The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is collaborating with key stakeholders in the solar manufacturing and development sectors to strengthen India’s global position in clean energy.
Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Secretary, MNRE, recently chaired a series of meetings with leading solar PV manufacturers and developers in this regard.
The discussions underscored the government’s commitment to propelling India’s solar industry forward as the country enters ‘Amrit Kaal,’ a period envisioned for significant national progress.
Key discussion points with solar PV manufacturers:
The meeting with solar PV manufacturers focused on several critical areas aimed at streamlining operations and boosting domestic production:
ALMM process: Deliberations were held on simplifying and expediting the approved list of models and manufacturers (ALMM) process.
Testing infrastructure: The need for enhancing solar testing infrastructure and improving lab proficiency across the country was a significant agenda item.
Anti-dumping duties: The impact of anti-dumping duties on tempered glass was discussed, particularly concerning its classification as a change in law for developers.
Domestic supply timelines: Manufacturers sought extensions for timelines related to domestic solar cell supply to alleviate current manufacturing challenges.
Budget & R&D: Calls were made for increased budget allocations for manufacturing support schemes and greater promotion of research and development within the sector.
Export promotion: Strategies to support export initiatives, with a specific focus on markets like the USA, were also explored.
Key discussion points with solar developers:
Parallel discussions with solar developers addressed hurdles impacting project execution and expansion:
Environmental clearances: Resolving environmental clearance issues, including concerns related to the Great Indian Bustard habitat, was a primary topic.
ISTS waiver: The extension of the Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) waiver was discussed as a measure to further promote renewable energy projects.
Contractual challenges: Addressing contractual complexities within Commercial & Industrial Power Purchase Agreements (C&I PPAs) was another key area.
Energy storage progress: A review of the progress on battery energy storage systems (BESS) and pumped storage projects (PSP) was conducted.
Connectivity & commissioning: Issues surrounding connectivity revocations and optimizing project commissioning timelines were also tackled.
Mr. Sarangi emphasized the need for collective action among stakeholders to establish a robust manufacturing ecosystem, prioritize export readiness, and expedite resolution of pending issues.
The MNRE also reiterated its commitment to fostering a future-ready solar industry that not only caters to domestic energy demands but also establishes India as a significant global manufacturing hub for solar technology.
