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Mercom India Cleantech Report Jul2023
Mercom India Cleantech Report Jul2023
INDIA CLEANTECH
Jul 21, 2023
Sungrow is the world's most bankable inverter brand for four consecutive years
with over 280 GW installed worldwide. With a strong 25-year track record in the PV
space, Sungrow products power over 150 countries worldwide with a global annual
production capacity of 145 GW.
INDUSTRY NEWS
Power Ministry Changes Methodology to Calculate AT&C Losses
In a move to improve the collection efficiency of distribution companies (DISCOMs), the Ministry of Power has changed the methodology
to calculate Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses.
The existing methodology was reviewed after weighing the feedback from DISCOMs, who said that it restricted the collection efficiency
to 100%, and the efforts of the DISCOMs in realizing the past dues and liquidation of outstanding subsidies were not reflected in the
calculation of AT&C losses.
Collection efficiency is an indicator of the amount collected from consumers with respect to the amount billed to them. Collection
efficiency can be computed using the formula given below:
Collection Efficiency = Revenue Collected (In Rupees)/Billed Amount
The revenue collected excludes the arrears. According to the recent modifications, the net input energy and energy sold calculations will
exclude open access or wheeling units when determining billing efficiency. Previously, DISCOMs were obligated to report gross energy
purchased, encompassing the total power purchased, including transmission losses.
For the revenue from the sale of energy no adjustment will be made in revenue from the sale of energy on account of unbilled revenue.
Furthermore, when computing the adjusted revenue from the sale of energy based on the subsidy received, the total amount of tariff
subsidy received throughout the year, including any outstanding payments, will be incorporated ... READ MORE Jul 14
CERC Grants Solar Developers Compensation Under Change in Law Due to GST
The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has ruled that developers are entitled to compensation in lieu of higher expenses
incurred for 100 MW solar power projects in Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka after the Goods and Services Tax (GST) came into force.
The compensation would qualify under the ‘Change in Law’ event and will be applicable even if GST was promulgated after the project’s
commercial operation date (CoD).
The Commission also allowed compensation to developers on account of additional expenditure towards operation and maintenance
(O&M) activities, even if these services were outsourced.
It also directed two solar developers and the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) and NTPC to reconcile the extent of incremental
impact by exhibiting a one-to-one correlation with the projects and the invoices raised to support it.
SECI will receive the due amount from DISCOMs, which will then be transferred to the developers. However, payment to the developers by
SECI would not be conditional upon the payment to be made by the DISCOMs to SECI.
Vector Green Prayagraj Solar and Yarrow Infrastructure had filed petitions with CERC seeking the declaration of the imposition of
safeguard duty as a ‘Change in Law’ event per the provisions of the power purchase agreement (PPA).
Background
Vector Green was selected by SECI to develop a 50 MW solar project in Uttar Pradesh, while NTPC ... READ MORE Jul 17
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Market Intelligence Report
INDIA CLEANTECH
Jul 21, 2023
Corporate Funding for Solar Rises 54% YoY to $18.5 Billion in First Half of 2023
The total global corporate funding in the solar sector during the first half (1H) of 2023, including venture capital (VC) investments, public
market funding, and debt financing, reached $18.5 billion, a 54% year-over-year (YoY) increase from $12 billion.
The numbers were revealed in Mercom Capital Group’s newly released
1H and Q2 2023 Solar Funding and M&A Report.
Despite the surge in funding amounts, there was a 12% YoY decline in
the number of deals executed.
During 1H 2023, 80 deals took place in contrast to the 91 deals recorded
during the corresponding period in 2022.
Raj Prabhu, the CEO of Mercom Capital Group, noted that despite the
challenging financial market conditions and high-interest rates, the solar
industry demonstrated resilience throughout the first half of the year.
“We have witnessed positive trends in private equity, public market, and
debt financing.
These developments serve as promising indicators for the future.
Notably, the current momentum is bolstered by the Inflation Reduction
Act (IRA) and the global energy transition policies, which are moving
forward with great urgency.”
“Demand due to the IRA is so strong that even interest rate-sensitive public market and debt financing in solar was up year-over-year.
However, the lack of easy money affected M&A activity negatively”, Prabhu added.
Prabhu remarked that the scale of the IRA is enormous, with a massive budget of around $370 billion allocated towards energy security
and climate change programs over the next ten years.
“These incentives are comprehensive and span beyond manufacturing and generation ... READ MORE Jul 17
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Market Intelligence Report
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Jul 21, 2023
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Market Intelligence Report
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Jul 21, 2023
Regulator Allows Himachal DISCOM to Bridge Wind RPO Shortfall with Excess HPO
Himachal Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (HPERC) has allowed Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board (HPSEBL) to meet its
wind power purchase obligation (Wind RPO) with surplus hydropower generated in the state.
The Commission approved the HPSEBL’s overall compliance for Wind RPO, hydro purchase obligation (HPO), and other renewable
purchase obligations (Other RPO) for the financial year 2022-23. The Commission also allowed HPSEBL to issue renewable energy
certificates (RECs) for the excess energy procured.
Background
HPSEBL filed a petition seeking authentication of its Renewable Energy Purchase for the fiscal year 2023. The petition focuses on the
compliance of wind RPO, HPO, and other RPO under the Himachal Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (Renewable Power
Purchase Obligation and its compliance) Regulations, 2023 (RPPO Regulations, 2023).
HPSEBL computed its total annual consumption as 12,174.167 MUs and set the targets for RPPOs, including 0.81% for Wind RPO, 0.35%
for HPO, and 23.44% for Other RPO.
The distribution company procured renewable energy to fulfill these obligations. However, there was a shortfall of wind power by 43.049
Mus to meet the wind RPO compliance. The DISCOM purchased RECs through the Indian Energy Exchange and also sought to adjust the
wind RPO shortfall with excess hydro energy procured beyond HPO.
Regarding HPO compliance, HPSEBL procured energy from eligible hydroelectric projects (HEPs). It proposed adjusting the shortfall
in Wind RPO with this excess energy purchase. For Other RPO compliance, HPSEBL procured energy from various sources, including
hydroelectric, solar photovoltaic, and solar rooftop projects. It exceeded the Other RPO target and sought to issue certificates for the
surplus energy purchase.
In additional submissions, the HPSEBL details the reworked RPO calculation, energy procurement ... READ MORE Jul 13
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Jul 21, 2023
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COMPANY NEWS
Tata to Build 40 GW Battery Cell Gigafactory in UK for EV & Energy Storage
Tata Sons, the principal investment holding company and promoter of the Tata Group of companies, has announced its plan to establish a
global battery cell gigafactory in the United Kingdom with a capacity to produce 40 GW of cells annually.
The investment, exceeding £4 billion (~$4.4 billion), would help establish a large competitive green tech ecosystem, which is expected to
revolutionize the electric mobility and renewable energy storage landscape in the UK and Europe.
The anchor customers for this venture will be Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and Tata Motors, with supplies scheduled to commence in 2026.
The company said the move is aligned with the Tata Group’s commitment to promoting sustainable practices across all its businesses.
The battery gigafactory’s core objective is to produce high-quality, high-performance, and sustainable battery cells and packs, catering to
a wide range of applications in both the mobility and energy storage sectors.
To achieve this, Tata Sons has outlined strategic growth plans for flexible manufacturing capacity, initiating a rapid ramp-up phase and
setting the production in motion for 2026.
The gigafactory is expected to maximize its renewable energy mix, aiming for 100% clean power.
In pursuit of a truly circular economy ecosystem, the facility would employ innovative technologies and resource-efficient processes,
including battery recycling, which will enable the recovery and reuse of all original raw materials.
N Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, said, “Our multi-billion-pound investment will bring state-of-the-art technology to the country,
helping to power the automotive sector’s transition to electric mobility, anchored by our own business, Jaguar Land Rover.”
“With this strategic investment, the Tata Group further strengthens its commitment to the UK alongside our many companies operating
here across technology, consumer, hospitality, steel, chemicals, and automotive,” Chandrasekaran said.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak lauded Tata Group’s decision to establish their new gigafactory in the UK, marking the company’s first such
venture outside of India. ... READ MORE Jul 19
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Market Intelligence Report
INDIA CLEANTECH
Jul 21, 2023
JSW Energy’s Net Profit in Q1 Slides 48% YoY on Thermal Segment Headwinds
JSW Energy, an independent power producer, reported a net profit of ₹2.9 billion (~$35.3 million), a decrease of 48% year-over-year (YoY)
in the first quarter (Q1) of the financial year (FY) 2023-24, due to the lower realization in the thermal segment following a decline in coal
prices.
The company’s total revenue declined by 3% YoY or ₹30.13 billion ($367 million). The earnings before interest, taxes, and depreciation
(EBITDA) showed a notable 18% YoY increase, reaching ₹13.07 billion ($159.2 million) in the quarter, primarily driven by contributions from
renewable energy assets.
In terms of operational performance, power generation showed a 14% year-on-year increase, reaching 6.7 billion units (BU), driven by
new renewable energy capacities (including Mytrah) and higher generation at Ratnagiri, partially offset by lower generation at hydropower
assets.
The net renewable generation experienced a substantial 35% YoY growth, amounting to 2.3 BU, due to the addition of renewable energy
capacities. A net long-term generation saw an 18% year-on-year rise on the back of increased electricity generation at Ratnagiri (Unit-1)
and the addition of renewable energy capacities.
In March 2023, JSW Neo Energy, a wholly owned subsidiary of JSW Energy, announced it would acquire Mytrah Energy’s 12 special-
purpose vehicles.
JSW Energy possesses renewable assets with a total capacity of 5,912 MW. Among these assets, 3,509 MW are currently operational,
while an additional 2,403 MW are under construction and yet to be commissioned.
The company’s revenue for Q4 of FY23 increased by 6% YoY to ₹28.06 billion (~$339.13 million) on the back of the increase in renewable
capacity.
JSW Neo Energy was among the winners in the Power Company of Karnataka’s auction to supply 1 GW of energy for 8 hours daily from
pumped hydro storage projects providing continuous 5-hour discharge. It won 300 MW by quoting ₹14.75 million (~$178,661). Jul 17
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Market Intelligence Report
INDIA CLEANTECH
Jul 21, 2023
Rajasthan DISCOM Invites Bids for 295 MW of Solar Projects Under KUSUM
The Jodhpur Vidyut Vitran Nigam (JDVVNL) has floated three tenders for installing and commissioning 108 grid-connected solar power
projects with a total capacity of 295.32 MW in various subdivisions of Hanumangarh Circle under Component C of the Pradhan Mantri
Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) program for feeder level solarization.
The projects will be developed under the renewable energy service company (RESCO) model.
The successful bidder must take care of the projects’ operation and maintenance (O&M) for 25 years.
The estimated project cost is ₹35 million (~$426,125)/MW.
Bidders must submit ₹100,000 (~$1,218)/MW of the quoted capacity as an earnest money deposit for all the tenders.
The successful bidders must furnish ₹500,000 (~$6,088)/MW of the allotted capacity as a performance bank guarantee.
The project developer will also be responsible for the supply and erection of the associated 33 kV or 11 kV line (as the case may be)
connecting the solar power projects with the concerned 33/11 kV substation, including bay, breakers and metering system at the
substation.
A power purchase agreement (PPA) for a period of 25 years at the levelized tariff approved by the Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory
Commission will be executed between the selected bidder and Rajasthan Urja Vikas Nigam (RUVNL) within seven days of the submission
of the performance bank guarantee.
The projects must be commissioned within nine months of signing the PPA.
Only commercially established and operational technologies can be used to minimize the technology risk and achieve the project’s timely
commissioning.
For landowners, farmers, and any individual possessing the required land for the project, an undertaking certifying the ownership of assets
of at least 20% of the total cost of the quoted capacity must be submitted. ... READ MORE Jul 17
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Market Intelligence Report
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Jul 21, 2023
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Jul 21, 2023
FUNDING NEWS
Standard Chartered Commits ₹1.45 Billion for 48 Solar Mini-Grids in Angola
Standard Chartered has announced a financial package of €1.29 billion (~$1.45 billion) to support the Angolan Ministry of Finance in
constructing 48 hybrid solar power generation systems equipped with energy storage to create autonomous mini-grids. These systems
will provide 100% renewable electricity to communities without access to the national electricity grid.
The funding will support the expansion of the national grid in Malanje, as well as the construction of new transmission lines and networks
connecting other municipalities. Introducing this electricity infrastructure will contribute to the diversification of Angola’s energy mix,
potentially reducing up to 7.9 megatons of CO2 emissions.
Led by the Angolan Ministry of Energy and Water, the electrification project will benefit around one million Angolans residing in 60
communities, encompassing provinces such as Moxico, Lunda Norte, Lunda Sul, Bié, and Malanje.
The financing package is backed by the German export credit agency Euler Hermes, with the MCA Group overseeing construction and
project management. Of the total funding, €1.2 billion (~$1.35 billion) is supported by Euler Hermes, while the remaining represents a
commercial loan.
Yoshi Ichikawa, Head of Structured Export Finance for Europe, Standard Chartered Bank, said: “We are thrilled to complete the financing
of this important project for the Angolan government to supply renewable energy-sourced electricity to local communities. It’s another
great example of our collaboration with ECAs and contractors to deliver for our clients.”
Standard Chartered was the sole book runner, original lender, structuring bank, and mandated lead arranger. The bank designed the
financing structure to align with eight of the United Nations’ sustainable development goals and adhere to international best practices for
environmental and social risk management.
Earlier this year, the Export-Import Bank of the United States approved a direct loan exceeding $900 million to support construction of two
solar power projects in Angola. ... READ MORE Jul 14
ACWA Finalizes $2.2 Billion Financing for Two Solar Projects in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia-based energy company ACWA Power has signed financing agreements with a consortium of investors to develop Al
Shuaibah 1 and Al Shuaibah 2 solar projects for a total investment of SAR8.3 billion (~$2.2 billion).
ACWA Power had signed power purchase agreements with the Water and Electricity Holding Company (Badeel) in November last year to
develop these solar projects with a 2,060 MW capacity, expected to begin commercial operations by the fourth quarter of 2025.
The total financing package encompasses SAR6.1 billion (~$1.6 billion) in senior debt. The senior debt includes a SAR1.7 billion (~$453
million) Saudi Riyal-denominated loan secured from the National Development Fund on behalf of the National Infrastructure Fund.
A substantial $1.2 billion commercial facility, denominated in U.S. dollars, has been extended by a consortium of prominent local, regional,
and international banks, which include Bank Saudi Fransi, First Abu Dhabi Bank, Mizuho Bank, Riyad Bank, Saudi National Bank,
Standard Chartered Bank, and Saudi Investment Bank.
The financing structure involves a combination of long-term debt and equity, with ACWA Power, Badeel, and Saudi Aramco forming the
core stakeholders.
ACWA Power holds a 35% equity stake in the projects, reinforcing its commitment to driving sustainable and innovative energy solutions
in Saudi Arabia.
Comprising development, design, permitting, engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, testing, ownership, operation, and
maintenance, both Al Shuaibah 1 and Al Shuaibah 2 projects will significantly contribute to Saudi Arabia’s renewable energy goals.
Badeel and Saudi National Bank are deemed related parties to ACWA Power under the regulatory definition of such relationships.
In May this year, Badeel and ACWA Power announced an investment of SAR12.2 billion (~$3.25 billion) to develop and operate 4.55 GW
of solar power projects. The companies signed power purchase agreements with the Saudi Power Procurement Company to develop and
operate three new solar power projects in the country.
Earlier this January, Saudi Arabia announced its plans to generate 15.1 TWh of renewable energy annually by 2024, sufficient to meet the
power requirements of 692,557 households. Jul 18
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Market Intelligence Report
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Jul 21, 2023
TECHNOLOGY NEWS
Researchers Develop Perovskite Solar Cells with ~93% Bifaciality
A team of researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has claimed to achieve 91%-
93% of bifaciality on a newly developed bifacial perovskite solar cell.
The researchers designed a perovskite bifacial solar cell with a modified thickness and achieved efficiencies under illumination from both
sides, which were very close together.
They utilized optical and electrical simulations to determine the necessary thickness to be constructed into the cell.
The perovskite layer on the front of the bifacial solar cell had to be thick enough to absorb most of the photons from a certain part of the
solar spectrum but not too thick that it would block them. The team also determined the ideal thickness of the rear electrode to minimize
resistive loss.
The simulations guided the team to design the bifacial cell with an accurate thickness of 850 nanometers.
The researchers placed the cell between two solar simulators to evaluate the efficiency gained through bifacial illumination. The direct light
was aimed at the front side, while the rear received the reflected light.
The efficiency of the perovskite cell increased as the ratio of the reflected light to the front illumination increased.
The researchers claimed that the lab-measured efficiency of the front illumination crossed 23%, and from the back illumination, the
efficiency was about 91%-93% of the front side.
The study “Highly efficient bifacial single-junction perovskite solar cells” was published in the journal Joule.
In the past, bifacial perovskite solar cell research developed devices not competent enough compared to monofacial cells with a record
efficiency of ~26%.
The dual nature of bifacial solar cells enables them to capture direct sunlight on the front ... READ MORE Jul 18
Disclaimer: When quoting, please cite “Mercom Capital Group”. Although information in this report has been obtained from sources that
we believe to be reliable, Mercom Capital Group does not guarantee its accuracy and is not liable for its use. Mercom reports may not be
reprinted, reproduced or republished whole or in part without express permission from Mercom Capital Group. Copyright © 2023 Mercom
Capital Group, llc, All rights reserved.
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