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Tata Power among four bidders shortlisted for ERES-XXXIX

India, News

Tata Power has qualified as one of the four bidders for the Eastern Region Expansion Scheme – XXXIX (ERES-XXXIX), a key interstate transmission system (ISTS) project in Odisha. Bid process coordinator REC Power Development & Consultancy Ltd (RECPDCL) shortlisted Tata Power, Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL), Sterlite Power, and Adani Energy Solutions Ltd (AESL) under the tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB) mechanism. The selected bidders will have their initial price bids opened, followed by…

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CSEP study warns green tariffs could strain India’s power distribution companies

India, News

A report by the Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP) highlights potential financial challenges for India’s power discoms from the Ministry of Power’s plan to introduce green tariffs. The green tariffs aim to encourage renewable energy adoption, but CSEP warns that this shift could financially hurt discoms, especially if high-paying commercial and industrial consumers opt for cheaper green energy alternatives. According to the study, green tariffs could lead to a 15% financial loss of…

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Goldi Solar to reach 14-GW solar module mfg capacity by FY26

India, News

Indian solar manufacturer Goldi Solar has announced plans to significantly expand its production capacity over the next few years. The company aims to increase its solar module capacity from 3GW to 14GW by mid-FY2026 and build a new 4GW solar cell plant by FY2027. The new solar module plant will be located in Gujarat, where Goldi Solar already operates two assembly plants in Pipodara and Navsari with a combined 3GW capacity. This expansion is part…

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EC approves €1.2bn Polish scheme for electricity storage capacity

Global, News

The European Commission has approved a €1.2 billion ($1.32 billion) Polish initiative to support the development of at least 5.4GW of new electricity storage capacity. The scheme, part of the State aid Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework (TCTF), aims to reduce Poland’s dependence on fossil fuels and enhance the integration of renewable energy sources into the national grid. The funding will come from the Modernisation Fund and the Recovery and Resilience Facility, following the EC’s…

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Andhra Pradesh discoms propose Rs 81 billion fuel adjustment charges

India, News

Power utilities have proposed to collect Fuel and Power Purchase Cost Adjustment (FPPCA) charges amounting to Rs 81 billion from power consumers, covering dues from the 2022-23 fiscal year. Discoms filed their request with the Andhra Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (APERC) in November 2022. However, APERC delayed the decision due to elections, scheduling a public hearing for October 8, 2024. If approved, consumers may face an additional charge of Rs 1.27 per unit. The discoms…

Power Sector News Roundup for October 3, 2024

Power Bytes

Global: Iran and Tajikistan are in discussions to enhance cooperation in electricity, water, and other key sectors. Masdar expands in US with 50 per cent acquisition of Terra-Gen Big Tech are spurring demand for SMRs and fusion reactors Brazilian mining giant Vale and European hydrogen company Green Energy Park (GEP) announce collaboration to build green hydrogen production facility in Brazil Newcleo secures €135m investment, plans further European expansion First nuclear plant recommissioned in US history…

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UK closes its last coal-fired power station, marking the end of a 142-year era

Global, News

The UK shut down its last coal-fired power station, Ratcliffe-on-Soar in Nottinghamshire, on September 30, 2024, marking a historic shift towards renewable energy. The Uniper-owned plant, which was “desynced” from the grid system shortly after 3 pm, ends the country’s 142-year reliance on coal for electricity production. Since 1882, when the UK became the first nation to use coal for public power generation, coal has played a pivotal role in its energy supply. However, coal’s…

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First Solar opens $1.1bn thin-film solar manufacturing facility in Alabama

Global, News

First Solar has inaugurated its $1.1 billion fully vertically integrated thin-film solar manufacturing facility in Lawrence County, Alabama. The facility adds 3.5 GW of solar manufacturing capacity to the US, contributing to First Solar’s goal of boosting domestic production and reducing reliance on foreign-made panels. The factory, which will create over 800 jobs, is set to manufacture Series 7 modules using locally sourced steel and operates a fully integrated solar value chain under one roof,…

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EU changes hydrogen project auction rules to limit Chinese presence

Global, News

The European Union has announced changes to its rules governing hydrogen grant auctions to limit dependence on China for renewable energy components. This move comes as part of the EU’s broader efforts to prevent over-reliance on Beijing, which dominates sectors such as solar power and electric vehicles. The EU Hydrogen Bank’s next renewable hydrogen auction, set for December 3, will offer up to EUR 1.2 billion (USD 1.34 billion) in grants, but new rules will…

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Germany could save millions in fuel costs with more energy storage: Ember

Global, News

According to a report by energy think tank Ember, Germany could have avoided nearly €2.5 million in natural gas imports in June 2024 alone if it had 2GW more battery storage – a 20% increase from current levels. The additional battery capacity would have allowed for shifting midday solar power to the evening, displacing 36 GWh of fossil fuel power. Energy storage technologies are critical for capturing electricity generated from intermittent sources like solar and…