India considers slashing import taxes on solar panels
POWER & RENEWABLE ENERGY

India considers slashing import taxes on solar panels

India is considering reducing import taxes on solar panels and seeking a rollback in goods and services taxes (GST) on these devices to address a shortage in local production and meet the increasing demand for renewable energy.

The renewable energy ministry in India has engaged in discussions with the finance ministry to gain approval for the proposed reduction of the import tax on solar panels from 40% to 20%, the sources revealed. They emphasised that the decision is not yet finalised and hence requested anonymity.

Furthermore, the two ministries are contemplating recommending a reduction in the goods and services tax (GST) on solar panels from 12% (imposed in 2021) to 5% to the Goods and Services Tax Council, the sources added.

The 40% import tax on solar panels was implemented by India in April 2022, along with a 25% tax on solar cells, with the intention of discouraging imports from China. This move was aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ambitious plan to foster self-reliance and reduce emissions by expanding renewable energy generation.

However, one of the sources acknowledged that domestic production capacity falls short of meeting the demand, necessitating the need for imports to bridge the gap.

The proposal emerges as Prime Minister Modi aims to achieve a target of 365 gigawatts (GW) of installed solar capacity by 2031-32. This target is part of a broader push towards green energy, encompassing initiatives such as promoting electric vehicles and sustainable aviation fuel.

As of now, the finance ministry of India has not responded to email inquiries seeking comments. A spokesperson for the renewable energy ministry has assured that a comment will be provided at the earliest opportunity.

India is considering reducing import taxes on solar panels and seeking a rollback in goods and services taxes (GST) on these devices to address a shortage in local production and meet the increasing demand for renewable energy. The renewable energy ministry in India has engaged in discussions with the finance ministry to gain approval for the proposed reduction of the import tax on solar panels from 40% to 20%, the sources revealed. They emphasised that the decision is not yet finalised and hence requested anonymity. Furthermore, the two ministries are contemplating recommending a reduction in the goods and services tax (GST) on solar panels from 12% (imposed in 2021) to 5% to the Goods and Services Tax Council, the sources added. The 40% import tax on solar panels was implemented by India in April 2022, along with a 25% tax on solar cells, with the intention of discouraging imports from China. This move was aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ambitious plan to foster self-reliance and reduce emissions by expanding renewable energy generation. However, one of the sources acknowledged that domestic production capacity falls short of meeting the demand, necessitating the need for imports to bridge the gap. The proposal emerges as Prime Minister Modi aims to achieve a target of 365 gigawatts (GW) of installed solar capacity by 2031-32. This target is part of a broader push towards green energy, encompassing initiatives such as promoting electric vehicles and sustainable aviation fuel. As of now, the finance ministry of India has not responded to email inquiries seeking comments. A spokesperson for the renewable energy ministry has assured that a comment will be provided at the earliest opportunity.

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

HPCL plans significant increase in Iraqi oil imports in 2025

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL), India's state-run oil company, plans to increase its annual crude oil imports from Iraq to 100,000 barrels per day (bpd) in 2025, marking a 43% growth from its current import deal of 70,000 bpd in 2024. This expansion aligns with HPCL’s ongoing refinery upgrades and increased demand for crude.The increased imports will support the expansion of HPCL’s Vizag refinery in Southern India, which is undergoing an upgrade to boost its capacity from 274,000 bpd to 300,000 bpd. HPCL also operates the 190,000 bpd Mumbai refinery and is set to begin operatio..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

DPR for Vandalur-Vandavasi industrial corridor to Cheyyar Sipcot under development

The Tamil Nadu Road Development Company (TNRDC) is preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the development of an industrial corridor connecting Mannivakkam near Vandalur to Vandavasi in Tiruvannamalai district. This proposed corridor will enhance connectivity to the Cheyyar SIPCOT (State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu) Industrial Complex and the Oragadam Industrial Hub, further strengthening the state’s industrial growth.TNRDC has suggested upgrading State Highway-116, which runs from Kancheepuram to Vandavasi, into a six-lane road. The Cheyyar SIPCOT complex, which spa..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

CIL urged to prioritise coal production to reduce imports: Minister G Kishan Reddy

Union Minister G Kishan Reddy has called on Coal India Limited (CIL) to focus on ramping up domestic coal production and scaling up supply to reduce the country’s dependency on coal imports. CIL, which accounts for over 80% of India's domestic coal output, was highlighted as key to India’s energy security.Speaking on the occasion of CIL’s 50th Foundation Day, Reddy praised the company’s efforts to improve workers' welfare, particularly through the introduction of Performance Linked Incentives for contractual workers, effective FY 2023-24.The launch of commercial coal mining has brought..

Hi There!

"Now get regular updates from CW Magazine on WhatsApp!

Join the CW WhatsApp channel for the latest news, industry events, expert insights, and project updates from the construction and infrastructure industry.

Click the link below to join"

+91 81086 03000