The Indian government is expected to make a decision soon on imposing non-tariff barriers on solar cell imports by including them in the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM), a move aimed at curbing Chinese imports and boosting domestic production. Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, confirmed that the proposal is under active consideration, with a decision to be made shortly.
The ALMM is a government-endorsed list of solar module models and manufacturers eligible to supply state-backed projects. While it already covers solar modules, the government is now considering similar measures for solar cells to promote Indian-made alternatives. This move comes as part of India’s broader strategy to reduce reliance on Chinese imports, which dominate the global solar market.
India’s domestic solar cell manufacturing capacity currently stands at just over 6 GW, far below the 25-50 GW annual capacity required to meet its target of 292 GW of solar power by 2030. The ALMM, introduced in 2021, had been temporarily suspended but was reinstated in April 2024, with an approved solar module capacity of around 54 GW.
To support domestic production, the government has implemented several key measures, including high import duties on solar modules and cells, the ALMM, and production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes. India’s renewable energy capacity has surged from 75.52 GW in 2014 to 203 GW, marking a 165% increase in just a decade.
Minister Joshi also invited global investors to explore opportunities in India’s renewable energy and green hydrogen sectors during his speech at the Bharat Electricity, PowerGen, and Indian Utility Week 2024.