India may backtrack on PV local-content

The Indian government may be taking a harder line with local manufacturers

India may do away with the controversial local content rules embedded within its National Solar Mission (NSM), in recognition that they could do more harm than good to the country’s broader solar ambitions.

Addressing the action initiated by the US against India within the World Trade Organization last week, Farooq Abdullah, minister for New and Renewable Energy, acknowledges that the Indian solar industry is split between manufacturers who are harmed by the flood of cheap modules coming out of countries like China, and others – such as developers – who benefit.

That dichotomy exposes an intrinsic tension within the NSM, and one playing out in many emerging solar markets around the world.

For political and economic reasons Delhi wants to foster a domestic PV…

Become a Recharge subscriber!

Or try our free trial.

Order Subscription

Already a member?

Login