The Indian solar segment has achieved a record capacity addition of 10 GW in the first quarter of 2024, which is equal to the new addition made in the entire year of 2023. This 10 GW addition marks the highest-ever quarterly increase to date. In Q1 of 2023, the solar segment added just 2 GW. In Q1 2024, a total of 15.2 GW of new power capacity was added with solar power contributing two-thirds (66 per cent) of this. Large-scale solar projects accounted for 9.7 GW, including 1.8 GW from open-access solar projects. The surge in solar installations during Q1 2024 was driven by several factors, including the commissioning of delayed projects that had received extensions due to high module prices in previous quarters. Developers benefited from falling module prices, the suspension of the approved list of models and manufacturers (ALMM) order and approval of grid connectivity for projects previously stalled by concerns for the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) facilitated project completions.Siegwerk solar park in Jaisalmer aims for 35 per cent renewable energySiegwerk, a leading global provider of printing inks and coatings, announced the inauguration of its state-of-the-art solar power park in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan on the occasion of World Environment Day 2024. This landmark project underscores its commitment to sustainability and renewable energy, propelling the company closer to its ambitious goal of achieving 30 per cent renewable energy consumption at its Bhiwadi Centre of Excellence (CoE) by 2025. This facility, which is capable of generating 2,028,000 KWh of electricity per year was installed recently.Contact: SiegwerkWebsite: www.siegwerk.comRECPDCL hands over Khavda IV-E2 power transmission to Power GridREC Power Development and Consultancy (RECPDCL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of REC, handed over two project specific special purpose vehicles (SPVs) in May 2024 namely Khavda IV-E2 power transmission and NERES XVI power transmission in Khavda area of Gujarat. Power Grid Corporation of India emerged as the successful bidder with respect to the ISTS scheme “Transmission system for evacuation of power from potential renewable energy zone under Phase- IV (7 GW): Part E2” and Techno Electric and Engineering Company was selected as the successful bidder for the “North Eastern Region Expansion Scheme-XVI (NERES-XVI)”.Contact: RECPDCLWebsite: www.recpdcl.inAstute Synergies aims to disrupt CBG market with innovative solutionsAstute Synergies, an energy-tech startup, is set to disrupt the biogas industry by tackling the critical challenge of high Compressed Biogas (CBG) plant installation costs. India’s gas production is 29,769 million metric standard cubic metres (MMSCM), while consumption is 55,256 MMSCM, resulting in a shortfall of 25,488 MMSCM or 46.12 percent of total consumption. CBG can help bridge this gap, but high installation costs and methane loss during production are major challenges. Astute Synergies is addressing these issues with its advanced state-of-the-art membrane technology.Contact: Astute SynergiesWebsite: www.astutesynergy.comPanasonic partners with Aerem to provide financing to its solar customersAerem Solutions, a leading provider of end-to-end solar solutions and the parent company of NetZero Finance– India’s only RBI licensed Solar Focus NBFC, have signed a MOU with leading player in the  distributed solar energy sector Panasonic Life Solutions India (PLSIND). Through this strategic collaboration, Panasonic aims to sell over Rs.5 billion worth of solar products by facilitating financial assistance for its homeowners and customers. This partnership is expected to significantly boost adoption of solar energy solutions in India.  Contact: Aerem SolutionsEmail: connect@aerem.coWebsite: www.aerem.co