World Bank Plans ‘Scaling Solar and Storage’ Program

World Bank Backs Himachal Power Sector with USD 200mn

The new Scaling Solar and Storage (SSS) program, is expected to be rolled out in the coming years would work on utility-scale tenders that pair solar PV with battery storage technology.

The World Bank is planning to make energy storage an integral part of its ‘Scaling Solar’ program, that until now has been focused purely on facilitating large-scale solar tendering, predominantly in Africa.

The new Scaling Solar and Storage (SSS) program, is expected to be rolled out in the coming years would work on utility-scale tenders that pair solar PV with battery storage technology.

The World Bank engaged Italy-based technical advisory RINA to explore the feasibility of such tenders.

Ugo Salerno, chairman and CEO of RINA, said that the program planning takes into consideration anticipated developments in storage technology and cost over the intended roll-out period. RINA also undertook extensive consultation with leading players in the industry to ensure that SSS project development would be appealing to them.

RINA’s understanding is that the program is aimed at developing countries and emerging markets in general and isn’t specifically limited to any one geography.

He said batteries are “the most important field of development” in renewable energy at present – adding: “With existing technology, batteries are now becoming affordable,” which means that the renewable energy is becoming self-sufficient. More and more you will not need traditional generation to be put aside renewables.

“We don’t even know what will happen if there is a quantum leap in [storage] technology,” he added.

At present, RINA is helping the World Bank on building the framework and setting the standards for the SSS to ensure project bankability.

The original ‘Scaling Solar’ programme has overseen PV tenders rolled out across Zambia, Ethiopia, Madagascar and Senegal, and achieved some impressive price reductions till date.

Utility-scale solar and storage is fledgling in Africa, with one of its first such projects in Kenya receiving financial backing last year.

Source: Energy Storage