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					</table>At the ongoing <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/event/renewables-summit-2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mercom India Renewables Summit 2024 in New Delhi</a>, Mercom India announced the winners of the fourth annual Mercom India Awards. These prestigious awards honor the exceptional contributions of organizations that are propelling India&#8217;s clean energy transition and championing the country&#8217;s environmental goals through remarkable innovation and visionary leadership.
The awards recognize each project&#8217;s uniqueness, challenges, and complexities and their economic and environmental impacts.
Union Minister for New &amp; Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi presented the awards to the winners.
In his address, Joshi spoke of the government&#8217;s emphasis on boosting renewable energy, reflected in its various initiatives and the announcements for the sector in the recent Budget 2024.
Prioritizing energy storage, making available free electricity to 10 million households as part of the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, and the announcement regarding the formulation of policy for pumped hydro storage for higher integration of renewable energy were among the initiatives the minister referred to.
He said nearly 151 GW of renewable power projects are currently being implemented, and 76.42 GW will be operationalized in 3-4 years.
Joshi applauded Mercom India for bringing together all the renewable energy stakeholders under one platform to discuss issues concerning the industry.
The fourth annual Mercom India Award winners are:
<a href="https://sjvn.nic.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SJVN Green Energy</a> was declared the winner in the Best Large-Scale Solar Project category for its 75 MW Gurhah Solar Power Project in Jalaun, Uttar Pradesh. This project achieved a capacity utilization factor of 24.3% and is expected to reduce 180,116 tons of carbon emissions over 25 years. Developed in the economically backward Bundelkhand region, it also generated employment for locals during construction, operation, and maintenance.
<a href="https://www.prozealgreen.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Prozeal Green Energy</a> was declared the winner in the Best Commercial and Industrial (Ground-Mount) Project category for its 66 MW Solar Power Project in Ottapidaram, Tamil Nadu. Prozeal completed the project in seven months, including land development and 110 kV transmission infrastructure to connect to the nearest Ottapidaram Substation. Additionally, they developed a state-of-the-art Combined Pooling Substation operating at 33/110 kV, featuring superior quality and safety standards. The project provides power supply to diverse clients and trades.
<a href="https://enerparc.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Enerparc Energy</a> was declared the winner in the Commercial and Industrial Project (Rooftop) category for its 2.7 MW rooftop solar project. The project was built on top of a five-story building in just two and a half months, navigating various challenges, such as working on a densely populated rooftop project site. Underlining sustainable practices, Enerparc&#8217;s advanced robotic cleaning technology for solar modules resulted in a 50-80% reduction in water consumption.
<a href="https://ciel-et-terre.net/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ciel &amp; Terre Solar</a> won the award for the Best Engineered Project for its 10.765 MW floating solar project. Team Ciel &amp; Terre installed the project on sub-bottom soil using their innovative Dead Weight Anchoring method. Enormous concrete blocks were prepared and deployed in the water to provide stability. The innovative engineering methods led to efficient space utilization, helping preserve the environment.
<a href="https://ampin.energy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AMPIN Energy Transition</a> bagged the Best Floating Solar Project award for its 140 MW floating solar project in Omkareshwar Dam, Madhya Pradesh. This is India&#8217;s first and largest floating solar project, funded by an independent power producer. It was commissioned in a record 12 months. The floating solar project is projected to generate approximately 198 million units annually and mitigate approximately 85,654 metric tons of CO2 emissions annually.
<a href="https://maxvoltsolar.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Maxvolt Solar</a> was declared the winner in the Best Residential Project category for its 195 kW rooftop solar project at Mahindra Bloomdale Co-Op Housing Society. This is the largest residential rooftop solar project in central India. Under the MNRE subsidy program, the society received a subsidy of ₹1.45 million (~$17,330), making this transition to solar power both environmentally conscious and financially viable.
<a href="https://huskpowersystems.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Husk Power Systems</a> won the Best Off-Grid Project award for its solar-powered mini-grid in the Nawada district of Bihar. The project has replaced over 22 diesel generators and provides 100% renewable and reliable electricity to 80+ rural micro, small, and medium enterprises, with an average of 30% savings on energy bills. It has commissioned 31.5 KW, and its uniqueness lies in its deployment of predictive AI and AI-powered algorithms to forecast demand and supply accurately, ensuring the lowest cost delivery at any given time.
<a href="https://www.cleanmax.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CleanMax Enviro Energy Solutions</a> was declared the Best Hybrid Project category winner for its 194.7 MW wind and 159 MW solar project. Cleanmax Enviro&#8217;s Babra project spanned approximately 900 square kilometers and included an extensive transmission line network of more than 200 kilometers. It was designed to deliver state-of-the-art power generation for high-profile commercial and industrial customers. The entire project was delivered within a remarkable timeframe of just one and a half years.
<a href="https://refexrenewables.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Refex Renewables &amp; Infrastructure</a> and <a href="https://www.sunsource-energy.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sunsource Energy</a> won in the Best Standalone Storage Project category.
Refex Renewables commissioned a 1 MW Solar with 2 MWh battery energy storage system in Siachen&#8217;s challenging weather and terrain. Constructed under severe working conditions, with temperatures ranging from 10 degrees Celsius to -40 degrees Celsius and at an altitude of 11,713 feet, the system is designed to withstand altitude deration factors. It has an intelligent controller that manages solar, battery energy storage systems, and diesel generators.
Sunsource Energy commissioned 1.7 MW solar plus 1.4 MWh battery storage on the islands of Agatti and Kavaratti. It is one of India&#8217;s first solar projects with a cutting-edge battery energy storage system for island electrification. Over its lifetime, the project is expected to generate commercial savings of approximately ₹2.5 billion (~$29.88 million) for the island community. More importantly, it will reduce diesel consumption by up to 19 million liters, offsetting up to 58,000 tons of CO2 emissions.
<a href="https://www.adanigreenenergy.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Adani Green Energy</a> won under the category of the Best Wind Project for its 130 MW project in the uneven region of Nakhatrana of Kutch district in Gujarat. The project braved COVID-19, the Biparjoy cyclone, and monsoon seasons. Additionally, it was a challenging site for execution, considering a mix of government revenue land and private land with right-of-way issues during the execution of the approach. A 33kV line of approximately 119 circuit kilometers was constructed, considering all the environmental restrictions for the Great Indian Bustard region.
<a href="https://www.tatapower-ddl.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tata Power Delhi Distribution</a> won the Best Innovation (Product) category. With the continuous expansion of grid infrastructure and the increasing number of relays across sub-stations, maintaining the testing schedule with the available commercial testing kits, which average around ₹100,000 (~$1,195) each, makes them expensive for extensive use. Tata Power DDL&#8217;s in-house relay testing kit introduced a cost-effective solution, priced at approximately ₹5,000 (~$59)/ kWh, significantly reducing the financial burden and successfully streamlining the maintenance process.
<a href="https://sjvn.nic.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SJVN Green Energy</a> won the Deal of the Year (Financial) award. SJVN Green Energy secured a ₹100 billion (~$1.19 billion) construction finance facility from a group of leading domestic and international lenders to fund its upcoming renewable power projects. This is a unique and first-of-its-kind transaction undertaken by a PSU entity and Public Sector Banks.
<a href="https://www.adanigreenenergy.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Adani Green Energy</a> was announced as the Deal of the Year (Strategic) category winner. Adani Green Energy transferred 1,050 MW of renewable energy portfolio to a joint venture between Total Energies. As part of the JV, Total Energies will acquire a 50% stake in the projects.

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					</table>Mercom India announced the awards under ten categories at the <a href="https://mercomindia.com/event/solar-summit-2022/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mercom India Solar Summit 2022</a>, held on July 28 and 29, 2022.
The awards were presented for outstanding work in each category. Winners were chosen based on project innovation, challenges overcome, uniqueness, and impact on the community, economy, and the environment.
<a href="https://www.engie.com/en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ENGIE</a> was declared winner in the best large-scale project category for their 200 MW solar power project at Raghanesda in Gujarat. All the construction work happened during the Covid-19 pandemic. It was challenging to get the workforce on site and avoid spreading the infection. All pandemic protocols were strictly implemented, and the work was completed on time without interruptions. Engie collaborated with multiple Gujarat government entities to construct the project that will generate close to 546 gigawatt-hours of electricity while reducing 387,056 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
<a href="https://www.adanigreenenergy.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Adani Green Energy</a> was declared the winner in the best hybrid project category. Adani Green Energy&#8217;s subsidiary Adani Hybrid Jaisalmer One had commissioned India&#8217;s first largest co-located wind-solar hybrid power project in Rajasthan. The 390 MW ISTS-connected wind-solar hybrid project under SECI Tranche I is India&#8217;s first co-located hybrid project with individual solar and wind component capacities of 360 MW &amp; 100 MW, respectively.
For the best-engineered project, <a href="https://www.ntpc.co.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NTPC</a> was declared the winner for its 100 MW floating solar project in Ramagundam in Telangana. The project was installed in the NTPC Ramagundam thermal station reservoir, where the 100 MW floating solar system was installed on a 600-acre water body. As of December 2021, 37.5 MW had been commissioned. The project resulted in higher generation due to the cooling effect on the modules, utilization of the water body and saving of scarce land resources, reduced water loss due to evaporation and saving greenhouse gas emissions.
<a href="https://www.amp.energy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Amp Energy</a> was declared the winner in the best commercial and industrial (ground-mounted) project category. It commissioned a 75 MW solar open access project in Karnataka in FY 2022. This is Amp Energy&#8217;s third successive open access project in Karnataka, taking its total operating portfolio to over 135 MW in the state. This 75 MW project serves four marquee customers &#8212; Bosch, GE BE, Federal-Mogul, and Ashirvad Pipes.
<a href="https://www.hfmsolar.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">HFM Solar</a> and <a href="https://goldisolar.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Goldi Solar</a> were the joint winners in the best commercial and industrial (rooftop) category. HFM Solar installed the 1.5 MW project on curvy Sheds, which required excellent engineering. The time slot for the project execution was minimal as the metro stations were fully operational.
Goldi Solar installed a 116 kW rooftop solar system at Sardardham. Goldi Solar equipped the building with 320 solar panels that generate 116 KW and will last for 25+ years. This project is unique because the panels capture sun rays from all directions and generate 170,000 units of power annually. The community center was built with the vision of helping ignite young minds through quality education and encouraging them to serve the nation.
<a href="https://amplussolar.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Amplus Solar</a> won the award for the best residential project. Atrium, from HomeScape by Amplus Solar, is a designer edition solar pergola. It addresses the client&#8217;s wish for an aesthetic corner that is also sustainable. The bifacial modules enhance the overall appeal of the structure and make energy generation more efficient. The project was completed in just seven days.
In the best off-grid project category, <a href="https://huskpowersystems.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Husk Power</a> was declared the winner. Husk Power&#8217;s solar hybrid microgrid in Aurai village, one of more than 120 net-zero microgrids owned and operated by the company in rural North and  East India, is providing clean and reliable energy to the village community.
<a href="https://ciel-et-terre.net/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ciel et Terre solar</a> was declared the winner for its Hydrelio floating solar technology in the best innovation category. Hydrelio is a patented floating solar technology used in the 73.34 MW NTPC floating solar project, which is India&#8217;s largest floating solar project commissioned in June 2022. Hydrelio is a technology that has been commercially implemented in more than 300 MW projects across the globe. The Hydrelio Air product is a registered patent product from Ciel et Terre International France.
In the deal of the year (strategic) category, <a href="https://www.ril.com/OurBusinesses/New-Energy.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reliance New Energy Solar</a> was declared the winner. Reliance New Energy Solar, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Reliance Industries, <a href="https://mercomindia.com/reliance-acquires-rec-solar-holding/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">acquired</a> REC Solar Holdings from China National Bluestar Group for $771 million. The acquisition will help Reliance with a ready global platform and opportunity to expand globally in key green energy markets, including in the US, Australia, Europe, and elsewhere in Asia.
Adani Green Energy was declared the winner in the deal of the year (financial) category. Adani Green Energy <a href="https://mercomindia.com/adani-green-secures-1-35-billion-debt-financing/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">raised</a> a $1.35 billion (~₹97.93 billion) debt package for its under-construction renewable asset portfolio. The company signed definitive agreements with international lenders. The finance facility would initially finance 1.69 GW of solar-wind hybrid projects being set up in Rajasthan. It is one of the largest revolving project financing deals in the renewable sector in Asia.

Mercom India Solar Awards 2022 Announced for Ten Categories

Mercom India has announced the second edition of the &#8216;Mercom India Awards,&#8217; the flagship awards for the Indian solar industry. The awards recognize companies making a significant contribution to the sector and honor the best ground-breaking solar projects and disruptive technological innovations.
Mercom has been instrumental in helping shape India&#8217;s impressive energy transformation from fossil fuels to renewable forms of energy, delivering timely, relevant market intelligence, news, and advisory for India&#8217;s energy markets for more than a decade.
Award categories have been expanded in the second year to cover the broader green energy categories. The awards focus on the projects&#8217; uniqueness, the challenges and complexities handled, and their economic, environmental and social impact before picking the winners.
The award categories are Best Large-scale Project, Best C&amp;I Project (Rooftop), Best C&amp;I Project (Ground-mount), Best Residential Project, Best Off-grid Project, Best Hybrid Project, Best Engineered Project, Best Innovation Award – Product, Deal of the Year (Strategic), and Deal of the Year (Financial).
Submit your nomination &#8211; <a href="https://mercomindia.com/awards-nomination-form/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mercom India Awards 2022</a>
Guidelines for nomination entries: Mercom India Awards 2022
<ul>
<li>Companies from anywhere can apply, but projects must be developed in India. Mercom will consider projects commissioned from January 01, 2021, to December 31, 2021.</li>
<li>For innovation awards, the technology must originate in India.</li>
<li>For each category, Mercom will select one Winner and one Runner-up.</li>
<li>All participants must submit their nominations using the online form. Applications submitted after midnight on July 08, 2022, will not be considered. Incomplete entries will be excluded.</li>
<li>Multiple entries are welcome. However, companies cannot send nominations for more than one award based on the same criteria.</li>
<li>Mercom reserves the right to move entries between categories if they are better suited to another category.</li>
<li>Mercom reserves the right to dismiss or consolidate categories with another and rename the award if there are not enough qualified nominations in a particular category.</li>
<li>Supporting documents such as websites, videos (not more than 120 sec), photographs (not more than 5), and other documents are encouraged.</li>
<li>Participants should assign one person from the company as the point of contact.</li>
<li>Winners will NOT be notified before the <a href="https://mercomindia.com/event/solar-summit-2022/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mercom India Solar Summit</a> on July 29, 2022.</li>
<li>A panel of Mercom experts will select the winners.</li>
<li>Mercom ensures the confidentiality of the information submitted and will use the information only for Mercom India Awards.</li>
</ul>
Click <a href="https://mercomindia.com/mercom-india-awards-winners-list/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a> to find out the list of last year&#8217;s winners.

Second Edition of Mercom India Solar Awards Open for Nominations

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