As India plans to set up large lithium-ion battery plants, the Lithium Triangle countries in South America (comprising Chile, Argentina and Bolivia) have offered to meet India’s growing demand for lithium.

The solar projects, mainly located in Africa and South America, are identified by International Solar Alliance (ISA). These will include on-grid as well as off-grid projects like rooftop solar and irrigation pumps powered by solar panels.

Owing to the general elections this year, little progress on the policy front is expected in the near term, according to the report.

The Philippines-based solar major will develop around 500 MW of solar capacity in India, which it describes as having favourable regulatory environment.

From April to November, Indian imports of solar cells and modules from Singapore – worth Rs489 crore, Vietnam (Rs263 crore) and Thailand (Rs155 crore) recorded whopping annual growth rates of 242%, 440% and 2,711%, respectively.

The last 10 years have seen India emerge as a solar superpower, setting an example from which many emerging countries in Africa and Southeast Asia are eager to learn.

“While there are ample solar PV module manufacturers in India to meet the government demands, the proposal would provide impetus to existing and new players to venture into cell production”—according to Sunil Rathi, director, Waaree Energies.

The Kolkata-based module manufacturer and EPC contractor will commission the project for Hindustan Zinc Limited at Ghosunda Dam, near Chittorgarh, in Rajasthan.

Testing has led to the first certificate of its kind worldwide since a revision of International Electrotechnical Commission Standards in 2016. Accreditation enables Premier Solar to access markets in Latin America, Europe and Africa.

Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (GERC) has allowed Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd (GUVNL) to procure 2.7 MW solar power generated by salt pan workers of Self-Employed Women Association (SEWA) during off-season.