Energetica India Magazine December 2020

India has Large Solar Energy Requirement, with 30GW Production Needed Till 2030: Amitesh Sinha Cabinet Nods for India-US MoU on Information Exchange in Electricity Sector India has a large vision and requirement of solar energy, with 30 GW required in production till 2030, said Amitesh Kumar Sinha, Joint Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). Sinha further said that we also however, have a large difference in demand and supply, meaning that there are large opportunities in the sector. On the policy side, we are working to provide incentives to promote solar manufacturing in the country, including lowering custom duties on solar modules and batteries. An ambitious Production-Linked Incentive Scheme worth Rs 4500 crore is in the works for high-efficiency solar PV modules, and will be allotted on highest- bidding basis, he added. Sinha was speaking during a live webinar hosted by Exhibitions India Group and Solar India expo with solar industry stakeholders deliberating the crucial topic of solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing in India. While opening the talk with some astute remarks, Subrahmanyam Pulipaka, Chief Executive Officer, National Solar Energy Federation of India (NSEFI), said, “While solar energy has been a key focus area in India, solar manufacturing sector has struggled to evolve, and the government is encouraging manufacturing with initiatives including PLIs and custom duty.” Harsh Vardhan Govil, COO, Adani Solar touched on the lack of adequate investment in India’s solar sector, and said “while the government is supporting the solar manufacturing sector with encouraging policies, the Indian investor is still not comfortable in coming up with expansion plans. The reason being that the technological hub in solar innovation lies with China, with the country more than capable of fulfilling the entire global solar demand. This is a rake that every investor carries, as Chinese products have lower costs, with the country offering a supporting ecosystem and upcoming technology.” The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has provided its consent for the proposal of Central Electricity Regulatory Commission, India (CERC) to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), United States of America (USA). The MoU has been for the exchange of information and experiences in areas of mutual interest to both in the electricity sector. Moreover, the said MoU will also help in improving regulatory and policy framework for developing efficient whole sale power market and enhancing grid reliability. The activities to be carried out under the MoU include the following: 1. Identify energy-related issues and develop topics and possible agendas for the exchange of information and regulatory practices in areas of mutual interest; 2. Organize visits by Commissioners and/or staff to participate in activities at each other’s facilities; 3. Participate in seminars, visit, and exchanges; 4. Develop programs of mutual interests and where appropriate hold these programs locally to enhance participation; 5. When practical and of mutual interest, provide speakers on energy issues and other personnel (management or technical). 27 energetica INDIA- December_2020 NEWS POLICY