• India has included solar PV in the list of 10 sectors under its PLI scheme aiming to invest INR 45 billion to create a solar value chain in the country
  • Sterling and Wilson Solar has established an office in Spain to act as its European headquarters
  • Kerala has awarded 200 MW solar PV capacity to NTPC and Tata Power for INR 2.97 per kWh winning tariff
  • Meghalaya has launched a 10 MW rooftop solar tender for residential segment

Solar PV in PLI scheme: The federal government of India has included solar PV in the list of 10 sectors where a Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme will be implemented with an aim to enhance the country’s manufacturing capabilities and its exports under the call for India to become Atmanirbhar Bharat or a self-reliant India. The government has approved a financial outlay of INR 45 billion ($603 million) to be invested by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) in high efficiency solar PV modules over the next 5 years. It explained, “Large imports of solar PV panels pose risks in supply-chain resilience and have strategic security challenges considering the electronic (hackable) nature of the value chain. A focused PLI scheme for solar PV modules will incentivize domestic and global players to build large-scale solar PV capacity in India and help India leapfrog in capturing the global value chains for solar PV manufacturing.”

Spanish office for Sterling and Wilson: Aligned with its international expansion strategy, global solar EPC company with Indian roots, Sterling and Wilson Solar Limited (SWSL) has opened a new office in Spain. The Seville located office will serve as the Indian company’s European headquarters through which it will keep an eye on business opportunities in Portugal, Spain, Italy, Poland among other nations. “Europe has enormous potential in terms of solar capacity and the market is expected to witness the commissioning of new solar PV capacities of about 7 GW each year and emerge as a 28 GW market by 2023,” said Regional Head of Europe for SWSL, Vikas Bansal. “With our strong bankability and well-nurtured relationships with IPPs in the region, SWSL is well poised to expand its operations in Europe to lead the global transition towards low-carbon energy.”

Kerala awards 200 MW capacity: National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) is the winner of 90 MW solar power capacity while Tata Power won 110 MW in the 200 MW solar tender of Kerala Electricity Board Limited (KSEB). According to Mercom India Research, NTPC won the capacity by offering INR 2.97 ($0.04) per kWh, while Tata Power quoted the 2nd lowest tariff but matched the L1 price offered by NTPC.

Empanelment tender 10 MW solar in Meghalaya: The Meghalaya Power Distribution Corporation Limited (MePDCL) is looking for experienced bidders for works under Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) schemes for an empanelment tender it has launched. Selected developers will be able to participate in designing, installing and commissioning 10 MW grid connected rooftop solar PV capacity for the residential segment in the state of Meghalaya. Last date to submit bids is November 30, 2020 as per the tender notification.