive and highly efficient power generation system.

www.EQMagPro.com EQ July 2018 13 TECHNOLOGY

Hanwha Q CELLS to Launched Q.ANTUM Solar Module Series Q.PEAK-G5 at SNEC 2018

uring the exhibition, ing that by the first quarter of 2018, Hanwha Q CELLS Hanwha Q CELLS reached a total The Q.PEAK-G5 high-perfor- will introduce the of 8 GW of its proprietary Q.ANTUM ‘Q.PEAK-G5’ series solar cells from commercial mass mance solar module com- to the Chinese mar- production, which demonstrates its bines Q CELLS´ proprietary ket. These mono- industry leadership in PERC technol- Q.ANTUM cell technology crystalline solar ogy. Furthermore, Hanwha Q CELLS modules combine is the only enterprise that owns mass with six bus-bars to achieve D Q CELLS’ proprietary Q.ANTUM cell production technology of six bus-bar higher yields technology with six bus-bars. Thanks technology. It is the optimal combina- to Q.ANTUM technology’s long-term tion of these unique technologies that Hanwha Q CELLS will yield security, featuring Anti-PID creates the superior solar module also present its high-end technology, Hot-Spot Protect, Trace- Q.PEAK series. able Quality Tra.Q™ and Anti Lid In September 2017, Hanwha Q Q.ANTUM DUO solar mod- Technology (LID and LeTID), the Q. CELLS launched its Q.Partners Pro- ules and the innovative steel PEAK-G5 series will not only come gram in China. The Company‘s inter- frame solar module Q.PEAK with high power classes, but also national brand reputation, high-quality function excellently in low-light or products and wide range of services RSF L-G4.2 high-temperature conditions. The six has been attracting many installers The new generation bus-bar technology provides better and wholesalers. At the SNEC exhibi- efficiency and reliability by narrowing tion, the Company gave a detailed in- Q.ANTUM DUO technology the distance between the bus-bars. troduction of the Q.Partners program combines Q.ANTUM half-cell The powerful combination of and provided a convenient collabora- technology, wiring technol- these two advanced technologies tion platform for the customers.Both results in the Q.PEAK-G5 series, the Q.PEAK G5 New Product Launch ogy and six bus-bars, provid- which deliver outstanding perfor- and Q.Partners Program Introduction ing higher yields, system mance under real conditions. Thus, were held on the afternoon of May performance as well as lower the 60-cell Q.PEAK-G5 will reach 28. The Company also held events power outputs of up to 310Wp, and over the course of three days, in LCOE the 72-cells Q.PEAK L-G5 produces which participants could engage in up to 370Wp. It is worth mention- various games to win prizes.

14 EQ July 2018 www.EQMagPro.com Achievements

Message from R. Chellappan, MD of SWELECT Solar PV Modules join SWELECT: SWELECT has been known for its product quality and excellence in the Global List of Tier-1 Ranking manufacturing. This has again been well Ranked as Tier-1 Solar PV Module Manufacturer by Bloomberg New Energy Finance demonstrated through the Tier-1 accredi- tation by BNEF. With this as a yet another WELECT Energy Systems Limited (PV Module Brand milestone, SWELECT will strive to consis- – HHV Solar) has been recognized as “Tier-1 Solar PV tently upgrade the systems and practices Module Manufacturer” by Bloomberg New Energy Finance and offer the best of products and services (BNEF), the highly recognized global industry standard to its customers. We are proud to say that every customer will now be able to buy in classifying solar Photo Voltaic module manufacturers. bankable modules from SWELECT. This landmark achievement marks yet another milestone in SWELECT’s journey of solar manufacturing excellence, adding to their 30 years’ of experience in Energy SWELECT’s core strength lies in technical expertise which S is strongly backed with state of art manufacturing facilities and Power Conditioning Systems and 6 years’ in Solar PV Systems. BNEF evaluates Solar PV module manufacturers based on “Bankability for Solar PV Modules (HHV ST), Solar PCUs, structural and or Financial Stability of the projects” as a key criteria and SWELECT’s electrical Balance of Systems (BOS) such as Module Mount- recognition to Tier-1 rating serves as an independent validation of their ing Structures (MMS), AJBs, etc. and a Network of Project performance as a “Sustainable and Reliable Solar Business Partner”. offices. SWELECT is among 34 Global Solar Module Manufacturers to have With more than 30 years of field experience and with a attained this Tier-1 status. This recognition is bestowed for their 110 MW team of experts in Power Electronics, SWELECT, always State-of-Art World-Class Solar PV Module Manufacturing facility at Da- stays close to its customers and caters to their Energy needs baspet, Bangalore, Karnataka, which offers “High Quality, High Efficiency through continuous technological innovation, rich expertise and Highly Reliable Solar PV modules combined with Bankability” in the and customer centric approach. SWELECT has the ability brand name “HHV Solar” at varying capacities with International Certi- to implement solar power projects in small as well as large fication and compliance to IEC Standards. SWELECT Energy Systems scales with utmost understanding of customer requirements Limited (formerly known as Numeric Power Systems Limited) is one of and customized solutions. SWELECT has installed over 4500 the leading Solar Power Systems Company with a strong presence in Roof Top Installations and over 100 MW of Utility scale SPV global energy market for over 30 years. Projects and growing in the Renewable Energy space rapidly.

www.EQMagPro.com EQ July 2018 15 Achievements

Amplus Solar Conferred CleanMax Solar Bags Transfor- With European Award mational Business Awards 2018 by for Best Practices 2018 Financial Times (FT) / The Interna- The European Society for Quality Research (ESQR) have conferred on Amplus Solar ‘The European Award for Best Practices Award 2018’ in a tional Finance Corporation (IFC) glittering ceremony held at Le Plaza hotel in Brussels on May 12, 2018. Financial Times (FT) and International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, announced CleanMax Solar, India’s most trusted sustainability partner uropean Society for Quality Research for the corporate segment, as the winner in ‘Achievement in Transformational Infra- with the head office in Switzerland rec- structure’ at the Transformational Business Awards 2018. ognizes the companies, public administration, organizations and individuals ompany was selected from among 189 entries received with best practices and results in quality from 126 countries, and received the award for its roof- management strategies from 51 coun- top solar project at the Tata Motors factory in Sanand, tries such as Japan, Germany, Saudi Gujarat. CleanMax Solar is the first Indian company E Arabia, Malaysia and many more. The ever to win the award. The award was presented by Ms. India headquartered Amplus Solar, a Stephanie Race, CEO, Crop Performance Ltd. to Mr. brand under Amplus Energy was among Kuldeep Jain, Founder and Managing Director of Clean- the winners who gained recognition for Max Solar, during the awards ceremony held in London. its stalwart adherence to the highest C This is the fifth edition of the FT/IFC Transformational standards of quality in both design and Business Awards, the global programme highlighting execution. One of the leading providers innovative, long-term private sector solutions to major of solar energy solutions, Amplus Solar development challenges. In 2015, CleanMax Solar pro- serves diverse set of industrial and vided a solar rooftop solution to the Tata Motors facility commercial customers in 200 locations. where the Tata Nano car is manufactured. The rooftop solar plant was developed on a ‘build-own-operate’ model, which enabled Tata Motors to switch to solar

{ power in zero-capex and risk-free manner. Through this project, Tata Motors not only reduces its carbon footprint by 2700 tons annually for a period of 25 years, but also “We are delighted locks in a large fraction of its electricity cost from solar

to be recognized by power, at a discount to grid electricity tariffs. It is esti- ESQR for the best mated that Tata Motors is saving INR 3 million annually practices and qual- from the project. The solar plant has also reduced the ity management indoor temperature of the factory and generated long- term local employment opportunities. strategies to provide { reliable energy solutions across Commenting on the award, India. This award Mr. Kuldeep Jain, Founder and reiterates our com- Managing Director, CleanMax mitment to meet Solar, said, “We are extremely humbled and honoured to receive the ever-evolving this prestigious and globally energy needs of the recognised award from Financial clients with leading Times and IFC. It gives us motiva- quality and safety tion to continue working towards levels,” said a sustainable future by providing Mr. Sanjeev Ag- innovative solutions which are garwal, Managing also viable for corporates. Director & CEO, I would like to thank FT/IFC Jury members for recognizing Amplus Energy. our endeavours and also all the employees and stakeholders at CleanMax Solar who work relentlessly to ensure quality project delivery.” {

CleanMax Solar has installed more than 250 projects for over 70 corporates in India, with combined rooftop capacity of 100 MW, Amplus continues to remain committed to Indian and has also commissioned more than 300 MW of grid connected distributed energy market. It has seen its portfolio solar farms for its corporate consumers. CleanMax Solar’s investors scale from 6 MW to over 300 MW in the last 24 include Warburg Pincus, the global private equity firm, as well as In- months. Amplus is diversifying in new avenues such ternational Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank as Battery Storage, Energy Efficiencies, and con- Group, and was IFC’s first rooftop solar investee globally. centrated solar power technologies among others.

16 EQ July 2018 www.EQMagPro.com www.EQMagPro.com EQ July 2018 17 Achievements

A Path breaking Journey in Renewable Energy through last 4 years 1. Transparency is an overarching order to harness this potential we have guidelines principle of our government. formulated offshore wind power policy Last 4 years have been path-breaking in Transparent bidding and facilitation and expression of interest for initial 1GW India’s renewable energy landscape. for procurement of solar and wind off-shore wind power have already been power through tariff based competitive issued; Renewable power installed capacity has bidding process have led to significant already reached over 70 GW. Over 40 reduction in cost of solar and wind 8. Creating an ecosystem for domestic power. In the year 2017 competitive bid- manufacturing of solarcells is our prior- GW renewable power capacity is under ity. We have issued expression of interest construction/tendered. ding guidelines for procurement of solar and wind power have been notified. The for setting up solar PV manufacturing lowest tariff of Rs. 2.44 per unit for solar capacities linked with assured off take of Globally, India stands 4th in wind power 20GW. This stimulus is expected to kick 5th in renewable power and 6th in solar and Rs. 2.43 per unit for wind discovered. The first solar plant bid at Rs. 2.44 will be start domestic manufacturing in solar power installed capacity. inaugurated in August 2018. energy space; The Green Energy Corridor projects Solar energy capacity increased by over 2. We have waived the Inter State Trans- 9. 8 times from 2.63 GW in 2014 to 22 mission System charges and losses for seek creation of grid infrastructure for renewable power evacuation and to GW. inter-state sale of solar and wind power for projects to be commissioned by reshape grid for future requirements.The Wind energy capacity increased by 1.6 March 2022. This will encourage setting intra state transmission scheme (InSTS) being implemented by eight renewable times from 21 GW in 2014 to 34 GW. up of the projects in states that have greater resource potential and avail- rich States with an investment of Rs. Trajectories for bidding 115GW renew- ability of suitable land. It also helps in 10,141 crores will set up about 9400 ckm able power projects upto March 2020 creating a pan-India renewable power transmission lines and Substations of total capacity of approx. 19000 MVA to have been announced. market, as generation in excess of the state’s own requirement could be be completedMarch 2020. We are well on track to achieving 175 transmitted to the resource poor states 10. Over US$ 42 billion investment was GW target of installed renewable en- without additional financial burden; made in renewable energy in India during last 4 years. New opportunities have ergy capacity. 3. In our efforts to send right signal about government of India’s commitment emerged- altogether new business space Trends suggest that the target will not towards renewables we have notified has been created. Indian companies only be achieved but exceeded. Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) have begun to explore foreign stock trajectory upto the year 2019. We are in a exchanges as a source of funds. India is process to notify RPO trajectory upto the progressively becoming a most favored year 2022; destination for investment in renew- New schemes at advanced stages of be- ables. Foreign investors can enter into ing launched: 4. For mainstreaming renewables, we joint venture with an Indian partner for have introduced Renewable Generation financial and/or technical collaboration KUSUM (KisanUrja Suraksha evamUt- Obligation (RGO). This provision will and for setting up of renewable energy- thaanMahabhiyan)Scheme: encourage coal based thermal power based power generation projects. 100% generators to diversify in renewable foreign investment as equity qualifies 27.5 lakh solar pumps (17.50 energy portfolio; for automatic approval. Government of lakh standalone + 10 Lakh Grid- India is also encouraging foreign Inves- 5. For optimizing land use and harness- connected) tors to set up renewable energy-based ing solar and wind energy potential power generation projects on build- 10 GW of Solar Power Plants of optimally, we have notified Solar-Wind own-operate basis. hybrid policy. This policy will help in bet- intermediate capacity of 0.5–2 ter harnessing of renewable energyre- 11. Renewable energy projects set up in last MW sources and to an extant also addressre- 4 years have created around 10 million 50,000 Grid-connected tube- newableenergy variability, The Ministry man day’s employment per annum. The has also brought out one tender for Suryamitra program was launched for wells/lift irrigation and drinking setting up 2000 MW solar-wind hybrid creation of a qualified technical work- water projects in existing projects; force in 2015 and over 18,631 Suryamitras have been trained under the programme SRISTI (Sustainable Rooftop Imple- 6. Target for Solar Parks has been up to 31 March 2018. mentation for Solar Transfiguration of enhanced from 20 GW to 40 GW. 41 India) – new scheme for solar rooftop Solar Parks in 21 States with aggregate 12. For quality assurance we have notified capacity of over 26 GW have already standards for deployment of solar pho- being formulated. been sanctioned. Largest Solar Park of 2 tovoltaic systems/devices; and Round the Clock renewables policy has GW capacity in Pavagada, Karnataka is under implementation. New Solar Park 13. On 6 December 2017, the International been finalized. policy has been announced to encour- Solar Alliance (ISA) has become first international intergovernmental orga- For realising 175 GW target a number age participation by private parties and CPSUs in setting up Solar Parks. nization headquartered in India. ISA is of policy measures have been taken. part Shri Narendra Modi, Hon’ble Prime 7. Off-shore from Tamil Nadu and Gujarat Minister of India’s vision to provide clean coast provides among the best loca- and affordable energy to all. tions from wind power generation.In Source: pib.nic.in

18 EQ July 2018 www.EQMagPro.com PV MANUFACTURING

he record module integrates het- Record 410 watt module with heterojunction cells manufactured on industrial 2400 wph Meyer Burger cell manufacturing equipment on the erojunction solar cell tech- CEA INES pilot line with an average HJT cell efficiency of 23.4%. Achieved nology within the framework of the strong T CEA – Meyer Burger partnership on CEA INES team, in collaboration with Meyer Burger, achieves new heterojunction 72 cell module performance record at 410W. heterojunction technology, the CEA INES pilot line for heterojunction cell manufacturing integrates Meyer Burger’s PECVD and PVD equipment. The record module was manufactured in Thun on Meyer Burger’s SmartWire Connection Technology (SWCT™) manufacturing equipment using materials based on the newest generation SWCT™. This result highlights the very high potential of heterojunction technology and the 15 years of expertise of the CEA INES team on heterojunction technology strengthened by its partnership with photovoltaic equipment supplier Meyer Burger.

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www.EQMagPro.com EQ July 2018 19 PV MANUFACTURING

Teamtechnik presents successful adhesive tech-nolo- Meyer Burger divests its gy for HJT cells The STRINGER TT1600 ECA uses new adhesive technology and low process temperatures to join high-efficiency bifacial HJT (heterojunction) cells. Solar Systems business to This process reduces thermal and mechanical stress on the sensitive Patrick Hofer-Noser cells and results in a high string quality. As part of the optimisation programme regarding the Thun manufactur- eamtechnik, a worldwide technology leader ing site and the company’s product portfolio which was communicated in stringer systems for connecting solar cells, Meyer Burger Technology Ltd (SIX Swiss Exchange. based in Germany with subsidiaries in China, BTN) announced that it will transfer its Solar has developed the process itself and brought Systems business (“Energy Systems”) and it successfully to market. The Stringer TT1600 the 32 impacted employees to 3S Solar Plus ECA is designed for reliable series production AG, a company which will be newly created with high unit volumes. The production system T connects HJT cells with light-capturing ribbons and which has been sold to Dr Patrick Hofer- Noser. in the past few months Meyer Burger (LCRs) at a cycle rate of 2.25 seconds. Mhad evaluated various strategic options for ECA is an abbreviation for “electrically con- the business which mainly addresses the ductive adhesive”. In this process a conductive Swiss market with its MegaSlate® products. glue is applied to both sides of the cell using a The sale will result in a loss for Meyer Burger screen-printing technique. It is then fully cured in the low single-digit million range including at a temperature of roughly 160ºC together a goodwill recycling of around CHF 1 million. with the LCRs. On stand E3 365 at SNEC Completion of the contract which has been 2018 teamtechnik exhibited its two high- signed with Dr Patrick Hofer-Noser is subject performance systems, the Stringer TT2100 to standard closing conditions and expected and TT4200GIGA with IR light-based soldering to be completed in the first half of 2018. Both technology for mass production of high-quality parties have agreed to maintain confidential- solar cell strings with monocrystalline, poly- ity regarding the transaction price. crystalline and PERC solar cells.

Hans Brändle, CEO of Meyer Burger: “By selling the Solar S.Korea takes dispute on Systems unit to Patrick Hofer-Noser, we have found U.S. tariffs on washing ma- an industrial and especially also local solution for the MegaSlate® business and the chines, solar panels to WTO employees.” South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy said in a statement { that it has delivered its request for bilateral consultation to the U.S. Patrick Hofer-Noser is a long-time, internationally respect- side to start a dispute settlement process. ed specialist in the solar industry. He was a founding member and later Delegate of the Board of Directors and Chief outh Korea said that it has taken a dispute to Executive Officer of 3S Industries AG, in Lyss/Switzerland, the World Trade Organization (WTO) against which merged into Meyer Burger Group in 2010. Thereafter the United States for imposing tariffs on wash- he was Chief Technology Officer and member of the Execu- ing machines and solar panels as the measure tive Board of Meyer Burger Group until 2012. Patrick Hofer- was deemed to be in violation of the WTO Noser was Head of Energy Systems and until he left Meyer agreement. South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Burger the position of Policy Liaison Officer. Industry and Energy said in a statement that it S has delivered its request for bilateral consulta- Patrick Hofer-Noser: “Together with tion to the U.S. side to start a dispute settlement process. my employees and partners I look The move is a set of measures that the South Korean forward to further developing and government had taken after U.S. President Donald Trump slapped a steep tariff on imported washing machines and expanding the market position of the solar panels in February to protect American manufacturers. aesthetic and reliable MegaSlate® South Korea said it notified its plan to suspend tariff conces- solar roof and facade system which has sions on imported U.S. goods worth $480 million following been manufactured in Switzerland for U.S. tariff measures against South Korean imports. The more than 15 years and to making a ministry said it will respond to unfair import restrictions taken contribution to protecting the climate.” by the country’s major trading partners against South Korean Source: meyerburger { companies. Source: reuters

20 EQ July 2018 www.EQMagPro.com www.EQMagPro.com EQ July 2018 21 PV MANUFACTURING

SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES and SERIS on track to reduce cost of heterojunction solar cell manufacturing SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES AG (SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES) and the Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore (SERIS) at the National University of Singapore (NUS) are entering a second phase in the joint research collaboration on developing cost-effective manufacturing tools with lower cost of ownership. fter an initial phase proving that an induc- tively coupled PECVD (ICPECVD) plasma Prof Armin ABERLE, SERIS’ CEO, said: “Solar energy source concept works, a new agreement was is the most accepted renewable energy source for signed in which both parties continue their the future. City states like Singapore don’t have joint research and development efforts to in- much space and thus need to focus on high-efficien- dustrialize highly efficient solar cell concepts. cy technologies. Heterojunction solar cells have been The aim of the collaboration is to develop a niche market so far due to their complex fabrica- A innovative, cost-effective processes on SIN- GULUS’ novel mass production tools for the tion process and consequently higher investment fabrication of crystalline silicon heterojunction costs. This research has the potential to be a game solar cells. changer, by significantly lowering the manufacturing costs of high-efficiency solar cells and thereby Dr Thomas MUELLER, SERIS’ Head of Heterojunction Cell reducing the LCOE of renewable energy in urban Development, said: “SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES is a strong } environments such as Singapore”. industrial partner for SERIS with a proven track record in high-tech tool manufacturing sectors like high-capacity stor- Both parties will join forces to conduct further age, semiconductor and solar, by implementing novel and studies on heterojunction solar cell fabrication effective manufacturing concepts in cost-effective packages. using the SINGULUS ICPECVD pilot produc- SERIS is adding its longstanding expertise in heterojunction tool for amorphous silicon (a-Si) layers. The tion device structures to develop the processes on the new work packages include the proof of concept for an platform, so that the PV manufacturing industry has a short economic PECVD mass production tool as well as learning curve when deploying the new platform”. further development of TCO layers. The collabo- } ration is scheduled for the duration of 18 months Dr Marco Huber, Product manager PECVD at SINGULUS and the results shall foster the GW scale roll-out TECHNOLOGIES, added: “We are delighted to team up with of heterojunction solar cells, which is a promising SERIS for this challenging task. In many discussions with candidate for highly efficient solar cells for both customers we have learned that the industry is seeking monofacial and bifacial applications. cost-effective, novel solutions for this decisive process step. The broad process expertise combined with the institute’s outstanding analytical capabilities make SERIS a powerful partner in developing the innovations required to advance heterojunction solar cells to the mass production level”. } Source: SINGULUS

22 EQ July 2018 www.EQMagPro.com PV MANUFACTURING

SCHMID Group reports high PV order volume in the first half of the year and presents its trend-setting process solutions at the major SNEC trade show From May 28th to 30th, 2018, SCHMID Group presented itself and its production equipment to the international business audience at the SNEC in Shanghai (booth E3-535).

CHMID Group looks equipment and thermal processing sys- (Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Vapor back on a successful first tems. New production technologies of Deposition) technology offers solar half of the year in the the SCHMID Group offer its customers cell manufacturers a groundbreaking Business Unit Photo- decisive advantages over competitors perspective for the future: The atmo- voltaics. In particular, and are increasingly in demand. The spheric process is ideally suited for increased CSi expan- Alkaline Edge Isolation and Polishing the mass production of high-efficiency sions of Asian customers system offers the world’s only process S cells and, for example, the doping of led to the high order receipt. Over the for edge isolation without any nitric acid n-type solar cells with boron. Detailed last six months, 56 Single Side Etch (HNO3) as well as rear side polishing information on these process technolo- lines of the new InfinityLine generation of high-efficiency cells. The likewise gies and other production equipment have been ordered from SCHMID. All unique DW PreTex process for the of the SCHMID Group can be obtained of them will be delivered in 2018. The texturing of diamond-wire sawn multi- at www.schmid-group.com as well as thin-film segment also provided the crystalline wafers enables subsequent within the scope of the SNEC at the SCHMID Group with a large amount processing with the standard texture SCHMID booth E3-535. of new orders, both for wet process HF / HNO3. SCHMID’s proven APCVD Source: schmid-group

www.EQMagPro.com EQ July 2018 23 PV MANUFACTURING

Heraeus supports China’s effective strategic efforts for clean energy, creating “global tipping point” for renewable energy Performance gains, continual innovation and critical mass of adoption puts renewable energy on inevitable path to becoming the cheapest form of generating electricity, Heraeus Photovoltaics president Liebheit says.

Andreas Liebheit, Heraeus Photovoltaics Pres- ident that the world’s energy picture is reaching a global tipping point that will establish solar energy and other renewable sources as the most affordable ways to produce electricity. The driving factor giving momentum to this effort is China’s ambitious renewable energy program, which encompassed over 130 billion USD in 2017, more than all other countries combined. Liebheit noted that these strategic China’s renewable energy strategy has integrated into investments are having a global domino effect that continues its Belt and Road initiative. China announced plans to increase adoption of renewable energy. to build renewable energy manufacturing plants in } about 20 countries within their Road and Belt map. ith a significant energy portfolio encompass- Liebheit points out this strategy has a three-fold effect: ing photovoltaics (PV), wind, fuel cells and He says, “China reinforces its world leadership in PV, battery technology, Heraeus has been a drives further adoption of renewable energy and eco- leading driver of efficiency and innovation in nomically strengthens its trading partner relationships the renewable energy industry. Within the in the region.” past six months, Heraeus helped customers achieve several world records for solar W cell PERC efficiency. Overall, all Chinese Liebheit also discussed China’s national effort to companies collectively achieved an absolute become the world leader in energy transmission and increase of 1.24% in p-type mono PERC cell storage capabilities. China’s investment in energy storage efficiency. At a briefing at the 2018 SNEC technology represents more than 50% of the world mar- International Photovoltaic Power Generation ket and they currently produce more than three times and Smart Energy Exhibition and Confer- the world’s battery capacity. The investments are paying ence, Liebheit shared company insights on dividends: average battery pack prices continued to fall, the long-term future for renewable energy down to $209/kWh in 2017, a 24% decrease. He said, “Chi- and its continued growth and adoption. na’s build-out of a smart, integrated grid that maximizes the generating capabilities of all these renewable sources According to Liebheit, China’s strategic policies and massive is, for me, the last piece of the puzzle.” investments have clearly positioned China as “the owner of Liebheit points to another factor helping renewable the global PV supply chain.” The continued adoption and energy to close the “cost gap” with fossil fuels: the innova- growth of PV in China is reaching critical mass, enabling tion ceiling of legacy energy. He notes that coal and fossil costs to become comparable to and eventually cheaper than fuels are mature and “there is little that can be done from traditional forms of energy. an innovation perspective to attain more performance In 2016, Heraeus projected a 50 percent decrease in the and efficiency.” levelized cost of renewable energy within five years, from which 27% have already been realized after just two years. Renewable energy, Liebheit observes, is not burdened “We predicted a cost reduction glide path, but the cost drop with an innovation ceiling. He says, “Across our own is significantly ahead of projections. It is faster than a glide.” renewable energy solutions portfolio, which includes Renewable Wind and PV energy price at auctions in Mexico silver metallization pastes, PV cell optimization services, and Saudi Arabia have already reached prices below $0.018/ fuel cells and battery technology, we achieve significant kWh. innovation and performance gains regularly. The same Another compelling trend is China’s success in improving air can be said of the industry overall.” With innovation and quality. One of its best known initiatives, called Beijing Blue adoption on a continued upward trajectory and cost Sky, has seen a significant improvement in air quality from per-kWh declining, Liebheit adds, “global adoption of “grey” to “blue sky” days in the Beijing region. With the dou- renewable energy as the best, most flexible and cheapest bling of use of PV/solar energy and cutting coal use by half way to generate electricity is not just possible in the next during that period, the region saw 226 blue sky days in 2017 decade, it is inevitable.” compared to only 176 in 2013.

24 EQ July 2018 www.EQMagPro.com PV MANUFACTURING

Daqo New Energy Receives Gov- Mr. Longgen Zhang, Chief Executive Officer of Daqo New Energy, commented, “Government approval of Phase 4 in its entirety is another ernment Approval for Entire milestone in our long-term expansion plan and demonstrates our commitment to meeting the Phase 4 Capacity Expansion surging demand for ultra-high purity polysilicon from our customers. Daqo New Energy Corp. (NYSE: DQ) (“Daqo New Energy” or the “Company”), a leading } } manufacturer of high-purity polysilicon for the global solar PV industry an- As part of our investment agreement with the lo- nounced that it has received government approval of its Phase 4 capacity expansion cal government, our electricity rate will decrease to plan in its entirety and signed an investment agreement with the local government. RMB0.20/kwh (VAT included) when we fully ramp up our Phase 4A project in Q1 2020. Our current electricity he Phase 4 expansion plan will expand the Com- rate is RMB0.29/kwh (VAT included), which is expected pany’s manufacturing capacity in Shihezi, Xinjiang to decrease to RMB0.24/kwh (VAT included) when Uygur Autonomous Region, by a total of 70,000 MT we fully ramp up our Phase 3B project in Q1 2019. The in two Phases, Phase 4A and 4B, which will each reduced electricity rates and the additional capacity will consist of 35,000 MT expanded manufacturing improve our manufacturing efficiency and strengthen capacity. We began the design, construction and in- our leadership position in terms of cost structure. With stallation of the new facilities for Phase 4A in early grid parity rapidly approaching, I am confident that de- T May 2018, with pilot production expected to com- mand for our ultra-high purity mono-crystalline-grade mence in the fourth quarter of 2019 before ramping polysilicon will remain strong going forward. We will up to full 35,000 MT annual production capacity in the first quarter of 2020. Phase 4A compliments continue to strategically plan for our future as we fur- Phase 3B of the Company’s capacity expansion ther improve our cost structure and polysilicon purity, which will increase the total annual production and expand our capacity to strengthen our leadership capacity from 18,000 MT to 30,000 MT by the first position in the industry.” quarter of 2019. Source: daqo

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Heraeus assists Solarspace to join the 10GW Club Solarspace aims to increase its capacity threefold in two years Heraeus Photovoltaics, the worldwide leading supplier of metallization solutions to the PV industry, announced a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement with Jiangsu Zhongyu Photovoltaic Technology Co., Ltd. Dr. Zhang Weiming, Chief Tech- (“Solarspace”) at the 2018 SNEC International nology Officer and Executive Vice Photovoltaic Power Generation and Smart President of Heraeus Photo- Energy Exhibition & Conference. voltaics, said, “The long-lasting cooperation between Heraeus and Solarspace has been good for he agreement covers our respective growth. Based on not only Solarspace’s } our in-depth and open coopera- conventional additive “The sound and sustainable tion, we have removed numerous texturing (on DWC growth of Solarspace from technical barriers and witnessed wafers) and MCCE (on 2010 to 2018 is attributed to the booming of Solarspace. We our principle of putting quality black silicon) processes, are now well prepared to help Sol- first. Right from the beginning, but also its forthcoming arspace grow sustainably by meet- we have maintained a close T high-efficiency technolo- ing its requirements for improved cooperation with Heraeus in efficiency in a timely way.” gies such as mono- the development of products, crystalline passivated applications and technology emitter and rear contact roadmaps. Heraeus has always The partnership can be traced back to 2010 upon the (PERC), selective emit- been with us at many of our key inception of Solarspace. From the earliest single print- ter (SE), and heterojunc- growth stages: for example, ing on slurry-cut silicon wafers to the current single/dual tion (HIT) solar cells. it offered 9641B-1188 paste to printing on addictive DWC wafers and black silicon, The two companies also help us move from conven- Heraeus has been involved in each technical upgrade agreed to open a key tional screens to highmesh 440 of Solarspace, with generations of metallization pastes, laboratory together to screens in the very beginning including 9610X, 9621X, 9631X, 9641X and 9651X. develop new materials to achieve a 0.05% efficiency Heraeus also provides long-term in-plant services and and processes. Going gain, and customized 9651D- customized products, and carries out regular ex- forward, Heraeus will 140 paste for us in response changes on R&D, promptly troubleshooting Solarspace to higher challenges for provide highly efficient launched a plan called “10GW in 2020” to expand its printability and adhesion on metallization pastes and annual capacity from the current 2GW to 10GW within a full range of optimized the DWC wafers to meet the requirements of our produc- the next two years. In the same timeframe, high- solutions to improve efficiency technologies such as mono PERC, SE and efficiency while address- tion lines,” said Mr. Liu Guyan, general manager of Solarspace, HIT will be introduced. As for this new development ing costs. at the signing ceremony. “The plan, Heraeus will collaborate with Solarspace in the next two years will see Sol- next-generation process upgrade, reduce costs and arspace growing rapidly. With improve efficiency in monocrystalline technology all the the strong support of Heraeus, while mapping out a plan to tap into the applications of we are fully confident of our low temperature pastes. Numerous Heraeus patents in follow-up development plans.” pastes will also enable Solarspace to provide industry- } leading customers with the latest technical solutions.

26 EQ July 2018 www.EQMagPro.com PV MANUFACTURING

Meyer Burger’s SmartWire Connection Technology selected by Panasonic Solar for evaluation in the manufacture of its innovative high efficiency solar modules Meyer Burger Technology Ltd (SIX Swiss Exchange: MBTN) announced an agreement with Panasonic Solar for the installation and accelerated evaluation of its SWCT™ platform for the connection of HIT™ cells. ith its heterojunction cell technology, Panasonic is Panasonic’s technology – industry-leading high perfor- one of the pioneers in the development and man- mance technology ufacture of high efficiency solar cells and mod- Panasonic produced PV modules HIT™ have a unique ules. By implementing Meyer Burger’s SmartWire silicon heterojunction structure composed of crystalline Connection technology to connect its HIT™ silicon substrate and amorphous silicon layers. This tech- cells, Panasonic expects to further increase the nology performs the junction formation needed for solar W strength of its high efficiency PV modules. cells by surrounding the crystalline silicon wafer with an SmartWire Connection Technology (SWCT™) – the natural evolution in amorphous silicon layer. With industry-leading conversion cell connection technology efficiency and excellent temperature coefficient charac- teristics, Panasonic achieves high power generation even Meyer Burger’s ground-breaking SmartWire Connection Technol- in a limited space. Panasonic has started to supply HIT™ ogy employs an innovative foil-wire electrode with up to 24 perfectly cells with partners in addition to PV modules. Panasonic aligned wires to connect solar cells. This reduces silver consumption will expand BtoB business with partners globally. per heterojunction solar module by over 50% which in turn reduces HIT™ is a registered trademark of Panasonic Group. production costs for solar module manufacturers. The resulting The delivery and installation of Meyer Burger’s structure of a SWCT™ module significantly strengthens its stability SWCT™ equipment at Panasonic’s R&D facility located and enhances its lifetime. This powerful combination of higher energy in Osaka, Japan is planned in the second quarter of 2018 yield, longer module lifetime and lower manufacturing costs make and is an initial step towards extending the adoption of SWCT™ the most cost effective method of connecting solar cells on SmartWire Connection Technology to other manufacturing the market. locations.

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GoodWe Launches Smart Solution for Module-Level Monitoring, Rapid Shut- down and Optimization Following last year’s announced cooperation with Tigo, GoodWe is now launching the DNS and SDT rapid shutdown inverter series with MLPE functionalities treamlined solution for the optimization of energy yields on the module level which is perfectly adequate for complex system designs and partial shadings – using optimizers on shaded modules recovers an average of 36% energy loss due to mismatch. Offering from shutdown code compliance to module-level diagnostics and maximized energy harvest, the Tigo TS4 platform works seamlessly with both GoodWe DNS and SDT inverters. S Compared to other traditional optimization systems in the market which require MLPEs on every module even when it is not necessary, GoodWe offers a highly efficient solution with fewer BOS components which lowers the overall cost of the system and is easier to install.

GoodWe DNS and SDT series smart inverters can offer a cost effective and reliable solution that matches perfectly with smart modules. This enables end users to harness more system data for valuable insights about real-time analysis in both Tigo and GoodWe’s monitoring platforms and also enables cost-effective datalogging to collect operating information from The TS4 platform utilizes two key components that are compatible with any the inverters as well as each smart PV module: a base that is integrated into the module, and five separate de- module. tachable covers housing varied levels of MLPE functionalities. Customers can “With the launch of GoodWe Tigo mix and match TS4 covers according to their ideal budget and system require- CCA-embedded smart inverters, ments. The TS4 platform offers the option to selectively deploy the exact func- integrators can benefit from reduced tionality needed to maximize system performance, all while guaranteeing the installation time, service risk, and lowest cost with the greatest ROI. The retrofitting process can be completed ultimately cost,” said Huang Min, CEO quickly just with changeable solar junction box covers which do not require any of GoodWe. “GoodWe DNS and SDT screws, allowing easy upgrading or fast replacement in case of damage. Fur- series with MLPE functionalities offer thermore, thanks to the integration of Tigo’s Cloud Connect Advanced (CCA) customers a flexible solution which datalogger, users can reduce hardware costs avoiding the need to purchase realizes greater energy production and an additional datalogger. Fewer components reduce potential points of failure roof usage, while providing a higher and risk, and simplifies service when it is required. ROI.”

28 EQ July 2018 www.EQMagPro.com inverter

GoodWe 20 kW SDT Series Brings Pow- er Density to Unprecedented Levels GoodWe is rolling out its new compact 20 kW SDT series inverter for both three-phase households and commercial applications with high power density, which includes two MPP trackers and a wide input voltage range to ensure design flexibility and compatibility with high-output PV panels. he new 20 kW SDT series allows 130% DC oversizing is either to install three single phase inverters for each to fully maximize capacity. In addition, with 110% AC phase or one three phase inverter that will work across overload and a start-up voltage of 180 V, it guarantees three phases. an earlier generation of power and a longer working Furthermore, high-efficiency module technologies time for maximum energy harvest. Thanks to its smart – e.g. bifacial, mono PERC – are also seizing market fan cooling technology design, the inverter runs full share and setting the stage for even higher efficiencies load and reliably cool in -25 – 60 °C temperatures. to come, which requires inverter manufacturers to catch T As residential rooftop PV projects continue to ex- up with these new technologies. However, some resi- pand toward larger systems up to 20 kW, three-phase dential three-phase inverters in the market are heavy, string inverters are gaining an increasing market share bulky, and difficult to install. in both household and commercial projects. The use Compared with equivalent competitor products, the of single-phase inverters in a three-phase environment new GoodWe 20 kW SDT series inverter is the most might cause faults due to unsymmetrical grid issues. compact and lightweight inverter in the market with While it is technically possible to install both single and the highest power density and maximum efficiency of three phase inverters if you own a three-phase prop- 98.6%. With a weight of just 26 kg, the new SDT series erty, many network operators will not allow an imbal- is easier to handle and install than any other similar ance across the phases. Therefore, the only solution three-phase inverters currently available.

Increasing power. One innovation after another.

DuPont continues to set the pace of innovation in the solar industry. We’ve introduced more than 130 new Solamet® pastes in the last nine years alone, consistently helping to boost the power output of solar panels. It’s one reason why more than 200 billion solar cells have been made using Solamet® pastes over the past 30 years.

Materials Matter™ solamet.dupont.com

www.EQMagPro.com EQ July 2018 29 inverter

Enphase also announced that Ramesh Sub- Enphase Energy Announces 4.5MW baRao has been appointed Vice President and General Manager, India Commercial Opera- Solar Installation in India tions. Mr. SubbaRao will oversee Enphase’s commercial operations in the India region, with Enphase Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ:ENPH), a global energy technology company and a focus on the country’s dominant commercial the world’s leading provider of solar microinverters, and Waaree Energies Ltd., and industrial (C&I) segment. India’s largest Tier 1 solar panel manufacturer, announced a 4.5 MW solar power “We are pleased to have Ramesh join plant installation using Waaree Enphase AC modules. This solar power plant, our team in India,” said David Ranhoff. “He located in Hosapet, India will be the largest Enphase microinverter-based solar brings to Enphase many years of managing installation globally. C&I and utility operations for the India market and experience leading international teams. ystem’s owner, an independent power producer (IPP) With Ramesh joining Enphase, we are adding chose the Waaree Enphase AC module (ACM) due to its executive-level leadership to help grow our ability to generate solar power in low-light, diffused light customer base in India, while leveraging his or shaded conditions, maximizing its energy harvest in C&I and utility experience to strengthen our India’s harsh, dusty environment. Occupying 18 acres commercial operations worldwide.” and powered by 13,235 Enphase Energy™ microin- Ramesh has more than 23 years of semi- verters, the system is expected to provide more than conductor and renewable energy experience. S 7,500 MWh of clean power annually to businesses in Prior to joining Enphase, he was the chief Bangalore and the state of Karnataka through a mix of operating officer for Asia at Lightsource BP, short- and long-term power purchase agreements. The Europe’s largest solar developer with more combination of Waaree’s high quality and high reliability than 1.3GW developed and 2GW assets under monocrystalline solar PV modules with Enphase Micro- management. Before his role at Lightsource inverters attached to the back will make the installation BP, Ramesh was managing director, APAC of 13,235 solar modules easier and faster than with operations at SunEdison where he led a team conventional solar system components. of 150 people responsible for the engineering, construction and commissioning of over $1 This 4.5MW power plant installation represents billion in solar and wind projects across India, Enphase’s entry into India’s utility scale photovol- China, Japan, and Southeast Asia. Ramesh taic (PV) segment, and proves that Enphase’s value received his Bachelor of Science degree in proposition of outstanding reliability, safety and computer science from Birla Institute of Sci- performance translates to large scale systems,” ence and Technology, Pilani. said David Ranhoff, vice president and chief commercial officer at Enphase Energy. “This is a truly exciting opportunity for Enphase as it furthers our expansion into India.” { “I am thrilled to join Enphase during its piv- otal growth stage in India,” said Ramesh Sub- baRao. “India has set a target to deliver more than 100GW of grid-connected solar power projects by 2022, offering Enphase an opportunity to build a strong footprint and expand its share in one of the world’s largest and fastest growing solar markets. I look forward to working with the talented team to implement innovative go-to-market strategies that will further strengthen Enphase’s position, { customer base and value proposition.” “We are delighted to install Waaree’s mono-crystalline “The Waaree Enphase AC module is a high- ACMs with Enphase Energy’s microinverters,” said quality product that provides an efficient K. Shreedhar, founder and director, Diwakar Soltec Pvt. and cost effective installation process,” Ltd. “Enphase’s made for India microinverter technolo- said Hitesh Doshi, chairman and manag- gy ensures superior performance under hot and humid ing director, Waaree Energies Ltd. “We are conditions, and delivers increased yields because of pleased to be working with Enphase to of- its higher system availability. The system will provide fer our IPP customer unmatched reliability, us peace of mind due to its module-level monitoring as well as leading intelligence and control capabilities.” capabilities desired by commercial and { industrial asset managers.” Source: Enphase Energy, Inc

30 EQ July 2018 www.EQMagPro.com SQ-May-2G-210x297mm 20180524.pdf 1 2018/5/24 15:43:21

CMY

www.EQMagPro.com EQ July 2018 31 inverter

Sungrow India Roadshow Technical Seminar – Bangalore

Solar energy is one of the known renewable forms of energy & Sungrow is one of the known global leading solar company. Sungrow, successfully organised it’s 7th Solar technical seminar in Le Meridien hotel, Bangalore. Sungrow, demonstrated its LIVE Product in unique Mobile Showroom, for the better understanding of String and Central inverter technology and its working. ndia is on course to emerge as a so- inverter at the time of project execu- The current market penetration and lar power hub, and Sungrow will help tion, highlights the latest R&D in the prospect on becoming cost- India in becoming one of the largest solar technologies and market-ready effective in future. With a mission of green energy producers in the applications (in India and overseas) “Clean power for all” & with a vision world. This can be clearly seen from with focus on the role of Utility and of become a global leader of power the fact that India has become the String Inverters and the future prod- conversion technology, SUNGROW second-biggest solar-energy installer ucts of Sungrow and also appreciat- is always committed to optimize all I in the world, in last two years and ed Sungrow technical team, the way kind of resources to better meet our out of total projects, 2GW is installed they present in these seminar with customer’s needs. With such unique by Sungrow India. Also, according the Global references and relevant roadshow technical seminar, we ex- to estimates, Indian solar-energy data, helps in clearing all there doubt change knowledge and understand capacity will get increased by 300 and give them the better understand- customer point of view to better percent this year and next. Guest, ing of solar technology. serve for long run. Over 90+ busi- specially members from KREDL Customers, shared their worries ness partners and solar expert took and BESCOM visited this Techni- regarding the service of inverter at part in seminar, with an eagerness cal seminar, appreciated sungrow the project site, and appreciated and excitement to learn new things, efforts for giving the understanding the Sungrow Service team for their Followed by networking evening, for the selection of, string and central commitment of after sales service. cocktail and dinner.

32 EQ July 2018 www.EQMagPro.com india

Inclusion of renewable energy projects in the priority lending sector has improved the ease of doing business and securing finance for the renewable energy sector, says Smt. Rajasree Ray, Economic Advisor, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance The 4th Smart Cities India Expo 2018/3rd Solar India 2018 expo, co-organised by the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), NASSCOM Centre of Excellence – IoT and Exhibitions India Group sees participation from experts, government representatives, and industry leaders he recent push by the Government of India to boost energy production in the country and achieve the goal of 175 gigawatts of installed renewable energy capacity by 2022 has put the country on course to emerge as a major solar power hub. Over 300 million people in India still have no access to electricity, which is why solar powerT is being seen as a viable, long-term solution for clean energy. Solar energy, a clean renewable resource with zero emissions, has tremendous potential waiting to be harnessed In addition, the Alliance has been committed to developing to meet the energy requirements. A series of conferences held more progressive international price mechanisms for renew- during the 3rd Solar India 2018 expo on the theme, “Solar able energy technologies to make them easily accessible to Energy for a Sustainable Future,” brought together several smaller, developing economies. experts, government representatives, industry leaders who Shri Anand Kumar, Chair- discussed India’s immense potential to tap renewable energy man, Gujarat Electricity sources and capitalise on emerging opportunities existing in the solar industry. Regulatory Commission, India, during a panel Speaking during a panel discussion on India’s solar discussion, Smt. Rajasree policy roadmap, said, “The Ray, Economic Advisor, central government and Department of Eco- our Prime Minister have nomic Affairs, Ministry of formulated a highly ambi- Finance, Government of tious plan for enhancing India, said, “A majority of renewable energy produc- the capacity addition in tion. Gujarat already has India for renewable en- a massive capacity of over ergy has taken place over 8,000 MW, which includes the past four to five years, 7,000 MW from wind and more than 1,500 MW from solar. with a vast pipeline of In the near future, our capacity will see a substantial rise projects being announced now that the government has committed to add around in the past few years. The International Solar Alliance (ISA), 2,000 megawatts each year, thereby reaching a capacity of which was formed during the 2015 Paris Climate Sum- up to 10,000 megawatts by 2022.” mit, has evolved into a highly efficient intergovernmental India is expected to become one of the largest green organisation in just a little over two years. To meet the energy producers in the world considering the fact that the } country’s renewable energy requirements, the government country is now the second-biggest solar-energy installer in has also introduced competitive bidding mechanisms, the world. Also, according to estimates, India’s solar-energy which have in turn driven the prices of tools and technolo- capacity will see a 300 percent rise by the end of 2018. gies significantly. Furthermore, the inclusion of renewable As part of its blueprint for energy security, the government energy projects in the priority lending sector has improved plans to launch five funds of USD 5 billion each, targeted at the ease of doing business and securing finance for the promoting green energy sources. The centre has envi- country’s renewable energies sector.” sioned generating 40 GW through roof-top grid interactive solar power to fulfil the 100 GW target of solar power. For The International Solar Alliance has been working towards realis- the period up to 2019-20, the government has allocated INR ing the} common goal of more than 170 countries in the world to 5,000 Crore (USD 0.75 billion) for implementation of: 4,200 reduce the cost of finance and the cost of technology in imple- MW of solar rooftop systems and grid-connected rooftop menting renewable energy projects across various nations. For systems. In addition, the Centre has set an ambitious target this purpose, the ISA will help mobilise more than USD 1,000 of generating 100 GW (1 lakh MW) of solar power by 2021- billion worth of investments by 2030 for massive deployment of 22 under the National Solar Mission, which is expected solar energy, and pave the way for future technologies to meet to generate 60 GW ground mounted grid-connected solar the growing energy requirements across the globe. power.

www.EQMagPro.com EQ July 2018 33 india

Cabinet approves National Wind-solar hybrid policy: Biofuel Policy Setting up adequate evacu- The Cabinet approved the National Policy on Biofuels which allows doping of ethanol produced from damaged foodgrains, rotten potatoes, ation network critical, say corn and sugar beet with petrol to cut oil imports by ₹4,000 crore this year alone. experts ill now only ethanol produced from sugarcane Even as the recently announced national wind-solar hybrid policy is ex- was allowed to be mixed in petrol. A meeting of the Union Cabinet, headed pected to boost renewable power generation, setting up adequate number by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved of evacuation network will be critical, experts say. the new policy which categorises biofuels as nder the new policy, the government intends First Generation (1G), which produce bio- to auction wind-solar hybrid projects on tariff ethanol from molasses and bio-diesel from based competitive bidding, and these can be non-edibleT oilseeds. Second Generation (2G) ethanol can be set up anywhere across the country depend- produced from municipal solid waste and Third Generation ing on feasibility and land availability with (3G) fuels like bio-CNG. bidders. “The Policy expands the scope of raw material for ethanol production by allowing use of sugarcane juice, sugar con- U“Consistent forecasts from analysts suggest that the country taining materials like sugar beet, sweet sorghum, starch will face major grid integration issues in the coming years if containing materials like corn, cassava, damaged food evacuation infrastructure is not improved at the same rate grains like wheat and broken rice, and rotten potatoes,” an as renewables capacity additions,” Vijay Khandwekar, head- official statement said. } module mounting structure business, solar projects, Tata It also allows use of surplus food grains for production International, told PTI. of ethanol for blending with petrol with the approval of National Biofuel Coordination Committee, it said. The government has set an ambitious target of achieving 175 Under the policy, “a viability gap funding scheme for gw of renewable capacity by 2022, of which solar would be 100 2G ethanol bio refineries of ₹5,000 crore in 6 years in ad- gw, and the rest 60 gw would be wind. The installed capacities dition to additional tax incentives, higher purchase price of 20 gw of solar and 35 gw of wind at present, however, is far as compared to 1G biofuels” will be provided, it said. from the combined target of 160 gw. Rating agency Icra in its recent report had said that the The policy also encourages setting up of supply chain adequate evacuation network availability would be critical for mechanisms for biodiesel production from non-edible oil- new hybrid projects as well as for hybridisation of existing wind seeds, used cooking oil and short gestation crops. Mixing or solar projects, given the higher generation profile expected. of one crore litre of bio-ethanol in petrol saves ₹28 crore of According to PwC, the country has been developing solar- foreign exchange on oil imports. “The ethanol supply year wind hybrid projects since the past five years, with an installed 2017-18 is likely to see a supply of around 150 crore litres capacity of 20 gw. of ethanol which will result in savings of over ₹4,000 crore of forex,” the statement said. Amit Kumar, partner-clean energy, PwC India Besides, it will lead to 30 lakh tons of lesser carbon emis- told PTI that the challenges expected while sions. “By reducing crop burning and conversion of agricul- integrating solarwind hybrid systems would tural residues/wastes to biofuels there will be further reduc- include producing the power of high quality tion in Green House Gas emissions,” it said. and reliability, which needs to be synchro- It is estimated that annually 62 million tonnes of municipal nised with local grid. solid waste gets generated in India. There are technologies available which can convert waste/plastic and municipal solid “Issues of dispatching the variable energy waste to drop in fuels. One ton of such waste has the poten- shall also arise; which have to be dealt at the } tial to provide around 20 per cent of fuel. load dispatch centres,” he said. The statement said ₹800 crore is investment needed As per the policy, the tariff would be initially feed-in tariff. It to set up a 100 kilolitre per day bio refinery. At present Oil would be very low since evacuation infrastructure would be Marketing Companies are in the process of setting up 12 2G shared. However, the policy also mentions competitive bidding, bio refineries with an investment of around ₹10,000 crore. which might keep the tariffs in check, according to PwC. The Further addition of 2G bio refineries across the country will policy also promotes usage of battery storage in hybrid projects spur infrastructure investment in the rural areas and create for optimising the output and reduces the invariability. jobs, it added. “By adopting 2G technologies, agricultural residues/waste Kumar said this would not only reduce the variability of which otherwise are burnt by the farmers can be converted to solar and wind technologies, but would also provide higher ethanol and can fetch a price for these waste if a market is de- energy outputs for the given capacities; thus ensuring veloped for the same. Also, farmers are at a risk of not getting availability of firm power for a particular period of time. appropriate price for their produce during the surplus produc- At the state level, Andhra had issued its draft solar wind hy- tion phase. Thus conversion of surplus grains and agricultural brid policy in 2016, which clearly earmarks extensive efforts for biomass can help in price stabilization,” the statement said. promoting this technology. Source: PTI Source: PTI

34 EQ July 2018 www.EQMagPro.com india

National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy Released: Synergies of Energies India is one of the largest and most attractive renewable energy market globally. Several factors contribute to India’s leading position such as – world’s largest renewable energy expansion plan, world’s fourth largest installed capacity for wind & sixth largest for solar, and commitment to pursue economic growth that relies on clean sources of energy and sustainable development as an early entrant to the Paris Climate Accord. ith over 1000 GW potential for solar and wind energy, India has been pushing to set up infrastructure and provide incentives to foster these industries. In a landmark move, In- dia’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has released the WNational Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy to promote and incentivise wind-solar hybrid projects in India. The main objective of the policy is to promote large grid connected wind-solar hybrid system. Hybrid projects encourage optimal and efficient utilization of transmission infrastructure & land, reduce the variability in renewable power generation and achieve better grid stability. This policy aims This year, the hybrid space had already started seeing signifi- at encouraging new technologies, methods and way-outs cant traction. In January 2018, Solar Energy Corporation of India involving combined operation of wind and solar energy. (SECI) has invited expressions of interest (EoI) from engineer- Key Highlights of the Policy ing, procurement and construction contractors to develop a 160 Promotes both new hybrid projects as well as hybridisation of MW large-scale solar wind hybrid project with an energy storage existing wind/solar projects. system in Andhra Pradesh, India. With a strong commitment to develop the hybrid sector, SECI applied for USD 200 mn The power procured from the hybrid project may be used for in funding from the International Bank for Reconstruction and fulfilment of solar Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) and Development and the Clean Technology Fund for the cost of non-solar RPO. innovation and project development. In April 2018, Hero Future No additional connectivity or transmission capacity charges Energies commissioned India’s first large-scale hybrid project in Karnataka, adding 28.8 MW of solar energy to an existing 50 will be levied by the respective transmission entity for the MW wind farm. The policy envisages to supplement this interest hybridization at existing wind or solar projects. and offer benefits to support this field. MNRE plans to augment Battery storage can be added to the hybrid project to reduce the policy by releasing over 2 GW capacity tenders for hybrid the variability of output power from wind solar hybrid plant; projects – opening yet another untapped investment opportunity in the Indian renewable energy sector. and ensure availability of firm power for a period. NTPC puts off solar projects auction amid developers concerns on evacuation State-run power giant NTPC has deferred auction of 2,000 MW solar capacities to the first week of June as developers have sought resolu- tion of inter-state connectivity issue before going ahead with the sale, sources said. esides, the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) is likely to extend the bid submission for 2,000 MW solar capacities scheduled for the first week of June, industry sources said. and SECI officials last week. Power regulator Central Electric- The sources said that the NTPC’s 2,000 ity Regulatory Commission approved the procedure for grant of MW solar bid submissions scheduled on May connectivity through inter-state transmission system in its order. 21, 2018, has been deferred to June first However, the sources said that the industry feedback is B week after considering concerns expressed awaited on the approved guidelines whether all concerns raised by developers about difficulties being faced for getting power on the draft procedures have been resolved in the final order. evacuation connectivity through the inter-state transmission The government has planned to auction 60 GW solar capacities system. in 2018-19 and 2019-20 in view of its ambitious target of having The Solar Power Developers Association had written to 100 GW solar energy capacity by 2022. the Ministry of New and Renewable (MNRE) to extend solar The auction of 60 GW solar capacity by March 2020 is impor- auctions till the issue related to grant of connectivity through tant because it takes about 15 months to implement solar project inter-state transmission system is not resolved. Developers after signing power purchase agreement. India has already had also raised the issue in the pre-bid meeting with MNRE achieved 22GW of solar capacity.

www.EQMagPro.com EQ July 2018 35 india

PRAAPTI App and Web portal launched by Minister of State (I/C) for Power, Shri R.K. Singh for bringing transparency in electricity payments to Generators. A Web portal and an App namely PRAAPTI (Payment Ratification And Analysis in Power procurement for bringing Transparency in Invoicing of generators), www.praapti.in, has beenofficially launched by Hon’ble Minister of State (I/C) for Power in the presence of Secretary, Shri A.K. Bhallaand other senior officials of Ministry of Power, Chairman & Managing Director, PFC, CMDs of other Power Sector PSUs and various officials of Power Sector.

RAAPTI App and web portal has been developedto generation company and when they were made. bring transparency in power purchase transactions PRAAPTI will also enable the consumers to evaluate between Generators and Discoms. The App and Web financial performance of their Discoms in terms of pay- Portal will capture the Invoicing and payment datafor ments being made to the generation companies. The Por- various long term PPAs from the Generators. This tal would also help DISCOMs and GENCOs to reconcile will help the stakeholders in getting month-wise and their outstanding payments. The portal would facilitate legacy data on outstanding amounts of Discoms- relative assessment of various State DISCOMs on “Ease Pagainst power purchase. The app will also allow users of making payments” to various Generation Companies, to know the details related to the payments made by and will also help make transactions in the power Sector tthe Discoms to the power more transparent. Source: pib.nic.in CERC norms for renewable energy projects positive, need adequate transmission infra: ICRA The first wind auction scheme by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) awarded in February 2017 created a rush of connectivity applicants at the Tirunelveli sub-station in Tamil Nadu and Bhuj sub-station in Gujarat, as most of the winners under this scheme propose to connect their projects to these substations. ower regulator CERC’s norms on inter-state connectivity for renewable energy (RE) projects are a positive for developers but adequacy of transmission infrastructure is critical, rating firm ICRA said. The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC), on May 15, notified the procedure for grant of Pconnectivity to RE-based projects proposing to use the inter- state transmission system (ISTS). The regulations have been notified amidst significant uncertainty over the grant of connectivity and long-term open access for winning developers in the recent wind power auctions held by the Solar Energy power projects within 18 months from the date of issuance Corporation of India (SECI). of letter of award/signing of PPAs (power purchase agreement), it added. “The notified regulations are posi- The first wind auction scheme by the Ministry of New and tive for developers in the renewable Renewable Energy (MNRE) awarded in February 2017 cre- energy sector, as they provide clarity ated a rush of connectivity applicants at the Tirunelveli sub- on the procedure and timelines for station in Tamil Nadu and Bhuj sub-station in Gujarat, as most securing approval for connectivity of the winners under this scheme propose to connect their from the central transmission utility,” projects to these substations. Since the applications received said Sabyasachi Majumdar, Senior at both the substations were more than the capacity available Vice President & Group Head, ICRA Ratings. “Moreover, and as connectivity is provided on first come first serve basis, the regulations accord priority to projects holding letter the connectivity applicants that applied late would have been of award under the tariff-based competitive bidding for granted connectivity for an under-implementation or a new granting connectivity,” he said. substation, it said. } The construction of a new substation is expected to take ICRA said however that uncertainty on availability of ad- much longer at 24-36 months against the SECI stipulated equate infrastructure to evacuate power from the wind power timeline of 18 months for commissioning the wind power projects bid out by SECI over the past 15 months persists, projects, it added. “Thus, prolonged delays in securing given that the existing inter-state transmission infrastructure connectivity would impact the project commissioning in the states with high wind potential may not be sufficient to timelines and in turn viability of the projects for the win- provide connectivity to the 5.1 GW bid out by SECI so far. ning developers, as delays beyond 6 months from sched- Further, the augmentation of transmission infrastructure would uled commissioning date would result in reduction in PPA take about 24-36 months, whereas the winning developers tariff,” Majumdar said. must commission the wind

36 EQ July 2018 www.EQMagPro.com india

Cabinet approves MoU signed Cabinet approves between with France, Morocco in India and Morocco on India- field of Renewable Energy Morocco cooperation in The Cabinet gave its ex-post facto approval to two separate memorandum of understandings (MoUs) with France and Morocco for cooperation in the Renewable Energy field of renewable energy. The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has “The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra given its ex-post facto approval for the Memorandum of Understand- Modi has given its ex-post facto approval to the Memoran- ing (MoU) between India and Morocco on India-Morocco Cooperation in dum of Understanding (MoU) signed between India and Renewable Energy. France in the field of Renewable Energy” an official statement said. oth sides aim to establish the basis for a cooperative institutional relationship to encourage and promote technical bilateral cooperation on new and renewable energy issues on the basis of mutual benefit, equality and reciprocity. The MoU envisages establishing a Joint Working Committee to review, Bmonitor and discuss matters relation to areas of cooperation. The MoU aims for exchange of expertise and networking of information. The MoU will help in strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries. . Source: pib.nic.in

Grid connected clean energy capacity reaches 70 GW

oth sides (India and France) aim to identify in April research/ demonstration/ pilot project between India added 269.64 MW of renewable energy capacity the total grid National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), India connected clean energy capacity to 70,053.81 MW, a government report and Commissariat a I’Energie Atomique et aux has said. Energies Alternatives (CEA), France in the mu- tually identified areas. Based on mutual agree- ccording to the report by the ministry ment, both parties will work for implementation of new and renewable energy, India B& deployment of pilot project in ISA member countries. added 34,165 MW of wind energy, Collaboration may occur through several means, including joint 21,885.1 MW solar energy including research projects, R&D, workshops, Research and Technology rooftop solar, 4,489.80 MW small hydro exchange, including exchange of domain experts. The MoU (of up to 25 MW) and 8,700.80 MW also aims for exchange of expertise and networking of informa- Biomass (Bagasse) Cogeneration as Aon April 30. tion, it added, saying that the MoU will help in strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries. The nation also witnessed 674.81 MW of Biomass (non- bagasse) Cogeneration)/Captive Power and 138.30 Waste “The Union Cabinet…has given its ex-post facto approval to Power till April 30. for the MoU between India and Morocco on India-Morocco India also installed off grid clean energy of 40 MW in Cooperation in Renewable Energy. The MoU was signed April taking the total installed capacity in this segment to on April 10, 2018 in New Delhi,” according to an another 1046.93 MW at April end this year. statement. Under the grid connected renewable capacity, India did not Both sides aim to establish the basis for a cooperative insti- add any capacity of Waste to Power and Biomass (Ba- gasse) Cogeneration). tutional relationship to encourage and promote technical bi- Similarly, under the off grid clean energy capacity, nothing lateral cooperation on new and renewable energy issues on was added in waste to energy and biomass gasifiers seg- the basis of mutual benefit, equality and reciprocity, it said. ment. However as much as 40 MW of solar photovoltaic The MoU envisages to establish a Joint Working Committee to (SPV) capacity was added in April this year. review, monitor and discuss matters relation to areas of cooper- India has set and ambitious target of having 175 GW of ation. The MoU aims for exchange of expertise and networking renewable energy capacity including 100 GW of solar and of information. It will help in strengthening bilateral cooperation 60 GW of wind energy by 2022. between the two countries, the statement added. Source: PTI Source: UNI

www.EQMagPro.com EQ July 2018 37 ROOFTOP & OFFGRID

Hartek Solar launches cus- CleanMax Solar Donates a tomised rooftop solar kits Solar Plant to Ahinsa Solar power solutions provider Hartek Solar launched customised 5-10 kWp plug-and-play rooftop solar kits suitable for kanal houses, housing societ- ies, nursing homes, small commercial establishments, hotels and micro, Sthal in Delhi CleanMax Solar, sustainability partner for India’s leading corpo- small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). rates, has donated a rooftop solar plant of 6.4 kWp to Ahinsa Sthal, Founder-director Simarpreet Singh said a prominent Jain temple in Meherauli, Delhi. the company plans to install at least 100 units in residential, commercial and industrial areas over the next six months, targeting the Tricity as well as industrial clusters in Ludhiana, Baddi, Dera Bassi and Mandi Gobindgarh. artek Solar’s rooftop solar kits come with an option of a unique remote sensing technology tailor-made for small-scale solar plants. The launch comes at a time when the Chandigarh administration has decided not to extend the deadline for installing solar plants in houses, commercial and industrial units. H The administration had made installation of rooftop solar power plants mandatory for houses and commercial and industrial units measuring 500 sq yards and above. “Around 1,000 applica- ith this installation, Ahinsa Sthal tions have been received for solar rooftop has taken a step towards envi- installation against a capacity of 7,500 ronment conservation by adopt- such building structures,” Santosh Kumar, director, environ- ing solar energy. The temple is ment, science and technology and renewable energy of the estimated to save Rs 50,000 on Chandigarh administration, said. “Those who have not sought its electricity expenditure every installation of solar rooftop plants in Chandigarh now face year by replacing more than 35% ofW the temple’s electricity consumption. This recently com- action for violation of building bylaws.” missioned plant is also equipped with net-metering facility, Harkek Group is looking at the potential for growth in the allowing the temple to export 25% of the solar energy rooftop market in the country. Singh said these plug-and-play back to the grid. kits, which will cater to both gross metering and net meter- Commenting on the occasion, Mr. ing consumers, promise to be a game changer in driving the Kuldeep Jain, Founder & Manag- demand for rooftop solar owing to the advantages they offer. ing Director, CleanMax Solar, Not only do these solar kits offer lower labour and mainte- remarked, “India is a diverse and nance costs on account of the optimised design, their non- pluralistic nation with countless invasive structure with roof protection pads also rules out temples, mosques, gurudwaras, any damage to reinforced cement concrete (RCC) roofs, he churches and other institutions, said. Moreover, the per unit generation cost from solar works reflecting the devotion of their out to be less than half as compared with diesel gensets. respective communities. When Best suited for 1-kanal houses, a typical 5-kWp solar kit can such institutions move towards sustainability, they set produce 20 units of electricity every day, which is enough to run an example for the public to adopt sustainable ways 10 fans, three laptops, three television sets, one air-conditioner, of living. We are extremely happy to help Ahinsa Sthal one refrigerator, 10 CFL and 10 LED bulbs and even a micro- reduce its dependence on conventional sources of wave oven and a 1-Hp water pump. energy and adopt rooftop solar projects to meet their Hartek Group chairman Hartek Singh said, daily power needs.” “We are going all out to tap the small-scale } solar market by adopting a cluster-based Mr. Vinod Jain, Trustee, Ahinsa Sthal expressed, “We approach to reach out to end consum- are thankful to CleanMax Solar for donating this solar ers. Besides approaching commercial plant to our temple. We believe the future is in preserv- establishments and medical, hotel and ing nature and utilizing renewable resources to meet restaurant associations, we will also be our daily needs. Due to this installation Ahinsa Sthal is conducting door-to-door campaigns to draw on the residential replacing more than 35% of its electricity consumption. category.” As the disciples of Lord Mahavira, we believe in non- There are 1.75 lakh electricity consumers in the domestic violence towards not only humans but also nature. This category in Chandigarh. While shortage of space in the city is a initiative is a significant step towards reducing carbon major constraint, the adoption of rooftop solar in the residen- footprint without harming any natural resources.” } Source: CleanMax Solar tial category can make all the difference, he said.

38 EQ July 2018 www.EQMagPro.com ROOFTOP & OFFGRID

Greenlight Planet Wins the Tata Power CGPL provided Economic Times Most Promis- households with rooftop ing Brand 2018 solar PV in Tunda, Gujarat Greenlight Planet has been recognised by Economic Times as the “Most Tata Power, India’s largest integrated power company has been a Promising brand 2018” at a ceremony. pioneer in utilisation of renewable energy for the development of he Promising Brands platform was an urban and rural areas, alike. endeavour by the Economic Times to recognize brands, which have stood firm aking this oath forward, Coastal Gujarat in the winds of globalization and have truly Power Limited (CGPL) in partnership become a part of popular culture and day to with Tata Power Community Develop- day lives. With 1.3 billion individuals across ment Trust (TPCDT) has identified the the globe and 31 million households in India first of its kind project called ‘Suryoday’ Tstill living without electricity, Greenlight Planet’s solutions where an entire village of Gujarat will be provide a powerful mechanism for large-scale, sustainable adopting universal rooftop solar instal- impact. This award is the result of 9 years of continuous T lation. innovation in Greenlight Planet’s product portfolio and There are a number of initiatives like unique distribution models that have led to it emerging as solar powered street lighting, water a global market leader in the off-grid sector. The company pumping, and solar farms that are con- has sold more than eight million of its high-quality Sun nected with larger power grids, however, KingTM solar range of portable lamps, home systems, there are not many organized rooftop fans, radios and televisions benefitting more than 30 million solutions with net-metering covering an individuals across 65+ countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin entire village community. America. In India alone, more than 2 million rural homes have replaced unsafe and expensive fuel based sources of light with bright, cost-effective, and environment friendly Commenting on the ‘Suryoday’ project, Sun KingTM solar powered systems. These products have Mr. Ashok Sethi, COO & Executive Director, led to significant social and economic benefits including Tata Power, said, “At Tata Power, we are dramatic improvements in study-time for children, produc- committed towards a greener and cleaner tivity of small business owners and household savings for future with focus on renewable energy. families. We continue to seek potential areas across Receiving the award, Dhaval Radia, Global India for the development in the sector. Business Leader said, “We are grateful and To execute this vision, we aim to initiate humbled to receive this recognition from growth in capacity through organic and in- The Economic Times. It is a testament to organic means to achieve 30-40% genera- the hard work & impact created by all of tion capacity of Tata Power from clean energy our immensely talented teams, globally. sources.” He further added, “The initiative in We will continue to set a benchmark for Tunda, Gujarat is an affirmative step towards the accessibility and proliferation of de- providing clean energy to our communities.” centralised renewable energy to the people who need it the most. Having nearly } doubled the revenues during FY17-18, we are currently This project which targets 100% households in the the only company in the sector to have demonstrated region will give individual houses rooftop solar photovol- consistent profitability over the last three years, taic (PV) system which would be connected to the grid establishing that our business models are sustainable without having battery banks. This initiative furthers the and scalable. Our fundamentals are firmly in place, and company’s efforts of a cleaner environment for the soci- encouraged by the positive measures undertaken by ety. Under this project, Tunda village, has been identified the government in the solar sector. Greenlight Planet is as the model village by CGPL. Being close to the plant it poised to enter a new growth trajectory.” } takes forward the philosophy of “Neighbour of Choice”. In consultation with the Gram Panchayat the Tunda To enable the most cash-constrained households to community has agreed upon processes to enable 200 afford Sun King solutions, Greenlight Planet’s newest Households of Tunda with solar power. Gujarat Energy offering EasyBuyTM is a payment solution that enables Development Authority (GEDA) approved vendor has unbanked customers to buy Sun KingTM products on an been identified to install the rooftop facility. Till date, 17 installment plan. With innovative products and services household installations have been completed and con- in the pipeline, the company hopes to further increase its nected to the main grid line.The total cost for per house- distribution presence through strategic partnerships with hold/1 KWp will be Rs. 69,500 with significant contribu- financial institutions, governmental organizations, NGOs tions from Central Government, State Government, CGPL and companies with rural distribution networks. and TCDPT and the village community. This initiative has The company most recently won the coveted Rural Mar- fostered the value of working together in the direction of keting Association of India award for ‘Best Sales Promo- sustained growth. tion campaign of the Year’. Source: tatapower

www.EQMagPro.com EQ July 2018 39 SOLAR PROJECTS

Azure Power Wins 130 MW ACME GROUP STRENGTHEN Solar Power Project in Ma- ITS SOLAR PORTFOLIO BY harashtra WINNING 250 MW SOLAR Azure Power (NYSE:AZRE), one of India’s leading independent solar power producers, announced that it has won a 130 MW solar power project which was recently auctioned by Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Com- POWER CAPACITY IN 1000 pany Limited (MSEDCL), rated A by ICRA, a Moody’s company. MSEDCL supplies electricity to 22 million consumers in Maharashtra and was declared as a MW SOLAR TENDER load shedding free state in December 2012. ACME Group wins 250 MW Solar power capacity in the bid issued by Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Co Ltd (MSEDCL)

CME won 250 MW Solar PV capacity in the reverse auction held on 14.05.2018 invited by Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Co Ltd (MSEDCL). Total capacity allotted under the reverse auction was 1000 MW. MSEDCL invited 1000 MW solar tender A under Built Own and Operate model EDCL supplies electricity to 22 million consumers wherein successful developer can set in Maharashtra and was declared as a load shed- up solar project anywhere in India and ding free state in December 2012. Azure Power will supply power to MSEDCL under 25 year sign a 25 years Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) PPA. This selection process concluded with MSEDCL, at a tariff of INR 2.72 (~US$ 0.04) at a very competitive tariff wherein per kWh. The project is expected to be developed ACME was allotted largest capacity i.e. by Azure Power outside a solar park and is ex- 250 MW at a tariff of INR 2.72/kWh out Spected to be commissioned in 2019. of total tender capacity of 1000 MW. Speaking on this occasion, Inderpreet As per the tender, the project has to be Wadhwa, Founder, Chairman and commissioned within 15 months from Chief Executive Officer, Azure Power PPA signing and would entail investment said, “We are pleased to announce to the tune of approx. 250 Million USD. our win in Maharashtra and with this, we continue to demonstrate A continuous effort to inno- our strong project development, vate and offer most competi- engineering, and execution capabili- tive solar tariff to people said ties and are delighted to make this Shri Manoj Kumar Upadhyay, contribution towards realization of Founder and Chairman of our Hon’ble Prime Minister’s commit- ACME Group ACME Solar is an ment towards clean and green energy, through solar power independent power pro- generation.” ducer, which builds, owns and Azure} Power has been among the most active participants in operates solar power plants several solar power auctions since the launch of the solar power in India. It has an operating market in India and the majority of the Company’s portfolio are capacity of over 1500 MW with customers that have some of the best credit ratings in India solar projects in India. With and are backed by the sovereign Government of India. this won capacity, ACME’s total portfolio will increase to 2300 MW. With strong in- L&T Construction bags orders house execution and design team, ACME plans to execute worth Rs 2,440 cr this project in self-execution “The power transmission and distribution business of L&T Construction has mode. bagged EPC orders worth Rs 2,440 crore,” L&T said in a BSE filing. } ther projects include building grid-connected rooftop solar plants in government buildings under the Alo Shree’ scheme and supply, erection, testing and commissioning of 400kV double circuit transmission lines on turnkey basis in the southern region of India. Shares of L&T were trading 0.33 percent higher at Rs O 1,369.30 on BSE.

40 EQ July 2018 www.EQMagPro.com SOLAR PROJECTS

Mr. Zhong said: Risen Energy starts construction “We highly value joint of 121MW Yarranlea solar project development of the Yarranlea project with the Australian government. We in Australia are also proud of the fact that Risen Energy Co., Ltd., a Chinese PV module producer, announced recently that following the the Yarranlea project is our acquisition in February of a 100% stake in the 121MW Yarranlea solar farm project located first large-scale EPC project in the country. The project has also received 50km southwest of Toowoomba, in Australia’s Queensland state, construction of the project regulatory approval for the development of officially started this month. integrated energy storage. We have set up specific zones for energy storage onsite. The Queensland Parliament the management of the National Electric- competence in energy storage means spare member Patrick Weir, ity Market and provide clean electricity to electricity in the daytime could be stored and Toowoomba Regional Toowoomba and Darling Downs, with an used during peak periods and at night, further Council mayor Paul average annual power capacity projected enhancing profitability and reducing power Antonio, Risen Energy to reach 264GWh after being put into generation costs of the Yarranlea station. We Australia project develop- operation. In terms of energy saving and look forward to close cooperation with leading ment and investment di- carbon reduction, the projects will reduce suppliers to ensure successful completion Trector John Zhong, and other guests took CO2 use by 124,000 metric tonnes, and operation of the project, with the aim of part in the ground-breaking ceremony. resulting in significant benefits for both providing regenerable energy to Toowoomba The Yarranlea project, which covers an environmental protection and economic and Darling Downs.” area of some 250 hectares, features an development. Thanks to a generous Mr. Zhong added: “In addition to installed capacity of 121MW. In addition subsidy plan, high electricity prices and Queensland, we are targeting other states to the engineering, procurement and con- soon-to-be-expired feed-in-tariff (FiT) across Australia, most notably Victoria, New struction (EPC), delivery of modules and subsidies, Australia has become the South Wales and Western Australia. To the follow-up adjustment and calibration world’s largest market of energy storage facilitate development of the project, we have upon completion of the project, Risen En- for home use, with market size tripling assigned experienced experts to analyse our ergy will own and operate the completed last year. Increasingly, non-Australian ongoing projects, while preparing for devel- facility. Construction is scheduled to be manufacturers and developers are opment of additional power stations that we completed at the earliest by the end of targeting the market by speeding up their will own and operate ourselves. We plan to March of next year. Upon completion, the efforts in the country, including Chinese expand further in Australia over the next five facility will be connected to the grid under leader Risen Energy. years, with a capacity goal of 1GW.” Essel Green Energy, IBC Solar Ventures to install solar plants in Odisha Gridco is now purchasing 138 Mw of solar to meet its requirement which includes 63 Mw installed within the state. Aiming to establish its foothold in the country's renewable energy map, Odisha expects the addition of 270 Mw of solar power by September this year. “IBC Solar Ventures India with a capacity of 20 Mw and a 10 Mw by Odisha based Jyoti Infrastructure has been synchronized with the grid. Essel Green Energy, a subsidiary of Subhash Chandra's Essel Group is expected to commission 120 MW (3 x 40 Mw) out of 240 MW solar project it has won through tender from Solar Energy Corporation of India by June”, said an official source. he balance 120 Mw capacity will be commissioned by Central PSUs have been interested in putting up September this year, added the official. Gridco is now projects in the state. After NTPC, NLC and North purchasing 138 Mw of solar to meet its requirement which Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO), includes 63 Mw installed within the state. Private sector SJVN, a mini-ratna PSU, has evinced interest in interest in Odisha's solar power sector is now seeing trac- participating in the state's solar park programme. tion. Solar energy majors are making a beeline for putting Odisha recently cleared a plan by NEEPCO to in- up units in Odisha after Gridco has invited bids to select vest Rs 9.44 billion to set up a 200-Mw solar power T200-Mw of grid-connected solar power projects. Apart from Essel Group, plant. The unit is scheduled to start operations in companies like Acme, ReNew Power, Tata Power, IBC Solar, Sahara Pow- December 2019. It has also provided in-principle er and Adani Green Energy have already evinced interest. The project will clearance for 250 Mw solar power project proposed be developed in a non-solar park model, where bidders are given a free by NLC at the cost of Rs 45 million per Mw. The hand to choose their land. The capacity may be allotted to bidders with government has also offered to sign a PPA with lowest tariffs discovered under the competitive bidding process followed NLC. The latest tariff rate in Odisha for solar is Rs by e-reverse auction. Gridco will enter into a power-purchase agreement 4.5 per Mw under a scheme of the new and renew- (PPA) with the successful bidder for 25 years from the date commercial able energy ministry. operations begin.

www.EQMagPro.com EQ July 2018 41 SOLAR PROJECTS

ACME Group bags 50 MW Solar power project “We wanted to learn from this project and use our innovation and execution capabilities to meet the customer expectation. I’m happy that our team has done this. We will build special structure and balance of plant to meet site condition,”

Azure Power Wins Largest Solar Power Project (75 MWs) in Northeast India Azure Power wins 75 MWs, highest allocation out of a 100 MW tender, in Assam zure Power (NYSE: AZRE), one of India’s leading independent solar power producers, announced that it has won the largest (75 MWs) solar power project in the North Eastern region of India. Azure Power will sign a 25 year Power Purchase Agree- Ament (PPA) with Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) at a weighted average tariff of INR 3.37 (~US cents 5.2) per kWh. The project will be developed by Azure Power outside a solar park and is expected to CME Group today said it has won 50 MW be commissioned in 2019. solar power project at Gujrai solar park, Uttar Assam has seen a significant increase in power Pradesh in an auction conducted by Solar demand in recent years and has a shortage of electricity Energy Corporation of India (SECI). ACME capacity. The state has a peak power deficit of 4.2% and won the contract in the reverse auction held energy demand growth was 9% during the year ending today, invited by the SECI for Gujrai solar March 2018. APDCL currently serves a quickly growing park, a company statement said. The SECI consumer base of more than 3.3 million. Ainvited solar tenders with cumulative capacity of 275 MW to be executed at multiple solar parks in Uttar Pradesh. Speaking on this occasion, Inder- According to the statement, the ACME participated in the preet Wadhwa, Founder, Chair- bidding process for 50 MW at Gujrai solar park in Kanpur dehat man and Chief Executive Officer, district of Uttar Pradesh and won it at a tariff of Rs 3.38 per cent Azure Power said, “We are pleased unit. It is a very tough project due to site access, soil condition, to announce our win in Assam and difficult contour, high wind speed and lower GHI (Global Hori- with this, we continue to demon- zontal Irradiance). The tariff remains lower than forbearance strate our strong project develop- price of Rs 3.48 per unit. ment, engineering, and execution “We wanted to learn from this project capabilities. We are delighted to and use our innovation and execution make this contribution towards capabilities to meet the customer expecta- the realization of our Hon’ble tion. I’m happy that our team has done this. Prime Minister’s commitment We will build special structure and balance towards clean and green energy, of plant to meet site condition,” said Manoj through solar power generation.” Kumar Upadhyay, Founder and Chairman ACME Group in the statement. Azure Power has been among the most active partici- } pants in solar power auctions since the beginning of the ACME has 30 MW operational project in UP and decided to solar power market in India and the majority of the Com- expand its footprints in the state. By winning this bid, ACME will pany’s portfolio are with customers that have some of the now sign a 25 year PPA with SECI who will sell power to state best credit ratings in India, most of which are backed by utilities of Uttar Pradesh. the Government of India. Source: PTI

42 EQ July 2018 www.EQMagPro.com SOLAR PROJECTS

Def minister inaugurates Tata Power bags 150 MW so- solar power plant at Heavy lar project in Maharashtra Tata Power today said it has bagged the contract for setting up Vehicle a 150-MW solar project in the state from the Maharashtra State Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated a 16 MW solar ‘PV Electricity Distribution Company (MSEDCL). power plant’ set up by the defence PSU Bharat Electronics LTD at the he company’s subsidiary Tata Power Heavy Vehicle Factory in Avadi. Renewable Energy (TPREL) has bagged the contract and will sign a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with MSED- CL, a release said. This project is a part of MSEDCL’s 1,000 MW grid connected solar power Tprojects for which the state utility had invited bids through competitive bidding process and e-reverse auction for a period of 25 years.

he power plant set up on a 80 acre land, at a cost of Rs 105 crore, would meet the captive consumption of the HVF and Engine Factory Avadi (EFA). The plant would inject power at 110kV to the Tamil Nadu Transmission Corpo- ration Ltd’s 110 kV Sub-Station. This is Texpected to lead to an annual savings of Rs 45.41 million for HVF. Solar power generated here is given to TNEB (Tamil Nadu Electricity Board) at less than Rs five thus providing over Rs four crore savings. Great contribution by Bharat Electronics and Ordnance Factory at Avadi,” she said in her official twitter handle after formally inaugurating the plant. The new plant would provide green energy to the factory and promote GreenIndia, she said in another “Renewables is a focus area for us and tweet.Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL), under the ‘Vi- we are looking at expanding in this space, ability Gap Funding Scheme’, is establishing energy especially solar. As we move forward, with security for the Ordnance Factory Estates, by setting the new technology coming in, we expect to up utility scale grid-connected solar power plants, a do further improvement in PLFs (plant load press release said. factors),” Tata Power chief executive officer It would also lead to reduction of sulphur di-oxide, nitro- and managing director Praveer Sinha said gen di-oxide and particulate matter emissions resulting in in the release. improvement in air quality, the release said. } The carbondioxide avoided due to the solar power plant Tata Power’s vision is to have 35-40 per cent of the com- would be around 26,384 ton per year, it added. BEL Chair- pany’s total generation capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by man and Managing Director, M V Gowatama, Tata Solar 2025. Currently, the company’s renewable energy capacity has Power Chief Financial Officer, Satish Gupta were among crossed 2,000 MW and green generation portfolio (consisting those present on the occasion. solar, wind, waste heat recovery and hydro) has crossed the Source: PTI 3,400-MW mark.

www.EQMagPro.com EQ July 2018 43 SOLAR PROJECTS

Vikram Solar commissions Rays Power Infra completes 10 MW solar project in the installation of 620MW Itarsi, M.P of solar power capacity in Vikram Solar, one of the leading module manufacturer and solar EPC player of India, commissioned a 10 MW Solar Power Project for Bharat India An additional 350 MW of capacity is under development in the state of Electronics Limited at the Ordnance Factory, Itarsi in Madhya Pradesh. Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and will enable the company to commission over 1000 MW of aggregate capacity by the end of FY 2020

ays Power Infra, one of India’s leading solar power development and EPC companies, recently announced the installation of 620MW of solar power capacity across his is a captive power plant, and the power India in aggregate and has additional 150 generated through this will be used by Ord- MW of utility-scale capacity in an advanced nance Factory Itarsi. Apart from installation, stage of development. The company has Vikram Solar will also provide Operations and Ralso initiated development of over 200 MW of ground-mount Maintenance (O&M) service to the plant for a projects selling power directly to the end consumers, under period of 10 years from the date of commis- its subsidiary Rays Future Energy, which are expected to be sioning. commissioned by end of FY 2019. T Accounting for the projects currently under develop- Mr. Rohit Dhar, Director of Sales-EPC, ment, the company is expected to have commissioned over Vikram Solar, shared on the occasion, “This 1000MW of aggregate capacity by the end of FY2020. This is yet another milestone for us and an reflects the company’s broad presence in the country. With addition to our country’s greener future. significant value-addition in the Indian solar market, Rays The large expanse of black soil in the area Power is now looking to commence international initiatives. posed a challenging environment to work Commenting on the milestone, Mr. during the monsoon. We understand that Ketan Mehta, CEO, Rays Power Infra, no project is without its set of challenges and our team said, “We take immense pride in how constantly strives to overcome these hurdles by exercising much we have accomplished within a superior operational practices in the field along with robust short period of time. Rays Power Infra is planning and execution capabilities. now an acknowledged leading player in } providing turnkey solar power producing It is a 10 MW plant project and has 35,360 modules powering the whole unit. Vikram Solar has a prestigious 750 MW facilities having worked with leading independent power (commissioned + under execution) EPC capacity. With proven producers and investors. We look forward to leveraging capacity to handle utility scale projects (130 MW for NTPC at our continuously growing experience and expertise in Bhadla-Rajasthan, 80 MW for GIPCL at Charanka- Gujarat, successfully implementing solar power plants in India 40 MW for IL&FS at Kachaliya- Madhya Pradesh), innovative and markets abroad, as we look to expand our reach into projects (India’s first floating solar), and airport installations new territory that has great potential for solar power (Calicut, Kolkata, Kochi) Vikram Solar is contributing to the generation.” growth of Indian solar revolution. Rays Power Infra aims to continue its growth in India and is Vikram Solar favors meticulous strategy in sync with high } looking to expand into the international markets, with a target end technology usage to complete EPC projects. Prestigeous of cumulatively commissioning of over 1200 MW by end of FY profile and huge client base including names like- NTPC 2020. The company expects to continue the leverage of its Limited, Gujarat Industries Power Company Limited, Oil and extensive project experience and industry-leading technical Natural Gas Corporation Limited, Andhra Pradesh Power expertise to provide more people in India and abroad with in- Generation Company, Bharat Electronics Limited, West Bengal novative, eco-friendly, and cost-effective solar power technol- State Electricity Development Company Limited- highlights ogy solutions. company’s ability to satisfy conservative clients. Source: value360india

44 EQ July 2018 www.EQMagPro.com RESEARCH & ANALYSIS

Renewable energy outpaces Utility Spending on Block- fossils in India: Reports chain-based Platforms is Wind and solar energy in India are now outpacing fossil fuels as investment opportunities providing on average 12 per cent higher annual returns, Expected to Reach $3.7 Bil- 20 per cent lower annual volatility and 61 per cent higher risk-adjusted returns than coal and natural gas, reports said . lion by 2026 nvestors also increasingly see renewable energy as Blockchain energy platforms must emphasize operational efficiency less risky than fossil fuel energy, even though wind before the technology can be widely adopted in the energy sector. and solar are new entrants in the energy mix. This is predominantly because of shortcomings that impact profitability of the fossil fuel energy sector in In- dia, such as sourcing issues, import dependency, long construction periods, environmental regulations and Imore recently low plant load factors and stranded coal and gas power plants. These are findings from a new series of reports titled “An Assessment of India’s Energy Choices” led by Climate Policy Initiative (CPI), the Indian School of Business (ISB), Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT Delhi). The series looks at the future of renew- new report from Navigant Research able energy in India along different economic dimensions. From analyzes the market for blockchain- a broader macroeconomic perspective, the studies published based platforms in the utilities industry, under this initiative find that there is a close relationship be- providing forecasts for wholesale en- tween economic growth in India and renewable energy growth. ergy trading, EV charging and integra- For example, higher renewable energy generation corresponds tion, and transactive energy platforms to lower unemployment, fewer net energy imports, a lower fiscal through 2026. In 2016 and 2017, deficit and a higher GDP over the next 25 years. Econometric A millions of dollars flowed into energy- analysis of realistic renewable energy deployment out to 2042 related blockchain projects, and the shows that India could add between two million and 4.5 million adoption of the technology continues to jobs in wind and solar. Despite these strong economic signals, grow. As decentralized energy markets however, the studies indicate that to meet the official target of emerge, these opportunities for energy- renewable energy capacity of 175 GW by 2022, India needs to specific blockchain applications are an focus more on strong renewable energy policies and also on important target for industry. strong macroeconomic policies. “Assessing the various direct, indirect, and “The expectations for blockchain in external costs and benefits of all energy the energy sector are sky-high, helped resources will reflect the significance of re- along by hundreds of millions of dollars newables for India’s energy future,”, Shakti in venture capital investments and Sustainable Energy Foundation CEO initial coin offering (ICO) fundraising,” Krishan Dhawan said in a statement. Shakti says Johnathon de Villier, Research Sustainable Energy Foundation works to Analyst with Navigant Research. “How- facilitate India’s transition to a cleaner energy future. ever, the technology is still immature and unproven, } and utility spending will grow at a much more mea- “Our work shows that meeting India’s re- sured pace.” newable energy targets is clearly associated Future} blockchain development in the utility industry with positive impacts for India’s economy,” said CPI India Director Gireesh Shrimali. depends on external technological factors, including the “Unfortunately, while it is likely that the penetration of smart meters and networked charging sector will continue to grow, there are infrastructure for electric vehicles. According to the report, a range of barriers to it reaching its full blockchain adoption will not be disruptive until Internet potential.” of Things devices and communications technologies are } integrated into compatible blockchain networks. The studies indicate that India should prioritize policies that sup- This report, Utility Blockchain Applications Market port a strong fiscal environment. As renewable energy growth is so Overview, provides an overview of the developing market closely related to economic growth, and vice versa, India can take for blockchain-based platforms in the utilities industry. The steps to meet both clean energy and growth goals by focusing not study focuses on wholesale energy trading, certificates only on strong renewable energy policies but also on strong fiscal of origin, EV charging and integration, meter registration policies. The authors recommend that policymakers work to ad- and switching, and transactive energy platforms. Global dress the main investment risk factors for renewable energy. The forecasts of utility spending, segmented by region and use study also suggests a near-term path that transitions coal plants case, extend through 2026. The report also describes the to flexibility assets. CPI’s research points out that as renewable components of a blockchain architecture and explores the penetration grows, overall economic risk of stranding existing fossil competitive landscape and key challenges that must be fuel assets also increases at the same time that there will be a addressed before blockchain can be widely adopted in the greater need for flexibility to provide base-load power. energy sector.

www.EQMagPro.com EQ July 2018 45 RESEARCH & ANALYSIS

Green Shift to Slash Oil Com- IEEFA Report: Advances in pany Income by $19 Trillion Solar Energy Accelerate to 2040 Global Shift in Electricity The global transition to electric vehicles and renewable sources of power will see oil company revenue plummet. Generation Rapid Cost Deflation, Broad Gains in Scale; Key Momentum in China and India; Crucial Support From International Capital Markets and Tech Giants; Expansion Role Seen for National Governments report published by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis describes how solar energy is accelerating the transformation of the global electricity-generation sector through gains in technology innovation A and price deflation. The study—“Solar Is Driving a Global Shift in Energy he rollout of 540 million electric vehicles by Markets”—details some of the world’s biggest utility- 2040 will cause oil demand to peak in the mid- scale and concentrated-solar-power (CSP) projects. 2020s, slashing income by $19 trillion, accord- It documents prime examples of large rooftop-solar ing to Oxford, England-based Aurora Energy expansions, floating-solar developments, and solar- Research Ltd. Gas and power will provide more with-battery-storage projects. It includes an overview than half of final energy consumption, up from of corporate renewable power purchase deals and a 39 percent currently. rundown of utilities that have taken a critical lead on T the renewable energy front. Aurora’s “analysis points to a possible energy future of mass electrification, digi- tization, and new technologies, in which “Solar has finally come of age, as can be seen in the the rise in electric vehicles and continued many rapid project developments across various improvements in fuel efficiency lead to technologies and in a broad array of business mod- peak oil demand occurring in the mid- els,” said Tim Buckley, lead author of the report and 2020,” Richard Howard, head of research IEEFA’s director of energy finance studies, Austral- at Aurora, said in the report. “This flips the very idea of asia. “These advances are occurring alongside gains in ‘peak oil’ — previously hypothesized for the supply side storage, wind, hydroelectricity and energy efficiency.” – as electricity grows in importance as a transport energy “Global energy markets are changing, and fast.” source.” } } The report acknowledges recent research by Bloom- Oil companies are struggling to find an identity for themselves berg New Energy Finance that puts total global solar in a greener, more environmentally aware world. But they installations in 2017 at 98 gigawatts (GW), a 31% recognize that they need to change to survive. Royal Dutch increase over 2016. It notes that China was responsible Shell Plc and BP Plc are trying to find ways to offer EV charging for over half (53 GW) of that total, and that India in- alongside traditional gasoline pumps at service stations and are stalled 10 GW of solar in 2017, almost double its record buying up renewable generation. in 2016. Crucially, India’s “Scheme for Development of Bloomberg New Energy Finance estimates global power Solar Parks” has proven successful at attracting foreign demand will surge 58 percent by 2040 from 2016 levels, with capital toward construction of the world’s largest ultra- $10.2 trillion of investment needed in the sector. During the mega solar parks. same period the growth of electric vehicles is seen displacing “India and China are hardly alone, however, as about 8 million barrels of oil a day — equivalent to the current electricity markets elsewhere accelerate their uptake total production of Iran and Iraq. OPEC’s strategy will change to of solar,” Buckley said. “Saudi Arabia’s latest an- increase production to gain market share from one of restricting nouncement of its intentions to develop 200 GW of supply in order to prop up prices, according to Aurora. With de- solar by 2030 through investments from Japanese mand declining in the 2030s, the company’s “burnout scenario” tech giant Softbank is a great example of the scale predicts that oil prices could fall to $32 per barrel in 2040 from at which solar power is likely to expand in the com- about $80 currently. Total fossil fuel revenue will fall to $21 ing years.” trillion, 10 percent of which is due to coal, as that fuel loses favor in power generation. Prices will collapse to $28 a ton by The report delineates important trends in corporate re- 2040, from about $90 now, “barely above the marginal cost of newable Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) in which production and transport.” Natural gas will probably emerge as tech giants like Amazon, Microsoft and Apple are relying the main fossil fuel “winner” as it balances renewables in power more on solar and wind-energy plants and on rooftop generation and is used as a substitute for oil in petrochemicals. solar capacities on their own facilities. Manufacturing Long-term gas demand is set to increase by 15 percent, or by and logistics companies, airports, railways, and universi- 750 billion cubic meters, compared to business as usual, Aurora ties are following similar paths. said. Source: Bloomberg L.P.

46 EQ July 2018 www.EQMagPro.com RESEARCH & ANALYSIS

“As major corporations sign on to such deals, they continue to look to ‘green’ their entire supply chains, many of South Africa Plans to Add which sit in emerging markets,” Buckley said. “This activity helps expand access to international capital markets, Up to $4 Billion of Renew- } which historically has been a key constraint.” Buckley said that as countries grapple with ever-higher shares of variable renewable energy generation, demand able Projects for system balancing will require a multitude of tech- South Africa plans to invite bidders for additional renewable power nology solutions including improved international grid projects that may amount to as much as 50 billion rand ($4 billion) of connectivity, better demand-response management, and investment and help stimulate local and black-owned business. more pumped hydro and battery storage. CSP technology, solar-wind hybrid generation, and solar-with-storage have become increasingly valuable for their ability to ensure solar reliability. India, in particular, is exploring a number of innovative initiatives in these areas to build capacity and “learning by doing.”

The report highlights a number of recent milestones: he fifth bid window for 1,800 megawatts A 1,547-MW project at Tengger, China, setting the record for of renewable projects under the govern- largest operational solar project. ment’s independent power producers India’s push for development of “Industrial Solar Parks” driv- program will start in November, according to a copy of Energy Minister Jeff ing construction on a number of the world’s largest utility-scale Radebe’s speech given at a conference projects, including the nearly complete 2,225 MW Bhadla solar in Johannesburg industrial park in Rajasthan and the State of Gujarat looking T to beat that with an April 2018 announcement of intentions to “The intention is to enhance local build a 5,000 MW project. manufacturing to ensure investment and economic growth as well as the A step-change in the commercially deployed cost of CSP, with opportunity to encourage opportunities SolarReserve, the leading developer of such technology, estab- for black industrialists and the devel- lishing a pipeline of mega projects in the U.S., China, Australia, opment of black independent power South Africa and Chile. producers,” Energy Minister Jeff Radebe said. The Commissioning of the largest operational floating solar project bid window will require similar generation technology (40 MW), in the Anhui district of China, amid signs of even to the so-called expedited round announced in 2015, which has expired, he said. larger floating solar plants to come as India, Japan, Indonesia, } South Korea, Vietnam, and England take advantage of a model Under President Cyril Ramaphosa, who is leading a drive that maximises usage of dam reservoirs, wastewater-treatment to attract $100 billion of investment in the next five years, facilities, fish farms and collapsed coal mines. Radebe revived the national renewable-energy program that was once the world’s fastest growing, but had since Global residential plus commercial & industrial (C&I) rooftop stagnated. The minister signed agreements with 27 inde- solar installations totaling 28 GW in 2017, up 27% year on pendent power producers in April after more than two years year from 22 GW in 2016. of delays. A record number of corporate PPAs, of which more and more The independent power producer program will also are built around solar. aim to “take into account the different needs of the communities where the projects are and which will The report emphasises the role governments can play in allow the impact to be measured,” Radebe said. Two expanding renewable electricity-generation momentum by coal-fired projects under the program will bring another constructively managing trade protectionism, domestic solar- 40 billion rand of investment to the country, he said. module manufacturing, and transmission networks. Source: Bloomberg L.P.

www.EQMagPro.com EQ July 2018 47 BUSINESS & FINANCE

$300 Million World Bank Operation to Help Scale Up In- dia’s Energy Efficiency Program The World Bank Board of Executive Directors approved a $220 million loan and an $80 million guarantee for the India Energy Efficiency Scale-Up Program. The Program, to be implemented by the Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), will help scale up the deployment of energy saving measures in residential and public sectors, strengthen EESL’s institutional capacity, and enhance its access to commercial financing.

ndia’s climate change commitments to reduce carbon intensity by 33-35 percent by 2030 from 2005 level will require a significant focus on energy efficiency improvements. The investments under the Program are “India’s energy efficien- expected to avoid lifetime greenhouse gas emissions cy market, estimated to of 170 million tons of CO2, and contribute to avoiding be over $12 billion per an estimated 10 GW of additional generation capacity. year, continues to face I This would be over 50 percent of the National Mis- implementation barri- sion for Enhanced Energy Efficiency target of 19.6 GW indicated ers, particularly in the in India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the residential and public Paris Accord. The key components of the operation include: creating sus- sectors, which have tainable markets for LED lights and energy efficient ceiling fans; some of the largest un- facilitating well-structured and scalable investments in public tapped potential for en- street lighting; developing sustainable business models for emerg- ergy efficiency improve- ing market segments such as super-efficient air conditioning ments. Building upon and agricultural water pumping systems; and strengthening the its experience of UJALA institutional capacity of EESL. Moreover, the Program will help to and SLNP, EESL is now expanding its initia- increase private sector participation in energy efficiency, including tives to other energy efficiency measures,” through private sector energy service companies. said Ashok Sarkar, Senior Energy Specialist Under the Program, EESL will deploy 219 million LED bulbs and and World Bank’s Task Team Leader for the tube lights, 5.8 million ceiling fans, and 7.2 million street lights, Program. “The financing under the India which will be supplied by private sector manufacturers and suppli- Energy Efficiency Scale-Up Program will ers. As an integral part of the operation, the first-ever IBRD guar- not only help EESL to continue achieving antee in India will help EESL access new markets for commercial the results under its existing initiatives but financing in line with the Bank’s approach of maximizing finance also strengthen its institutional capacity for development. The guarantee is expected to leverage some and ability to meet its future expanding $200 million in additional financing, to help EESL with its growing needs by leveraging private ESCO industry portfolio and future investment needs. and increased access to a wider range of “This energy efficiency Program for Results external commercial financing sources,” he will help India meet its NDC commitments added. and move further towards a more resource- efficient growth path,” said Junaid Ahmad, The $220 million loan, from the International World Bank Country Director in India. “The Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) additional guarantee from the World Bank to} EESL, has a 5-year grace period, and a maturity will support EESL to access new sources of of 19 years. The $80 million IBRD guarantee will commercial funding, diversify its investor partially cover re-payment risks to commercial lend- base, and establish a track record for future access to financial ers or investors, to enable EESL to raise funds for its } markets,” he added. program.

48 EQ July 2018 www.EQMagPro.com BUSINESS & FINANCE

Trina Solar completes acquisi- Morgan Stanley Buys tion of Nclave $40 Million Stake in Chi- Trina Solar Limited (“Trina Solar” or the “Company”) announced that it has successfully closed the acquisition of Spain-based Nclave Renewable S.L. (“Nclave”), the nese Solar Firm Daqo world’s leading solar tracker system manufacturer. Morgan Stanley (MS) disclosed in a regulatory filing that it his is the first time that a Chinese solar company has now holds a 5.1% stake in Daqo New Energy (DQ). acquired a solar tracker producer outside of its home market, accelerating Trina Solar’s strategic transfor- he banking giant said that as of May mation from a leading PV product supplier to a global 14 it owned 16.4 million ordinary smart PV solution provider. The acquisition also marks shares of Daqo, equivalent to another solid step towards Trina Solar’s strategic trans- 656,100 of the U.S.-traded American formation into an enterprise focused on the develop- depositary shares, as each ADS mentT of alternative and renewable energy solutions that work in concert represents 25 ordinary shares. That with the Internet of Things ecosystem. position makes it the Chinese firm’s With the acquisition, Trina Solar’s latest TrinaPro smart PV solutions T fourth-largest shareholder, accord- will directly incorporate Nclave’s tracker products and engineering ing to S&P Capital IQ. Daqo, based in Chongqing, designs, while Nclave’s leading-edge technologies will also be deeply manufactures high-purity polysilicon for the solar integrated into Trina Solar’s smart solutions. Nclave was founded by photovoltaic industry. the Clavijo Family and integrated the company MFV in 2017 together The ADS has heated up quickly this month. with the participation of the fund Q-Growth . Nclave has over 12 years Morgan Stanley’s stake was valued at $39.5 million of experience in renewable energy sources, having provided more than at the May 14 closing price of $60.26. Based on 2.5 GW worldwide. It currently has its headquarters in Madrid (Spain), Daqo’s closing price of $65.52 on Monday, Morgan commercial offices in five continents and manufacturing facilities in Na- Stanley’s stake is now valued at $43 million. varra (Spain). Nclave is a leading company in the development, design, Morgan Stanley held a mere 19,000 Daqo ADSs manufacturing, installation and maintenance of fixed structures and at the end of the first quarter, so it must have photovoltaic solar trackers, including dimensioning and implementing acquired hundreds of thousands of ADSs in April of all foundation solutions. Nclave offers the widest range of products in and early May. The ADSs have made some hay. the market (fixed structures and single and multi row trackers with any So far this year, through Monday’s close, Daqo has configuration), being adaptable to all kinds of project through solutions gained 10%. In August, Morgan Stanley’s own re- with minimum investment cost; as well as operation and maintenance. search department rated Daqo an Outperform and Its design for core parts and structures have received multiple interna- highlighted it as a “Top 5 Climate Change Impact” tional patents. stock. Source: Trina Solar Limited Source: barrons

Statkraft acquires BLP’s shares Bank of America Raises in SBSS Statkraft, Europe’s largest generator of renewable energy and Bharat Light and $2.25 Billion in Largest Power (BLP), have agreed to end the partnership. BLP has agreed to sell its stake in the joint venture Statkraft BLP Solar Solutions Private Limited (SBSS) to Statkraft. SBSS Green Bond Deal provides distributed solar solutions to the commercial & industrial segment in India. Tejpreet S. Chopra, Managing Director, BLP said, Bank of America Corp. has issued a $2.25 billion bond to sup- “The transaction is in line with BLP’s strategy of port clean energy projects, making it the largest so-called optimizing value across its business lines. BLP and green bond issuance that the bank has done to date. Statkraft have created a leading venture which has successfully commissioned projects across India, he Charlotte, North Carolina-based and developed a strong brand in the distributed bank has now issued four corpo- solar space. We wish to thank Statkraft for a fantas- rate green bonds, raising a total of tic partnership, and wish Statkraft the very best in $4.35 billion for renewable energy their future endeavours.” projects since 2013. } “We’ve seen tremendous de- Marthe Hoff, Senior Vice President International mand in the debt capital markets, Markets, is enthusiastic about the future: T with all four of our green bonds “The talented and motivated employees of SBSS significantly oversubscribed,” Anne are committed to realize Statkraft’s ambition to Finucane, a vice chairman at the be the preferred supplier of renewable, innovative company, said in the statement. and cost efficient energy solutions for Commercial and Industrial companies across India. Statkraft will scale up its effort and combine local expertise Source: Bloomberg L.P. with the international experience the company has accumulated from more than 120 years of operation.” } www.EQMagPro.com EQ July 2018 49 BUSINESS & FINANCE

Tata Power Plans $5 Billion Push to Boost Renewable Capacity Tata Power Co., one of India’s largest private power utilities, is planning to invest as much as $5 billion to ramp up its renewable capacity Azure Roof Power Announc- fourfold, according to its top executive. es US$ 135 Million Financing The 103-year-old power utility plans to increase US$ 135 million investment, largest debt financing in India, to facilitate its clean-energy capacity to 12,000 megawatts by 2028, Chief Executive Officer Praveer Sinha development of approximately 200 MWs of Azure Roof Power projects said. That would require an investment of as zure Power (NYSE: AZRE), a leading indepen- much as 40 million rupees ($594,000) a mega- dent solar power producer in India, announced watt, he said. According to Bloomberg calcula- that it has tied up US$ 135 million, the largest tions, that works out to a total investment of as solar rooftop debt financing in India, with a much as 360 billion rupees. consortium of Development Finance Institu- tions. The proceeds will be used to finance ap- “Renewables is our big space. This is something that proximately 200 MWs of Azure Power’s solar we want to go big in,” Sinha said in an interview in A rooftop projects across India. The line of credit Mumbai. “The bulk of the increase will come from solar. was led by International Finance Corpora- It will be utility level large projects as well as residential tion, a member of the World Bank Group and and commercial rooftops.” attracted the participation of leading institutions, including FMO – the Dutch development he company has said previously it expects bank, Société de Promotion et de Participation as much as half of its capacity to be based pour la Coopération Economique (Proparco) on non-fossil fuels by 2025 compared with about 30 percent now. The green push – the French development finance institution, comes amid a global shift away from dirty and Oesterreichische Entwicklungsbank AG fuels and a drive by Prime Minister Nar- (OeEB) – the development bank of Austria. endra Modi to more than double India’s Azure Power signed the agreement with FMO renewableT power capacity to 175 gigawatts. It will also help in the presence of the Prime Minister of the Tata Power, part of the country’s top conglomerate, reduce Netherlands, Mr. Mark Rutte, Ambassador of dependence on its coal-based plants, the biggest of which the Netherlands to India, Mr. Alphonsus Stoe- has long been a drag on its earnings. linga and Chief Risk & Finance Officer, FMO, Ms. Fatou Bouaré. Clear Potential : “There’s a policy directive on boosting clean energy. That’s also where foreign capital is flowing in,” Santosh Linda Broekhuizen, Chief Investment R Hiredesai, a Mumbai-based analyst with Sbicap Securities Officer FMO said “FMO is committed Ltd. said. “Companies like Tata Power will invest where they see to making a positive impact on green returns and clear growth potential.” Tata Power is also transfer- financial development. Earlier, we had ring its clean energy assets to a subsidiary, which the company invested approximately US$ 30 million may consider listing in the future or for which it may invite in Azure Power, and this will be our investments from pension or sovereign wealth funds. The rejig second investment in the company, makes it easier for an investor to buy into only its green portfo- which is testament to FMO’s commit- lio and not the parent, according to Hiredesai. ment to clean energy initiatives in Albatross : The utility expects to soon break even on its flag- India and our support of Azure Power.” ship 4,000-megawatt Mundra power plant, once described } as an albatross around its neck as the high cost of imported fuel and capped tariffs pushed it into losses for years. In the Commenting on the occasion, Inderpreet quarter ended March, Tata Power posted better-than-expect- Wadhwa, Founder, Chairman and Chief ed profit on one-time gains due to a reversal of impairment Executive Officer, Azure Power said, “We charges on Mundra. “In the next two years, Mundra should are pleased to announce the largest solar be able to break even at profit-after-tax levels,” Sinha said as rooftop financing in India. This financing he counts on falling coal prices globally in the next year or so. will enable us to rapidly expand our Azure With China importing less coal and Europe as well as the U.S. Roof Power platform in India and lower the moving away from coal-fired facilities, Sinha expects a glut energy bills of our customers by providing in supply to push prices down. He ruled out a stake sale in clean and sustainable solar energy. We are the Mundra power plant that was earlier being planned, but delighted to make this contribution towards said negotiations were on with state governments — buyers the realization of India’s ambitious rooftop of electricity from the plant — to allow surplus power to be targets and our Hon’ble Prime Minister’s sold at market rates. Power transmission, between cities and commitment towards clean and green en- between states, is another focus area for the company as are ergy, through solar power generation.” smart metering and home automation services, he said. } Source: Bloomberg L.P.

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Magenta Power sets up India’s first Solar Based Charging Station for Electric Vehicles Electricity demand from ELECTRIC Plans to set up 100 EV charging stations by the end of 2018 VEHICLES to help power utilities earn $11 billion The overall electricity demand from large-scale adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in India is projected to touch 69.6 terawatt hours by 2030, helping power utilities earn an additional revenue of USD 11 billion, a report said.

he joint study by Assocham and Ernst & Young LLP added that increasing adoption of EVs across India will be instrumental in transforming the country’s power sector and reduce emissions by 40-50 per cent, helping the country in achieving carbon emission reduction targets. Moreover, it said, the mass adoption of electric mobility is T expected to help the power and utilities sector realise net cost and revenue benefits from both demand and supply side.

“By 2030, EVs are expected to reduce emissions by 40- 50 per cent, compared to internal combustion engine vehicles in an aggressive renewable energy scenario,” { the study said. { However, the report added that even if the grid continues to be coal-heavy, emissions are likely to reduce by 20-30 per cent. The report highlighted rapid transformation underway in the country’s power and utilities sector via agenta Power, one of the leading reducing the dependence on imported coal, rising energy service providers of renewable independence with renewables, reducing plant load factors energy solutions in association and national grid integration. with Exicom, installs India’s first to It suggested a national regulated rate that can be appli- boast Solar Charging Station (DC cable to all charging stations across India, observing that Fast Charge) for Electric Vehicles the government will have to quickly facilitate standardisa- in Turbhe, Navi Mumbai.The tion of charging infrastructure and incentivise R&D for M event was graced by Mr.Ganesh advanced charging technologies. Naik, Ex MLA and Member of NCP. Called as Magenta Charg- “We expect the government to take active mea- ing Station- 3, the new charging sures to streamline regulatory challenges and provide station will cater to four-wheelers. further policy impetus to drive uptake of EVs,” noted The newly installed chargers will the report. enable electric car users to charge their cars at any time safely and It also said that while success of India’s EV mission conveniently. The grid-connected depends upon development and proliferation of domestic charging station will be powered by manufacturing ecosystem, absence of an EV supply chain solar,which in turn makes the en- in the country demands an urgent investment in research tire ecosystem totally free of fossil and development and local manufacturing capabilities. fuel. By reducing the carbon emis- The report also noted that clear policy guidelines are es- sions to zero, it is the right solution sential for EV market to take-off, given the huge capital for an eco-friendly environment. investments involved.

52 EQ July 2018 www.EQMagPro.com ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Speaking at the event, Mr. Maxson Lewis, CEO Magenta Power said, “We are very proud to set Delta Electronics India up our first solar based Electric Vehicle Charg- ing Station in Navi Mumbai. It is also India’s Launched Mumbai’s first DC first Solar based EV charging station. Solar panels and electric vehicles are the perfect match Fast-Charger for Electric that are certainly going to play a key role in the energy systems of the next 25 years. As the nation moves towards clean and affordable power Vehicles at Maharashtra for all, it is our attempt to provide customers { with the best solutions for a greener tomorrow”. { Mantralaya The Government undoubtedly has been en- Delta, Powering Green Mobility installed 15 kW DC Fast-Charger EV Charg- couraging the move towards Electric Vehicles ing Station at Maharashtra Mantralaya and the shift shall be more evident by 2030, understanding which Magenta already has elta Electronics India Pvt. Ltd, a leading begun its plan to build the seamless network Power and Energy management company, of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations, enabling launched Mumbai’s first DC Fast-Charger easier adoption among the audience with station at Maharashtra Mantralaya.The proximity and making them future ready. Ma- EV Charging Station was launched by Dr. genta has aggressive plans in EV space and Harsh Vardhan Union Minister for Science aims to set up 100 charging stations at various & Technology & Earth Sciences, Govern- locations in Mumbai and is in discussions with D ment of India and Mr. Devendra Fadnavis, various stakeholders to this end. Chief Minister of Maharashtra.

Mr. Akshaye Barbuddhe, Business Head of EV Charging Solutions business of Delta Electron- ics India said “With our new range of electric vehicle charging solutions, we intend to support the GOI’s mission to drive electric mobility. Our entire suite of solutions in EV Charging including the Bharat Chargers will complement the Indian e-mobility initiative providing a reliable technol- { ogy and backing of the Delta brand. { The DC Fast Charger station that is provided by Delta at Mantralaya has the capacity of 15 kW and is made based on the Bharat EV specifications standard. Delta’s comprehensive portfolio of energy efficient advanced EV charging stations will offer solutions to all kind of e-buses, e-cars and commercial electric- vehicle(EV), including the newly launched e-cars such as Tata Tigor and Mahindra Verito. Once fully charged the car battery is able to sustain up to 100 to 120 km. ARAI certified these chargers are designed and manufactured locally further supporting GOI’s Make in India initiative”

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Maharashtra Govt Rolls Out Speaking on the occasion, E-Mobility Programme; Signs Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Government of Maharashtra, MoU with EESL said, “, Maharashtra embarks EESL to lease out electric vehicles, and install chargers in Maharashtra on the path of e-mobility government offices marking an important milestone in its trajectory of nergy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a Super growth. Through this MoU Energy Service Company (ESCO) under the admin- with EESL, we are ushering in istrative control of Ministry of Power, Govt of India, an era of clean, green and fu- signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) ture-oriented technologies in with the General Administration Department (GAD), the state. The EV programme Government of Maharashtra to lease out electric ve- will enable sustainable trans- hicles and install EV chargers in state government port and further enhance our E offices. The vehicles would be provided under the state’s stature as a favoured Government of Maharashtra’s Electric Vehicle and economic destination.” Related Infrastructure Policy – 2018. { Shri Saurabh Kumar, Managing Director, EESL, said, “It is our endeavour to contribute to the Indian Govern- ment’s e-mobility mission. Maharashtra is among the top contributors to the Indian economy and its transition to e-mobility will have a positive effect on national goals related to The MoU was signed in the presence of Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Govern- climate and sustainable ment of Maharashtra; Dr Harsh Vardhan, Hon’ble Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change; Shri Diwakar Raote, Hon’ble Minister for Transport, Government of Maharashtra; growth. Shri Erik Solheim; Executive Director, United Nations Environment Programme and Shri Saurabh Kumar, Managing Director, EESL. { Under this MoU, we will provide EVs to state govern- Marking the commencement of e-mobility era in Maharashtra, ment offices and install charging equipment enabling Shri Devendra Fadnavis flagged off the first set of 20 EVs at a smooth and sustainable transition to a future-ori- the Gateway of India in Mumbai. ented mobility solution. We are pleased to forge this The Government of Maharashtra announced its Electric Vehicle significant partnership with Maharashtra and look for- and Related Infrastructure Policy – 2018 with a vision to establish ward to collaborating with other states as well. EESL is the state as a globally competitive destination for electric vehicles confident of successfully implementing its e-mobility and component manufacturing while simultaneously promoting programme across the nation continuing its winning their wide-spread adoption. The MoU between EESL and Maha- streak of transforming markets with innovative busi- rashtra will support the state government’s vision of generating in- ness models and advanced technologies.” vestment worth Rs 25,000 crore in EV and component manufacturing, assembly enterprises and charging equipment manufacturing. Earlier this year, the Government of India launched The policy also entails increasing the number of registered EVs in the National E-Mobility Programme to provide an impe- the state to 5 lakh and creation of one lakh jobs. tus to the entire e-mobility ecosystem including vehicle manufacturers, charging infrastructure companies, fleet operators, service providers, etc. EESL is aggregating demand by procuring electric vehicles in bulk to lever- “E-mobility is the future of our age economies of scale. These electric vehicles will cities. Maharashtra’s leadership replace the existing fleet of petrol and diesel vehicles of in promoting electric vehicles is the Central and State Governments. a big step towards cities that can EESL plans to leverage efficiencies of scale and breathe, and where innovation drive down costs through its innovative business model thrives!”, said Erik Solheim, Execu- while supporting local manufacturing facilities, gaining tive Director, UN Environment. technical competencies for the long-term growth of the EV industry and enabling Indian EV manufacturers to { emerge as major global players.

54 EQ July 2018 www.EQMagPro.com Energy Storage

Long-term policies needed Dynapower and Raychem RPG to attract investments in Announce Technology Trans- battery sector: Report fer & Licensing Agreement to Bring Dynapower Energy Stor- age Technology to India and Neighboring SAARC Countries Dynapower and Raychem RPG are pleased to announce they have executed a technology transfer and licensing agreement to bring Dynapower’s energy storage inverter technology to India and neighboring SAARC countries. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently hailed energy storage of solar energy in India as, “[the] next big technological revolution.” “Dynapower is proud to work alongside Raychem RPG to help realize this revolution,” said Peter Pollak, Dynapower CEO. “For over 50 years we have deployed our power electronics around the world and pioneered the development of energy storage inverters, including The report also suggested that in order to achieve significant the first UL-1741 listed smart inverter. We are excited to electrification and automobiles by 2030 and beyond, India needs a bring our technology and know-how to India as well as robust and competitive battery manufacturing supply chain. { the SAARC countries as part of the agreement.”. { ack of clear long-term policies, low mineral announcing the agreement, Dynapower and reserves and absence of major electric Raychem RPG also announced the commis- vehicle battery producers have become sioning of India’s first 1MW microgrid featuring deterrent to attract investments in battery Dynapower’s CPS-1000 inverter at the Central storage sector in India, according to a Electronics Limited (CEL) facility in Sahibadad, report by EY and Assocham. The report Uttar Pradesh, India. CEL manufactures solar- also suggested that in order to achieve photovoltaic (SPV) cells, modules and systems. L significant electrification and automobiles AThe Central Electronics Limited microgrid project by 2030 and beyond, India needs a robust is a locally controllable power system composed and competitive battery manufacturing of distributed generation combining solar and supply chain. diesel gensets alongside energy storage con- “As per a report by NITI Aayog and Rocky nected to the main grid power system. The com- Mountain Institute, India would require to set mercial and industrial microgrid can work both in up a minimum of 20 Gigafactories to produce on-grid connected mode for frequency regulation, batteries at an investment of US$100 billion PV smoothing and peak shaving to curb CEL’s electric bills, and in “islanded” grid forming mode for meeting India’s EV targets,” it said. in the case of a grid disturbance. The system { { features Dynapower’s patented Dynamic Transfer However, lack of clear long-term policies, technology technology which monitors the grid and seam- uncertainty, low mineral reserves and absence of major lessly transitions the CEL facility from grid-tied EV battery producers are preventing investments in bat- to back up battery power in the event of a grid tery storage technologies in India, the report added. Two- disturbance. wheelers is the largest segment of the Indian automotive industry representing 80 per cent of country’s automotive “We selected Dynapower to partner with because of sales in FY18 (20.2 million units) and owing to the vast- their global leadership with over 400 MWs of EMS ness of this segment, it has a huge potential to promote PCS installed,” said Ramani Kasi, President & CEO emission-free mobility in the country, the report said. —Raychem RPG Ltd. “Dynapower’s differentiated The electric two-wheeler segment witnessed a dip technology such as its patented Dynamic Transfer as with a withdrawal of subsides by the Ministry of New well as their agile business model, unique position- and Renewable Energy. While the policy and regulatory ing in the C&I segment (offering both inverters and framework for battery storage system does not exist at the fully-integrated systems) as well as their focus on Central Government level, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and solutions and aggressive growth mindset aligns Telangana have, in particular, proposed some policies for perfectly with the Raychem RPG business model.” battery storage in their EV policy draft, the report added. { { Source: globenewswire

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GST likely to get centralised AAR for uniform rulings India is looking at creating a centralised Authority for Advance Rulings (AAR) for the goods and services tax (GST) after divergent rulings on identical issues fuelled confusion over applicability and the rate of tax. A recent case in point being the divergent rulings by Karnataka and Maharashtra AARs on the issue of solar projects.

We are looking at an issuebased central authority with officials from states and the Centre,” a top government official told ET. “If more than one appeal is filed on the same issue in “different jurisdictions it can be taken up by this body.” he AAR is a quasi-judicial body that allows assessees to get guidance on their potential tax liabilities relating to any transaction beforehand. The rulings by the AAR are case-specific, but they have a persuasive impact on tax assessment in cases of other firms under similar circum- stances. This is the key reason behind the government contemplating such a move. “AAR decisions are spe- T cific to the case, but they do have some precedence value,” the official said. The previous indirect tax regime had a centralised body ensuring consistency in orders. GOVERNMENT WARY OF VARIATIONS China’s Bombshell So- Maharashtra AAR ruled in a recent case that solar project contracts are “works contracts”, taxable at 18% as a deemed supply of service, instead of a “composite supply” that would have attracted 5%. Karnat lar Policy Shift Could aka AAR, on the other hand, reaffirmed in a case that engineering and procurement contracts are composite contracts and taxable at a conces- Cut Expected Capacity sional rate of 5%. The government is wary of such variation in rulings that could sow further confusion. The structure of the proposed centralised authority will be decided once a decision is taken to set it up, the by 20 Gigawatts official said. It may require a change in the GST laws and all the states would need to come on board. Demand in China exceeding expectations? Analysts say “that is not going to be the case anymore.” Experts said the initial experience of the AAR mechanism in the case of GST has not been very encourag- China’s recently announced changes to national solar poli- ing for businesses and backed a centralised body for cies will bring significant impacts for the global PV market consistency. and possibly the first contraction in global PV demand since before 2000, according to GTM Research. “On aspects like taxability of solar power plants, liquidated damages, exemption on sale by dutyfree he country’s National Energy Admin- shops at airports, etc, the authorities have taken a istration, the National Development view which is not in line with the industry practice, and Reform Commission and the globally accepted principles or government’s own Ministry of Finance released new intention while framing the laws,” said Pratik Jain, guidance that terminates any approv- indirect taxes leader,PwC. “Further, there is likeli- als for new subsidized utility-scale hood of different states taking a divergent view on PV power stations in 2018. China Twill also reduce its feed-in tariff for projects by RMB the same issue.” 0.05 per kilowatt-hour (a fraction of a U.S. cent), cap distributed project size at 10 gigawatts (down Jain said there is an immediate need to have a centralised mechanism, from 19 gigawatts), and mandate that utility-scale either by changing the structure itself and bringing it at par with earlier projects go through auctions to set power prices. central taxes or by building a control system under the GST Council’s Projects connected to the grid past June 1 will not aegis to ensure consistency and quality. “Given that each AAR can po- receive feed-in tariffs. In all, the changes will sig- tentially decide differently on an issue, it makes sense to create a central nificantly chill growth in a country that’s driving the AAR which will take up issues where more than one AAR has been global solar market. The changes could cut China’s approached on a similar issue,” said Bipin Sapra, partner, EY. “In such a capacity forecast by 40 percent, to 28.8 gigawatts scenario, a mechanism needs to be created where all AARs should be from 48 gigawatts, according to GTM Research. listed on the GST portal and in case of similar applications, the state AAR Wood Mackenzie projects a cut of 20 gigawatts this should refer it to the central AAR.” India implemented GST on July 1 last year, down to just 30 gigawatts. Other projections year as to turn the country into a common market and erase interstate put 2018 capacity closer to 35 gigawatts. barriers.

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“When the industry talks about China, it’s always about how demand in the region exceeds expectations,” said Jade Jones, a senior solar analyst at GTM Research. “That is not going to be the case anymore.”

Because of China’s outsized positioning, the global market will certainly take a hit, at least in the short term. Three years ago, China became the world’s leader in solar capacity. In 2017 it accounted for nearly 54 percent of global PV installations. The policy changes are an “As well as the demand- effort to stem the country’s ballooning subsidy costs, side effects, there’ll be an which rang in at RMB 100 billion (about $15.6 billion) last year. China hasn’t been able to pay out those sums. impact on module costs Wood Mackenzie projected they may reach RMB 250 and tariffs emerging from billion (about $39 billion) by 2020. Wood Mackenzie PV auctions, too, with called it a “shock to the industry” that China has aggres- large volumes of modules sively supported in recent years through national policy that had been destined for and incentives. The unexpected June 1 announcement the Chinese market now also spurred a drastic 15 percent drop in share prices for solar companies in the days following. looking for a home else- With the change in policy, it appears that some re- where,” said Tom Heggar- sponsibility will now shift to local governments to approve ty, a senior solar analyst at projects, as the directive asks for “DG projects not real- GTM Research. ized by the central government to seek financial support from respective local governments.” But it’s unclear how INTERNATIONAL RAMIFICATIONS local governments will proceed. GTM Research solar analyst Benjamin Attia said developers have already shown piqued interest. Heggarty said increased competition, along Oversupply issues and opportunities with lower module costs, could push auction prices GTM Research analysts said that the reduced down. Attia said record-low solar bids may dip be- demand from China will lead to an oversupply in the low $20 per megawatt-hour in the next 12 months. global market. “This not only sets the market up for That may negatively impact some markets, like an oversupplied second half of the year, but since in Kenya and Nigeria, where Attia said “new very China is such a large driver of global demand, it low module prices may cause regulators to seek to also suggests that suppliers need to slow down unilaterally reduce PPA rates or seek to renegoti- manufacturing investments,” said Jones, “lest ate a lower tariff, as had already started to happen [they] extend the oversupply cycle beyond 2018.” before the changes in Chinese policy, delaying Roth Capital projects the oversupply in 2018 at 34 giga- projects and possibly causing some of them to stall watts. Jones said oversupply pressure will likely push out altogether.” According to Wood Mackenzie, the prices down 32 percent to 36 percent, more severely change may also drive an increased focus on qual- than the last cycle in 2016 when prices dropped 28 ity with competitive auctions pushing innovation. percent. Falling costs could also accelerate China achieving While demand in the global market had been high, grid parity with advanced technologies and new a shortfall from China means that’s no longer the case. projects by 2020. But that drop in demand could help the industry, espe- Much like the solar tariffs that initially racked the cially in emerging markets, because of a subsequent U.S. market with angst, these policies could create fall in costs and Chinese developers looking for interna- a softer blow than initially expected. While Wood tional investment. “We’re also likely to see an increase Mackenzie acknowledges the changes will “cause in the number of Chinese PV developers participating in near-term market turmoil,” they’re also likely to ac- other global markets as their home market slows,” said celerate grid parity and foster higher PV penetra- Heggarty. tion in newer markets.

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Telangana announces final DSM regulations for wind and solar

Recently TSERC announced regulations on wind and solar forecasting, scheduling regulations, 2018. This is the final regulation and with this Telangana became the sixth, and latest, state to implement Forecasting and Scheduling regulations.

The detailed summary of the regulations is as below: Role of a QCA: • After recovering DSM amounts, if there is a gap between the actual Provide day ahead, week -ahead itle of the Regulation: Telan- • commercial impact for the state as schedule generator wise and ag- gana State Electricity Regula- a result of deviation of wind and gregated schedule for each pooling tory Commission (Forecast- solar generation, such amount will station and the periodic intraday ing, Scheduling, Deviation be further recovered from each revisions. SettlementT and Related Matters for generator. Coordination with DISCOM/STU/ Solar and Wind Generation Sources) • • The wind and solar generator or the SLDC for metering, data collection, Regulations, 2018.The Telangana QCA will provide payment secu- communication/issuance of disp Forecasting regulation has been final- rity to SLDC by the way of BG or atch/curtailment; ized within two months of the release revolving LC which will cover the of draft regulation. Provide day ahead, week- ahead DSM payment for 6 months. Applicability: schedule generator wise and ag- • De-pooling will be done in propor- gregated schedule for each pooling tion to energy injected in each time From the date of publication in • station and the periodic intraday revi- block by each generator. the official gazette. sions. • The QCA will only be forecast- Forecasting tool to be estab- • ing on PSS level. Aggregation to lished in three months period. • Coordination with DISCOM/STU/ create a virtual pool/aggregate of Levy and collection of DSM SLDC for metering, data collec- • multiple substations is not allowed. Charges shall commence after tion, communication/issuance of States like A.P and Karnataka have six months from the date of pub- dispatch/curtailment; allowed Aggregation in their final lication in the official gazette. • De-pooling of charges among generators: regulations. • Regulation Applicable on: All • Commercial settlement of DSM Important Differences Between Intra- grid-connected Wind and Solar Power charges on a weekly basis and state And Interstate Transactions: Generators (except Rooftop PV Solar • All other ancillary and incidental The deviations for Inter-State and Power Projects) connected to a pooling matters. • substation of the capacity not less than 5 Intra-State transactions at Pool- MW irrespective of commissioning date. Revisions: ing Station will be accounted for separately. Separate schedules have • Deviation Accounting: The deviation 16 revisions are permitted for • to be sent for the interstate to SLDC accounting will be carried out based Wind Generators starting from and RLDC. on the Available Capacity: 00:00 Hrs of the day. • The Inter-State transactions will be • Absolute Error in % = 100 x Actual 9 revisions are permitted for • settled on the basis of their sched- Generation – Scheduled Generation ⁄ Solar Generators starting from uled generation and will be consid- Available Capacity (AvC) 05.30Hrs of the day. Pooling Station ered only if the Inter-state capacity • Point of Forecasting: Other Key Points: or STU Feeder where the injection is is connected to the STU via the made. • DSM Settlement will be done on a separate feeder. • Aggregation: Unlike in Karnataka and Weekly basis, with Meter data to • The Generator will pay the Deviation AP, Telangana’s order of F&S does be provided by SLDC, and verifi- Charges for under or over injection not have a provision to provide an ag- cation to be done in coordination applicable within Telangana in case gregated forecast. with SLDC. of deviations in the State DSM Pool.

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Deviation Charges In Case Of Under Or Over-Injection For Sale/Supply Of Power Within The State Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos, and a group of influential Sr. No Absolute Error Dsm Charges Payable To State Pool Account billionaires are investing 1 ≤ 15% None 2 >15% but ≤ 25% At Rs. 0.50 per unit in 2 startups that could 3 >25% but ≤ 35% At Rs. 1 per unit 4 >35% At Rs. 1.50 per unit solve the biggest problem

Deviation Charges in case of under or over-injection for sale/supply of power outside the State with renewable energy Inter-state Deviation Charges will follow the same mecha- Bill Gates, Jack Ma, Mark Zuckerberg and others are committing up nism as defined by CERC (PPA linked). However, the final to $1 billion too develop new energy storage technologies. deviation settlement for Inter-state generators shall be done by SLDC on the basis of deviations and its impact at state periph- • Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg and a ery. group of billionaires are investing in two energy The TSERC Regulation for Forecasting & Scheduling, storage startups through their fund, Breakthrough 2018 has provided a summary of timelines designating the Ventures. activities to QCA and SLDC, to be accomplished within the • Energy storage is one of the biggest bottlenecks in following stipulated duration. the widespread adoption of renewable energy. • Breakthrough Ventures’ fund is designed to be “patient capital,” which means it doesn’t mind waiting a Sr. Activity/Mile- Action By Duration (Months) long time to see returns. No. stone Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg and a host 1 Technical SLDC 3 of their uber-rich compatriots are investing in two energy Specification startups that could solve one of the biggest problems with and Information renewable energy. They’re investing through a $1 billion Sharing protocol fund, Breakthrough Ventures (BEV), which announced last by QCA to SLDC year that energy storage would be one of its main focuses. 2 Forecasting tool, SLDC 3 Launched in 2016, the fund also includes LinkedIn alternate means founder Reid Hoffman, Alibaba CEO Jack Ma, and David of communica- Rubenstein, executive chairman of the private equity giant tion, formats for Carlyle Group. Part of BEV’s mission is to provide “patient submission capital.” That means BEV is willing to forgo returns on investment for up to 20 years to give the scientists and 3 Forecasting tools QCA 3 engineers at these startups enough lead time to develop to be established world-changing technologies. by QCAs Quartz revealed BEV’s first two investments: Form En- 4 Guidelines for SLDC 2 ergy and Quidnet Energy. Both startups have developed registration of different techniques to store energy – one of the biggest QCA, data ex- bottlenecks in the widespread adoption of renewable change between energy sources. Quidnet Energy’s technology uses water QCA and SLDC to store energy in a novel way. Using excess electricity, 5 Manner of SLDC 3 Quidnet pumps water into repurposed or unused oil-and- making State gas wells within shale rock formations. When the liquid Pool Account is pumped in, the water fills cracks in the rock, creating and settlement pressure. thereof To generate electricity, Quidnet releases the water, and the pent-up pressure is used to run turbines and generate 6 Detailed Proce- SLDC 3 electricity. Form Energy – which counts an MIT professor dures covering and a former Tesla engineer among its leadership – is plan for data working on developing a super-efficient battery that could telemetry store large amounts of energy for long periods of time . 7 Trial Run –Dur- All 6 Batteries costs are generally measured by how much it ing this period costs to store a kilowatt-hour of energy. Form Energy is all parties shall developing battery technology that could cost as little as comply with the $10 per kWh – the cheapest batteries are around $200 above per kWh, reports Quartz. That ultimately has the potential to bring down the cost of electric vehicles by making it 8 Commencement All 6 cheaper to produce the batteries, in addition to extending of commercial vehicle range. It could also make powering homes through arrangement. solar more cost-effective.

Source: reconnectenergy

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Why Softbank’s proposed investment in the Indian solar industry can be a game changer Softbank is expected to invest as much as $50 Billion in Global solar forecasts lowered making batteries and storage cells, which are the hard- as China cuts support policies ware on which the solar panels run. f the news that the Japanese investment China’s unexpected move to slash incentives for solar firm, Softbank, is contemplating a $60 power has sent stocks into a free fall and prompted ana- Billion investment in the Indian Solar lysts to lower forecasts for global installations this year amid Industry is true, then it has the potential expectations that a glut of excess panels would send prices to be a game changer for the sector. With tumbling.China announced on June 1 changes to the sub- Softbank’s CEO (Chief Executive Of- sidies that has underpinned its rise to become the world’s ficer) Masayoshi Son expected to arrive largest solar market in recent years. I in India next week and meet the Indian T Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, over the proposed investment, it sure looks like “sunny days” ahead IHS Markit, a market research for the Solar Industry. firm, was preparing to lower its The proposed investment would be mainly global solar installation forecast in manufacturing solar equipment and that too, in India, which can provide a fillip to the much for this year by between 5 and vaunted Make in India policy that encourages 10 gigawatts, or up to 9 percent, global firms to manufacture in the country. In ad- analyst Camron Barati said. The dition, Softbank is expected to invest as much as impact in China, which accounts $50 Billion in making batteries and storage cells for half the global market, could which are the hardware on which the solar panels be up to 17 GW, the firm said. run. Indeed, given the fact that the Indian Govern- } ment, despite its avowed intention of ensuring that nearly 175 GW (Gigawatts) of renewable energy Another market research firm, Wood Mackenzie, said on Wednesday that capacity addition is done by 2022, has nonethe- China’s capacity additions would likely be about 20 GW lower than it had less raised import duties on the components of the expected. An oversupply of cheap Chinese-made panels that had been des- solar panels, the proposed investment can truly tined for domestic projects will help boost demand for solar in other countries raise the stakes for other investors to stop import- and sop up some of the demand lost in China, IHS said. But a drop in prices ing such components and instead, make them in will leave manufacturers with razor-thin margins as they seek to unload their the country. products. Moreover, experts believe that the proposed “There will be a stressful environment for pricing in the near term,” Barati investment to be phased in stages by 2030 has said. “Something like this certainly has global ripples.” the potential to create 200,000 jobs which again is a boost to the efforts of the Indian Policymakers In April, IHS Markit forecast 2018 global installations would hit a record to increase employment in the country. Perhaps 113 GW, with 53 GW coming from China alone. China is also the world’s the biggest impact of Softbank’s investment would largest producer of solar panels. But the Asian nation last week said it would be in changing the perceptions about India being not build any more solar power stations in 2018 and cut its feed-in tariff hospitable to global firms which following the subsidy, which guarantees a certain price for power. Solar investors reacted Walmart-Flipkart deal can usher in a new narrative by selling off stocks. The MAC Global Solar index is down 7 percent this for the ruling party, going into an election year. week. Chinese panel makers Canadian Solar Inc, JinkoSolar Holding Co Ltd and Yingli Green Energy Holding Co Ltd have been hit, as well as U.S. panel makers SunPower Corp and First Solar Inc. Having said that, Soft- bank’s CEO, Son, is seeking a sovereign guarantee JMP Securities analyst Joe Osha slashed his rating from the Indian Govern- on First Solar shares to “underperform” cut his price ment for his investment target to $46 from $87. The Trump administration’s which is unlikely at the 30 percent tariffs on solar imports will help support moment and hence, this is prices in the United States, Osha said, but added one aspect that can upset that First Solar is seeking to do more business over- the apple cart. This calls seas and pricing everywhere could get very competi- for some astute and deft tive. “No business is insulated from market reality,” negotiating skills from both parties which have to be driven from the top meaning that PM } Modi and Son have to arrive at a meeting point.

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BESCOM proposes incentive scheme to bring back HT consumers in the new tariff order 2018-19 BESCOM announced its new tariff order for FY 2018-2019. New points introduced in the order include providing incentives to the HT consumers, for them to return back to state DISCOMs and not purchase power via Open Access. Since HT consumers have been purchasing power via Open Access, the DISCOMs are deprived of the sales to the paying consumers, in turn impacting the finances of the distribution licensees.

Base consumption: The monthly average consumption out of energy supplied by BESCOM during the non-peak hours’ period between 10.00 Hours and 18.00 Hours of the day, during the period from 01- 04-2017 to 31-03-2018 as recorded in Time of Day (ToD) meter will be reckoned as base consumption.

Incentive scheme:

Any excess energy consumed by the eligible consumers during the non- peak period between 10.00 Hours and 18.00 Hours, over and above the average base consumption as stated, will be allowed a discount of Rs.1.00/- per unit in the bill, to the eligible consumers. Further, the eligible consumers will be allowed an incentive of Rs.2.00 per unit in the bill for the energy consumed during the period between 22.00 Hours and 06.00 Hours as against the normal ToD rebate of Re.1.00 per unit. The RE generators will be liable to pay 25% of the normal transmission charges and/or wheeling charges. CONSUMER SLABS EXITING PROPOSED They will be liable to bear the applicable lines losses as (PS/UNIT) (PS/UNIT) decided by the commission. 0-1 lakh 665 Also be liable to other applicable charges including 2% of units HT2a(i) 665 banking charges. above 1 695 lakh units RE PROJECTS TIME PERIOD TRANSMIS- LINE SION/WHEEL- LOSSES 0-1 lakh 660 ING CHARGES units HT2a(ii) 660 Wind projects 10.10.2013 to 25% normal exempted above 1 680 0.09.2017 transmission/ lakh units wheeling charges 0-2 lakh 845 Solar projects On or exempted units HT2b(i) 845 earlier than above 2 31.03.2017 855 lakh units The RE projects commissioned on or after 1.04.2018 shall 0-2 lakh 825 be liable to 25% of the normal transmission and/or wheeling units HT2b(ii) 825 charges, in cash, and the applicable line losses and banking above 2 charge, in kind, as determined by the Commission in its Tariff 835 lakh units Orders, from time-to-time, in addition to the other applicable 0-1 lakh charges. 740 units The Captive Generators, availing of the benefit of the Re- HT2c(ii) 740 newable Energy Certificate (REC) mechanism, shall be liable above 1 780 to pay the normal Transmission, Wheeling, and other charg- lakh units es, as specified in the Commission’s Order dated 09.10.2013. The order is in effect since 1.04.2018 until 31.02.2020 un- There are also some amendments in the wheeling charges less any other order comes into effect. applicable to the renewable generators. Source: reconnectenergy

www.EQMagPro.com EQ July 2018 61 featured

Uniform policy & involving discoms, key to hit solar target CleanMax Solar CEO calls for long-term policy vision

CleanMax Solar, a Mumbai-based developer working on build-own-operate model in which it installs solar plants at customers’ site at its cost and sells the generated power, aims to reach 1GW capacity in the next two-three years, Gajanan Nabar, CEO, has said.

Nabar, who took over as CEO in February 2017, told Busi- nessLine that the company has increased its total installed State power distribution companies (discoms) generally capacity to 300 MW at the consider rooftop solar projects as a threat to their business, especially when a large industrial or corporate client adopts it as end of FY18 from 96 MW at the requirement for grid electricity declines, leading to revenue the end of FY17. losses for discoms. Karnataka, where open access solar projects have been Rapid growth exempted from wheeling, banking and cross subsidy charges since 2013 till the end of March, 2018 (the Karnataka Electricity “Last year, our capex investment was ₹1,200-1,300 Regulatory Commission has recently issued an order imposing crore, and we will continue to keep the same pace,” the charges on renewable energy projects) has emerged as the Nabar said. The company, founded in 2011 by Kuldeep leading State in terms of adoption of open access projects. The Jain, a former partner at McKinsey & Co, and Andrew entire open access capacity of CleanMax Solar, for example, is Hines, formerly from BP Renewable, had announced based in Karnataka, spread across three solar farms. $100 million investment by private equity firm War- “In Karnataka, as per existing policy, discoms are not getting burg Pincus last year. It may look at raising fresh funds any revenue from solar projects, but I would rather have discom this year, Nabar added. in the play as well. It will be more sustainable,” Nabar said. dobe, Volvo, United Breweries, and Chennai Metro Rail are among the Need for clarity major corporate clients the company He added that solar developers are willing to compensate added the last financial year. discoms for losses in revenues as corporates adopt solar While IT, industrial manufacturing power by paying wheeling and banking charges. However, he and auto industry remain three major said, the conditions under which discoms are getting compen- sectors generating demand for Clean- AMax’s rooftop solar and open access solutions, the order- sated should be clear, uniform and long-term. ing activity from other sectors has nearly doubled during “You need to have a consistent policy with at least 5-10 last year, the company said. years’ vision because all our investments are long-term and we sign long-term PPAs with corporate customers,” Nabar Incentives to discoms said. Several States, including Maharashtra, Haryana, UP, Although both solar rooftop and open access market West Bengal and Telangana, have started adopting pro-solar have grown in the last couple of years, their potential, policies, Nabar added. Trends are changing on the corporate especially in the corporate segment, remains limited side, too, he said, as businesses start adopting large-scale as State policies are uncertain and implementation is solar projects. often an issue. “Uniform policy-making is required if “People now come with bigger requirements like 5-10 India wants to achieve its solar target. We also need MW while earlier they would not talk more than 1 MW. So, to think about discoms because corporate players’ opportunities just got bigger. Businesses see solar not only wins cannot be at discoms’ loss. They should be in the as an opportunity for savings, but as a chance to ‘go green’, ” overall play,” Nabar said. Nabar said. Source: thehindubusinessline

62 EQ July 2018 www.EQMagPro.com featured

SB Energy, IL&FS Join Hands to Buffett utility to be first Anchor GoI’s Solar Targets in U.S. to reach 100 percent In a major boost to Government of India’s ambitious target of adding 100GW of solar power by 2022, IL&FS Energy, a subsidiary of IL&FS has partnered renewables with SB Energy (with investments from SoftBank Group International), to MidAmerican Energy Co will become the first U.S. investor-owned jointly develop grid connected solar parks. These parks will be developed utility to source 100 percent of its customers’ electricity needs from across various locations in India. renewable energy when it completes a $922 million wind farm in 2020, the company said.

L&FS Energy and SB Energy have agreed to facilitate the development of solar parks with aggregate capacity of over 20GW by 2025. IL&FS Energy, a subsidiary of Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services Limited is currently one of the largest operators of conventional and renewable power projects in India and specializes in providing integrated and Icomprehensive professional services towards development of energy projects. SB Energy has won bids for setting up 1400 MW solar projects in India including 300 MW at the Bhadla III Solar Park developed by “Saurya Urja Company of Rajasthan Ltd.”, a JV of IL&FS Energy and Government of Rajasthan(GoR). The development of solar parks will involve IL&FS Energy taking up the development of solar park infrastructure like substations, grid connectivity and arrangements for long term access for power evacuation in addition to other value added services. SB he utility owned by Warren Buffett’s Energy will take up the installation, EPC and financing of solar Berkshire Hathaway Inc began invest- projects at these locations. This arrangement will therefore ing in wind power about 15 years ago to result in a “plug and play” solution for SB Energy. both hedge against volatile fuel prices and generate more pollutant-free power, “The real capital of the 21st century is its chief executive said, adding that renewable energy and connectivity” said federal tax credits for renewable projects Thave kept costs low. Mr Hari Sankaran, Vice Chairman, IL&FS Group. ÏL&FS is making every effort to “We have not had to raise customers’ transcend its traditional business model rates, and that’s a big part of the way we of asset creation to a model of infrastruc- evaluate these projects,” MidAmerican ture service provision. This transition is CEO Adam Wright said in an interview. in keeping with the requirements of the sector and will help “We’re not building wind just for the sake the Group leverage on its rich experience and track record. of} building wind.” The partnership with SB Energy is a testimony to this.” } The company, based in Des Moines, Iowa, serves 770,000 electric customers. With the completion of the “We truly believe that India’s develop- utility’s twelfth wind project, MidAmerican will generate mental agenda would be fully realized enough renewable energy to equal the amount consumed through technology-led businesses. Gov- by customers in its Iowa service territory. ernment of India’s thrust on renewable Because of the intermittency of electricity generated by wind, the utility will continue to use its existing natural gas, energy is an important component of nuclear and coal-fired power plants, MidAmerican said, this agenda and SoftBank is eager to be adding that it is seeking sites to add more wind farms. a stakeholder in this endeavor. Our part- Wind power accounts for more than 35 percent of the elec- nership with IL&FS leverages on the respective strengths tricity generated in Iowa, more than any other U.S. state. of both institutions and will efficiently ground our target MidAmerican’s 591-megawatt Wind XII project is subject to roll out plan” said Mr Manoj Kohli, Executive Chairman, SB approval by the Iowa Utilities Board. Energy. } Source: reuters www.EQMagPro.com EQ July 2018 63 INTERVIEW INTERVIEW WITH Mr.Saurabh Bhandari Designation: Founder & CEO

EQ: Tell us a little about SolarMaxx and its products and solutions. SB : SolarMaxx, established in 2008, is a tested and are an eligible offering for various leading manufacturer and supplier of high state and national tenders. SolarMaxx Solar efficiency Solar PV Modules suitable for PV Modules are available in wide range of utility scale power plants as well as rooftop sizes and wattages. Even though our main solar. SolarMaxx is a proud leader in its focus is to produce high efficiency 325+W regional market of Rajasthan and is rapidly modules for utility and rooftop sectors, we expanding across India.SolarMaxx believes can also cater to customised requirement for in manufacturing in the markets we serve.So- modules from 40W and above. larMaxx Solar PV Modules are a renowned While SolarMaxx Solar Panels are a lead- quality offering that undergo multiple stages ing quality offering, SolarMaxx EPC services of stringent quality checks and tests during are revered as amongst the best in after- production before being packed for delivery. sales and O&M besides being amongst the Needless to mention our modules are duly fastest to deliver rooftop as well as ground tested and approved and hold required IEC mounted projects. Over the past decade we and TUV certification from world’s one of have attained expertise in EPC with in-house the most prestigious certification agencies. design, engineering and procurement capa- SolarMaxx Solar PV modules are also MNRE bilities.

64 EQ July 2018 www.EQMagPro.com INTERVIEW

EQ: Please tell us about your manufacturing EQ: Tell us more about Solar Maxx. process, sourcing, quality and innovation. SB: A small idea from a milk vendor led to the SB: We are progressively taking steps towards foundation of this current solar venture, SolarMaxx, in maximum automation in our manufacturing process to the year 2008. SolarMaxx indulged in distribution of evade human interventionas much as possible. This Solar lamps with an objective to light up the rural India has certainly enhanced "quality" yield of our modules. before diversifying into manufacturing of Solar PV The wastage has reduced while uniformity of output has Panels, Solar Water Heating and related Solar Energy increased. This has quite clearly prompted an increase equipment. SolarMaxx played a pioneering role by in quality of the product. We focus on efficiency and are taking Solar to the residential sector in its earlier producing high wattage panels. We recently introduced years when Solar was perceived as a very expensive half-cut cell panels to increase the output by reducing and rather an experimental commodity. Having the cell to module losses. This will certainly lead to successfully launched residential Solar solutions reduction of overall project cost of developers and in the early stages of SolarMaxx, we introduced EPCs alike. With the utilization of certified, excellent commercial and institutional solutions. By 2012-13, class raw material, particularly PID resistant cells, our we were the leading Solar brand in Rajasthan with performance is guaranteed overtime. Reasonable reasonable presence in neighbouring states. price, performance and prompt delivery are our basic It was only in late 2014 that we decided to strengths. commence manufacturing of Solar PV Modules and We prioritse sourcing of extremely high quality raw set up our manufacturing facility in record time of less material from among the most renowned global brands. than 6 months. SolarMaxx solar modules are amongst Since solar is our main bread and butter and not a side the most popular modules in our regional market. Our project to other business interests, our production house modules have acquired all required certifications and srtongly focuses on quality. Our size helps us keep our approvals such as IEC, TUV and MNRE. Our EPC cost overheads low without compromising on the quality vertical has completed several small to large rooftop of our product. With increased automation in production, projects, utility scale MW projects and a number of we keep our product offering consistent which is very off-grid projects across North India. important for our clients that are mostly renowned EPCs, developers and investors. EQ: How do you ensure quality of your product and services? EQ: What are your plans for Rooftop Solar SB: SolarMaxx Solar PV Modules are TUV and Market considering Government Target of IECcertified from a globally recognized agency. Our 40GW rooftop solar by 2022. modules have gone through a series of stringent tests SB: Govt. of India has set a solar installation target of to get these certifications and approvals.We maintain 100GW by the year 2022. 40GW out of this 100GW MNRE approvals for most of our Solar modules that is planned for rooftops. I believe Rooftop Solar is an are required for various state and national tenders. excellent solution for India’s power problems. Rooftop Other than getting and renewing these Solar in India is bound to grow at a high rate especially certifications time to time, we stringently control with increased awareness of the associated benefits. each phase of our manufacturingflow to prevent Businesses and institutions have understood the production of a sub-standard or low-quality module. economics of Solar rooftop and have started to deploy Production of SolarMaxx solar PV modules is done solar panels on their factory sheds and office roofs. in a dust free, air-conditioned environment to avoid Subsidies have helped making rooftop solar attractive any outside particlefrom entering the manufacturing to residential users. It is to be seen how they may react cycle. Our raw material is sourced from renowned and once the subsidies are over, but the overall scenario universally prestigious providers. Eachraw material looks exciting.There are some obvious challenges. is IEC/UL certified by reputed agencies. Other than DISCOMS are not particularly in favour of implementing checking their certifications, we test each raw material or continuing net metering schemes as this directly in-house before sending them into production. affects their revenue. RESCO model especially in the Our in-house testing encourages us to isolate and private sector is still considered risky. along these lines dismiss any inadequate or low- As a module manufacturer, we are aggressively qualitymaterial to guarantee every module is of the looking at supplying our modules to EPC companies for ideal quality. Every module that we create is visually, rooftop installations. At the same time we are actively technically and electrically tested, plus sorted and looking at expanding our EPC business across India packed. with a strong focus on rooftop installations.

www.EQMagPro.com EQ July 2018 65 tech article Incident Angle BAMAPADA GAHTAK AVP – Engineering ( Ground- Mounting Project) Modifier Losses Amplus Energy Solutions Pvt. Ltd Impact In Project IRR AM losses has significant role to make decision for financing Even after considering the IAM losses as per the manu- the project. This loss shall come under optical loss and the facturer recommendation losses( certified by 3rd party) then optical losses always have substantial impact as compared also, it is a challenge to achieve the exact IAM losses. The to other losses i.e DC and AC losses. IAM is an optical effect reason is, PV module manufacture have two or more differ- I (reflection loss) corresponding to the weakening of the ir- ent component manufacturer and the same will be difficult radiation actual reaching the PV cells surface, with respect to to match practically. But the approved component BOM irradiation under normal condition. Sometimes it could be the (Especially glass) quality will very near or almost same quality. major losses under optical losses due to the PV module qual- Hence, IAM losses will be only 0.1 to 0.15 % losses difference in ity. The Incident Angle Modifier losses depend upon the mod- the predicted IAM losses and actuals. It is very clear that, the ule glass & coating quality. Also, it slightly depends upon the manufacturer recommended ( certified by 3rd party) IAM value tilt angle & location as well. Generally, it is under optical losses will be always better than the PV syst default value. and this loss in between 1 to 3% of the entire generation. The incidence loss (reflections due to the Fresnel's laws) is sufficiently well defined by a parameterization proposed by "Ashrae" . You will in principle never have to modify this pa- rameter. Nevertheless, you have also the possibility to define a custom curve described by a set of points. PVsyst will make an interpolation to generate values for all possible angles.

Since Versions -6 limits the maximum values which Most of the PV syst designer do not consider the actual IAM must be entered in the IAM loss table. Recommended set- losses as per the module manufacturer ting depending upon the module manufacturer. PVsyst – Declared value valeted by 3rd party and considering default version -6 only permits nine users defined with IAM points value which is 1 to 2% higher loss which has an impact on the as mentioned above. IAM import values will be as per the project IRR. The generation prediction error shall be mini- module manufacturer recommended values so that gen- mized as much as possible to make right decision for project eration will be increased 1 to 2 % which will be increased finance. the project IRR or LCOE will be reduced.

66 EQ July 2018 www.EQMagPro.com Energy storage

Demand For Lithium Is Growing Rapidly As LI-ION BATTERIES Earlier this year Bloomberg Usage Continues reported that Volkswagen AG, the world’s largest carmaker, secured 20 billion to Expand euros in battery supplies to support its strong investment in EVs. The move is expected to put more pressure on Tesla Inc. as it copes with production issues for their mainstream Model 3. Ac- cording to the report Volk- swagen plans to equip 16 factories to produce electric vehicles by the end of 2022, compared to three factories presently. Additionally, Volkswagen expects to man- According to a research report published by ufacture 3 million cars a year Technavio, the global lithium-ion battery market by 2025. MGX Minerals Inc. is projected to reach USD 81.65 billion by 2021 (OTC: MGXMF), Tesla Inc. and at a CAGR of over 11%. The increased us- (NASDAQ: TSLA), Lithium age of lithium is due to rising demand for batter- Americas Corp. (NYSE: LAC), ies to power portable consumer electronics and FMC Corporation (NYSE: electric vehicles (EVs). FMC), General Motors Co.

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GX Minerals Inc. (OTC: MGXMF) also listed on the Canadian Securi- ties Exchange under Mthe Ticker (CSE: XMG). Yesterday the company announced breaking news that, “a progress report on its expanding silicon portfolio in British Columbia along with planned 2018 development activities. MGX is A recent report published investigating the potential to source by Industrial Minerals is high-grade silica as a feedstock to showing that the increasing be used in industrial silicon metal popularity of EV’s has trans- and solar silicon metal applications. Acquisition of New High-Grade lated into a record demand Silicon Property: The Company is for lithium. Chinese battery- pleased to report it has acquired the grade lithium carbonate Gibraltar property (the “Property”) prices have increased to located approximately 95 kilometers northeast of Cranbrook, BC (B.C. almost record highs. The MINFILE 082JSW001). The Property spot price for battery-grade features high purity quartzite that lithium carbonate (min has the potential for technological 99.5% Li2CO3) increased applications, consisting of snow to 150,000-160,000 yuan white coloured, high purity silica that contains >98.8% SiO2 and < 1.2% ($23,676-$25,254) per ton. impurities such as Al2O3, Fe2O3, One of the largest lithium CaO, MgO, Na2O, K2O. producers in the world, The Gibraltar quartzite unit is Chilean producer Sociedad located in the foreland thrust zone of the Hughes Range of the Rocky Quimica y Minera de Chile Mountains. It covers a sedimentary (SQM), commented on the clastic-carbonate rock package locat- industry. Patricio de Sol- ed near the confluence of Kootenay minihac, CEO of SQM, said in and White River. Sedimentary rocks generally have a north-northwest the company’s first-quarter strike, but locally a north-northeast results statement this week, strike is prominent. Minor folding was “Average prices during the noted in the carbonate sequence im- first three months of this mediately adjacent to quartzite unit. Two westerly dipping thrust faults year surpassed $16,000/mt (Hay, Carter, 1988) are believed to given a tight supply and de- run north-south close to the eastern mand balance. We believe edge of the Gibraltar property. that this price pressure will The main exploration target on Gibraltar includes a moderately dip- continue throughout the ping, 20-30 meter wide high purity first half of the year.” quartzite bed exposed over a strike length of approximately 420 meters. Fieldwork carried out in 2017 consisted of geological mapping (approximately 10 hectares), geochemical sampling (7 rock chip samples submitted for whole rock geochemical analysis, ALS code ICP06), and GPS surveying quartzite outcroppings. A total of 7 rock chip quartzite PATRICIO DE SOLMINIHAC samples (ID numbers 15GIBR-1 to 15GIBR-7) were taken from the base CEO of Sociedad Quimica y Minera of the Main Zone.

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ased on sum of SiO2%/To- Zones consist of a highly competent tal% values, the mean value quartzite unit that trends N to NNE, is of the SiO2%/Total% for 6 approximately 50 meters in width, and MC Corporation (NYSE: FMC) out of 7 rock chip samples has a steep east dip. has served the global agricul- Banalyzed is 98.8%. The relatively high At Koot, historic Exploration SiO2 content of 6 out of 7 samples conducted by Cominco (now Teck- tural, industrial and consumer (17GIBR-1 to 3, and 17GIBR 5 to 7) Cominco) during the 1980’s outlined markets with innovative taken along approximately 300-meter a mineralized zone spanning approxi- solutions,F applications and quality strike length of well exposed Mt Wilson mately 400 meters consisting of high- products. The company operates its Formation quartzite, compares favour- purity silicon dioxide (SiO2). Whole businesses in two segments: FMC Ag- ably with other silica producers such rock analysis of composite samples ricultural Solutions and FMC Lithium. as Moberly, Hunt and HCJ Properties in six of seven shallow diamond drill Earlier this month, the company near Golden, BC. Impurity compounds holes returned values ranging between reported first quarter 2018 revenue of of interest (Al2O3, MgO, CaO, Fe2O3) 98.7% and 99.3% SiO2 (Assessment $1.2 billion, an increase of 103 percent approach specifications required for Report 10160). The zone remains year-over-year. MC Lithium reported producing ferrosilicon alloy. Based on open along strike and at depth to the first quarter segment revenue of $103 the range of %SiO2 and impurity val- north, east and west. Cominco also million, an increase of 57 percent ver- ues such as MgO, CaO, P2O5, Al2O3, conducted decrepitation testing of rock sus the prior-year quarter. Segment and Fe2O3, it is possible that the fragments at 1,000 degrees Celsius EBITDA nearly doubled year-over- Gibraltar quartzite silica is suitable for from three quartzite outcrops and year to $50 million in the quarter. use as a raw material for ferrosilicon or noted no decrepitation.” Higher volume from debottleneck- silicon metal production. Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA)’s ing projects in Argentina and the As consideration, MGX has issued mission is to accelerate the world’s hydroxide expansion in China, higher 100,000 common shares of the Com- transition to sustainable energy. Tesla year-over-year prices on all product pany to the vendors of the Property. has broken new barriers in developing categories and lower operating costs The vendors were Glen Rodgers and high-performance automobiles that are Andris Kikauka. Mr. Kikauka, is a non- not only the world’s best and highest- were the main contributors to growth. arm’s length party to the Company selling pure electric vehicles-with The outlook for Lithium for the full by virtue of being a Director and Vice long range and absolutely no tailpipe year has been increased. Segment rev- President of Exploration of the Com- emissions-but also the safest, highest- enue for the full year of 2018 is in the pany. Mr. Kikauka is entitled to 50% of rated cars on the road in the world. range of $430 million to $460 million, the purchase price of the Property. The According to a blog by the Tesla Team an increase of nearly 30 percent at the acquisition of the Property was con- in 2017, Tesla and Panasonic begin mid-point compared to 2017, while sidered a “related party transaction” mass production of lithium-ion battery the outlook for full-year segment pursuant to Multilateral Instrument 61- cells, which will be used in Tesla’s EBITDA is in the range of $193 million 101 – Protection of Minority Security energy storage products and Model to $203 million. Holders in Special Transactions (“MI 3. The high performance cylindrical eneral Motors Co. (NYSE: 61-101”). The Company was exempt “2170 cell” was jointly designed and GM), its subsidiaries and from the requirements to obtain a engineered by Tesla and Panasonic to joint venture entities formal valuation or minority share- offer the best performance at the low- produce and sell vehicles holder approval in connection with Mr. est production cost in an optimal form Gunder the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Baojun, Kikauka’s participation in the transac- factor for both electric vehicles and Buick, GMC, Holden, Jiefang and Wul- tion in reliance of sections 5.5(a) and energy products. Model 3 cell producing brands. Last year, the company 5.7(a) of MI 61-101. tion will follow in Q2 and by 2018, the announced how it is executing on a Wonah and Koot Silicon Project Up- Gigafactory will produce 35 GWh/year major element of its vision of a world dates: MGX is also pleased to report of lithium-ion battery cells, nearly as with zero crashes, zero emissions and it has received permits to conduct drill much as the rest of the entire world’s zero congestion. Given customers’ programs at its Wonah (“Wonah”) and battery production combined. Koot (“Koot”) silicon properties (collec- Lithium Americas Corp. (NYSE: various needs, getting to a zero emis- tively the “Projects”) located in British LAC), together with SQM, is develop- sions future will require more than Columbia. The Company will complete ing the Cauchari-Olaroz lithium project, just battery electric technology. It will 13 combined drill holes and along with located in Jujuy, Argentina, through its require a two-pronged approach to a metallurgical program to test the 50% interest in Minera Exar. Recently, electrification – battery electric and Projects for suitability of upgrading to the company announced the filing of a hydrogen fuel cell electric depending silicon metal and solar grade silicon. technical report for the Thacker Pass on the unique requirements. GM also At Wonah, the main target includes lithium project, formerly Stage 1 of the introduced SURUS – the Silent Utility the ridge where steeply dipping Ordo- Lithium Nevada project. The Thacker Rover Universal Superstructure – a vician age quartzite is exposed over a Pass Project in Nevada, United States, fuel cell powered, four-wheel steer strike length of approximately 850 me- is 100% owned by Lithium Nevada concept vehicle on a heavy-duty truck ters. Geological mapping, geochemical Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of frame that’s driven by two electric sampling, and surveying identified a Lithium Americas. In addition, Lithium motors. With its capability and flexi- series of white quartzite outcroppings Americas owns 100% of the Thacker ble architecture, SURUS could be used (Wonah Quartzite Formation) that form Pass Project, and RheoMinerals Inc., as a delivery vehicle, truck or even an 2 lenses, the ‘Central Zone’ that has a supplier of rheology modifiers for ambulance – all emissions free. been traced for approximately 500 oil-based drilling fluids, coatings, and m, and South Zone traced for 350 m specialty chemicals. along strike. The Central and South

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Stanford Stanford scientists researchers have developed a manganese- hydrogen battery have developed a that could fill a missing piece in the nation’s energy water-based puzzle by storing wind and solar energy for when it is needed, lessening battery to store the need to burn carbon-emitting solar and wind fossil fuels. energy Tom Abate

Stanford researchers have devel- 20 milliwatt hours of electricity, oped a water-based battery that which is on par with the energy could provide a cheap way to store levels of LED flashlights that hang wind or solar energy generated on a key ring. Despite the pro- when the sun is shining and wind totype’s diminutive output, the is blowing so it can be fed back researchers are confident they can into the electric grid and be redis- scale up this table-top technology tributed when demand is high. to an industrial-grade system that The prototype manganese-hydro- could charge and recharge up to gen battery, reported April 30 in 10,000 times, creating a grid-scale Nature Energy, stands just three battery with a useful lifespan well inches tall and generates a mere in excess of a decade.

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Yi Cui, a professor of materials science at Stanford and senior author on the paper, said manganese-hydrogen battery technology could be one of the missing pieces in the nation’s energy puzzle – a way to store unpredictable wind or solar energy so as to lessen the need to burn reliable but carbon- emitting fossil fuels when the renewable sources aren’t available. “What we’ve done is thrown a special salt into water, dropped in an electrode, and created a reversible chemical reaction that stores electrons in the form of hydrogen { gas,” Cui said. { he team that dreamed up the concept and “We believe this prototype technology will be able to meet built the prototype was led by Wei Chen, a Department of Energy goals for utility-scale electrical storage postdoctoral scholar in Cui’s lab. In essence, practicality,” Cui said. the researchers coaxed a reversible electron- The Department of Energy (DOE) has recommended bat- exchangeT between water and manganese sulfate, a teries for grid-scale storage should store and then discharge at cheap, abundant industrial salt used to make dry cell batteries, fertilizers, paper and other products. least 20 kilowatts of power over a period of an hour, be capable To mimic how a wind or solar source might feed of at least 5,000 recharges, and have a useful lifespan of 10 power into the battery, the researchers attached a years or more. To make it practical, such a battery system power source to the prototype. The electrons flowing should cost $2,000 or less, or $100 per kilowatt hour. in reacted with the manganese sulfate dissolved in the water to leave particles of manganese dioxide cling- Former DOE secretary and ing to the electrodes. Excess electrons bubbled off as Nobel laureate Steven Chu, now hydrogen gas, thus storing that energy for future use. a professor at Stanford, has a Engineers know how to re-create electricity from the longstanding interest in encourag- energy stored in hydrogen gas so the important next ing technologies to help the nation step was to prove that the water-based battery can be transition to renewable energy. recharged. The researchers did this by re-attaching their power “While the precise materials source to the depleted prototype, this time with the goal and design still need develop- of inducing the manganese dioxide particles clinging to ment, this prototype demonstrates the type of science and en- CLEVER CHEMISTRY the electrode to combine with water, replenishing the manganese sulfate salt. Once this salt was restored, gineering that suggest new ways incoming electrons became surplus, and excess power to achieve low-cost, long-lasting, could bubble off as hydrogen gas, in a process that can utility-scale batteries,” said Former be repeated again and again and again. DOE secretary and Nobel laureate Cui estimated that, given the water-based bat- Steven Chu, who was not a mem- tery’s expected lifespan, it would cost a penny to store ber of the research team. enough electricity to power a 100-watt lightbulb for twelve hours. { www.EQMagPro.com EQ July 2018 71 Energy storage

SHIFTING AWAY FROM CARBON HIGH CAPACITY, LOW COST

ui said there are several types of rechargeable battery technologies on the market, but it isn’t clear which approaches will meet DOE requirements and prove their practicality to the utilities, regulators Cand other stakeholders who maintain the nation’s electrical grid. For instance, Cui said rechargeable lithium ion batteries, which store the small amounts of energy needed to run phones and laptops, are based on rare materials and are thus too pricey to store power for a neighborhood or city. Cui said grid-scale storage requires a low-cost, high-capacity, rechargeable battery. The manganese-hydrogen process seems promising. “Other rechargeable battery technologies are easily more than five times of that cost over the life time,” Cui added.

Chen said novel chemistry, low-cost materials and ccording to DOE estimates, about relative simplicity made the manganese-hydrogen 70 percent of U.S. electricity is battery ideal for low-cost grid-scale deployment. generated by coal or natural gas “The breakthrough we report in Nature Energy has plants, which account for 40 per- the potential to meet DOE’s grid-scale criteria,” centA of carbon dioxide emissions. Shifting Chen said. to wind and solar generation is one way to { { reduce those emissions. But that creates new challenges involving the variability The prototype needs development work to prove itself. of the power supply. Most obviously, the For one thing it uses platinum as a catalyst to spur the sun only shines by day and, sometimes, the crucial chemical reactions at the electrode that make the wind doesn’t blow. recharge process efficient, and the cost of that component But another less well-understood but would be prohibitive for large-scale deployment. But Chen important form of variability comes from said the team is already working on cheaper ways to coax surges of demand on the grid – that net- the manganese sulfate and water to perform the reversible work of high-tension wires that distribute electron exchange. “We have identified catalysts that could electricity over regions and ultimately to bring us below the $100-per-kilowatt-hour DOE target,” he homes. On a hot day, when people come said. The researchers reported doing 10,000 recharges of the prototypes, which is twice the DOE requirements, but sid home from work and crank up the air con- it will be necessary to test the manganese-hydrogen battery ditioning, utilities must have load-balanc- under actual electric grid storage conditions in order to truly ing strategies to meet peak demand: some assess its lifetime performance and cost. way to boost power generation within Cui said he has sought to patent the process through the minutes to avoid brownouts or blackouts Stanford Office of Technology Licensing and plans to form that might otherwise bring down the grid. a company to commercialize the system. Yi Cui is also a utilities often accomplish this by firing professor in the Photon Science Directorate at SLAC Na- up on-demand or “dispatchable” power tional Accelerator Laboratory, a senior fellow of the Precourt plants that may lie idle much of the day Institute for Energy, and a member of Stanford Bio-X and but can come online within minutes – the Stanford Neurosciences Institute. Additional co-authors producing quick energy but boosting include Guodong Li, a visiting scholar in materials science carbon emissions. Some utilities have and engineering who is now with the Chinese Academy of developed short-term load balancing that Sciences; postdoctoral scholars Hongxia Wang, Jiayu Wan, does not rely on fossil-fuel burning plants. Lei Liao, Guangxu Chen and Jiangyan Wang; visiting scholar The most common and cost-effective such Hao Zhang; and graduate students Zheng Liang, Yuzhang Li strategy is pumped hydroelectric storage: and Allen Pei. using excess power to send water uphill, then letting it flow back down to generate energy during peak demand. However, hydroelectric storage only works in regions with adequate water and space. So to make wind and solar more useful, DOE has encouraged high-capacity batteries as an alternative.

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SOFARSOLAR Shows Strength In Intersolar Exhibition And A Number Of Core Products Are Being The Focus

ermany, as one of TOP three brands in shipments of string inverters in China, the leader of Gpower storage inverters, SOFAR- SOLAR is carrying the solutions for power storage inverter, all-in- one inverter, photovoltaic (pv) grid tied inverter, power storage & E-vehicle charging system and on-grid & off-grid system, in the face of global pv enterprises, they compete and show strengths in one stage. SOFARSOLAR has also demonstrated the comprehensive strength of in terms of software and hardware among China's inverter manufacturing enterprises by this opportunity, illustrating the core position of SOFARSOLAR in the field of inverters.

OFARSOLAR ac coupling power storage inverter, Secondly, it is high reliability, scientific design market oriented in 2016, is very popular in Europe, scheme is adopted by internal wiring to ensure Australia and other regions. This series machine is a efficient operation under low loss. The key internal landmark product in SOFAR SOLAR R&D system, devices adopt international famous brands to ensure after officially marketed, a huge influence of market the stable operation of the machine and extend the was brought, it laid a significant foundation for service life. At the same time, it also has advanced power storage market as well. battery management technology to protect the bat- First of all, this series of products gets the strong tery life. function of compatibility, it can improve the existing In a mean time, the system management is intel- S photovoltaic (pv) grid system, build a new storage ligent, data analysis and remote control functions system, and can be compatible with lead-acid bat- are included, by the technology of Internet of things, teries, lithium batteries, and it is worth mentioning the power using condition of system can be con- that it also can be compatible with photovoltaic trolled and real-time viewed by the user at any time inverters of other brands throughout the intelligent terminals.

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OFARSOLAR on-grid & off-grid all-in- Sone machine, the power storage inverter designed and developed for household, industrial and commercial users will be officially sold to the market in June 2018. This series of models will be integrated into the core power storage inverter technology of SORFARSOLAR, which will be a wind indica- tor for the future power storage market. During the day, the electricity generated by photovoltaic is priority used for the household load, the excess power is stored in the battery. After the battery is full, the excess power can be reconnected to the power grid. At night, the battery packs discharge to the load, reducing the amount of electricity purchased from the grid, the proportion of photovoltaic self-generate and self-use can be increased by 80%, highly reducing the household electricity bill. And the system solution has the function of on-grid &off-grid connected operation, under the condition of the power grid or unstable, seamless switching to off-grid mode, to guarantee the continuous and stable operation of the load, it is suitable for power system instability occasions.

number of photovoltaic grid-connected inverters are on David Zhong believes that SOFAR SOLAR products are popular Adisplay. As one of the earliest inverter enterprises to enter in international markets because of two reasons. The first is that the the European market in China, product quality and brand of quality and efficiency of its products can be ensured. Every product SOFAR SOLAR win great popular support. Several kinds of produced by SHENZHEN SOFAR SOLAR co., LTD has 6 parts of string inverters occupy the main market share in main markets 100% tests. Every step is strictly controlled to ensure the quality of of Europe, in the exhibition, SOFARSOLAR shows the second products. With continuous innovation and breakthroughs in technol- generation machine of 3-7.5 kW single-phase grid inverter, 4-40 ogy, various kinds of inverters and power storage inverters of SO- kW three-phase inverter and 50-70 - kW inverter. The second FARSOLAR have become models of high quality and high efficiency. generation machine of 3-7.5 kW single-phase grid inverter gets Secondly, services. In the international market, it has a complete the comprehensive breakthrough in efficiency, quality and life, for marketing channels and service center, forming the service, sales instance,IGBT adopts new generation of American fairchild and and storage center of Germany, Italy, Australia, India, covering more Germany's infineon brand, it greatly reduces the switching loss; than 100 countries and regions of the world. The fuselage adopts all-aluminum structure and circuit topology In the future, SOFARSOLAR will put forth effort making more was high frequency designed, which greatly reduces the volume international influence inverter brand, putting more power storage and weight of the inverter and improves the user installation inverter products into the international market, to provide a valuable experience. At the same time, this series has better heat dissipa- service for more customers, to promote the change and development tion, greatly improving the service life of the machine. of world’s inverter technology and power storage technology.

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3 SURPRISING Resource Implications From The Rise Of Electric Vehicles

Demand for electric vehicles (EVs) is primed Increased EV adoption will affect more and for the passing lane. While EVs accounted for different natural resources, as well as multiple only about 1 percent of global annual vehicle industries, different geographies, and levels of sales in 2016 and just 0.2 percent of vehicles carbon emissions. Indeed, ecological concerns on the road, McKinsey estimates that by 2030 figure strongly in most consumers’ decisions to EVs (including battery electric vehicles and purchase an EV. Wanting to help the environ- plug-in hybrids) could rise to almost 20 percent ment was the number-one given reason (by of annual global sales (and almost 35 percent a substantial margin) that American buyers of sales in Europe). These rates could rise even chose an EV in a 2017 CarMax survey.2 A study faster under aggressive scenarios. Already, by AAA that same year also found environ- demography is proving to be destiny. Recent mental concerns to be EV purchasers’ leading surveys suggest that 30 percent of car-buying consideration—at a staggering 87 percent individuals and nearly 50 percent of millennials rate.3 Yet our research reveals that several com- will consider purchasing an EV for their next mon assumptions about EVs and the Earth’s car instead of one powered by a traditional resources are misplaced. And in some cases, the internal-combustion engine (ICE).1 common wisdom is almost entirely wrong.

By : mckinsey

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FOSSIL FUELS: EVS DO NOT SPELL PEAK OIL Exhibit 1

tart with crude oil. More EVs will dramatically depress oil demand—right? Actually, no; having more electric and hybrid vehicles on the road is Sexpected to reduce oil demand only modestly over the next 10 to 15 years. To the extent that there is downward pressure on oil demand, it will come in large measure from improvements in ICE efficiency and from making vehicles more lightweight. Those efficiencies have already increased at about 2 percent per annum since 2005 (raising miles per gallon for an average ICE vehicle in the United States from 26 in 2005 to 32). We anticipate they will continue to rise at more than 2.5 percent a year through 2025. Yet even as internal-combustion-powered vehicles become more efficient and less predominant, global crude-oil demand will continue to grow, all while EVs experience a significant increase as a proportion of vehicles on The possibility of a land squeeze will be much the road. Increased oil demand will come from greater in Europe and China than in the United a variety of sources, including industries such States. Only 40 percent of European and 30 per- as chemicals and aviation; growing regions, cent of Chinese EV owners have access to private notably China and other emerging markets; parking and wall charging, versus 75 percent of US and the sale of more automobiles globally, EV owners. Nor is the challenge merely a question including more ICE-powered automobiles, and of where to plug in or power up; generation and hence more vehicle miles traveled worldwide. distribution are also factors. ’s power facilities can EV adoption will, however, significantly af- accommodate tomorrow’s significant rise in the fect demand for a different fossil fuel: natural number of EVs, as long as the vehicles are charged gas. More EVs mean that more electricity will off peak. Faster charging during peak demand, have to be produced. While coal will be part however, will indeed have an impact. In fact, peak of the equation, approximately 80 percent of demand from a single EV using a top-of-the-range the forecast growth in US electricity demand fast charger is 80 times higher than the expected is expected to be met with natural gas. If half peak demand of a single typical household. of the automobiles on American roads were EVs, daily US natural-gas demand would be These potential constraints will likely have to be expected to increase by more than 20 percent. addressed through a variety of approaches, from innovation to top-down mandates. China has set a target of 4.8 million charging stations by 2020; McKinsey expects that the country’s governmental LAND: AN UNEXPECTED SQUEEZE? record of centralized policies and compulsory implementation will ensure the country meets its here are currently more than 400,000 mark. Funding outside of China, however, will be public charging points that support the more challenging. California utilities, for example, more than three million EVs now in use look to increase publicly funded investments, with globally. This number will have to rise regulated returns. Private funding, on the other significantlyT to meet the global EV-adoption hand, could come from companies such as retail- increases forecast by 2030 (Exhibit 1). Simply ers. Several retail leaders are already beginning replacing gas stations with charging points or to consider how to turn the charging experience to adding more charging points that are the size their advantage by giving customers the opportunity of gas stations won’t be sufficient to service the to purchase while powering up. Just as shopping expected number of EVs. It will take multiple malls have long conjured images of leading retailers rapid 120-kilowatt charging stations with eight anchoring the buying experience, large retail-driven outlets to dispense a similar amount of range charging stations may come to mark the commer- per hour as the standard-size gas station . cial landscape.

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Ores and metals: Between a cliff and a hard place t’s not surprising that more EVs on the road will result in greater price pressure for their constituent parts. The cost of an EV can be broken down largely into the cost of its battery (40 to 50 percent), electric power train (about 20 percent), and other Ielements of the vehicle itself (30 to 40 percent). Of these, battery costs will be the most important in the medium term. And pricing dynamics will reflect more than just demand. Currently, battery costs are about $200 to $225 per kilowatt hour. We estimate that a battery cost of $100 per kilowatt hour will be required to achieve cost parity with ICE vehicles for most C-segment and D-segment vehicles4 and $75 per kilowatt hour for larger ones, unless government subsidies are continued—an unlikely proposition, as subsidies worldwide are already being phased out. If EV sales are to meet forecast levels, battery-manufacturing capacity will need to increase too— by our analyses, threefold by 2020. Technological improvements must also continue apace. Higher EV sales will help reduce battery costs, with major battery manufacturers racing to expand capacity. At the same time, EV growth will put pressure on the costs of crucial battery inputs, including cobalt and lithium, for which demand will rise sharply. That dynamic has already begun to unfold; the costs of cobalt and lithium have more than doubled since 2015, an effect that has resulted in a net increase in EV production costs over that time. Exhibit 2

Clean Energy Company Fortum wants to see the adoption of electric light vehicles to really take off in India. Commenting on the same, Mr. Sanjay Aggarwal, Managing Director, Fortum India said, “Leveraging its expertise in e-mobility solutions, Fortum plans to transform mobility in India. The Indian Government has a vision to achieve fully electric mobility by 2030. Being a pioneer in providing charging solutions for electric vehicles in the Nordics, Fortum plans to extend their service and be a prominent enabler towards the achievement of this vision in India as well.

Will the availability of these materials constrain greater EV penetration? Optimistically, no. Even with the predicted rise in input costs, batteries can still come close enough to the $75 He further adds, “India is already an important to $100 per kilowatt threshold needed to approach broad ICE price parity. While concerns such as a “cobalt cliff” exist and market for Fortum, which has flourishing solar demand implications could present a temporary speedbump, the operations in the country. The collaboration constraints and uncertainties should be addressable. Shifting to of Fortum and Clean Motion is a step forward other battery chemistries can mitigate risks of shortage. Mining to achieve our Company’s vision “For a cleaner more of the raw materials will also be needed, which, we estimate, will require investments of $100 billion to $150 billion. As world”. Increased adoption of EV also means well, mining’s hard realities will still apply, including lead times of improved battery technology at affordable price up to several years and ecological and social concerns in regions and therefore, this collaboration agreement will within Africa and South America where much of these raw materi- further boost the market adoption of electric als are found. Even as a green solution, in other words, EVs will have costs as well as benefits for society, our environment, and vehicles. the resources we consume.

78 EQ July 2018 www.EQMagPro.com ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Mr. Awadhesh Kumar Jha, Vice Presi- dent – Charge & Drive & Sustainabil- ity, Fortum India said, “Fortum, being a Clean Energy Company, intends to CLEAN ENERGY provide green energy solutions to all variants of electric vehicles in India. PROVIDER FORTUM He further adds that Fortum look at the batteries as containers of electric energy which is quite suitable for COLLABORATES swapping in light electrical vehicles. This collaboration complements its WITH CLEAN MOTION pioneer Charge & Drive, which is built for billions, where EV is charged and TO ACCELERATE driven whereas this project instead let you change the energy canister and ELECTRIFICATION drive EV.” OF THREE-WHEELERS IN INDIA Fortum’s vision is to increase the market adoption of To jointly develop battery swap system for light electric vehicles by offering suitable business model for electric vehicles the user of EV. This project will address the end custom- To complete the pilot during Q4’18 ers’ concern of high cost of owning EV by reducing the initial costs for batteries. Fortum will own the batteries n order to boost the sales of electric vehicles in and same shall be let out to EV in swapping stations on India, clean energy provider Fortum has signed an pay-per-use model, he further added. agreement with Clean Motion, on offering sustain- The two companies believe that to create a large- able mobility solutions through jointly developing a scale transition there must be a cost-efficient alternative battery swap system, tailored specially for light electric for the operators and drivers. High quality batteries with vehicles in India. The goal is to jointly develop a bat- sufficient capacity suffers high initial cost which is one of tery swap system for light electric vehicles with the aim the major limitation for transition to electric vehicles. I “The company wants to increase the utilization of its to launch a pilot before end of 2018 on an existing Zbee cluster in India before further development and vehicles, since this is in line with the overall corporate expansion in India. The primary target market for the strategy of increased efficiency and use of resources. initiative are the major taxi companies in India, and Hence, we believe that with a partner like Fortum, we other organizations with large fleets of vehicles that are can create a system that can really have a great impact in need of high uptime in their operations. The ulti- on future businesses carried out with light electric ve- mate vision is to enable all manufacturers that make hicles. We believe that Zbee will be utilizing the energy or intend to make light electric vehicles to receive an and will be operating in a very cost-efficient way. Göran offer to use the swapping technology in their vehicles. Folkesson, CEO, Clean Motion AB.”

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