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The 1st Solar Today Awards 2016

Published

10 years ago

October 31, 2016

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The very first Solar Today Awards 2016 was successfully held at the InterSolar Exhibition in Mumbai on October 21, 2016, in the presence of the industry’s best and brightest.

The Solar Today Awards 2016 function began with the lighting of the lamp by G Adhiseshu, Managing Director, Andhra Pradesh Solar Power Corporation Private Ltd; Pratap Padode, Managing Director, ASAPP Info Global Group and Sumit Banerjee, Chairman, Advisory Board, ASAPP Info Global Group.

This was followed up with an introductory address by Padode, wherein he spoke about the business climate in the country and how despite tough times – financially and otherwise – India Inc is now moving forward in the solar sector. He stated confidence in businesses geared towards sustainability, solar energy and energy storage, which can be the game changers that the country needs.

After the address, an expert panel comprising Prafulla Pathak, Secretary General, Solar Energy Society of India; Preetam D’Souza, Partner, Kochhar & Co; Shirish S Garud, Director and Senior Fellow, TERI and Santosh Janakiram, Partner, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas and moderated by Vinay Rustagi, Managing Director, Bridge to India, discussed ‘Competitive bidding for solar projects in India’.

While coming to a general consensus that competition in the solar field has drastically brought down solar costs, thus making it more financially competitive, they further felt that viability of such projects is now under question and the structure essentially eliminates smaller players from venturing anywhere near the sector.

The main event on the itinerary for the evening – the awards ceremony – was conducted next. Parameters for the basis of selection for companies were considerations on their grid-connected projects above 1 MW, AC capacity numbers where available and capacity commissioned in the last 12 months.

For the first six awards – Utility Scale Solar (Project Developer and EPC Contractor); Rooftop Solar (Project Developer and EPC Contractor); Module Manufacturer and Inverter Manufacturer – winners were decided purely based on the size or capacity. The decision of the top three players has been adjudged on the basis of data collected by Bridge to India.

The latter four awards – Top Manufacturer in India – Quality and Cost Competitiveness; Best Innovation in the Sector; Best Start-up in the Sector and Emerging State – were selected by the Jury, based on discussions conducted and the nominations received. Here, for the Jury’s Choice Award for Manufacturer in India (Composite) – Quality and Competitiveness, the factors considered were strong reputation for quality, ability to compete internationally and whether the company is amongst the Top 10 players in the country, by virtue of size and volume.

The winners of the 1st inaugural Solar Today Awards 2016:

Utility Scale Solar- Project Developer – Adani Green Energy Ltd (Largest)
Utility Scale Solar- Project Developer – Acme (Second Largest)
Utility Scale Solar – EPC contractor: Mahindra Susten Pvt Ltd (Largest)
Utility Scale Solar – EPC contractor: Sterling and Wilson Pvt Ltd (Second Largest)
Utility Scale Solar – EPC contractor: L&T (Third Largest)
Rooftop Solar – Project Developer: CleanMax Solar (Largest)
Rooftop Solar – Project Developer: Amplus Energy Solutions Pvt Ltd (Second Largest)
Rooftop Solar – EPC: Tata Power Solar System Ltd (Largest)
Rooftop Solar – EPC: Su-Kam Power Systems Ltd (Second Largest)
Rooftop Solar – EPC: Hero Future Energies Ltd (Third Largest)
Top Manufacturer (Module): Vikram Solar Pvt Ltd
Top Manufacturer (Inverter): ABB India Ltd
Jury’s Choice Award for Best Manufacturer in India (Composite): Vikram Solar Pvt Ltd
Jury’s Choice Award for Best Innovation in the solar sector: Su-Kam Power Systems Ltd
Jury’s Choice Award for Best Start-up in the solar sector: OMC Power
Emerging State in the solar sector: Andhra Pradesh

The ceremony ended on a high note with a keynote address by Adhiseshu, who spoke on the importance of solar and how the Andhra Pradesh government is augmenting its plan to add 4,107 MW of solar power capacity during FY17 to FY22 and has set a target of achieving 2,000 MW of solar rooftop by 2022. He extorted the segment players present at the event to take advantage of this and move forwards confidently.

Concrete

Cement Prices Likely to Rise Rs. 10-15 per Bag from Mid-October

Input costs and steady demand may drive cement price increases

Published

1 hour ago

October 14, 2026

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Cement manufacturers in India are likely to raise prices by Rs. 10-15 per bag from mid-October, as they seek to offset persistent increases in power and fuel costs. Emkay Research said its channel checks indicated a high probability of an increase from October 12, supported by the start of the busy construction season and favourable demand-supply conditions.

The sector had implemented similar rate adjustments of Rs. 10-15 per bag during the first quarter, but the increases were insufficient to cover higher operating costs. Prices also softened during July and August because of the monsoon, widening the gap between realisations and input expenses. Delayed plant expansion programmes have pushed clinker utilisation rates towards 79 per cent by FY28, helping to balance market fundamentals.

Emkay Research said steady volume offtake was supporting cement consumption, with non-trade demand driving activity across regional markets. Industry volumes are expected to grow by 7-8 per cent year on year during the first half of FY27, while demand momentum is projected to remain firm over the following 18 months. The outlook includes the busy construction season in the second half of FY27 and infrastructure activity linked to general elections in the first half of calendar year 2029.

The brokerage expects overall cement demand to record a compound annual growth rate of about 7 per cent between FY26 and FY28. However, elevated operating expenses are likely to continue weighing on profitability. Input costs have risen by Rs. 300-400 per t over the past six to seven months, with the full impact expected to become visible in second-quarter earnings and remain persistent through the second half of FY27.

Spot prices for petcoke and imported coal are approximately 20 per cent and 16 per cent above their second-quarter averages, at USD 175 per t and USD 150 per t, respectively. Packing costs have also increased, with polypropylene granule prices rising above Rs. 135 per kg. Emkay Research estimated that second-quarter earnings could decline by Rs. 200-250 per t sequentially because of higher fuel bills and negative operating leverage, and said the sector requires sustained price increases of about Rs. 10 per bag to offset cost inflation.

Concrete

Nuvoco Marks 10 Years, Targets 35 MMTPA Capacity by FY28

Nuvoco celebrates a decade of growth, targeting 35 MMTPA cement capacity by FY28.

Published

1 day ago

October 13, 2026

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Nuvoco Vistas Corporation Limited is celebrating a decade of operations under the theme ‘Dus Saal Bemisaal’, highlighting its expansion in India’s building materials sector. The company has grown from a single cement manufacturing facility into a diversified organisation operating across cement, ready-mix concrete (RMC) and modern building materials.

The company’s journey began in 2014 when its parent, Nirma Group, commissioned a 2 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA) greenfield cement plant at Nimbol, Rajasthan. A major milestone followed in October 2016 with the acquisition of Lafarge India, significantly expanding its manufacturing footprint.

Nuvoco strengthened its market presence through the acquisition of Emami Cement, now NU Vista Limited, in 2020, followed by its public listing in 2021. In April 2025, the company added Vadraj Cement to its portfolio, strengthening its presence in western India.

Nuvoco has an operating cement capacity of 27 MMTPA and 14 manufacturing units, including the Kutch and Sachana facilities in Gujarat, which are in advanced stages of completion. It also operates 58 ready-mix concrete plants across India and offers a range of modern building materials.

The company aims to increase its cement capacity to 35 MMTPA by FY2027-28, representing approximately 15-fold growth over the decade.

Reflecting on the milestone, Hiren Patel, Chairman, Nuvoco Vistas Corporation Limited, said, “From our beginnings at Nimbol to the organisation we are today, every milestone has added a new chapter to Nuvoco’s journey and strengthened our belief in building for the long term.”

The company continues to focus on capacity expansion, operational efficiency, innovation and sustainability while strengthening its position in India’s construction materials market.

Concrete

J&K Government Notifies City Gas Distribution Policy

Policy targets PNG and CNG expansion across all 20 districts

Published

1 day ago

October 13, 2026

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Jammu and Kashmir government has notified the City Gas Distribution (CGD) Policy, 2026, following its approval by the Council of Ministers headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. The policy sets out a phased framework for expanding Piped Natural Gas (PNG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) access for households, businesses, industries and the transport sector across the Union Territory.

CGD networks will be expanded in phases across all 20 districts, with the aim of bringing reliable natural gas closer to consumers and supporting a gradual shift from conventional fuels. The government said the policy is designed to improve energy access while creating an investor-friendly and time-bound environment for gas distribution projects.

The policy provides for single-window and time-bound clearances, streamlined procedures for setting up CNG stations and standardised norms for the Right of Way. These measures are intended to reduce procedural delays, simplify project implementation and facilitate investment in natural gas infrastructure.

It also prioritises gas connectivity for major industrial estates, including those in Kathua, Samba and Pulwama. Improved access to natural gas is expected to support industrial activity, enhance energy efficiency and help businesses manage fuel costs, while strengthening their competitiveness and encouraging investment in the clean-energy sector.

The policy is also expected to create opportunities for local employment, apprenticeships and skill development in the construction, operation and maintenance of gas distribution networks and related services. Abdullah described the measure as an important step towards cleaner growth, sustainable development and a modern energy ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir, saying it would expand reliable energy access and support industry and investment.