India’s GUVNL unveils 1 GW solar tender
Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL) has invited expressions of interest (EoIs) to develop 1 GW of grid-connected solar PV projects at the proposed 5 GW Dholera Solar Park. The state of Maharashtra, meanwhile, has issued a generic PV tariff.
Funding the key obstacle to renewables in Asia
Banks categorize renewable energy projects as risky and believe they offer lower rates of return than fossil fuel schemes, making them reluctant lenders.
Will the falling Rupee sink India’s solar dream?
The Indian rupee is posting new lows. As concerns about Turkey’s economic woes persisted last week, the currency hit a record low of 70.32 to the dollar, having breached the 70-mark for the first time in history.
India set to add almost 60 GW of new solar by 2023
A combination of national, state and public body commitments could see the amount of PV added nationally treble on the last four-year period. But even with a new 7-8 GW added, rooftop solar will still be bringing up the rear.
India’s cumulative grid connected solar capacity reaches 22 GW
According to the latest figures from the MNRE, cumulative grid-connected ground-mounted solar PV capacity has reached 22 GW in India, with 1.3 GW connected between this April to July. Module prices, meanwhile, are said to have come down “considerably”.
Low tariff secured for NTPC’s 2 GW Indian solar auction
Amidst the Indian government’s yo-yoing on the 25% safeguard duty, the National Thermal Power Corporation’s (NTPC) auction to develop 2 GW of interstate transmission system (ISTS)-connected solar PV projects attracted a low winning tariff of Rs. 2.59 (US$0.0372) per unit.
Mixed reaction from solar industry to plunging Turkish currency
As the lira’s troubles continued to weigh on the markets today, it remained unclear how the country’s solar market will be affected. While the plunging currency fosters uncertainty – public enemy number one for investors – it could also create conditions for lower system costs and cheaper PV projects. Nevertheless, a serious slow-down for 2018 must be considered.
Temporary halt to Indian safeguarding duties on imported modules
The stay on the newly-proposed duty imposed by the Odisha High Court will offer relief to developers waiting to collect shipments from port. But companies must agree to pay the tariff at a later date if it is upheld by the judicial system.
India: Court clears solar imports from customs without paying safeguard duty
As per the court order, Shapoorji Pallonji can retrieve its solar PV panel consignment at Chennai port, which has been cleared by customs, provided it pays the safeguard duty in case the related notification is upheld.
Indian court to hear Vikram Solar’s safeguard duty petition next week
The Government of India will also consider changes to the 25% safeguard duty imposed on solar cell imports from China and Malaysia only after the next hearing in the Odisha High Court, which stayed the levy.
