The Indian government is promoting small-scale solar and wind hybrid systems (SWES) in rural areas without electricity through a new programme following the success of similar projects in the US and Europe.
A joint venture between India-based developer Renew Power and China’s cell and module manufacturer Hareon Solar Technology has commissioned a 72MW project in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.
Canada-based renewables firm SkyPower will join China-based battery developer BYD in competitive bidding for 750MW of solar and energy storage development in India.
Grid curtailment of solar power is already affecting Germany and China despite billions being spent on grid projects. With a target of 100GW, India is hoping to get 8% of its power requirements from solar PV by 2022, which is a higher penetration than both Germany and China today. Jasmeet Khurana, associate director, consulting, Bridge to India, investigates the potential for future curtailment of solar power in India and its consequences while identifying which states might be most affected.
India’s latest 400MW solar auction saw limited competition compared to recent tenders with just six bidders for the PV capacity in an Andhra Pradesh solar park.