Press Information Bureau

Government of India

Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises

13-December-2012 15:04 IST

BHEL is contemplating to set up a total integrated plant starting from poly-silicon to photo-voltaic (PV) systems including silicon wafer, solar cell and module, involving an investment of approx. Rs. 2,000 Crore. However, as the indigenous manufacturing capacities set up by other domestic manufacturers are being grossly under-utilized due to cheaper imports from China, BHEL’s investment plans have been put on hold. However, the BHEL Board has recently approved, in-principle, a proposal for manufacturing PV modules. Future investments will be made after a incentive for domestic industry are put in place by the Government.

To check Chinese domination in this sector, Directorate General of Anti-Dumping & Allied Duties, Ministry of Commerce & Industry has issued notification No.14/5/2012-DGAD dated 23.11.2012 regarding “Initiation of Anti-Dumping Investigation concerning imports of Solar Cells whether or not assembled partially or fully in Modules or Panels or on glass or some other suitable substrates, originating in or exported from Malaysia, China PR, Chinese Taipei and USA”.

The above information was given by the Minister for Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises Shri Praful Patel to the Parliament.

MC/sk

Anti-dumping investigation may affect imports of solar cells and modules and influence domestic manufacturing incentives. BHEL proposed an integrated PV manufacturing complex but deferred major investments because domestic capacity is under utilised due to cheaper imports; the Board granted in principle approval to make PV modules, with further investment contingent on government domestic industry incentives. Separately, authorities have initiated an anti dumping investigation into imports of solar cells and modules to address import competition affecting domestic manufacturing.