India hits 100 GW solar PV module capacity — what it means for clean energy and industry
'This is yet another milestone towards self-reliance! It depicts the success of India's manufacturing capabilities and our efforts towards popularising clean energy,' PM Modi said in response to Union Minister Pralhad Joshi's announcement on X.
The 100 GW figure represents the total capacity of solar PV modules enlisted under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) — a registry created by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy to ensure quality, transparency, and domestic capability in the sector.
From 2.3 GW to 100 GW
The ALMM order was issued by the MNRE on January 2, 2019. When the first ALMM list for solar PV modules was published on March 10, 2021, the enlisted capacity was 8.2 GW.
In just over four years, capacity has grown more than twelvefold, with the number of enlisted manufacturers rising from 21 in 2021 to 100, operating 123 manufacturing units. Growth has come from both established companies and new entrants, many adopting high-efficiency technologies and vertically integrated operations.
Policy push driving growth
Government measures such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for High Efficiency Solar PV Modules have been key drivers of investment in manufacturing.
Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi said: 'India has achieved a historic milestone — 100 GW Solar PV Module Manufacturing Capacity under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM), a remarkable rise from just 2.3 GW in 2014! Driven by the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and transformative initiatives like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for High-Efficiency Solar Modules, we are building a robust, self-reliant solar manufacturing ecosystem. This achievement strengthens our path towards Atmanirbhar Bharat and the target of 500 GW non-fossil capacity by 2030.'
Industry view: More capacity than current demand
While the capacity expansion is significant, it is four times India's annual solar deployment.
Rishabh Jain, Senior Programme Lead, CEEW, said: 'India achieving 100GW of solar PV manufacturing capacity is a great moment towards building a diversified solar supply chain. However, this is currently four times India's annual deployment of solar power. To ensure the continuous growth of the sector, Indian manufacturers should actively supply to new markets and reduce their dependency on the US. Simultaneously, Indian manufacturers should double down on R&D to competitively manufacture next-generation materials and components in India.'
Significance for clean energy goals
The milestone strengthens India's ability to meet its 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity target by 2030 and enhances its role in the global solar supply chain.
What lies ahead
MNRE has said it will continue to back the solar manufacturing ecosystem with policy support, infrastructure development, and innovation to keep India's solar industry competitive in both domestic and international markets.>
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