Markets & Policy

Following a complaint from Indian glass specialist Gujarat Borosil ltd, the government has initiated an anti-dumping probe for the imports of solar glass.

MNRE has sanctioned around $1 billion for the development of 60 solar cities in India. The government has also conferred the development of 52 green campuses.

India’s budget disappoints a solar industry still hungry for clarity on duties, tariffs and additional support. Here is a breakdown of the budget’s main points, with reaction from industry.

With two new countries, the Republic of Guyana, and Togo, the number of nations to have ratified the International Solar Alliance (ISA) framework agreement has reached 21. ISA will host 6th International Steering Committee (ISC) meeting on February 20.

Under the World Bank and IREDA’s $100 million proposals for solar park development, IREDA has approved its first loan of $33 million to Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Limited (RUMSL) in Madhya Pradesh.

India’s solar sector witnessed a huge growth in 2017. The country is close to 20 GW cumulative solar installation at the end of January 2018. Bridge to India has released several charts comparing renewable installations, tariff rates, and upcoming projects. The data shows India installed 8.5 GW utility-scale and 1.4 GW rooftop solar in 2017.

India is calling for a special meeting of the World Trade Organization’s (WTO’s) Dispute Settlement Body (DSB), to be held on February 9, to consider its request to resolve the disagreement between India and the U.S.

Delhi DISCOM, Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited (TPDDL) is planning to launch the Tata smart energy incubation hub. The Tata trust will provide INR 150 million ($2.25 million), while the Indian government’s Science & Technology department will pay out an undisclosed sum. The company is also planning the installation of a 10 MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).

The 9th monthly get-together and stakeholder’s meeting of the International Solar Alliance was held on January 24. The event witnessed several announcements from companies such as TATA ($2.25 million Incubation hub), NTPC (new developments), Power Grid Corporation of India (new battery storage projects), Infosys (smart PV solutions), and Emami.

The three-day exhibition and conference held in New Delhi organized various hands-on workshops and saw discussions on topics like mini and micro-grid systems, electric transportation, and the financial analysis for these sectors. The government has also announced the upcoming energy policy, placing storage at the core.