Solarcon India 2010: India Poised for Massive Solar Revolution

Recollecting the goings-on from the recently concluded Solarcon India 2010, that's how it appears to be: India, indeed, is on the brink of a massive solar revolution, provided the Phase 1 of its Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JN-NSM) is properly executed!

The focus of this year's Solarcon India was on the need for the industry to focus on the timely and successful implementation of Phase 1 of the JN-NSM. Also, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), headed by Dr. Farooq Abdullah, is strongly emphasizing the need for Indian players to develop their own research and development facilities. And rightly so!

The solar power plants that are in the process of being set up in India, and those that will follow, are expected to use solar panels that should run for 25 years! Hence, Indian players should now focus on setting up their own research centers, and if possible, even try and develop newer technologies.

The minister was also very vocal about the use of the best available technology for the JN-NSM projects. He said: “India should develop its technology right here! Don’t import third-rate technology!”

Project financing in case of solar PV has also remained a bit tough up to now. Taking note of this, the Indian government is also working very hard toward solving this puzzle, or issue, if you may.

Some other points to note. Just a few days before Solarcon India 2010, the MNRE announced guidelines for new solar projects under the JN-NSM. Also, NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam has signed a memorandum of understanding with 16 project developers for solar power projects.

By the way, you may be interested to know that there are going to be some other opportunities for you, as an interested player in solar photovoltaics to invest and play in the India market.

India's Union Ministry of Urban Development has devised a National Mission on Sustainable Habitat – which should provide more opportunities for solar project developers. It will strive to promote energy efficiency as an integral component of urban planning and urban renewal through three initiatives — Energy Conservation Building Code; recycling of material and urban waste management; and better urban planning and modal shift to public transport.

Pradeep