Study tour: Indian renewable energy specialists benefit from German know-how

Germany’s energy transition has made the German renewables sector a global market leader. So that they could gain from German experiences in financing and grid integration, adelphi introduced experts from the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) to various successful projects.

From 31 May to 6 June 2015, adelphi hosted an international study tour with delegates from the Delhi-based Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA). Over the course of seven days, ten renewable energy financing experts from India delved intensively into Germany’s energy transition. The central part of their fact-finding mission involved getting to know differences between German and Indian plant operation, with participant getting the chance to deepen their knowledge of financing, grid integration and other project development issues.

A visit to the energy independent village of Feldheim in Brandenburg showed how the concept of locally owned, integrated renewable energy supply (involving wind, solar and biomass) can be put into practice on a local, self-reliant basis. A tour of regional grid operators made clear the central roles played by ensuring sufficient grid capacities and the necessary grid expansion.

Photovoltaics projects at the centre of the fact-finding mission

Since there is still a great deal of development potential in the Indian solar sector, the tour largely focused on photovoltaic (PV) projects, both commercial-scale rooftop and MW scale open space plants in the megawatt segment. During the mission, participants gained insights into the challenges of planning, development, construction, operation and maintenance of PV plants. They also looked at specific risks that can cause delays in loan repayments, such as heat-born material degradation. Some site visits allowed for exchanges on the latest technological developments, such as module types and quality.

The fact-finding mission forms part of KfW Development Bank’s work to implement a credit line for renewable energies in India. adelphi was tasked with the planning, organisation and execution of the tour. To this end, adelphi put together the tour programme, picking out specialists on  project financing, project development, PV construction companies, grid integration and the construction of photovoltaics systems. adelphi also prepared background materials on the regulatory context and best practice cases, facilitated consultations with specialists and organised site visits. The Indian delegation was accompanied by staff members from adelphi, who facilitated meetings and provided professional input.