MNRE: Solar cells receive DCR waiver, KUSUM subsidy persists

01 Feb 2024 CW Team

In the first clarification, it was confirmed by the ministry that the waiver of the domestic content requirement (DCR) for solar cells used for FLS under Component C of the PM-KUSUM program would remain in place until March 31, 2024. FLS is playing a pivotal role in the program, which aims to solarise 1.5 million grid-connected agriculture pumps by March 31, 2026.

India's solar cell and module imports saw a 55.1% year-on-year increase in the second quarter of the previous year after the suspension of the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers mandate. This suspension allowed developers to procure solar components from international markets until March 2024.

In the second clarification, MNRE reiterated that the central financial assistance (CFA) of Rs 10.5 million per MW for general states and Rs 17.5 million per MW for the Northeast Region, hilly states, and islands would remain in place until a further announcement.

The ministry requested the state implementing agencies to expedite the implementation of the program and report their progress.

RK Singh, Minister of Power and New & Renewable Energy, informed Parliament that, as of February 28, 2023, the PM-KUSUM program had benefited over 200,000 farmers.

A solar capacity of 89.45 MW was installed under Component A of the program, which assists farmers in setting up small solar power projects with capacities ranging from 500 kW to 2 MW. Approximately 209,000 pumps were reported as installed or solarized under Component B (solar-powered agricultural pumps) and Component C (grid-connected agricultural pumps).

The total installed solar capacity under the program stood at 1.14 GW, with Rajasthan having the highest number of beneficiaries, with 57,692 enrolled in the program.

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued two clarifications regarding the guidelines for the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) program for feeder-level solarisation (FLS). In the first clarification, it was confirmed by the ministry that the waiver of the domestic content requirement (DCR) for solar cells used for FLS under Component C of the PM-KUSUM program would remain in place until March 31, 2024. FLS is playing a pivotal role in the program, which aims to solarise 1.5 million grid-connected agriculture pumps by March 31, 2026. India's solar cell and module imports saw a 55.1% year-on-year increase in the second quarter of the previous year after the suspension of the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers mandate. This suspension allowed developers to procure solar components from international markets until March 2024. In the second clarification, MNRE reiterated that the central financial assistance (CFA) of Rs 10.5 million per MW for general states and Rs 17.5 million per MW for the Northeast Region, hilly states, and islands would remain in place until a further announcement. The ministry requested the state implementing agencies to expedite the implementation of the program and report their progress. RK Singh, Minister of Power and New & Renewable Energy, informed Parliament that, as of February 28, 2023, the PM-KUSUM program had benefited over 200,000 farmers. A solar capacity of 89.45 MW was installed under Component A of the program, which assists farmers in setting up small solar power projects with capacities ranging from 500 kW to 2 MW. Approximately 209,000 pumps were reported as installed or solarized under Component B (solar-powered agricultural pumps) and Component C (grid-connected agricultural pumps). The total installed solar capacity under the program stood at 1.14 GW, with Rajasthan having the highest number of beneficiaries, with 57,692 enrolled in the program.

Infrastructure Energy

09 Mar 2026

BMW Industries partners with IOCL for PNG supply at Bokaro plant

BMW Industries has entered into a strategic partnership with Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) for the supply of Piped Natural Gas (PNG), reinforcing its commitment to adopting cleaner and more efficient energy sources for its operations.The agreement was signed at the Eastern Region Pipelines (ERPL) headquarters in Kolkata. The partnership is expected to support the company’s upcoming manufacturing facility in Bokaro by facilitating the use of natural gas as a primary energy source.According to the company, the adoption of PNG will help enhance operational efficiency while also contributing to ..

Real Estate

09 Mar 2026

Bombay Realty Secures RERA for Three ICC Tower in South Mumbai

Bombay Realty, the real estate arm of Bombay Dyeing and part of the Wadia Group, has received Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) certification for Three ICC – Wing A, the latest luxury residential tower at Island City Center in Mumbai’s Dadar.The RERA registration marks a key milestone in the development timeline and reinforces the company’s focus on regulatory transparency, timely project delivery, and high construction standards.Following the success of One ICC and Two ICC, the upcoming Three ICC tower represents the next phase of the Island City Center development. The project ai..

Infrastructure Energy

09 Mar 2026

Flender launches India’s largest wind gearbox test rig in Walajabad

Flender has inaugurated a 13.5 MW wind turbine gearbox test rig at its Walajabad facility near Chennai, marking the largest installation of its kind in India. The new facility is expected to strengthen the company’s manufacturing and testing capabilities while supporting the growing demands of the wind power sector in both domestic and global markets.The test rig was inaugurated on March 5 in the presence of Andreas Evertz, Group CEO, Flender; Lars Wiegemann, Vice President Wind Gears, Flender; and Vinod Shetty, CEO, Flender India, along with key industry customers and stakeholders.The insta..