The Union Minister of State for New & Renewable Energy expressed optimism about the indigenous production of solar panels during his address at the inaugural session of the 1st India Solar Manufacturing Summit held in New Delhi. He highlighted the impact of schemes like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) for High Efficiency Solar Panel manufacturing, which boasts a substantial budget outlay of Rs. 24,000 crores. A press release on the summit was issued on December 15, 2023.
The Minister urged industry stakeholders to adopt reasonable pricing for solar modules and cautioned against taking undue advantage of basic customs duty, which could lead to an unjustified spike in domestic panel prices. Emphasizing the need for competitive prices for domestic developers, he underscored the importance of achieving a balanced approach that benefits all parties involved.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister said, “The Government of India thinks in a holistic manner, ensuring sustainability and a win-win situation for all. We are in continuous consultation with all stakeholders, taking inputs, and striving to ensure justice for everyone.”
During the event, the Minister launched a report on PV Supply Chain Resilience & Sustainability – India-EU Cooperation Study. In his keynote address, he highlighted the emerging status of solar manufacturing in India, commending the nation’s commitment to setting and achieving new targets at COP while addressing the needs of a growing population and the aspiration to attain Net Zero by 2070.
Reflecting on the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the Minister emphasized the importance of self-reliance across sectors. The Minister’s address was attended by industry representatives and officials from the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, fostering collaboration and dialogue for the growth of the solar manufacturing sector in India. The event was jointly organized by the National Solar Energy Federation of India (NSEFI), Solar Power Europe, and EU India Clean Energy and Climate Partnership.
