Waaree Energies Limited, a prominent solar manufacturing company in India, has expressed concerns regarding India's ongoing reliance on solar module imports, emphasising the economic and employment ramifications. In an exclusive interview with a media group, Hitesh Chimanlal Doshi, the Chairman and Managing Director of Waaree Energies, highlighted the company's ambitious expansion plans both domestically and overseas, their entry into the growing green hydrogen sector, and the pressing need for India to bolster domestic solar manufacturing.

Doshi underscored the consequences of India's import-oriented approach in the solar sector, stating that it not only results in the importation of solar modules but also exports potential jobs to other nations. He discussed the company's vision for the evolving solar energy market, stressing their commitment to growth and technological advancement. Additionally, he outlined the company's expansion plans, including achieving a 12 GW solar module manufacturing capacity and venturing into solar cell manufacturing. Internationally, they planned to establish a 2 GW solar module manufacturing factory in Texas, USA.

Regarding the green hydrogen sector, Doshi revealed their plans to enter electrolyzer production and secure a tender for 1 MW of green hydrogen production from the Maharashtra government. They aimed to produce their electrolyzers in India within a year.

Addressing the impact of basic customs duty (BCD) on the domestic solar module manufacturing market, Doshi noted that it hadn't significantly reduced solar module imports. He cited factors like China's competitive pricing and export routes through Free Trade Agreement (FTA) countries as contributing to this trend, impacting local employment and industry development.

Regarding the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) sector, Doshi acknowledged its motivational impact on manufacturers but emphasised the need for more stringent import restrictions related to solar installations to genuinely boost domestic manufacturing.

Importantly, Doshi highlighted how importing solar modules negatively affects job prospects in the sector and impedes local research and development efforts. He noted a significant difference in the number of patents filed globally on solar technology compared to India.

Finally, Doshi revealed that Waaree Energies was exploring new technologies and considering establishing a battery cell manufacturing unit to expand its battery storage business, having already supplied battery packs for thousands of vehicles and storage solutions.

Source: ET Energyworld