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ib vogt has broken ground on the 99-megawatt-peak (MWp) Luca Solar Power Plant in Ajuy, Iloilo, Philippines, marking the company’s latest solar project to enter construction in the country.

Once operational, the project is expected to generate approximately 158 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of clean electricity annually, enough to supply around 79,000 homes. The plant is also expected to avoid approximately 109,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions each year.

The Luca Solar Power Plant is part of ib vogt APAC’s expansion in the Philippine renewable energy market. The company aims to reach approximately 500 MW of capacity in construction and operation in the Philippines by the end of 2026.

David Ludwig, Chief Executive Officer of ib vogt APAC, said the Luca project represents another step in the company’s expansion in the country.

Earlier this year, ib vogt’s first solar-and-storage project in the Philippines began delivering power. The company said the Luca project will further increase its operating and construction capacity, while another larger project is expected to enter construction before the end of the year.

ib vogt said the project has been supported by lenders, local communities and other stakeholders involved in its development.

Jose Luis Echávarri, Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of ib vogt APAC, said the project is expected to provide clean electricity and more predictable energy costs over its projected 20-year operating life. Construction is also expected to create hundreds of local jobs, followed by skilled employment opportunities during the plant’s operational phase.

The Philippine Department of Energy highlighted the project’s potential contribution to the country’s growing electricity requirements.

Marissa P. Cerezo, Director IV of the Department of Energy’s Renewable Energy Management Bureau, said rising energy demand linked to economic growth requires an electricity system that is reliable, resilient, diversified and increasingly sustainable.

The project is being developed in Ajuy, where local authorities expect the solar plant to contribute to employment, investment and economic activity in the municipality and surrounding communities.

Ajuy Mayor Loida Espinosa said the project would create opportunities beyond electricity generation, including employment, investments and other economic benefits for Barangay Luca and the Municipality of Ajuy.

The UK Government is also supporting the project through British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution.

British Ambassador Sarah Hulton OBE said the UK’s support for the 99 MW Luca Solar Project is intended to help mobilize additional private-sector investment while expanding clean electricity generation and supporting energy security in the Visayas.

The project is expected to supply electricity equivalent to the consumption of approximately 79,000 households and contribute to the Philippines’ transition toward lower-carbon power generation.

ib vogt said RCBC and RCBC Capital arranged and financed the transaction, while Pentagreen Capital and British International Investment participated in the project’s capital structure.

The company also acknowledged the support of the provincial government of Iloilo and the municipalities of Ajuy and Barotac Viejo during the project’s development.

The Luca Solar Power Plant adds to ib vogt’s growing renewable energy portfolio in the Philippines as the company continues to expand its solar and energy infrastructure across the country.

GREW Solar Private Limited (GREW Solar), one of India’s fastest-growing solar manufacturers, and Caelux Corporation (Caelux), a global leader in perovskite solar technology, announced a 4 Gigawatt (GW), five-year commercialization partnership to produce high-power Hybrid-Tandem^™ solar modules with Caelux’s Energy Producing Glass. This partnership expands Caelux’s contracted volume to 19 GW with solar module manufacturers globally for its perovskite-based technology.

GREW Solar will use Caelux’s glass with its N-Type TOPCon technology to create next-generation Hybrid-Tandem^™ solar modules, including GREW’s large-format G12R series. Caelux technology is enabling GREW to build modules with two energy producing layers to achieve industry-leading efficiencies of 29%+.

“We built GREW on the same philosophy that has guided the Chiripal Group for more than five decades – be at the forefront when it comes to technology innovation,” explained Mr. Vinay Thadani, CEO and Director, GREW Solar. “Partnering with Caelux enables us to provide next-generation, high-power modules to the market using our existing gigawatt-scale manufacturing platform, which is already operating at scale.”

With one of the fastest and highest performing capacity buildouts in India’s solar industry, GREW Solar has scaled from a single 1.2 GW line in 2023 to a multi-gigawatt, multi-state production footprint that encompasses 11 GW of module and 8 GW of cell manufacturing capacity with 8 GW wafer and ingot lines under construction today. Under the agreement with Caelux, GREW Solar will be able to seamlessly upgrade to producing high-efficiency, Hybrid-Tandem modules with Caelux’s plug-and-play approach.

“The investment that GREW Solar has made into building its state-of-the art solar, fully integrated manufacturing ecosystem is evident, and we are proud to partner with a company committed to innovation,” stated Scott Graybeal, CEO of Caelux. “The Caelux approach of partnering with module manufacturers means that companies, like GREW Solar, can significantly extend the useful life of their CAPEX-heavy manufacturing assets while offering the market next-generation modules.”

Supporting the country’s “Make in India” vision and meeting its Production Linked Incentive (PLI), the companies are targeting 2028 for commercial production of the advanced perovskite-plus-silicon modules that meet Approved List of Module Manufacturers (ALMM) eligibility requirements. GREW Solar’s currently expanding manufacturing footprint across Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh, has created thousands of jobs, with more projected as a result of the two companies’ partnership.

GREW Solar Private Limited (GREW Solar), one of India’s fastest-growing solar manufacturers, and Caelux Corporation (Caelux), a global leader in perovskite solar technology, announced a 4 Gigawatt (GW), five-year commercialization partnership to produce high-power Hybrid-Tandem^™ solar modules with Caelux’s Energy Producing Glass. This partnership expands Caelux’s contracted volume to 19 GW with solar module manufacturers globally for its perovskite-based technology.

GREW Solar will use Caelux’s glass with its N-Type TOPCon technology to create next-generation Hybrid-Tandem^™ solar modules, including GREW’s large-format G12R series. Caelux technology is enabling GREW to build modules with two energy producing layers to achieve industry-leading efficiencies of 29%+.

“We built GREW on the same philosophy that has guided the Chiripal Group for more than five decades – be at the forefront when it comes to technology innovation,” explained Mr. Vinay Thadani, CEO and Director, GREW Solar. “Partnering with Caelux enables us to provide next-generation, high-power modules to the market using our existing gigawatt-scale manufacturing platform, which is already operating at scale.”

With one of the fastest and highest performing capacity buildouts in India’s solar industry, GREW Solar has scaled from a single 1.2 GW line in 2023 to a multi-gigawatt, multi-state production footprint that encompasses 11 GW of module and 8 GW of cell manufacturing capacity with 8 GW wafer and ingot lines under construction today. Under the agreement with Caelux, GREW Solar will be able to seamlessly upgrade to producing high-efficiency, Hybrid-Tandem modules with Caelux’s plug-and-play approach.

“The investment that GREW Solar has made into building its state-of-the art solar, fully integrated manufacturing ecosystem is evident, and we are proud to partner with a company committed to innovation,” stated Scott Graybeal, CEO of Caelux. “The Caelux approach of partnering with module manufacturers means that companies, like GREW Solar, can significantly extend the useful life of their CAPEX-heavy manufacturing assets while offering the market next-generation modules.”

Supporting the country’s “Make in India” vision and meeting its Production Linked Incentive (PLI), the companies are targeting 2028 for commercial production of the advanced perovskite-plus-silicon modules that meet Approved List of Module Manufacturers (ALMM) eligibility requirements. GREW Solar’s currently expanding manufacturing footprint across Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh, has created thousands of jobs, with more projected as a result of the two companies’ partnership.

GREW Solar Private Limited (GREW Solar), one of India’s fastest-growing solar manufacturers, and Caelux Corporation (Caelux), a global leader in perovskite solar technology, announced a 4 Gigawatt (GW), five-year commercialization partnership to produce high-power Hybrid-Tandem^™ solar modules with Caelux’s Energy Producing Glass. This partnership expands Caelux’s contracted volume to 19 GW with solar module manufacturers globally for its perovskite-based technology.

GREW Solar will use Caelux’s glass with its N-Type TOPCon technology to create next-generation Hybrid-Tandem^™ solar modules, including GREW’s large-format G12R series. Caelux technology is enabling GREW to build modules with two energy producing layers to achieve industry-leading efficiencies of 29%+.

“We built GREW on the same philosophy that has guided the Chiripal Group for more than five decades – be at the forefront when it comes to technology innovation,” explained Mr. Vinay Thadani, CEO and Director, GREW Solar. “Partnering with Caelux enables us to provide next-generation, high-power modules to the market using our existing gigawatt-scale manufacturing platform, which is already operating at scale.”

With one of the fastest and highest performing capacity buildouts in India’s solar industry, GREW Solar has scaled from a single 1.2 GW line in 2023 to a multi-gigawatt, multi-state production footprint that encompasses 11 GW of module and 8 GW of cell manufacturing capacity with 8 GW wafer and ingot lines under construction today. Under the agreement with Caelux, GREW Solar will be able to seamlessly upgrade to producing high-efficiency, Hybrid-Tandem modules with Caelux’s plug-and-play approach.

“The investment that GREW Solar has made into building its state-of-the art solar, fully integrated manufacturing ecosystem is evident, and we are proud to partner with a company committed to innovation,” stated Scott Graybeal, CEO of Caelux. “The Caelux approach of partnering with module manufacturers means that companies, like GREW Solar, can significantly extend the useful life of their CAPEX-heavy manufacturing assets while offering the market next-generation modules.”

Supporting the country’s “Make in India” vision and meeting its Production Linked Incentive (PLI), the companies are targeting 2028 for commercial production of the advanced perovskite-plus-silicon modules that meet Approved List of Module Manufacturers (ALMM) eligibility requirements. GREW Solar’s currently expanding manufacturing footprint across Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh, has created thousands of jobs, with more projected as a result of the two companies’ partnership.

Shakti Pumps, a leading manufacturer of pumps and pumping solutions, has unveiled its patented next-generation S4RM pumps and advanced pumping equipment at IFAT Mumbai 2026, showcasing technologies designed to improve energy efficiency, operational reliability and pumping performance across agriculture, water management and industrial applications.

A key highlight of the company’s showcase is the Shakti Slip Start Synchronous Run Motor (S4RM), a patented motor technology that combines the advantages of induction and permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) technologies. The S4RM is a line-start synchronous motor that operates without a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD), making it a direct replacement for conventional induction motors in compatible applications.

The S4RM technology delivers 5–10% higher runtime efficiency than conventional induction motors, reduces starting current by up to 50%, and offers a power factor close to unity. It also provides higher starting torque and maintains a high and constant discharge even under voltage fluctuations and low-voltage conditions. The technology is available across surface and submersible motor-pump applications.

Mr Ankit Patidar, CMO Shakti Pumps, said, “At Shakti Pumps, our focus has always been on developing technologies that deliver measurable value to customers through higher efficiency, reliability and lower operating costs. With S4RM, we are bringing together advanced motor technology and practical field performance to help users achieve greater pumping output while reducing energy consumption. Our objective is not simply to make pumps more efficient, but to create a combination of S4RM motor technology and precision stainless-steel fabrication to showcase our commitment to engineering solutions suited to India’s evolving water, agriculture and industrial needs.”

Compared with conventional induction motors, S4RM operates at around 3000 RPM, has lower starting and full-load current, a power factor close to 1 and consistent discharge despite voltage variation. Conventional induction motors typically draw 7–8 times their full-load current during starting, while S4RM requires approximately 4–5 times, helping reduce electrical stress and contribute to longer motor insulation life.

Another important focus at IFAT Mumbai is Shakti Pumps’ precision sheet fabrication using SS304 and SS316 stainless steel for pump components, offering greater dimensional accuracy and consistency compared with conventional cast components. Manufactured from uniform-thickness sheets through precision cutting and forming, these components are lighter, easier to install and offer a high strength-to-weight ratio, while improved impeller balance helps minimize vibration and mechanical losses. Precisely engineered flow passages and optimized impeller geometry contribute to higher efficiency, lower energy consumption and up to 40% higher discharge, enhancing productivity across irrigation, water supply and industrial fluid-transfer applications. The use of SS304 and SS316 also provides enhanced durability and corrosion resistance, with SS316 offering greater resistance to chlorides and harsh or mineral-rich water conditions, making these components well suited for demanding operating environments.

The energy-saving potential of S4RM is demonstrated through Shakti Pumps’ comparative performance data. For a 7.5 kW motor, the S4RM records an efficiency of approximately 91.5%, while the corresponding IE2 system records lower efficiency. In a 22 kW comparison, S4RM efficiency is around 90%, compared with approximately 82% for the conventional induction motor. The company calculates huge annual electricity savings for a 22kW application under specified operating and electricity-cost assumptions.

Through its participation at IFAT Mumbai 2026, Shakti Pumps is reinforcing its focus on technology-led pumping solutions that address the growing need for energy efficiency, reliability and sustainable water management. The company’s portfolio is designed to support applications ranging from agricultural irrigation and water supply to industrial fluid transfer, helping customers improve productivity while lowering lifecycle energy consumption.

Shakti Pumps, a leading manufacturer of pumps and pumping solutions, has unveiled its patented next-generation S4RM pumps and advanced pumping equipment at IFAT Mumbai 2026, showcasing technologies designed to improve energy efficiency, operational reliability and pumping performance across agriculture, water management and industrial applications.

A key highlight of the company’s showcase is the Shakti Slip Start Synchronous Run Motor (S4RM), a patented motor technology that combines the advantages of induction and permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) technologies. The S4RM is a line-start synchronous motor that operates without a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD), making it a direct replacement for conventional induction motors in compatible applications.

The S4RM technology delivers 5–10% higher runtime efficiency than conventional induction motors, reduces starting current by up to 50%, and offers a power factor close to unity. It also provides higher starting torque and maintains a high and constant discharge even under voltage fluctuations and low-voltage conditions. The technology is available across surface and submersible motor-pump applications.

Mr Ankit Patidar, CMO Shakti Pumps, said, “At Shakti Pumps, our focus has always been on developing technologies that deliver measurable value to customers through higher efficiency, reliability and lower operating costs. With S4RM, we are bringing together advanced motor technology and practical field performance to help users achieve greater pumping output while reducing energy consumption. Our objective is not simply to make pumps more efficient, but to create a combination of S4RM motor technology and precision stainless-steel fabrication to showcase our commitment to engineering solutions suited to India’s evolving water, agriculture and industrial needs.”

Compared with conventional induction motors, S4RM operates at around 3000 RPM, has lower starting and full-load current, a power factor close to 1 and consistent discharge despite voltage variation. Conventional induction motors typically draw 7–8 times their full-load current during starting, while S4RM requires approximately 4–5 times, helping reduce electrical stress and contribute to longer motor insulation life.

Another important focus at IFAT Mumbai is Shakti Pumps’ precision sheet fabrication using SS304 and SS316 stainless steel for pump components, offering greater dimensional accuracy and consistency compared with conventional cast components. Manufactured from uniform-thickness sheets through precision cutting and forming, these components are lighter, easier to install and offer a high strength-to-weight ratio, while improved impeller balance helps minimize vibration and mechanical losses. Precisely engineered flow passages and optimized impeller geometry contribute to higher efficiency, lower energy consumption and up to 40% higher discharge, enhancing productivity across irrigation, water supply and industrial fluid-transfer applications. The use of SS304 and SS316 also provides enhanced durability and corrosion resistance, with SS316 offering greater resistance to chlorides and harsh or mineral-rich water conditions, making these components well suited for demanding operating environments.

The energy-saving potential of S4RM is demonstrated through Shakti Pumps’ comparative performance data. For a 7.5 kW motor, the S4RM records an efficiency of approximately 91.5%, while the corresponding IE2 system records lower efficiency. In a 22 kW comparison, S4RM efficiency is around 90%, compared with approximately 82% for the conventional induction motor. The company calculates huge annual electricity savings for a 22kW application under specified operating and electricity-cost assumptions.

Through its participation at IFAT Mumbai 2026, Shakti Pumps is reinforcing its focus on technology-led pumping solutions that address the growing need for energy efficiency, reliability and sustainable water management. The company’s portfolio is designed to support applications ranging from agricultural irrigation and water supply to industrial fluid transfer, helping customers improve productivity while lowering lifecycle energy consumption.

Shakti Pumps, a leading manufacturer of pumps and pumping solutions, has unveiled its patented next-generation S4RM pumps and advanced pumping equipment at IFAT Mumbai 2026, showcasing technologies designed to improve energy efficiency, operational reliability and pumping performance across agriculture, water management and industrial applications.

A key highlight of the company’s showcase is the Shakti Slip Start Synchronous Run Motor (S4RM), a patented motor technology that combines the advantages of induction and permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) technologies. The S4RM is a line-start synchronous motor that operates without a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD), making it a direct replacement for conventional induction motors in compatible applications.

The S4RM technology delivers 5–10% higher runtime efficiency than conventional induction motors, reduces starting current by up to 50%, and offers a power factor close to unity. It also provides higher starting torque and maintains a high and constant discharge even under voltage fluctuations and low-voltage conditions. The technology is available across surface and submersible motor-pump applications.

Mr Ankit Patidar, CMO Shakti Pumps, said, “At Shakti Pumps, our focus has always been on developing technologies that deliver measurable value to customers through higher efficiency, reliability and lower operating costs. With S4RM, we are bringing together advanced motor technology and practical field performance to help users achieve greater pumping output while reducing energy consumption. Our objective is not simply to make pumps more efficient, but to create a combination of S4RM motor technology and precision stainless-steel fabrication to showcase our commitment to engineering solutions suited to India’s evolving water, agriculture and industrial needs.”

Compared with conventional induction motors, S4RM operates at around 3000 RPM, has lower starting and full-load current, a power factor close to 1 and consistent discharge despite voltage variation. Conventional induction motors typically draw 7–8 times their full-load current during starting, while S4RM requires approximately 4–5 times, helping reduce electrical stress and contribute to longer motor insulation life.

Another important focus at IFAT Mumbai is Shakti Pumps’ precision sheet fabrication using SS304 and SS316 stainless steel for pump components, offering greater dimensional accuracy and consistency compared with conventional cast components. Manufactured from uniform-thickness sheets through precision cutting and forming, these components are lighter, easier to install and offer a high strength-to-weight ratio, while improved impeller balance helps minimize vibration and mechanical losses. Precisely engineered flow passages and optimized impeller geometry contribute to higher efficiency, lower energy consumption and up to 40% higher discharge, enhancing productivity across irrigation, water supply and industrial fluid-transfer applications. The use of SS304 and SS316 also provides enhanced durability and corrosion resistance, with SS316 offering greater resistance to chlorides and harsh or mineral-rich water conditions, making these components well suited for demanding operating environments.

The energy-saving potential of S4RM is demonstrated through Shakti Pumps’ comparative performance data. For a 7.5 kW motor, the S4RM records an efficiency of approximately 91.5%, while the corresponding IE2 system records lower efficiency. In a 22 kW comparison, S4RM efficiency is around 90%, compared with approximately 82% for the conventional induction motor. The company calculates huge annual electricity savings for a 22kW application under specified operating and electricity-cost assumptions.

Through its participation at IFAT Mumbai 2026, Shakti Pumps is reinforcing its focus on technology-led pumping solutions that address the growing need for energy efficiency, reliability and sustainable water management. The company’s portfolio is designed to support applications ranging from agricultural irrigation and water supply to industrial fluid transfer, helping customers improve productivity while lowering lifecycle energy consumption.