Page 24 - CV Aug-Sep 2023 Issue

scheme in 2021 to increase "made in solar PV manufacturing, as well as a companies offer more competitive prices,
India" components for clean energy boost to employment, including about making clean energy solutions more
projects to reduce imports and boost self- 30,000 direct jobs and 120,000 indirect affordable for customers, and are easier
reliance.It offers tax benefits, subsidies jobs, according to the government. for governments to manage than dealing
for capital costs and concessions to with many hundreds of smaller players.
manufacturers that source raw materials Abhishek Jain, a fellow and director of
from the domestic market. the Council on Energy, Environment and But, they say, MSMEs could create
Water (CEEW), an India-based think- millions of jobs, boost domestic
Under the scheme's second tranche, 11 tank, said MSMEs have a big part to play production of solar components and
mid-to-large manufacturers have in the energy transition as large firms promote energy security if given financial
benefited from government allocations of lack a presence on the ground to execute support and better opportunities to bid for
nearly 40 GW of solar photovoltaic projects. "But there are challenges projects such as smaller solar plants and
module production, with incentives smaller companies face - from limited solar pumps in rural areas."And if we
continuing for five years after new plants direct interface with the government, to become sub-contractors for big
are commissioned. exclusion due to steep tender companies, it will kill our entrepreneurial
The scheme is expected to lead to requirements," he emphasised. spirit," he added.
increased investment and expansion of Researchers point out that big

CONSTRUCTION VISION 22 AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2023