PV-Diesel-Global: SMA and project partners launch research project into sustainable energy solutions for off-grid regions

The goal behind the newly launched joint research project “PV-Diesel-Global” is to advance the energy transition in off-grid regions. SMA and its project partners – the Institute of Building & Energy Systems at the Biberach University of Applied Sciences, Reutlingen University, the Fraunhofer Institute for Energy Economics and Energy System Read more…

Curtailment of solar and wind power: Five key strategies which India can learn from different countries experiences on curtailment

India’s renewable sector has been grappling with various issues but one of the overarching problems present in this industry is of curtailment of solar and wind power. While the current installed capacity of solar and wind projects accounts for about 83 GW, it is expected to reach to the tune of 160 GW by 2022. Given the intermittent nature of solar and wind power, increasing curtailment in view of grid stability has a much greater adverse impact in achieving the RE targets in India. The issue of curtailment has been in the centre of legal battles with cases like Adani Solar v SECI, wherein the renewable energy developer is facing losses due to the generation loss faced because of the curtailment due to cited “technical reasons” instead of commercial reasons even after being given the “Must run” status by the central government. But as the renewable penetration in the grid increases and they become a major source of grid power supply, the “Must Run” status will have to be removed for renewables as it would no longer be viable to have the compulsory ‘must run’ for the renewable power generation.

COVID-19 is bringing

While buildings themselves cannot solve the COVID-19 pandemic, it cannot be denied that they will play a crucial role in minimising viral transmission. A recent study suggested that enhancing indoor air quality (IAQ) could be as effective in reducing aerosol transmission of viruses as vaccinating 50-60% of the population. As Read more…

UP govt to install 8,000 solar borewells, 35 per cent in Purvanchal districts

The Uttar Pradesh government on Thursday said it plans to install 8,000 solar-powered borewells in coming days and 35 per cent of them would come up in the Purvanchal districts of the state. The districts set to benefit from the initiative include Balrampur, Shravasti, Siddharthnagar and Kushinagar where suitable locations would be identified for installations, it Read more…