Climate Change Solutions Update

Tag: India

  • Delhi Launches Big New EV Policies

    Delhi, India has implemented a new EV Policy 2.0 to combat air pollution by mandating that only electric three-wheelers and commercial goods vehicles can be registered starting in 2027, and all new scooters and motorcycles must be electric by 2028. The city is offering financial incentives for buyers, including subsidies for electric vehicles and additional incentives for scrapping old ICE vehicles. Delhi's efforts to transition to electric vehicles and improve air quality could serve as a positive example for other cities facing similar challenges, reflecting the success of strong government mandates in driving EV adoption seen in China and Europe. This shift towards electric vehicles is crucial in combating air pollution in urban areas like Delhi.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/07/15/delhi-launches-big-new-ev-policies/

  • Powering fertilizer production with agrivoltaics

    India's fertilizer sector faces vulnerability due to reliance on imported natural gas for urea production, leading to increased subsidies for farmers. To address this, an integrated system combining agrivoltaics, maize cultivation, ethanol production, and urea manufacturing is proposed, utilizing captured CO2 for low-carbon urea production and green hydrogen for ammonia synthesis. This model offers multiple revenue streams, including government blending targets for ethanol and carbon markets for emission reductions, benefiting farmers, industry, and the government while supporting rural economic development. The Renewables team at CSTEP, a research-based think tank focused on science, technology, and policy, leads the way in promoting renewable energy solutions and energy conservation strategies in India.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/07/03/powering-fertiliser-production-with-agrivoltaics/

  • New PV module recycling tech achieves 97.75% silicon recovery for electrode production

    A research team in India has developed a novel recycling process to recover silicon and native silica from end-of-life crystalline silicon solar cells for use in energy-storage applications. The process involves manual dismantling, thermal treatment, ball-milling, leaching, and mixing with carbon nanotubes and binders to form a slurry. The recovered material showed promising electrochemical performance in lithium-ion systems, with electrodes on copper foil and ITO exhibiting diffusion-controlled behavior, and those on graphite substrates showing capacitive charge-storage characteristics. The study concludes that electrodes on copper foil and ITO are suitable for silicon-based electrodes in Li-ion systems, while graphite-based electrodes show promise for sustainability-driven energy-storage applications.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/07/02/new-pv-module-recycling-tech-achieves-97-75-silicon-recovery-for-electrode-production/

  • Solar can outcompete grid power in rural India

    A new study in rural India shows that solar-based distributed renewable energy (DRE) systems can generate electricity at a lower cost than conventional grid supply. Careful planning around local demand, storage, grid conditions, financing, and long-term operations is crucial for cost savings. Village Energy Plans (VEPs) are recommended for reliable, scalable deployment, emphasizing site-specific planning and integration with distribution companies. Rajiv Shukla highlights the importance of aggregation, virtual net metering, efficient surplus power management, and increased utility participation for the evolution of DRE into a scalable and sustainable rural energy solution.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/07/01/solar-can-outcompete-grid-power-in-rural-india-with-the-right-planning-study/

  • India Needs 10 GWh of Battery Storage Now to Stop Coal’s Inflexibility Wasting Clean Power

    India's coal-based power plants are struggling to ramp down during midday solar surges, leading to renewable energy curtailment. Ember's analysis shows that around 10 GWh of battery storage is needed to absorb surplus energy and prevent curtailment. The lack of flexibility in the grid, with coal providing most of the reserves, is causing renewable curtailment to accommodate coal plants operating at their minimum technical loads. Without sufficient storage and flexibility, curtailment of clean electricity will continue to rise as solar capacity grows in India. The article discusses the increasing curtailment of solar and wind energy in India due to the lack of storage solutions, highlighting the need for battery storage projects to absorb surplus generation and provide downward reserves. It recommends allowing grid charging during solar surplus hours to reduce curtailment, lower system stress, and improve flexibility, emphasizing the importance of correcting the current framework to unlock the next phase of India's renewable energy growth. The Khavda project in Gujarat is cited as a successful and quick deployment model for battery storage projects.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/20/india-needs-10-gwh-of-battery-storage-now-to-stop-coals-inflexibility-wasting-clean-power/

  • Clean energy just hit record investment

    The IEA's World Energy Investment 2026 report reveals that clean energy is outpacing fossil fuels in investment, with solar energy leading the way due to decreased costs. Countries like the Philippines, African nations, and India are rapidly adopting renewable solutions in response to energy crises. However, the money is not reaching the countries that need it most, as coal and gas investments are on the rise. The urgency for an energy transition is evident, as investing in new fossil fuel infrastructure locks in decades of emissions. Governments and individuals have the choice to combat the climate crisis by investing in renewables and stopping the enablement of polluters.

    https://350.org/clean-energy-just-hit-record-investment/

  • Carbon Clean’s growth in India boosts UK manufacturing

    Carbon Clean's expansion into India is creating jobs in the UK, with around 250 UK jobs expected to be supported. The company's technology captures carbon emissions in industries like cement, steel, and power generation, with its Global Innovation Centre in Navi Mumbai used for testing and refining its technology. Carbon Clean's international growth is expected to generate £83 million in economic value for the UK over the next five years, supported by the UK Government. The company works with various organizations to make carbon capture scalable, cost-effective, and accessible, aiming to advance industrial decarbonisation. For more information, visit www.carbonclean.com.

    https://www.carbonclean.com/en/press-releases/uk-manufacturing

  • The Hydrogen Stream: JCN launches hydrogen-powered backhoe loader

    Climate solutions experts are seeing a surge in hydrogen-powered initiatives worldwide, with companies like JCB, Syntholene, and Ohmium International leading the way in developing sustainable energy solutions. From hydrogen buses in Italy to large-scale electrolyzer projects in Rotterdam, the shift towards green hydrogen is gaining momentum. Collaborations between companies like Lhyfe and Strabag in Germany and InSolare Energy in India are further driving the adoption of hydrogen technology. Additionally, the University of Canterbury in New Zealand joining Hydrogen Europe Research signifies a growing global network of universities and research organizations dedicated to advancing climate solutions.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/05/29/the-hydrogen-stream-jcn-launches-hydrogen-powered-backhoe-loader/

  • China solar exports hit all-time record in March as Africa, Asia demand jumps

    In March 2026, China exported a record volume of solar components, totaling 68 gigawatts in solar capacity, as fossil fuel prices rose and tax rebates for clean technology ended. This surge in demand led to 50 countries setting all-time records for Chinese solar imports, with African nations experiencing a significant increase in demand. Despite China's decision to end tax rebates, African countries are continuing to rapidly expand their solar energy capacity, with prices expected to rise but not reverse the clean energy transition. Asian nations, including India, also increased their imports of Chinese solar components, reflecting a global trend towards solar energy adoption.

    https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/05/china-solar-exports-hit-all-time-record-in-march-as-africa-asia-demand-jumps/

  • Fujiyama Power to set up 1.2 GW TOPCon solar cell manufacturing facility in India

    Fujiyama Power Systems is planning to establish a 1.2 GW TOPCon solar cell manufacturing facility in Madhya Pradesh, India, to enhance its presence in the on-grid rooftop solar segment. The facility, set to commence commercial production in the first quarter of fiscal year 2028, will be financed through debt and internal accruals. This expansion is aimed at reducing cost volatility, securing DCR-compliant solar cell supply, improving margins, and solidifying the company's position in India's rooftop solar market. Being included in the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy's ALMM-II list positions Fujiyama Power Systems to benefit from the increasing demand for DCR solar panels under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/05/23/fujiyama-power-to-set-up-1-2-gw-topcon-solar-cell-manufacturing-facility-in-india/