India's Solar Self-Sufficiency Plan Hit by Short-Tender Scandal
India is pushing to become largely self-sufficient in solar cells by March 2027. However, initial production may fall short. A recent review found tenders for government projects were awarded in just 7 days, potentially to bypass rules favouring local solar cell usage.
The Indian government has been criticised for awarding tenders for solar projects in just 7 days. This swift process may have been used to avoid a rule requiring government-backed projects to use domestic solar cells. Some agencies gave companies only a week to submit bids, raising concerns about fairness and transparency.
The renewable energy ministry has now stepped in. It has asked clean energy agencies to cancel and reissue tenders that were rushed through. Agencies have been given 15 days to report back on their actions. This move aims to ensure that tenders adhere to the local solar cell usage requirements and provide a fair chance to all bidders.
India's ambitious solar cell self-sufficiency goal faces hurdles. The ministry's intervention seeks to address potential rule circumvention in tender processes. The 15-day deadline for agencies to report back will shed light on the next steps in this ongoing situation.
