What Type of Approval is Required to Set up a Solar Power Plant in India?

 

India is a country blessed with enormous amounts of sunlight throughout the year. The increasing innovation in the solar industry and the hazardous effect of fossil fuels for power generation are encouraging more people to go solar. However, people need to follow certain rules laid out by the government to install a solar power plant.

You can choose either a rooftop solar power plant or a ground-mounted solar plant to generate sustainable electricity. Both these systems have different approval and permit requirements. Moreover, people need to deal with government agencies who guide them throughout the installation process.

Here are the major approvals and permits people need to install solar power plants. Approvals for Rooftop Solar Power Plants

The permits needed for installing rooftop solar plants vary with state laws, the capacity of the solar plant, and the building sector, such as industrial, commercial, or domestic. However, in most Indian states, people need peppermint in two folds. These include the following:

• Submitting the application form to DISCOM along with the application fee.
• After reviewing the application, the authorities decided to give approval for the applied capacity of the solar plant.
• In the next step, the rooftop owner registers for installing solar power plants with the required documents and makes the payment of registration charges. Here people also need to apply for the net metering facility for their solar plant.
• Following this, the customer signs the connection agreement with DISCOM for the initiation of the installation process.
• Once the installation of the solar plant completes, DISCOM officials evaluate the standard compliance and sanction the project.

Approvals for Ground-Mounted Solar Plant

The permission procedure for ground-mounted solar projects also depends on the state in which it is installed, similar to the solar power plants on rooftops. In addition, people need the following permissions for the ground-mounted solar power plants as a form of standard registration procedures:

• After the feasibility analysis of the site from the local substation to ensure the ability of the grid to handle the power level of the solar power plant, people need to get a permission letter for power evacuation from the DISCOM.
• Requirement of a land conversion certificate when using agricultural land. This certificate is necessary to prove that the land will no longer be used for agricultural purposes.
• License for contract work issued by the labour department.
• Approval for sewage treatment facilities.
• Permit of the environment clearance by the pollution control board.
• Fire department’s certificate of fire safety.
• Clearance permit from the forest department.
• Chief Electrical Inspector’s approval for project commissioning.
• MNRE approval for the solar power project’s tax exemptions.

Conclusion

SWRE is a leading solar EPC solution provider, which has succeeded in setting up large solar power plants throughout the globe. The company initially started as a combined effort of Shapoorji Mistry Sr. and Mehervan Daruvala. By 1920, Wilson Electric Works managed the electrical contracts at Shapoorji Pallonji Construction. Later in 1971 Wilson Electric Works got investments from Sterlings (Shapoorji Pallonji Group) and took up large projects in the Middle East, the Asian subcontinent, and several other countries.

Looking at the rising demand for solar energy, SWRE started its operations in this industry in 2017 and became the leading service provider at the global level. Through the years it has bagged multiple awards with the latest recognition from RenewX as Leading EPC in 2022.

Originally published at http://realestateandepc.wordpress.com on October 28, 2022.

Shapoorji Pallonji EPC Projects

 

Are you looking for a company to handle your EPC projects? In the field of EPC, i.e., Engineering, Procurement, and Construction projects, Shapoorji Pallonji Group is an experienced and dynamic EPC Company. Highly skilled and trained professionals manage the EPC team of Shapoorji Pallonji’s projects and execute the best outcomes. You can get world-class engineering solutions for your projects as per your requirements.

Dive in to know more about the EPC projects of Shapoorji Pallonji and Company Pvt. Ltd!

Overview of Shapoorji Pallonji EPC Services

Shapoorji Pallonji and Company Pvt. Ltd. have established their name in the real estate field at the worldwide level. It is not limited to real estate only. Whether you are looking for Engineering & Construction, Infrastructure, Water, or Energy and Financial Services, Shapoorji Pallonji provides end-to-end solutions for you.

It has highly experienced and trained professionals that manage various EPC projects of Shapoorji Pallonji with their multidisciplinary skills and various experiences. Among all its EPC projects, it has executed the SAIL project. Apart from its research-based market knowledge, Shapoorji Pallonji’s EPC team focuses on maintaining the employee-client culture and ensuring high-quality standards every time.

EPC Projects of Shapoorji Pallonji

All the construction, erection, and commissioning of different dimensions of huge equipment are handled by the in-house professional EPC team members of Shapoorji Pallonji. It has delivered several successful projects that provide it with world-class prestige.

Shapoorji Pallonji and Company Pvt. Ltd. has more than 10,000 tons per hour of Bauxite handling capacity. Some of its famous EPC projects are given below:

1. Bauxite Handling Capacity:

The EPC team of Shapoorji Pallonji built one of the largest plants of Bauxite Handling Capacities in Guinea in 2019. This EPC project has been completed by following all the Equator Principles, GAC standards, the IFCP Standards, and regulatory demands of the Guinean government.

2. 70MW Peat-fired Thermal Power Plant:

This project ends in 2021 in Rwanda in East Africa. The EPC team of Shapoorji Pallonji executed a 2×35 MW Peat-fired Plant comprising Finland-based BFB (Bubbling Bed boiler) technology based on Turnkey.

3. Ore Bedding and Blending Plant at SAIL:

This project ended in Rourkela in 2016. Shapoorji Pallonji EPC team executed this New Ore Bedding & Blending Plant & Base Mix Facilities (OBBP) project for SAIL. This project utilised the labour of more than 100 engineers and supervisors and about 1200 workers.

4. World-class Turnkey Solutions:

Shapoorji Pallonji EPC provides turnkey solutions to industrial projects with expertise in Power, Minerals & Metals, Fertilisers, Bulk Material Handling Facilities in Mines & Ports, Chemical Plants, Petrochemicals, Green Energy, Cement, and other Industrial Plants.

5. Inline Hot Strip and Thin Slab Caster Mill at NMDC:

The EPC team of Shapoorji Pallonji established this plant at Nagarnar in Chhattisgarh. It is a 3 million tons p.a. Integrated Steel Plant and is one of the most technologically advanced and largest plants. The collaboration of partners of Shapoorji Pallonji in Italy, the USA, and India co-executed this project.

Some Other EPC Projects of Shapoorji Pallonji

Apart from the EPC, as mentioned earlier projects, some other EPC projects ended by Shapoorji Pallonji are given below:

• In 2019, Shapoorji Pallonji EPC executed 1 Million Tons per annum, Combi Caster, at RINL, VIZAG.
• In 2022, a Lime & Dolomite Calcination Plant of RML-III was executed in Bhilai.
• In 2017, the Musandam Mine project ended in the Musandam peninsula of Oman.

In a Nutshell

The EPC team of Shapoorji Pallonji and Company Pvt. Ltd. aims to deliver cost-effective and project-specific EPC solutions that ensure high-quality standards every time. It provides the best materials certified by ISO globally at unmatched prices to make all projects successful in India and internationally.

Originally published at http://realestateandepc.wordpress.com on October 27, 2022.

Explain the Challenges Faced by Developers of a Solar Power Plant

 

The abundant availability of solar energy provides great opportunities for the growth of the solar power industry. Moreover, solar technology can use solar energy for multiple purposes, such as generating electricity, heating water, providing a comfortable interior environment, etc. However, the most attractive feature offered by solar power is that it is completely sustainable and leaves zero carbon footprint.

Despite the benefits of solar power systems, industries face multiple problems producing and setting up solar panels. The most common challenges are discussed in this blog.

Solar Radiation Intensity

One of the greatest barriers to the widespread use of solar electricity is the intensity of the sun’s radiation. The intensity keeps changing according to the geographical location of a place. The poles receive the least amount of solar radiation each year, while the equator receives the most. Climates that are dry receive more solar radiation than those that are cloudy. Moreover, the amount of usable solar energy that is incident at any given area depends greatly on its latitude and climate.

Solar Panel Efficiency

Solar panels use photovoltaic effects to convert sunlight into usable electricity. However, the panels are able to convert only 17% to 19% of the captured light into electricity. This means nearly 80% of the solar energy gets wasted during the process. Therefore, industries need to develop solar panels that offer high efficiency so that more units of power can be generated from every single panel in the solar system.

Reliability

Another significant issue faced by solar panel manufacturers is the reliability of solar electricity. A solar panel can produce electricity merely for a maximum of 12 hours daily. Moreover, it reaches its maximum output briefly around noon when the sun’s rays are highly intense.

To solve this issue, solar manufacturers provide trackers to rotate the solar panels in the direction of the sun. However, this system also depends on the intensity of sunlight, which is maximum during noon. Another way to get access to solar power when the sun is not out is storage batteries, which charge during the day to provide an uninterrupted power supply at night.

Requirement of Land

Although solar panels can be installed on rooftops to meet domestic power requirements, large-scale solar power production requires a vast land area free from shading. This brings challenges for small countries with limited open areas or large countries with open areas reserved for farming or agriculture. However, to solve this problem, manufacturers have developed solar panels that can be installed on water bodies.

Environmental Concerns

Although solar power generation creates zero pollution, the manufacturing process of solar panels and storage batteries leads to environmental degradation. Nitrogen trifluoride, a common byproduct of solar cells, is more dangerous than carbon dioxide. However, manufacturers all around the world are labouring hard to develop more environmentally friendly ways to develop solar panels.

Conclusion

Similar to any industry, solar also faces multiple challenges. However, leading manufacturers like Sterling and Wilson Renewable Energy are taking steady steps to tackle all the problems relating to solar power generation to restore the disturbed atmospheric balance.

Originally published at http://realestateandepc.wordpress.com on October 27, 2022.

10 New Projects of Shapoorji Pallonji Group

 

Shapoorji Pallonji is a global leader with its wings operating in national and international markets. SP delivers end-to-end solutions. They have been developing iconic landmarks and mega structures.

Let us look at some of the Projects undertaken by the Shapoorji Pallonji group:

1. Rwanda’s 80 MW Power Plant – East Africa

2×35 MW Peat-fired Thermal Power Plant Rwanda, 2021

This project was carried out in Gisagara – Rwanda. The 80 MW Peat Fired Power Plant was built under BOOT (Build, operate, own, and transfer). In total the installed capacity of this plant is 80 MW and out of that Shapoorji’s EPC team implemented 70 MW of Peat Fired Plant which included BFB (bubbling bed boiler) – Finland technology based on Turnkey.

To date, the biggest power plant project in Rwanda, making it effective to lower the fuel import and become 100% independent. Project completion – 2021

2. Mehewara Piyesa Office Complex – Sri Lanka

Mehewara Piyesa Office Complex Sri Lanka, 2019

This complex was constructed keeping in mind providing competent and productive services to the public. A 35-storey complex with modern facilities spread over a 5,80,000 sq. ft area with a cost of 8500 million Rs. Mehewara Piyesa is the tallest and largest building owned by the Sri Lankan government. Project completion – 2019

3. Royal Opera House – Oman 

Royal Opera House Oman, 2018

Acting as a centre of excellence, the Royal Opera House has worldwide cultural engagement. Approx. 1,100 people can be accommodated in this house. This is a house of the cultural centre and Musical Arts; it has an inbuilt auditorium, landscaped gardens, concert theatre, luxury restaurants, and a car park. Completed in 2018

4. Thanaya Residential Building – Abu Dhabi

Thanaya Residential Building – Abu Dhabi

This residential construction has multipurpose retail, F&B space, two levels of basement car parking, community clinic, pharmacy on the ground level, swimming pools, overhead and underground water tanks, elevators, etc along with spacious 84 apartments – studios apartments to 2-bed units through six levels. Completed in 2021

5. Jammu General Bus Stand

Jammu General Bus Stand Jammu & Kashmir, 2021

A normal bus stand changed its way to becoming a Multi-level car park + commercial complex. Change in design, construction, procurement, and comprehensive engineering was involved. It is built on a 60,064 sqm area with a capacity to accommodate 80 buses in their said terminals, 177 two-wheelers, 1312 cars, a taxi stand, and 239 commercial shops. There are open landscaped food courts and restaurants, water facilities, a chiller plant room, elevators, an air-conditioned ticket booking office along with various other amenities. The overall commercial cost was Rs 213.08 cr. Completed in 2021

6. Green Peak Adventure Resort – Oman

Green Peak Adventure Resort Oman, 2021

Green peak adventure resort is a 5-star project which is developed on a 73,367 sqm area in Jebel Akhdar (Oman). This resort has 52 independent (4-star) standard villas with a housing building having 45 hotel suites keys, an adventure area, and the main facility building. Budget – more than USD – 50 million. Completed 2021

7. City Center Shopping Mall – Oman

City Center Shopping Mall Oman, 2018

With an investment of 15.2 million OMR, the City centre shopping mall was constructed with the idea to give its public a tailor-made mix of lifestyle services, retail stores, entertainment areas, and great dining experiences. A mall with a 177,605 sq. ft area that includes a 73,195 sq. ft Carrefour hypermarket with 50 select stores.

8. Sultan Qaboos Mosque – Oman 

Sultan Qaboos Mosque Oman, 2016

In 2017, Oman Shapoorji was awarded the “Sustainability Initiative of the Year” at Oman’s construction week award for their outstanding efforts for the “Sultan Qaboos Mosque” in Sohar. The biggest mosque in Muscat is spread across 416,000 m2. This mosque is a living example of how Islamic and Middle Eastern engineering styles can blend in Omani fusion along with modern architecture.

> Worshipper’s occupancy – 20,000
> Number of people who can fit inside – 8,000
> People In Courtyard – 12,000

The structure of Sultan Qaboos Mosque comprises the main prayer hall, multi-purpose hall, ladies prayer hall, VVIP rooms, library, Immam room, etc. Completed in 2016

9. Aquatic Gallery – Ahmedabad 

Aquatic Gallery Ahmedabad, 2021

As a symbol of aquatic life, this gallery is designed to look like a shell.  It’s built on a 2.5 acres plot with 150,000 sqft of built-up area. This is a 5th generation top-class public aquarium that is home to around about 180 species of fish from around the world, belonging to different marine and aquatic ecosystems.  This is far from physical experience along with information and education. This gallery includes a multi-storeyed viewing corridor, an interpretation centre, an underwater walkway, and a 5D theatre.  Estimated cost – Rs. 250 cr. Completion year – 2021

10. Mediclinic Hospital Expansion – Abu Dhabi 

Mediclinic Hospital Expansion Abu Dhabi, 2021

An extension to Al Noor Hospital grounds that covered an additional space to accommodate a block that has 130 beds, a link bridge to the old hospital and to the central utility plant, VIP areas, special treatment rooms, rehabilitation unit, upgrade of the dialysis unit, pubic areas, etc. Completion year – 2021

published at http://realestateandepc.wordpress.com on September 28, 2022.

Top 5 Interesting Construction History About Shapoorji Pallonji Group That You Might Not Know About

 

Shapoorji Pallonji group’s interests are in the field of construction, shipping, biotechnology and power, shipping, engineering, and real estate and they even have subsidiaries — SPRE {Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate}, SP Infra, Afcons, SP International, Oman Shapoorji, Forbes & Co., Sterling and Wilson, NextGen, SP Fabs, Forvol and much more. SP group is considered “one of the most respected private houses of India”

The SP group was formed in the year 1895 and since then it has been building top-notch civil and mechanical engineering work of genius, from factories to auditoriums, from airports to road and expressways, from townships to skyscrapers, from constructing biotech facilities to various power plants — there is a huge list to add.

During the 1930s, the SP group won the bid to build one of their most challenging projects to date — Structuring the Mumbai Central Railway Station. British architect — Claude Batley and Ferro Concrete Company were also involved, and this project was completed within 21 months and with a total cost of 1.6 crore Indian Rupees.

Back then this type of architecture and the project delivery was quite hard and this really impressed the then Governor of Bombay. The early 70s saw the SP group build some of the iconic structures across Mumbai — Breach Candy Hospital, The Trident, Bank of India Building, and The Reserve Bank of India to name a few — this really helped the SP group to emerge as an International Brand

Let us look at some of the interesting constructions made by the SP group which people are not aware of -

The Brabourne Stadium -

Established in 1937 — during British rule. It has a capacity to accommodate 20.000 people. Owned by CCI (Cricket Club of India), Brabourne is recognized as a Grade IIB Heritage Structure. Loved by many big cricketers — it is one of the most stunning stadiums in the world

Malabar Hill Water Reservoir -

Malabar hill reservoir was constructed in 1887 with the aim to distribute water to Mumbai city. This was built at the highest peak on Malabar hill. The current reservoir capacity is 146 million liters of water (per day). This reservoir supplies water to prime locations — Malabar Hills, Colaba, Cuffe Parade, Fort, Altamount Road, Chowpatty, Churchgate, and Peddar road.

Al Alam — Palace of the Sultan of Oman -

This Palace was built in 1975 and is the first amongst many other international projects of the SP group. It involved building a sea wall and jetty, it even has a rooftop helipad and various wings for office and personal usage. This can be called a complex essence of Islamic architecture. It has huge white marble floors and is faced with four dissolute blue and gold columns.

India’s longest Vallarpadam Rail Bridge in Kochi -

A railway bridge connecting Vallapardam and Idapally in Kochi. It is an 8.66 km rail passage that helps connect ICTT (International Container Transshipment Terminal) which is on Vallarpadam Island to Idapally railway station (a suburb of Kochi). This passage is 4.62 km long and that makes it the longest rail bridge built in India

India’s first motor racing circuit -

Buddh International Circuit in Noida — This track is located in Noida (NCR) — the outer edge of Delhi. It is named after Gautam Buddha — who is a symbol of peace and calmness. Opened in 2011, this circuit has a clockwise track that is 5.14 km in length. Built on over 874 acres of land and designed by Hermann Tilke, this is one of the fastest circuits in India and in the Formula one championship. It even had the opportunity to host the formula one race for the first time in India and it did impress the event.

Originally published at http://realestateandepc.wordpress.com on September 28, 2022.