Feb 1 2009
CEOs from the Indian solar PV industry and government experts will speak at an international solar energy conference in Hyderabad on 18 February. Dr Tripathi, advisor to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, will explain the national PV policy plan.
The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency, which finances most PV manufacturing facilities and solar projects, is represented by Mr Shri Debashish Majumdar, CMD of IREDA. The highly active States of Rajasthan and West Bengal will be represented by directors of the Renewable Energy Agencies, Mr Shareev Swarupand and Mr Gonchaudhari respectively. Gujarat State recently launched its new ‘Solar Power Policy’ plan for 500 megawatts of solar power. Astonfield Renewable Resources Ltd will develop a 200 MW PV farm project in Gujarat. Chairman Mr Mehta will elaborate on this, the largest Indian PV project to-date, and share his view of the opportunities in Gujarat.
The CEOs of several PV companies will speak in Hyderabad: IT Power, Malaviya Energy Consultancy, Orb Energy, Solar India Online, Sripower and thin-film module manufacturer Signet Solar. Most of them have many years’ experience in the Indian PV market. They will discuss business opportunities such as the feasibility of large scale PV project development. The Indian Semiconductor Association will highlight the opportunities for new industrial development. A number of foreign companies will provide an international perspective and, finally, Edwin Koot, CEO of SolarPlaza, will provide an overview of global PV market development. The world market for cells and modules grew by more than 70% in 2008 due to strong markets in Spain and Germany. There was a shortage of silicon and modules last year, but now module prices seem to be declining. What will happen in 2009 and how will this affect the Indian PV market? With large investments in industry, and the government increasingly backing the technology with subsidies, Indian solar energy is set to grow by at least 25% this year. Characteristics such as a huge power deficit, no electricity grid and over 400 million people without access to electricity, will enable solar power to become the nation’s predominant energy source. Currently, over 100 companies are involved in the solar PV industry in India, of which ten are manufacturers of solar cells, 21 are solar module producers, and the rest are assemblers and suppliers of solar systems.
The conference is being organized by SolarPlaza. Visit www.solarconferenceindia.com to register. Members or partners of Solar India Online and ISA receive a 15% discount on the participation fee of €195. The conference will be held at the Hotel Taj Deccan in Hyderabad. Included in the program is a joint business networking lunch and informal drink.