Latest news with #NREL
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Green energy push: Cabinet nearly triples NTPC's investment cap for renewables to Rs 20,000 crore, to fast-track 60 GW clean power goal by 2032
The Cabinet has approved enhanced delegation of financial powers to NTPC Ltd, allowing the state-run power utility to invest up to Rs 20,000 crore in its green energy subsidiaries — a sharp rise from the earlier cap of Rs 7,500 crore. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The relaxation will enable NTPC to infuse capital into NTPC Green Energy Limited (NGEL) and, in turn, support investments by NGEL in NTPC Renewable Energy Limited (NREL) and other joint ventures and subsidiaries for scaling up renewable energy capacity addition. The approval is aimed at fast-tracking India's push towards achieving 60 GW of renewable capacity under the NTPC Group by 2032. 'The enhanced delegation given to NTPC and NGEL will facilitate accelerated development of renewable projects in the country,' the government said in an official release. It also noted that the move would strengthen power infrastructure and ensure reliable, round-the-clock electricity access nationwide. India has already achieved a key milestone by reaching 50% of its installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources—five years ahead of its Nationally Determined Contributions target under the Paris Agreement, the release stated. The country is now targeting 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2070. In addition to contributing to climate goals, the renewable energy expansion is expected to unlock major employment potential. 'RE projects will also generate direct and indirect employment opportunities to the local people at construction stage as well as during O&M stage,' the government said. The initiative is also expected to give a fillip to local suppliers, MSMEs, and grassroots entrepreneurship. NGEL, the listed green energy arm of NTPC, is spearheading the group's renewable capacity addition through both organic and inorganic growth. Its wholly owned subsidiary, NREL, will be the primary vehicle for executing new projects. Together, NGEL and NREL currently have a renewable energy portfolio of around 32 GW — comprising approximately 6 GW operational, 17 GW contracted or awarded, and a pipeline of around 9 GW, according to the release.
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Cabinet approves ₹20,000 crore investment plan for NTPC's renewable energy expansion
New Delhi: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved an increase in the investment limit for NTPC Limited's renewable energy ventures, permitting the Maharatna PSU to invest up to ₹20,000 crore in its subsidiary NTPC Green Energy Limited (NGEL) and, in turn, NGEL's investments in NTPC Renewable Energy Limited (NREL) and other joint ventures or subsidiaries. The revised delegation enhances NTPC's earlier approved investment ceiling of ₹7,500 crore, and is aimed at enabling the company to accelerate renewable energy capacity addition to achieve 60 GW by 2032. According to the government, the approval is expected to facilitate the rapid development of renewable projects and support India's broader goal of providing reliable and round-the-clock electricity access across the country. As of June 2025, NGEL has a renewable energy portfolio of around 32 GW, which includes approximately 6 GW of operational capacity, 17 GW of contracted or awarded projects, and a development pipeline of about 9 GW. Organic growth is being implemented primarily through NGEL's wholly owned subsidiary NREL. In addition, NGEL has formed strategic partnerships with various state governments and CPSEs for renewable energy project development. India recently achieved 50% of its installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources , five years ahead of its target under its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the Paris Agreement. The country aims to install 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, and reach net zero emissions by 2070. The government said the renewable energy expansion by NTPC is expected to generate both direct and indirect employment during the construction and operations phases. It is also expected to create demand for local enterprises, MSMEs, and suppliers, and contribute to socio-economic development. NTPC, the country's largest power utility, is a Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Power. NGEL, a listed subsidiary of NTPC Group, is the primary vehicle for its renewable energy growth through both organic and inorganic routes. The Cabinet approval grants NGEL the flexibility to invest beyond the earlier prescribed limits, with the aim of expediting green capacity development to meet national targets.
Business Upturn
a day ago
- Business
- Business Upturn
Cabinet approves enhanced investment powers for NTPC to ramp up renewable energy to 60 GW by 2032
By Aditya Bhagchandani Published on July 16, 2025, 15:33 IST On July 16, 2025, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved enhanced delegation of powers to NTPC Ltd. to invest up to ₹20,000 crore through its subsidiaries in renewable energy capacity addition — a significant boost from the earlier limit of ₹7,500 crore. The approval allows NTPC and its subsidiary NTPC Green Energy Ltd. (NGEL) to invest in NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd. (NREL) and other JVs/subsidiaries to achieve the group's target of 60 GW renewable energy capacity by 2032, aligning with India's commitment to 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030 and Net Zero by 2070. Currently, NGEL — NTPC's flagship renewable energy arm — has a portfolio of about 32 GW, which includes ~6 GW operational, ~17 GW contracted/awarded, and ~9 GW in the pipeline. NGEL plans to achieve growth both organically, via NREL, and through partnerships with state governments and other central PSUs. The Cabinet highlighted that this move will not only accelerate India's clean energy transition but also create employment opportunities at construction and operation stages, benefit MSMEs, foster entrepreneurship, and strengthen the country's power infrastructure. India has already achieved 50% of its installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources — five years ahead of its Paris Agreement commitments — and continues to lead global efforts in sustainable energy. Ahmedabad Plane Crash Aditya Bhagchandani serves as the Senior Editor and Writer at Business Upturn, where he leads coverage across the Business, Finance, Corporate, and Stock Market segments. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to journalistic integrity, he not only contributes insightful articles but also oversees editorial direction for the reporting team.
Zawya
a day ago
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Solar shift, transforming the energy landscape
Once considered too unstable for everyday use, perovskites are now outperforming expectations, with laboratory efficiencies exceeding 25 per cent. In deserts, on rooftops, floating on reservoirs and soon even stitched into our clothes — solar power is no longer just about traditional panels. In 2025, a wave of innovation is turning sunlight into energy with unprecedented efficiency and creativity. And it's happening at a scale that could redefine how nations power homes, cities and industries. One of the most exciting breakthroughs is the rise of perovskite solar cells. Once considered too unstable for everyday use, perovskites are now outperforming expectations, with laboratory efficiencies exceeding 25 per cent. In January 2025, the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) confirmed new tandem cell designs that combine perovskite and silicon layers, demonstrating higher energy yields and improved stability. By mid-2025, a new world record was certified: 34.85 per cent efficiency in a tandem perovskite-silicon cell — underscoring the technology's rapid evolution. These next-generation modules are thin, flexible and can even be printed onto glass or fabric; opening doors to solar-powered windows, wearables and vehicles. Japanese companies have already begun mass-producing ultra-thin perovskite sheets for commercial applications. According to a report by EA Global, the technology is expected to move from pilot-scale to widespread deployment within the next two years. Meanwhile, industry leaders like Hanwha and Trina Solar are racing to commercialise tandem panels that offer higher output with lower material costs. Another innovation changing the solar landscape is bifacial panel design. These solar modules generate power on both the front and back sides; capturing reflected sunlight from the ground or surrounding surfaces. Once considered too unstable for everyday use, perovskites are now outperforming expectations, with laboratory efficiencies exceeding 25 per cent. In combination with sun-tracking mounts and vertical installation, bifacial panels can boost energy output by up to 30 per cent. Greenlancer, a US-based solar platform, highlights the growing use of such systems in desert and high-reflectivity environments. Floating solar farms, also known as floatovoltaics, are also gaining momentum; with the installation of solar arrays on reservoirs and canals not only conserving land, but also benefitting from natural cooling effects that improve efficiency. According to a report by global market research firm IMARC Group, floating solar installations could grow by more than 20 per cent annually across Asia and the Middle East, particularly in water-scarce nations like Oman. Solar design is also evolving to blend seamlessly with architecture. Building-integrated photovoltaics, or BIPV, now allow solar modules to be incorporated into facades, roof tiles and even windows. Several Gulf cities are exploring BIPV for high-rise developments, where solar glass can reduce energy use without compromising design. Under the surface, materials science is advancing rapidly. Nanocoatings are improving panel durability and reducing glare, while new solar modules come equipped with artificial intelligence and sensor technology. These 'smart panels' can adapt in real time to optimise energy yield and detect issues before they become problems. Looking further ahead, researchers are developing energy-harvesting fabrics and quantum dot solar cells. While these technologies remain in the experimental phase, they hold promise for lightweight, portable power ideal for off-grid areas, emergency response and even consumer clothing. As reported in the Encyclopedia of Solar Materials, textile-based solar could soon transform tents, bags and uniforms into self-sustaining energy sources. This burst of innovation comes at a pivotal time. As demand for electricity soars — driven by data centres, electric transport and desalination — solar is emerging as one of the most scalable, fast-deploying and increasingly affordable solutions. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the cost of utility-scale solar power has dropped by over 80 per cent in the last decade, making it the cheapest source of new electricity in many parts of the world -even without subsidies. For the Gulf region, the implications are enormous. Oman is ramping up investments in solar-powered green hydrogen, aiming to become a regional leader in clean energy exports and decarbonisation. The Columbia Energy Policy Institute notes that countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia are also deploying some of the world's largest solar farms. These advances don't just serve climate goals — they promise long-term energy security in a rapidly warming world. From the shaded rooftops of Muscat to smart-integrated solar facades in Dubai and Riyadh, solar is steadily reshaping the energy equation. Its strength lies not just in its efficiency, but in its adaptability. As countries look to secure their energy future, the sun is no longer a distant source of potential — it's part of the plan.
Observer
2 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Solar shift: Transforming the energy landscape
In deserts, on rooftops, floating on reservoirs and soon even stitched into our clothes — solar power is no longer just about traditional panels. In 2025, a wave of innovation is turning sunlight into energy with unprecedented efficiency and creativity. And it's happening at a scale that could redefine how nations power homes, cities and industries. One of the most exciting breakthroughs is the rise of perovskite solar cells. Once considered too unstable for everyday use, perovskites are now outperforming expectations, with laboratory efficiencies exceeding 25 per cent. In January 2025, the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) confirmed new tandem cell designs that combine perovskite and silicon layers, demonstrating higher energy yields and improved stability. By mid-2025, a new world record was certified: 34.85 per cent efficiency in a tandem perovskite-silicon cell — underscoring the technology's rapid evolution. These next-generation modules are thin, flexible and can even be printed onto glass or fabric; opening doors to solar-powered windows, wearables and vehicles. Japanese companies have already begun mass-producing ultra-thin perovskite sheets for commercial applications. According to a report by EA Global, the technology is expected to move from pilot-scale to widespread deployment within the next two years. Meanwhile, industry leaders like Hanwha and Trina Solar are racing to commercialise tandem panels that offer higher output with lower material costs. Another innovation changing the solar landscape is bifacial panel design. These solar modules generate power on both the front and back sides; capturing reflected sunlight from the ground or surrounding surfaces. Once considered too unstable for everyday use, perovskites are now outperforming expectations, with laboratory efficiencies exceeding 25 per cent. In combination with sun-tracking mounts and vertical installation, bifacial panels can boost energy output by up to 30 per cent. Greenlancer, a US-based solar platform, highlights the growing use of such systems in desert and high-reflectivity environments. Floating solar farms, also known as floatovoltaics, are also gaining momentum; with the installation of solar arrays on reservoirs and canals not only conserving land, but also benefitting from natural cooling effects that improve efficiency. According to a report by global market research firm IMARC Group, floating solar installations could grow by more than 20 per cent annually across Asia and the Middle East, particularly in water-scarce nations like Oman. Solar design is also evolving to blend seamlessly with architecture. Building-integrated photovoltaics, or BIPV, now allow solar modules to be incorporated into facades, roof tiles and even windows. Several Gulf cities are exploring BIPV for high-rise developments, where solar glass can reduce energy use without compromising design. Under the surface, materials science is advancing rapidly. Nanocoatings are improving panel durability and reducing glare, while new solar modules come equipped with artificial intelligence and sensor technology. These 'smart panels' can adapt in real time to optimise energy yield and detect issues before they become problems. Looking further ahead, researchers are developing energy-harvesting fabrics and quantum dot solar cells. While these technologies remain in the experimental phase, they hold promise for lightweight, portable power ideal for off-grid areas, emergency response and even consumer clothing. As reported in the Encyclopedia of Solar Materials, textile-based solar could soon transform tents, bags and uniforms into self-sustaining energy sources. This burst of innovation comes at a pivotal time. As demand for electricity soars — driven by data centres, electric transport and desalination — solar is emerging as one of the most scalable, fast-deploying and increasingly affordable solutions. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the cost of utility-scale solar power has dropped by over 80 per cent in the last decade, making it the cheapest source of new electricity in many parts of the world -even without subsidies. For the Gulf region, the implications are enormous. Oman is ramping up investments in solar-powered green hydrogen, aiming to become a regional leader in clean energy exports and decarbonisation. The Columbia Energy Policy Institute notes that countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia are also deploying some of the world's largest solar farms. These advances don't just serve climate goals — they promise long-term energy security in a rapidly warming world. From the shaded rooftops of Muscat to smart-integrated solar facades in Dubai and Riyadh, solar is steadily reshaping the energy equation. Its strength lies not just in its efficiency, but in its adaptability. As countries look to secure their energy future, the sun is no longer a distant source of potential — it's part of the plan.
