Policy

The Indian government has demonstrated a robust commitment to advancing solar energy by implementing various strategic initiatives.

RK Singh, union minister for power and new & renewable energy, stated recently that the dependence on coal-based generation is likely to continue till cost-effective energy storage solutions are available.

The Union Minister of State for New & Renewable Energy, Bhagwanth Khuba, also exhorted the manufacturers to be reasonable in pricing solar modules and not take undue advantage of basic customs duty by spiking domestic panel prices.

A new report by TERI recommends measures to develop large-scale pumped storage plants in India. It also traces the growth and status of pumped storage hydro plants in India and the world.

While the benefits of solar adoption are evident, challenges persist. The irregularity of solar power and the lack of efficient storage technologies remain primary concerns. The upfront costs of solar installations, though decreasing, remain a barrier for many. Complex regulations and bureaucratic hurdles often deter individuals and businesses from embracing solar energy. Addressing these challenges demands a concentrated effort.

The significant fall in solar module prices over the last six months is positive for under-construction projects.

To scale the adoption of clean technologies in rural areas, we need to focus more on leveraging the experience of early women adopters. We should organise hyperlocal events and demos – create spaces for women to network and become aware.

Amid calls for an immediate transition to renewable energy, it’s important to ensure that aspects such as domestic resource utilization, the cost of transition, and the impact on the population are not overlooked.

Indian solar module manufacturers will have significant opportunities until July 2024 to sell their products in the USA market. However, their exports to the USA may start stagnating from 2025 and declining from 2027 onwards as the USA develops domestic capacities under its Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), according to a new report by IEEFA and JMK Research.

The Solar Power Developers Association (SPDA) is now Sustainable Projects Developers Association (SPDA), representing solution providers across solar, wind, hybrid, battery energy storage systems, green hydrogen and green ammonia sectors.