Renewable energy projects need debt financing over grants

29 Oct 2024 CW Team

Emphasising the need for competitive debt financing over grants, Pradip Kumar Das, Chairman and Managing Director of Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA), highlighted the importance of strategic funding mechanisms for renewable energy projects. Speaking at the Bhutan-India Renewable Energy Roundtable in Thimphu, Das outlined how such financing could accelerate the region’s clean energy transition. The event was jointly organised by the governments of India and Bhutan, focusing on enhancing renewable energy cooperation. Das noted that IREDA is prepared to support Bhutan’s renewable energy initiatives within the regulatory framework set by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). He assured that IREDA would adopt a 360-degree evaluation approach, ensuring robust project funding options that are both sustainable and viable for long-term growth. “IREDA’s experience in the sector allows us to offer competitive interest rates and long-term loan tenures, which can significantly drive Bhutan’s renewable energy growth trajectory,” he said. He also suggested that Bhutan explore rooftop solar development in addition to its existing hydro power capabilities. “Rooftop solar could be a key area of development that complements Bhutan’s renewable resources. With large hydro power now classified as renewable energy, IREDA can also support financing for such projects, reinforcing our commitment to decarbonisation and clean energy initiatives,” Das added. Participating in the discussion, S.K. Dey, General Manager (Projects), IREDA, spoke during the session titled “Role of Solar Energy in Energy Mix.” He highlighted the potential of blended financing models to develop solar projects in Bhutan, stressing that combining various funding sources like equity, loans, and grants could effectively drive growth in the sector.

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..

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..

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..