Manufacturing Boosted by Low Tariffs Will Help Atmanirbhar Bharat: RK Singh

RK Singh believes Lower tariffs will boost local manufacturing in the country, which in turn will contribute to achieving the goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Union Minister for Power and New and Renewable Energy RK Singh has said that the competitiveness of the Indian solar industry which has seen tariff drops to a record low will boost local manufacturing in the country, which in turn will ultimately contribute to achieving the goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

In a written response to a question asked in the Rajya Sabha, Singh said, “Low-cost power is an essential requirement for competitive manufacturing. Since solar tariffs have been declining, the use of solar energy could contribute to manufacturing competitiveness, and thus to achieve the goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat.”

In response to another question asked about the state-wise progress made in the country, the Minister provided a brief of renewable energy capacities (solar/ wind/ bio/ small hydro) installed in each state and UT as on August 31, 2020.

According to the data provided, the state of Karnataka is India’s leading state when it comes to installed renewable capacity with 15.262 GW operational. Followed closely by Tamil Nadu with 14.646 GW installed as on August 31, 2020. And, finally, Gujarat closing out the top three with an installed capacity of 11.113 GW.

Notably, Karnataka is the leading state in India for solar installations, with its current operational capacity at 7298 MW. And, Tamil Nadu is the leading state in India for wind power installations with nearly 10 GW (9325 MW) capacity operational in the state.

Answering a question on whether there are any plans to manufacture solar cells and panels in India?

The minister said that “solar PV cells and panels are already being manufactured in the country. Various steps like schemes with Domestic Content Requirement (DCR); ‘Preference to Make in India Order’; and tender for setting up of solar manufacturing capacities in India linked with Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) for solar PV power plants have been taken for further augmenting the domestic manufacturing capacity of solar PV cells and panels/modules.”