Professional Documents
Culture Documents
A SNAPSHOT
Unveiled the ‘National Action Plan for Climate Change’ (NAPCC) in June 2008 – prescribes nationwide
minimum Renewable Purchase Standards (“RPS”) at 5% of the total power purchases from FY 2009-10; to
‘National Solar Mission’ launched in January 2010 to display India’s commitment to the climate problem –
solar power generation capacity to increase from ~ 6 MW (as on date) to 1,000 MW by 2013 and further to
20,000 MW by 2022
India has formally backed ‘Copenhagen Accord’ with conditional association - voluntarily proposed carbon
emission reduction targets (20%-25% by 2020 over 2005 levels), subject to financial support by the
developed countries
Current applications:
Small Hydro
Power 16.2%
Grid interactive
Cogeneration-
bagasse 8.0%
Off – grid/ distributed
applications (solar lighting
systems etc.)
Wind Power
Indigenous
manufactu-
ring
Research Financial
& and Fiscal
Developm incentives
ent
20000 MW
• To be supported by recently announced CERC tariff regulations (providing attractive feed in tariffs
with minimum IRR of ~ 19%-24% for solar power), international finance and technology transfer
• Also eligible for Generation based incentives – explained in detail later in the presentation
• Proposes ‘Rooftop Solar PV’ and other small solar power plants – will be eligible for CERC
determined tariff
Solar • Promote low-cost, high quality solar manufacturing (across the value chain including PV
manufacturing manufacturing plants, manufacture of silicon material etc.)
capacity
• Key driver – Proposal for mandatory use of domestic solar PV cells and modules for grid
connected solar power plants
• Key raw materials/ components for manufacture of solar system such as polycrystalline silicon, PV
cells, solar cells etc. are chargeable to concessional Import duty (in few cases, the import duty is
exempt)
Off grid • Proposes to add 2,000 MW by 2022 (current capacity of ~ 2.4 MW)
applications
• To be supported by Govt programmes – subsidies, refinance facility, soft loans up to 5%
annual interest rate by Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA)
Research and
• Improve efficiency of existing/new materials & applications & develop cost effective storage
Development
initiative technologies
• Measures - Development of National Centre of Excellence to undertake & fund R&D; High
level Research Council to guide overall strategy; Support Incubation & Innovation through a
Venture Fund
Infrastructure • Create 2-3 large solar manufacturing technology parks consisting of manufacturing units,
Indian solar energy market is emerging as a huge potential for the prospective investors – primarily
focusing on grid connected Solar power generation and PV cell/ module manufacturing
Uptil now, the Indian solar energy sector was more focused on ‘off-grid/ distributed power’ (for captive
consumption) and ‘decentralized energy systems’, however, given the initiatives taken by the
Government, ‘grid interactive supply’ and ‘PV cell manufacturing’ is likely to increase in the coming
years
• India to submit proposal for domestic reduction measures - Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions
(“NAMAs”), in accordance with the voluntary commitment made in the Copenhagen Summit
• The project aims to reduce a minimum of 10 per cent of projected demand of conventional energy at the end of
five years through energy efficiency measures and generation from renewable energy installations
• Target to develop 60 ‘Solar cities’ - 34 cities have received ‘in principle’ approval from the Government
• Financial support up to 5 MINR would be provided by MNRE to the respective State governments for each solar
city – this is to support preparation of a master plan, setting-up institutional arrangements, awareness and
capacity building activities etc.
• For two model solar cities (Nagpur and Chandigarh), financial support up to a maximum of 95 MINR will be
provided for implementation of master plan
• Proposal was made in February 2010 for mandatory use of domestic PV cells and modules for all grid connected
solar power plants commissioned upto March 2013 (Please refer Annexure I for the proposal made to the Govt)
• Presently, the proposal is under consideration by the Government – may accept the proposal or allow imports
upto a certain extent?
PRESENT STATUS
Grid Solar PV
Interactive
Installed capacity of ~ 6 MW (accounts for less than 0.1% of grid interactive
renewable power)
At present, c-si technology dominates the market in India with an overall share of
~ 90% of the Solar PV production, followed by ~ 10% by thin films
Presently, ~70% of this capacity is utilized to cater export market; situation likely
to change with projected growth in domestic market
*The capacity for 2010 is as on February 2010 and for 2012 is based on estimated expansion
Programme/Systems Achievement*
Off-grid and
Decentralized Off-Grid/Distributed Power
Energy Solar PV Power Plants &
Systems 2.39 MWp
Street Lights
Decentralized systems
– this would add 716 MW to the State Electricity grid comprising 365 MW for Solar PV and 351 MW for Solar Thermal.
(Refer Annexure II for the list of companies who have been allotted such projects)
The Clinton Climate Initiative (CCI), a programme of US-based William J Clinton Foundation is setting up of the
world’s largest solar power plant in Gujarat with an estimated investment of INR 500,000 Mn - likely to be invested
over the next five years. The proposed 3,000MW plant promises to make Gujarat the solar power hub of India
Also, CCI jointly with Rajasthan government is proposing to set up solar parks in Rajasthan. Solar park will serve as a
concentrated zone of solar development - 3,000 to 5,000 MW of solar power generation as well as manufacturing
The country’s largest power generation entity, NTPC has entered into a memorandum of understanding (“MoU”) with
the state government-run Gujarat Power Corporation Ltd (“GPCL”) - plans to set up a total capacity of 100MW in the
Investment of ~ 92.5 MUSD by Nomura, IDFC PE, Morgan Stanley and Credit Suisse in Moser Baer Photo Voltaic
Punj Lloyd, a diversified construction and engineering group, has tied up with Singapore-based Delta Solar to foray
US-based Solar Semi Conductor entered into strategic partnership with IBC Solar AG of Germany to manufacture and
supply high quality Photo Voltaic (PV) Modules and augment its manufacturing capacities to 200 MW from 30MW
Major economic zone in Hyderabad (“Fab City”), set up in 2006 to encourage the genesis of chip manufacturing in
India, is now betting big on photovoltaic (PV) products. Government has also approved five companies to take part in
projects in Fab City
• NanoTech Silicon India to invest US$ ~2.1 Bn to manufacture thin film solar cell fab
• India-based XL Telecom & Energy to invest US$ 76.25 Mn for a solar cells and solar modules unit
• Indian subsidiary of the Canada-based Embedded IT Solutions is planning to set up a PCB manufacturing project
with an investment of US$ 5 MINR
We have discussed key Solar PV players and their expansion plans later in the presentation
GROWTH DRIVERS
India’s power supply-demand gap has averaged 8%-10% over the last 10 years where
Energy
electricity access does exist
shortfall
India’s grid connected power generation capacity would need to be increased from the
current (2008) figure of about 147 GW to ~ 460 GW by 2030
Preference for Renewable Energy - Due to climate change concerns, volatility in prices of
Preference for
fossil fuels, need for India’s energy security, emphasis is being increasingly placed on
Solar energy
Renewable sources of energy
Abundant Supply - Most parts of India receive 4-7 kWh of Solar radiation per square meter
A dedicated ministry focused on renewable energy - Ministry of New & Renewable Energy
(“MNRE”) is introducing proactive policies in the form of subsidies/ incentives
Proactive
Government Also, efficient renewable energy focused financial institutions - Indian Renewable Energy
Development Agency (“IREDA”) are providing significant support to the sector
• Approvals from regulators for • Tariff determination • Direct and indirect tax
governed by independent incentives
setting up solar projects
Central regulators
• Generation based incentives
• Minimum percentage of
• Tariffs based on “Cost Plus available for sale of power
electricity to be purchased method”
• Favorable regime for
from renewable energy • Locked in contracts for ~ 25 obtaining registration/
sources years with the distribution approvals from host
companies government for CERs
• 100% foreign investment
• Enabling regime for open
allowed under the Automatic • Technical support
Interface with regulators for the purpose of setting up of Solar Projects - The overall regulatory framework for
electricity generation in India is governed by Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) and State Electricity
Regulatory Commission (SERC) – Though various approvals are required from Central/ state authorities for capacity,
grid connectivity, power evacuation, land acquisition, commissioning etc., such approvals could be easily obtained
because of the increasing focus of Government on renewable energy sources
Renewable energy obligations of distribution companies – State authorities have prescribed minimum percentage
of electricity to be purchased by the distribution companies from renewable energy sources – the same varying from
state to state - 5% to 10%. As per publicly available information, state authorities are proposing to increase the
In this regard, we wish to highlight that presently the state distribution companies are not able to meet their
obligations due to demand supply mismatch, which provides further scope for solar project developers in
India
The per unit cost of generating electricity through solar power is typically higher as compared to other
conventional (fossil fuel based) sources, however fixation of attractive tariffs and incentives assist in
stabilizing the cash flow, reduce risk profile of project and permit projects to recover their full cost of
investment over reasonable time frames
Feed-in tariff structure – Recently, CERC has notified the Tariff Regulations for electricity generated from Renewable
Energy Sources – key provisions have been provided below:
o Tariff determined shall be applicable for the period of 25 years from the date of commercial operation of the project;
- Capital cost – 1700 lakhs/ MW for Solar PV and 1300 lakhs/ MW for Solar Thermal
- Capacity utilization factor – 19% for Solar PV and 23% for Solar Thermal
o Also, at the option of the project developer, tariff could be determined by CERC on a case to case basis
• 100% Income tax holiday for a period of 10 years out of a block of 15 years in respect of income earned by a
Solar Project from sale of electricity
However, minimum alternate tax is payable @ ~ 19% of Book Profits - the same is available as credit against income
tax liability for a period of 10 years
Accelerated depreciation available @ 100% for Solar equipments during the first year of commercial operations,
however, the same is not available if the ‘Generation based incentive’ is claimed by the power generation plants
Key raw materials/ components for manufacture of solar system such as polycrystalline silicon, PV cells, solar
cells etc. are chargeable to concessional Import duty (in few cases, the import duty is exempt)
Generation of electricity by a Solar project is not subject to any indirect taxes in India (Excise/ VAT/
Service tax)
‘Solar thermal’ and ‘Solar PV’ power generation plants, supplying power to the grid are eligible for generation based
Eligibility
As per the present policy, MNRE will provide the said incentive for a maximum capacity upto 50 MW, subject to 10
MW in a particular State, during the period of 11th 5 year plan (2007-12). Further, in order to claim this incentive, a
project developer can set up maximum capacity upto 5 MW and minimum capacity of 1 MW - this limit applies to
aggregate capacity of solar PV as well as solar thermal power generation plant
However, based on publicly available information, we understand that the Government is considering to relax
Incentive
MNRE has specified a maximum incentive of 9.5 INR per KWh for solar thermal project and 11.4 INR per KWh for
solar PV project – this incentive will be available for a maximum period of 10 years
Actual incentive provided by MNRE shall be determined as the difference between the notional cost of
generation and power purchase rate (tariff) fixed by the Central/ State Electricity Regulatory Commission or
the utilities, subject to maximum incentive as specified above
Also, the generation based incentive will not be available for in house consumption, third party sale, banking
and wheeling of power i.e. only sale of power to the grid shall be eligible for claiming the incentive
Carbon Credits
• Solar projects are eligible for Certified Emission Reductions (CERs or Carbon Credits) under the Kyoto
Protocol, subject to obtaining necessary approvals including the specified authorities in India and UNFCCC
Indian authorities and UNFCCC have been fairly liberal in granting approvals to various Renewable Energy projects -
At present, only 284 of the 1846 renewable power projects in India are registered with UNFCCC
The CERC Regulations provide for a mechanism for sharing of CDM benefits between the project developer and the
beneficiaries
Others
‘Capital Subsidy Scheme’ announced by the Govt for promoting solar PV projects closed
on March 31, 2010
• This scheme attracted 26 proposals from PV manufacturers for capital subsidy; involving
an investment more than 2,290,000 MINR over a 10 year period
• Till the date of closing, 12 proposals were granted ‘in principle’ approval (Please refer
Annexure III for the list of companies) – 14 proposals are under consideration
Focused on complete solar value chain from module systems to solar farm power
XL Telecom & generation
Energy Limited
Operating with a module capacity of 180 MW, located in Hyderabad, company has set up a
1.6 MW solar power plant in Majorca, Spain, with an investment of € 9.5 million
It has also entered into a 5- year solar supply pact with Germany’s Mola Solaire (for
multi crystalline and mono crystalline solar wafers).
Xl Telecom has formed a Joint Venture to bid and execute solar projects with Spain's
SDEM TEGA, anticipating opportunities about $2 billion in coming 2 years
Proposed investment – As per publicly available information, they had signed an agreement to
raise $78 million to fund a 128MW solar cell expansion project, eventually totaling 180MW solar
cell manufacturing capacity
Installed 10.5 KWh silicon PV module facility in UP and more PV systems are being
NTPC
planned
Plans for another 10 MW solar field at its Anta power project site in Rajasthan
Provides solar module panel products service, technical support and installation of
Sova Power
Ltd solar modules. Having the expertise and experience in the iron and steel industry, is keen to
be a leader in the solar PV business
• Spire Corporation (“Spire”) is a global solar company providing turnkey
production lines and capital equipment to manufacture PV cells, modules, and solar
systems worldwide
• Spire has delivered a PV module assembly line to Sova Power Ltd which along with
Spire’s industry expertise and superior equipment line, will provide a state-of-the-art PV
Manufacturer of PV modules (150 MW) supplying for on grid/ off grid applications;
Titan Energy
undertaking exports to US, Germany, Canada, Spain – major supplier for European
solar market
Planning to expand it further to 500 MW by 2010
Planning a 9,000 MINR project for solar cell and wafer line assembly
Joint Venture Acquisition of a 100% subsidiary Joint Venture with Joint Venture with 100%
with existing Solar farm under existing players new entrants subsidiary
IPPs development
Another area which could be of potential interest is supply of solar photovoltaic power systems for
telecom applications
Telecom operators and independent tower companies are adopting solar solutions to ensure
continuous power supply for the BTS site – this helps in realizing economic and environmental
benefits:
- Independence from fuel and utility grids
- Pollution free
XL Telecom & Energy, a solar energy-focused company, has recently received an order worth INR 23.5
crore for supply of solar photovoltaic power systems to BSNL
Domestic photovoltaic industry to get a boost with mandatory domestic content under National Solar
Mission
The domestic manufacturing for photovoltaic cells and modules will get a major boost and expand the
domestic industrial base if the current recommendations of the Ajay Shankar committee are accepted. The
current recommendations include:
• Up to 2013: mandatory use of photovoltaic cells and modules made in India for all grids connected solar
power plants in
Phase 1
• 2013-2014: review for possible extension to wafers and silicon made in India.
A meeting of the committee was held recently for consultations with developers, manufacturers, technology
providers and industry associations to discuss domestic production of raw materials and components
required for intensifying the industrial base in the country