In a big boost to domestic production of solar photo voltaic (PV) modules, the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd (IREDA) has invited bids from solar module manufacturers for setting up solar manufacturing units under the central government’s Rs4,500-crore Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.
A PSU under the ministry of new and renewable energy (MNRE), IREDA had floated the invitation for application document on 25 May on its website and the electronic application process went live on 31 May.
MNRE has appointed IREDA as the implementing agency for the scheme. The union cabinet had earlier approved the Rs4,500 crore scheme to boost domestic manufacturing of solar photo voltaic (PV) modules.
The last date for submitting application is 30 June. The selection process for the successful bidders is to be completed by 30 July.
The applicants are required to set up either brownfield or greenfield manufacturing facility for the entire capacity allotted under the scheme. Applicants are not allowed to set up mix of brownfield and greenfield facility under the scheme. Manufacturing capacity/unit, for which required capital goods have been imported before the last date of bid submission, will not be eligible for participation under this PLI scheme. The minimum capacity of the manufacturing unit to be installed shall be 1,000 Megawatt. The PLI will be disbursed to the successful applicants annually for a period of five years.
Solar capacity addition currently depends largely on imported solar PV cells and modules as the domestic industry has limited operational capacities of solar PV cells and modules. The National Programme on High Efficiency Solar PV Modules will reduce import dependence in a strategic sector like electricity and as such reinforce the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.