The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA), a public sector undertaking (PSU) under the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE), has invited bids for setting up solar manufacturing units under the Centre’s Rs 4,500 crore Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme.
The Centre had approved the Scheme to boost domestic manufacturing of solar photo voltaic (PV) modules. These modules, also called solar panels, use sunlight as a source of energy to generate direct current electricity. IREDA is the implementing agency for the Scheme.
The last date for submitting applications is 30 June 2021. The selection process for successful bidders is to be completed by 30 July 2021. IREDA had floated the invitation for the application document on 25 May 2021 on its website and the electronic application process went live on 31 May 2021.
The applicants are required to set up either brownfield or greenfield manufacturing facility for the entire capacity allotted under the Scheme. Applicants are not allowed to set up a mix of brownfield and greenfield facility under the Scheme.
Manufacturing capacity/unit, for which required capital goods have been imported before the last date of bid submission, will not be eligible for participation under the PLI Scheme.
The minimum capacity of the manufacturing unit to be installed will be 1,000 MW. The PLI will be disbursed to the successful applicants annually for a period of five years.
Through the National Programme on High-Efficiency Solar PV Modules, the Indian government is aiming to reduce import dependence in the electricity sector and reinforce Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.