Category: Uncategorized

  • Berde Renewables with Sungrow and Solar Hive Launch 200MW Solar and 500MWh Battery Storage Partnership in Southeast Asia

    Leading energy developer Berde Renewables, a portfolio company of global infrastructure investor I Squared Capital, has partnered with Sungrow Power, one of the world’s leading inverter, energy storage, and solar tech companies, and its authorized regional distributor, Solar Hive, to help businesses in the Philippines and Thailand transition to cleaner, more reliable, and more cost-efficient energy.

    At the center of the partnership is a Master Framework Agreement (MFA), under which Berde will procure 200MW of solar inverters and 500MWh of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) over the next three years for projects across both markets.

    “This partnership gives Berde the scale, technology, and regional support to deliver clean energy solutions with greater speed and confidence across the Philippines and Thailand,” said Patrick Zhu, Chief Executive Officer of Berde Renewables.

    Zhu added, “The combination of 200MW of solar and 500MWh of battery storage is a major step forward for our business and a meaningful milestone, especially for battery storage in the Philippines as demand grows for more flexible and resilient energy solutions.”

    Through the partnership, Berde will tap Sungrow’s inverters, battery storage, EV charging, and smart energy technologies, while Solar Hive will provide regional logistics, spare parts, technical support, and after-sales service across the Philippines and Thailand.

    “Sungrow, as the globally leading PV inverter and energy storage system provider, is confident it will help Berde Renewables accelerate the deployment of reliable, high-performance clean energy across Southeast Asia,” said Michael Ruan, Regional Director for Southeast Asia at Sungrow Power.

    “As Sungrow Power’s regional distribution partner, Solar Hive is committed to supporting Berde’s solar business development in the Philippines and Thailand through our distribution network and fast after-sales service. We hope this 200 MW / 500 MWh milestone serves as a springboard for expanding our collaboration across other parts of Southeast Asia,” said David Zhang, Head of Sales and Business Development at Solar Hive.

    The companies will also work together on technical training and certification, joint market development, stakeholder engagement, and potential co-investment and vendor financing opportunities for selected projects.

    The partnership further strengthens Berde’s ability to help Philippine businesses reduce energy costs. With priority access to Sungrow’s latest factory-new equipment and a streamlined regional supply chain, projects for Philippine and Thai businesses can move faster from contract signing to commissioning.

    The 500MWh battery storage commitment strengthens Berde’s position in supporting a grid that increasingly requires greater stability, especially in the Philippines. It enables Berde to offer its customers not just cost savings, but grid stability services and daytime-to-evening load shifting.

    Under its Power Purchase Agreement model, Berde finances, builds, owns, and operates the solar assets of its customers during the contract term, with ownership transferred to the customer at the end of the agreement.

  • Tata Power Secures SECI Contract for 324 MW/2,592 MWh Pumped Storage Project

    Tata Power has secured a Letter of Award (LOA) from Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) to provide pumped storage services, with an annual fixed charge revenue potential of ₹351.3 crore. The agreement involves providing storage capacity from a 324 MW / 2,592 MWh Pumped Storage Project (PSP) for a period of 40 years, strengthening Tata Power’s presence in the renewable energy storage sector.

    The contract includes a fixed annual charge of ₹1.0841826 crore per MW per year and an annual cycle loss of 24.61%. Based on the contracted capacity of 324 MW, the total annual fixed charge will amount to ₹351.3 crore.

    SECI, a Government of India enterprise, will enter into a Pumped Storage Purchase Agreement (PSPA) with Tata Power following the execution of a Pumped Storage Sale Agreement with the procuring entities.

    Tata Power is required to commence the supply of storage capacity within 36 months from the effective date of the PSPA. The project is domestic in nature and does not involve any interest of Tata Power’s promoter, promoter group, or group companies in the awarding entity. The transaction does not qualify as a related party transaction.

  • KPI Green Energy Secures CEIG Approval for 100 MW Solar Project Developed for MAHAGENCO in Maharashtra

    KPI Green Energy Limited has received the charging permission (CEIG Approval) from the Chief Electrical Inspector, Nagpur, for its 100 MW (AC) / 128 MW (DC) grid-connected ground-mounted solar PV project developed for Maharashtra State Power Generation Company Limited (MAHAGENCO).

    The solar project, executed by KPI Green Energy on a turnkey EPC basis, is located at Ramthi, Narkhed, in Nagpur district, Maharashtra. The receipt of charging permission marks a key milestone, enabling the project to move closer to commercial operations.

    With the successful completion of this milestone, KPI Green Energy has established its operational presence in Maharashtra while adding a significant state utility-scale solar project to its portfolio. The company stated that the achievement underscores its execution capabilities in delivering large-scale, grid-connected renewable energy projects for public-sector utilities.

    The company disclosed the development through a regulatory filing with the BSE Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE).

  • DCM Shriram Signs Definitive Agreement with Serentica Renewables to Source 58 MW of RE for its Facilities in Bharuch, Gujarat

    DCM Shriram Limited has entered into a definitive agreement with Serentica Renewables India Pvt. Ltd. for the development of a 58 MW hybrid renewable energy power project, primarily for its energy-intensive business in Bharuch, Gujarat. Upon completion, DCM Shriram Chemicals’ total renewable energy capacity will rise from 118.4 MW to 176.4 MW, significantly expanding its clean energy base. The project is expected to be commissioned by June 2027. Under the agreement, DCM Shriram Chemicals will invest up to Rs. 105 crores in one or more tranches to acquire a minimum 26% equity stake in Serentica Renewables India Pvt. Ltd.

    Commenting on the development, Mr. Sabaleel Nandy, Executive Director & CEO, DCM Shriram Chemicals, said, “The agreement is a strategic step in expanding the share of renewable energy across our chlor-alkali operations in Bharuch. Power is one of the most significant cost inputs for this business, and securing 58 MW of reliable, round-the-clock renewable energy will help improve cost efficiency, provide greater visibility into long-term power costs and reduce exposure to fluctuations in conventional energy prices. It will also strengthen operational resilience and support our broader growth and sustainability commitments by creating a cleaner and more competitive energy base for the business.”

    “Sustainability and carbon reduction are also integral to how we operate at DCM Shriram Chemicals. The project is expected to help avoid nearly 0.4 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually while increasing the share of renewable power available to our Bharuch operations. It will support our efforts to lower the carbon intensity of the business and pursue growth more responsibly and sustainably,” added Mr. Nandy.

    Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Akshay Hiranandani, CEO, Serentica Renewables, said, “Our partnership with DCM Shriram Chemicals marks another significant step in advancing India’s industrial decarbonization journey. Through a 190 MW renewable energy project comprising solar power from Rajasthan and wind power from Karnataka, we will supply 58 MW of round-the-clock renewable power to DCM Shriram Chemicals Bharuch plant, enabling reliable and sustainable energy for its operations.’’

    The agreement strengthens DCM Shriram Chemicals renewable energy portfolio while supporting the long-term energy requirements of its Bharuch operations. Once commissioned, the project is expected to contribute meaningfully to the company’s efforts to improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions and build a more resilient and sustainable manufacturing base.

  • Solex Energy Hosts Ghana High Commissioner to Advance India–Ghana Renewable Energy Collaboration

    In a significant step towards strengthening international cooperation in renewable energy, Solex Energy Limited (NSE: SOLEX), welcomed H.E. Prof. Kwasi Obiri-Danso, High Commissioner of Ghana to India, along with a distinguished Ghana delegation, to its corporate headquarters in Surat for strategic discussions on accelerating clean energy adoption and fostering bilateral collaboration in the solar sector.

    The visit comes at a time when emerging economies are increasingly prioritising renewable energy to enhance energy security, drive sustainable economic growth and meet global climate commitments. Ghana has set ambitious targets to diversify its energy mix and expand renewable energy generation, creating significant opportunities for international partnerships in technology, manufacturing and infrastructure development.

    As part of the strategic discussions, Solex Energy proposed partnering with Ghana to establish an end-to-end solar manufacturing ecosystem in phases, encompassing the local production of renewable energy components, technology transfer, and capacity building. The company also emphasized the importance of developing indigenous talent by introducing skill development and technical training programmes to create a sustainable renewable energy workforce in Ghana. Solex further expressed its intent to collaborate with the International Solar Alliance (ISA) to support Ghana’s clean energy transition, foster international cooperation, and contribute to achieving global climate and energy access goals.

    With an operational manufacturing capacity of 4 GW, and a strategic roadmap to establish 10 GW of solar module manufacturing and 10 GW of solar cell manufacturing capacity under its Vision 2030, Solex Energy continues to strengthen India’s position as a global clean energy manufacturing hub.

    Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Chetan Shah, Chairman & Managing Director, Solex Energy Limited, said:

    “We were honoured to host H.E. Prof. Kwasi Obiri-Danso and the distinguished delegation from Ghana. The discussions reflected not only the immense renewable energy potential that Ghana possesses but also our shared belief that international partnerships will be instrumental in shaping the next phase of the global energy transition. At Solex Energy, we view such engagements as an opportunity to build enduring relationships founded on innovation, trust and sustainable development. We look forward to exploring avenues where our manufacturing capabilities and technological expertise can complement Ghana’s renewable energy aspirations, creating long-term value for both nations.”

    The visit reflects Solex Energy’s continued focus on building strategic international partnerships and expanding its global footprint in high-growth renewable energy markets. As countries accelerate their transition towards clean energy, the company remains committed to supporting governments, utilities and private enterprises with world-class solar technologies manufactured in India.

  • Nagpur Commissions First 4 MW Solar Park, Supplies Daytime Power to 1,000 Farmers Across Nine Villages

    Maharashtra has commissioned Nagpur’s first 4 MW solar park, a project designed to provide reliable daytime electricity to nearly 1,000 farmers across nine villages under the Mukhyamantri Saur Krishi Vahini Yojana 2.0 (MSKVY 2.0). The initiative is expected to improve the quality of agricultural power supply while reducing dependence on conventional energy sources.

    Developed by Mahatma Phule Renewable Energy and Infrastructure Technology Ltd. (MAHAPREIT) in collaboration with the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd. (MSEDCL), the solar park has been commissioned at Bela village in Umred taluka of Nagpur district. The project will directly feed solar power into dedicated agricultural feeders, enabling farmers to receive electricity during daylight hours for irrigation and other farming activities.

    The 4 MW facility is expected to generate around 7 million units (MU) of clean electricity annually, helping offset carbon emissions while ensuring a stable and uninterrupted power supply to agricultural consumers. By shifting farm power consumption to solar energy during the day, the project will also reduce the load on the conventional power grid and improve overall distribution efficiency.

    The solar park forms part of the state’s broader plan to solarise agricultural feeders under MSKVY 2.0, which aims to provide farmers with dependable daytime electricity through decentralised renewable energy projects. The programme also seeks to lower power procurement costs for the distribution utility while promoting sustainable farming practices.

    Officials said the commissioning of Nagpur’s first solar park marks an important milestone in Maharashtra’s clean energy transition. Similar decentralised solar projects are planned across the state to expand access to daytime agricultural power, strengthen rural electricity infrastructure and accelerate the adoption of renewable energy in the farm sector.

  • Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Marks ONGC’s LandmarkCompletion of Two Deep Geothermal Wells at Puga

    India’s geothermal energy ambitions received a significant boost as ONGC Energy Centre successfully completed two deep geothermal wells, GT#02 and GT#03, at the Puga Geothermal Project in Ladakh. Marking the milestone, Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena unveiled a commemorative plaque at the project site, underscoring the progress of India’s first demonstration-scale geothermal power project aimed at delivering reliable, round-the-clock clean energy to the region while strengthening the nation’s clean energy and energy security goals.

    Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Ladakh Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena unveiled a commemorative plaque at the Puga Geothermal Project site, marking the successful completion of geothermal wells GT#02 and GT#03 by ONGC Energy Centre

    The milestone advances the development of India’s first demonstration-scale geothermal power project at Puga and opens new possibilities for clean, dependable and round-the-clock energy in Ladakh. The project shall help strengthen energy access in remote areas, reduce dependence on conventional fuels and support reliable power availability during the region’s severe winters.

    Beyond electricity generation, geothermal energy has the potential to support space heating, greenhouse cultivation, year-round agriculture, food processing, geotourism and sustainable livelihoods. These applications could contribute significantly to Ladakh’s socio-economic development and its aspiration to emerge as a carbon-neutral region.

    At the national level, the project strengthens India’s clean-energy portfolio, advances technological self-reliance and supports the country’s long-term energy-security and Net Zero objectives. The initiative is being advanced jointly by ONGC Energy Centre, the UT Administration of Ladakh and LAHDC-Leh under a five-year collaboration renewed in June 2026.

    The occasion was attended by Administrative Secretary Shri Himanshu Gupta, IAS; Secretary to the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor Ms Shashanka Ala, IAS; Deputy Commissioner, Changthang, Shri Nitish Rajora; and Superintendent of Police, Changthang, Shri Abbas Jaffari.

    The Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor highlighted the project’s national and regional significance and commended the ONGC Energy Centre team. Representing ONGC, Director (Technology and Field Services) Shri Vikram Saxena said the achievement reaffirmed ONGC’s commitment to innovation, energy security and a sustainable future for Ladakh and India.

  • India Adds 30.6 GW Renewable Energy Capacity in H1 2026, Up 25% Year-on-Year

    India added 30.6 GW of renewable energy capacity during the January–June 2026 period, marking a 25% increase over the 24.5 GW added in the corresponding period last year. The growth was driven primarily by record solar installations, reflecting the country’s continued push towards expanding clean energy capacity.

    Solar power accounted for the bulk of the additions, with 26 GW of new capacity installed in the first six months of the year, a 43% year-on-year increase. The surge was led by strong growth in utility-scale projects as well as rooftop solar installations, supported by policy initiatives and rising demand. In contrast, wind capacity additions declined to around 3 GW, down 16% from the year-ago period.

    India’s total installed renewable energy capacity reached about 230 GW by the end of June 2026, further strengthening the country’s position among the world’s leading renewable energy markets. Solar continued to account for the largest share of the renewable energy mix, followed by wind, large hydro, bioenergy and small hydro projects.

    The report noted that rooftop solar recorded exceptional growth during the period, aided by the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, while utility-scale solar installations also maintained strong momentum. At the same time, the pace of wind power additions remained relatively subdued despite continued capacity expansion.

    India has been accelerating renewable energy deployment to achieve its target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based installed power capacity by 2030. The robust capacity addition during the first half of 2026 highlights the sector’s sustained growth, with solar energy continuing to lead the country’s clean energy transition.

  • THDC Declares Commercial Operations of 11 MW Floating Solar Plant at Khurja

    THDC India Ltd. has declared the Commercial Operation Date (COD) for its 11 MWac Floating Solar Plant located on the Raw Water Reservoir of the Khurja Super Thermal Power Project (STPP) in Uttar Pradesh. The plant commenced commercial operations on July 17, 2026, following successful commissioning and receipt of the necessary approvals.

    With the commissioning of the floating solar project, THDC India’s total installed and commercial power generation capacity has increased to 3,918 MW. The addition also strengthens the renewable energy portfolio of the company, which is a subsidiary of NTPC Ltd.

    The new solar installation has also enhanced the overall capacity of the NTPC Group, taking its total installed capacity to 90,965 MW, while its commercial capacity has reached 89,885 MW.

    The floating solar plant has been developed on the raw water reservoir of the Khurja STPP, enabling clean energy generation without requiring additional land. The project forms part of THDC’s strategy to expand its renewable energy footprint while making efficient use of existing infrastructure.

  • PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana 2026: The Complete Residential Solar Subsidy Guide

    PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana 2026: The Complete Residential Solar Subsidy Guide

    India is undergoing a massive transformation in residential clean energy, driven by the Central Government’s flagship initiative: the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. If you are a homeowner looking to cut your electricity bills to near zero, 2026 is the prime time to transition to rooftop solar.

    Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the scheme’s current status, exactly how much money you can save, and the critical rules you must follow to secure your subsidy in 2026.

    1. What is the PM Surya Ghar Yojana?

    Launched to empower residential households to generate their own electricity, the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is India’s largest residential solar scheme.

    • The Goal: The scheme targets the solarisation of one crore households (10 million homes) by the financial year 2026-27.
    • The Budget: It is backed by a massive ₹75,021 crore central allocation.
    • The Progress (2026 Update): The scheme is moving at an unprecedented pace. As of mid-July 2026, the scheme has benefited 4.65 million households across the country, with roughly 100,000 households installing systems every week.

    The core benefit of the scheme is providing up to 300 units of free electricity monthly through a combination of upfront rooftop solar subsidies and standard net metering. This initiative is a vital component of India’s broader renewable energy policy targets.

    2. The 2026 Subsidy Breakdown

    The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has simplified the subsidy structure. The Central Financial Assistance (CFA) is fixed based on the capacity of the system you install, capped at a maximum of 3 kW.

    The central subsidy is transferred directly to the customer’s bank account via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) after the local DISCOM commissions the system.

    • 1 kW System: ₹30,000.
    • 2 kW System: ₹60,000.
    • 3 kW System (and above): ₹78,000 (Maximum Cap).

    Note on Larger Systems: If you install a 5 kW or 10 kW system, your central subsidy remains capped at exactly ₹78,000. The system capacity you apply for also cannot exceed your home’s officially sanctioned electrical load, which typically must be 10 kW or below for residential connections under this scheme.

    For Housing Societies: Group Housing Societies and RWAs can also benefit, with subsidies of ₹18,000 per kW for common facilities (like lifts and corridor lighting), up to 500 kW overall.

    3. State-Level “Top-Up” Subsidies

    While the Central Government provides the ₹78,000 base, several state governments offer lucrative “top-up” subsidies to accelerate adoption in local solar energy markets.

    • Gujarat: Gujarat remains the national leader in the scheme, currently ranking first with over 1.06 million households covered. The state provides an additional ₹10,000–₹20,000 state subsidy for residential rooftop solar.
    • Maharashtra & Uttar Pradesh: Following closely behind Gujarat are Maharashtra with 1.04 million households and Uttar Pradesh with 676,000 installations. UP offers a flat state subsidy of ₹30,000 for systems of 3 kW or more, bringing the total potential subsidy to ₹1.08 lakh.
    • Delhi: Similar to UP, the Delhi government offers a state subsidy capped at Rs. 30,000 for systems of 3 kWp or more, allowing residents to claim a cumulative subsidy of up to Rs. 1.08 lakh.
    • Rajasthan: Residents in Rajasthan can receive an additional ₹17,000 state top-up via RREC.

    4. Critical 2026 Rules: The ALMM Mandate

    The most important rule to be aware of in 2026 is the strict enforcement of the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM).

    • The Requirement: To qualify for the subsidy, you must use panels that are manufactured in India and listed on the ALMM.
    • The June 1, 2026 Update: The rules have become stricter. As of June 1, 2026, compliance extends to ALMM List II for cells. This means the solar modules must not only be made in India, but they must also be manufactured using domestically certified Indian cells.
    • The Risk: Using non-ALMM equipment to save on upfront costs is the most expensive mistake in residential solar in 2026. If your panels are not on the current ALMM List at the time of installation, your entire subsidy claim will fail.

    5. How to Apply

    The entire application process has been digitized through a national portal.

    1. Register Online: Visit the official PM Surya Ghar National Portal and register using your mobile number and Electricity Consumer Number.
    2. Feasibility Approval: Your local DISCOM will review your application and grant technical feasibility, usually within 7 to 21 days depending on feeder loading.
    3. Choose a Vendor: You must select a registered, DISCOM-empanelled vendor from the portal to install your system.
    4. Net Metering & Commissioning: Once installed, you submit a completion report, and the DISCOM will inspect the system, fit a Net Meter, and generate a commissioning certificate.
    5. Receive Funds: After submitting your bank details, the central subsidy is typically credited to your account via DBT within 30 to 45 days of commissioning.