We are exploring strategic partnerships with international technology companies
What strategies are in place to meet the dynamic demands of the renewable energy market?
The government is making proactive efforts on green hydrogen, round-the-clock power through hybrid models, besides integrating and promoting battery storage bids in tenders. It has also mandated organisations like NTPC and NHPC to trend toward 10 gigawatts per year. Additionally, there's an emphasis on integrating power grid corporations and CTU (Central Transmission Utility of lndia) to develop intrastate transmission networks, alongside the 'Make in India' initiative to boost domestic manufacturing. Meanwhile, green hydrogen is set to bring a landscape change in the growth of India’s renewable energy sector. The National Hydrogen Mission of India has outlined an action plan to make India a global production hub for usage and export of green hydrogen and its derivatives. The Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) program with its financial outlay of $2.4 bn, will boost the local manufacturing of green hydrogen electrolysers as well as production of electrolysers. At Datta Power, we are extremely enthusiastic about these initiatives and aim to be among the pioneers in this sector. With this in mind, we are exploring strategic partnerships with international technology companies, while also developing our in-house expertise for undertaking development of green hydrogen projects.
How can we address the cost concerns while helping customers realise the long-term benefits of solar power reserves?
The price has reduced significantly in the last three to four years for solar power. The new ‘PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana’ aimed at increasing the share of solar rooftop capacity in residential households comes at very affordable rates. The returns are so good that people can recover their investment in three to four years. With a total lifespan of 25 years, solar panels are a very viable investment.
Why are solar parks essential for building a smarter, more sustainable India?
Solar parks offer a significant capacity, starting at a minimum of 1000 megawatt and going up to any value. These solar parks can be strategically designated in regions with good solar radiation, for example, Ladakh, Rajasthan and western parts of Gujarat, where the natural terrain is very viable. This is more practical as compared to the urban sector, where economic factors differ significantly. It's better to rely on offshore sites that are naturally blessed with good wind and solar potential, especially in parts of Gujarat and Rajasthan as well as partially in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka for wind energy. Solar parks allow for large-scale production in optimal locations, similar to dedicated freight corridors. Multiple developers can set up projects in these parks, supported by existing transmission lines, water systems, and other infrastructure, making it a sustainable model. Developing a solar park at a single location is similar to establishing dedicated freight corridors on highways. For example, when an intrastate transmission line needs to be laid, a 15,000-megawatt solar park could be set up at a strategic point, such as Barmer. This single transmission line could then transfer power to locations like Maharashtra. With a centralised solar park, all developers can easily set up their projects, knowing the key points and infrastructure are already in place. This will be a mix of private and government involvement, with a dedicated water cleaning system, transmission line network, pooling substation, road network, drainage system, etc.
Could you expand on what makes this approach more sustainable?
The single location makes it sustainable, too. Right now, what is happening is, every developer has to struggle with their own different set of land parcels, and they have to mix and match with available grids. Once there is a major park of 15,000 megawatt at a particular location, they can deploy their project there. And they don't have to take care of the connectivity and grid approvals, because there's already a designated grid made available there by the government. This makes it sustainable for companies to do their projects. So, a designated Renewable Energy zone can be compared to a special economic zone. Developers simply have to come and deploy their projects within the solar park.
What challenges, such as installation and maintenance, are being faced in the solar energy sector? And how can they be overcome?
Challenges vary by terrain and soil conditions, which affect engineering decisions. Additionally, state-specific policies, such as wheeling charges and banking facilities, create hurdles. Banking is basically when you generate ‘X’ amount of power and are allowed to bill it at that level, even though it was not utilised. But you can bank those units within the state SDUs. However, not all states support it. On the ground, too, there are logistical challenges, such as dealing with local authorities and getting environmental clearances, forest authorities and PWD. A single-window certification process would streamline approvals. Water availability for maintenance, especially in large solar parks, is a key issue as these parks are spread across thousands of acres. Theft is another big issue, for example, of panels, wires, copper, etc, so we need to ensure safety and security of the plant.
What growth strategies are being planned to further advance the solar industry? Which markets are showing the highest demand for solar energy solutions?
The government has tasked agencies like NHPC, NTPC, and SECI with specific targets for tendering new capacities. Ground-mounted, round-the-clock power projects are the main focus to promote renewable energy. Wind and battery storage solutions are also in high demand, and in terms of states, it’s Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.
Anything you would like to add?
There are a lot of schemes which have been inaugurated by the Prime Minister, such as PM Surya and PM Kusum, which is a very big push in strengthening the small grids that connect the villages of India. I would also like to mention that at Datta Infra, we’re currently focused on expanding our Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) business. We're planning to add another 10 gigawatts this year, in line with the government's sustainable energy goals. We also intend to enter the IPP (Independent Power Producer) space, where we’ll own and operate our power plants, selling energy for 25 years.
