India is making significant strides in renewable energy development, focusing primarily on solar and hydrogen technologies. These efforts are driven by both governmental regulations and corporate investments, aiming to transform the nation's energy mix and address climate change challenges.
Recently, the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) clarified policies related to transmission charges for hybrid wind-solar projects. This move aligns with the National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy, initially notified on May 14, 2018, which laid the framework for integrating wind and solar energy generation. Under these guidelines, existing plants can add new capacity without incurring extra connections or transmission fees, provided they don't exceed their original allocated capacity.
The policy stipulates criteria for what constitutes a hybrid power plant, requiring one resource – either wind or solar – to have at least 25% of the rated capacity of the other. This approach aims to facilitate the seamless integration of multiple renewable sources, maximizing efficiency and reliability.
Companies such as Fourth Partner Energy have been actively seeking clarifications to understand how these transmission charges apply to their hybrid projects. KERC's new directives specify limits on transmission fees for existing plants but allow for upgraded capacity based on the larger of any new or existing allocations. The commission has emphasized the importance of securing evacuation approval to manage additional energy flow without compromising existing infrastructures.
On another front, Indian firm Hygenco is making waves with its plans to develop a green ammonia production facility leveraging renewable hydrogen. Hygenco has selected Danish firm Topsoe as its partner for ammonia synthesis technology at its project site located within Tata Steel’s Special Economic Zone Industrial Park in Odisha. This ambitious venture will convert green hydrogen to ammonia, targeting export markets under EU regulations. The first operational phase is projected to produce 750 tonnes of green ammonia per day by 2027, showcasing India's commitment to cleaner fuels.
Elena Scaltritti, Topsoe's Chief Commercial Officer, noted the project's significance, stating, “On a global level, we need to deploy decarbonisation at scale, and Hygenco’s project will be able to deliver a solid contribution.” This collaboration aligns with India's broader goals to ramp up hydrogen production and establish itself as a key player in the growing global hydrogen economy.
Recently, Avaada Group secured $1 billion to fuel its green hydrogen and ammonia initiatives, which represent another facet of India's renewable energy ambitions. The investment is aimed at scaling operations significantly, with Avaada focusing on both local and international markets and bolstering its production to meet global demands.
Energy firms aren’t alone in this transformation. The government, through its policies and regulations, is playing a significant role. For example, via the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, India continues to support the introduction of innovative technologies and sustainable practices across various states. A recent collaboration between NTPC and Chhattisgarh State Power Generation Co. Ltd. led to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to develop up to 2 GW of renewable projects, including floating solar technologies which make effective use of water bodies.
This floating solar technology is especially appealing, as it alleviates the challenges of land acquisition and can even provide greater efficiency. Notably, floating solar designs and implementations could cater to both mini-grids and larger installations, thereby enabling flexibility within the regional power supply chains.
Another notable project is the introduction of the Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) project by SECI which has made Chhattisgarh the site for one of India's largest deployments of energy storage technology. The BESS is paired with solar installations, enabling optimal energy dispatch capabilities and providing stability to the grid.
The growing enthusiasm for renewable initiatives isn't limited to established players. New firms such as BluPine Energy are joining the fray, having secured financial backing to develop solar projects, thereby diversifying the market and introducing innovative funding solutions to help scale up India's renewable capacity.
The drive toward renewable energy is not merely about technological advancement but also involves addressing the accompanying economic components. High costs associated with green hydrogen production have led industry voices to advocate for shared responsibility among oil and gas entities. Topsoe's PtX division emphasized the importance of cooperation between sectors to mitigate costs and accelerate the transition to cleaner energy.
With global energy dynamics shifting rapidly, India’s push to exponentially grow its renewable sector reflects both ambition and necessity. Renewable energy projects are projected not only to cater to domestic needs but also open avenues for international trade, particularly with countries actively pursuing green technology solutions.
Exploring this potential, India recently pledges to invest USD 2 million for solar projects across several island nations, reinforcing its commitment to renewable expansion beyond its borders. This collaborative approach is part of establishing strategic partnerships to promote sustainable practices globally.
The collaboration between various stakeholders, governmental support, and innovative technologies will pave the way for India to not only meet its renewable energy targets but also position itself as a global leader in sustainable energy solutions. The interconnected efforts of the KERC's regulations, dynamic projects like Hygenco’s ammonia facility, and the dedication of enterprise breakthroughs signal promising growth for India's green energy future.
It is clear India is setting ambitious targets with its commitment to green technologies, which will likely play a pivotal role as the world shifts rapidly toward sustainable energy solutions. The synergy of public policies, investments, and technological advancements is key to driving growth within the renewable energy sector and achieving climate goals by 2030 and beyond.
