Centre Mandates Use of India-Made Solar Cells from October

31 Jul 2025 CW Team

The order, issued on 28 July, requires public sector undertakings including NTPC, NHPC, SJVN, and SECI to revise their tender documents accordingly. These PSUs, acting as renewable energy implementing agencies (REIAs), must now include this mandate in upcoming bids to align with India’s target of 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030.

This requirement will come into effect 30 days after the MNRE publishes ‘List II’—the approved list of Indian manufacturers and models of solar cells—expected by next month. Consequently, tenders floated from October 2025 onward will need to comply. However, bids finalised within 30 days of the list's publication will be exempt.

No exemption will be granted for projects under key government schemes such as PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and PM KUSUM, which already adhere to domestic content requirement (DCR) norms mandating Indian-made solar components.

The Centre believes this measure will stimulate demand for Indian solar cells and reduce reliance on imports, particularly from China. Currently, India’s annual production capacity stands at 91 GW for solar photovoltaic (PV) modules but only 27 GW for cells. Notable domestic producers include Tata Power, Adani Green Energy, and Waaree Energies.

Meanwhile, implementation delays continue to hamper the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for solar PV module manufacturing. Of the 130.7 GW capacity awarded under PLI, only 25.5 GW has been commissioned to date. The scheme offers incentives over five years post commissioning. As of now, 17.5 GW of module and 6 GW of cell capacity have been developed under PLI.

The accelerated mandate is expected to strengthen India’s domestic manufacturing ecosystem and ensure long-term sustainability in the renewable energy supply chain.

"Join industry leaders at RAHSTA Expo, India's premier platform for roads, highways and traffic infrastructure. Register now to explore innovations, network with experts and shape the future of mobility."

In a significant policy shift to bridge the gap between India’s solar module and cell manufacturing capacities, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has mandated the use of India-made solar cells in renewable energy projects starting later this year, instead of June 2026 as previously planned.The order, issued on 28 July, requires public sector undertakings including NTPC, NHPC, SJVN, and SECI to revise their tender documents accordingly. These PSUs, acting as renewable energy implementing agencies (REIAs), must now include this mandate in upcoming bids to align with India’s target of 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030.This requirement will come into effect 30 days after the MNRE publishes ‘List II’—the approved list of Indian manufacturers and models of solar cells—expected by next month. Consequently, tenders floated from October 2025 onward will need to comply. However, bids finalised within 30 days of the list's publication will be exempt.No exemption will be granted for projects under key government schemes such as PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and PM KUSUM, which already adhere to domestic content requirement (DCR) norms mandating Indian-made solar components.The Centre believes this measure will stimulate demand for Indian solar cells and reduce reliance on imports, particularly from China. Currently, India’s annual production capacity stands at 91 GW for solar photovoltaic (PV) modules but only 27 GW for cells. Notable domestic producers include Tata Power, Adani Green Energy, and Waaree Energies.Meanwhile, implementation delays continue to hamper the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for solar PV module manufacturing. Of the 130.7 GW capacity awarded under PLI, only 25.5 GW has been commissioned to date. The scheme offers incentives over five years post commissioning. As of now, 17.5 GW of module and 6 GW of cell capacity have been developed under PLI.The accelerated mandate is expected to strengthen India’s domestic manufacturing ecosystem and ensure long-term sustainability in the renewable energy supply chain.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Jul 2026

ABS Marine Sees CRISIL Credit Rating Upgrade

ABS Marine Services has secured an upgrade to its long term and short term credit ratings from CRISIL, reflecting improved profitability and revenue growth through long term contracts. CRISIL moved the long term rating from BBB+/Stable to A-/Stable and revised the short term rating from A2 to A2+. The action signals strengthened financial metrics and operational resilience. The company benefited from durable client relationships with firms such as ONGC and Schlumberger. The rating decision followed stronger cash flows and an enlarged bank loan facility, which increased from Rs 3,705 million (m..

Infrastructure Transport

06 Jul 2026

Project BRAHMANK Marks 16 Years Of Strategic Roads In Arunachal

Project BRAHMANK is marking 16 years of work to establish strategic road and bridge links across Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining and developing 811 kilometres of roads and nearly 86 bridges that range from small culverts to large steel and arch bridges. These transport links are described as critical for ensuring year-round movement of defence personnel, equipment and essential supplies while improving everyday travel for people in remote villages. The project balances national security requirements with regional development by focusing on reliable access in challenging terrain. Notable enginee..

Infrastructure Transport

06 Jul 2026

Longleng CSOs Give One Week Ultimatum Over Two-Lane Highway

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Longleng district have demanded immediate restoration of the deteriorating Changtongya–Longleng two-lane road and sought a detailed status report on the stalled construction within one week. The demand followed a consultative meeting convened under the Phom Peoples' Council (PPC) to discuss welfare and development concerns. PPC president YB Angam Phom said prolonged non-maintenance had caused hardship to commuters and affected transportation, local commerce and the district's development. The meeting urged authorities to undertake immediate restoration a..