US: New wind and solar now cheaper than coal power, could wreck Trump’s promise to revive coal

A new report estimates that generating power from new wind and solar energy projects in the US (at about $29-$56/MWh, before federal subsidies) is now cheaper than generating power from coal plants (at about $27-$45/MWh). Adding in subsidies can bring down wind power’s prices to as low as $14/MWh.

Already under fire from cheaper natural gas, this could further wreck President Trump’s promise to revive the US’ ailing coal sector. The country’s utilities are also reportedly reluctant to entertain Trump’s populist policies – that may be overturned if and when he loses office.

UK’s renewable energy capacity surpasses that of fossil fuels for the first time

The UK’s renewable energy capacity (at 41.9 GW) has overtaken the country’s fossil fuel power capacity (41.2 GW) for the first time. Its renewable capacity has tripled over the last five years, while “uneconomic” fossil fuels capacity has fallen by one-third, according to data compiled by Imperial College London.

India Power bags Albania’s first solar project

A group led by India Power Corporation Ltd. (owned by Kanoria Foundation) is set to build Albania’s first solar power station worth $79.34 million with a capacity of 100 MW. The socialist country in the Balkans wants to install 120 megawatts of solar and 70 MW of wind power by 2020.

Meanwhile solar power generation in India itself jumped 58% in Q3 2018 (over Q3 2017).

In Chandigarh: Not installed solar panel yet? Expect a notice soon

Indian city Chandigarh’s deadline to install mandatory rooftop solar power at residential properties is set to expire on November 17. The union territory plans to issue notices to those who have failed to do so. Houses and societies measuring 500 square yards and above have to comply with the order.

Govt extends bid deadline for 10 GW solar tender bid again, increases tariff ceiling

There are no takers yet for the Indian government’s huge 10 GW solar project, with compulsory component of 3 GW of domestic manufacturing. The  Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has extended the bid submission deadline for the fourth time, to November 19, and increased the upper tariff ceiling by 10 paise, from ₹2.75 (~$0.03802)/kWh to ₹2.85 (~$0.03940)/kWh.

Colorado governor-elect sets  US’ most ambitious renewable goal

Jared Polis, Colorado’s newly elected governor, has set the US’ most ambitious renewable goal — he wants to run the state only on renewable power by 2040 (faster than California’s and Hawaii’s 2045 target.)

Single-window clearance to process green energy applications in Goa

EU-India, in a joint venture, have developed single window online clearance for grid connected rooftop solar installations in Goa. Once launched, the platform will eliminate the need for consumers to coordinate with government departments. All they will have to do is logon, after which they will be contacted on email and SMS, and guided through the process.

Wind turbines killing affecting the numbers of predatory birds in India’s Western Ghats: Study

A new study has revealed that wind farms are affecting the biodiversity hotspot of Western Ghats, which line India’s western peninsula, as they have led to the deaths of several of the region’s predatory birds. This, in turn, may be increasing the local density of their prey, the fan-throated lizards.

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