Category: All News

  • EKA Mobility Opens First All-Range Electric Vehicle Dealership in Kanpur

    EKA Mobility, an electric commercial vehicle manufacturer and Champion OEM under the Government of India’s Auto PLI Scheme, has inaugurated its first all range dealership in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, in partnership with Stellar Mobility.

    Located in Bhauti, Chakarpur, the new dealership will offer EKA Mobility’s complete ‘Born Electric’ portfolio, covering electric three wheelers such as the EKA 6S, 3S and 3W Cargo, small commercial vehicles ranging from 1.5 tonne to 3.5 tonne, electric buses including the EKA 7M, 9M, 12M, Coach and Low Floor, as well as the EKA 55T heavy duty electric truck.

    The dealership was inaugurated by Dr. Sudhir Mehta, Founder and Chairman, EKA Mobility, in the presence of Arihant Mehta, Group President, EKA Mobility, Rohit Shrivastava, Business Head and Chief Growth Officer, EKA Mobility; and Stellar Mobility representatives Jaspreet Singh and Ashish Jakhodia.

    Designed as an integrated 3S facility covering sales, service and spares, the dealership will provide vehicle sales, after sales support and maintenance services. It will have trained technicians, dedicated workshops and access to EKA Mobility’s Al powered fleet management platform, EKA Connect, aimed at improving vehicle uptime and fleet operations for commercial customers in Kanpur.

    Speaking at the inauguration, Dr. Sudhir Mehta said the dealership would help build an accessible retail and service ecosystem for commercial customers in Uttar Pradesh as demand for electric commercial vehicles increases.

    EKA Mobility plans to expand its network to more than 200 dealerships across over 20 states by FY27, with the company aiming to support growing demand for electric commercial vehicles across major transport hubs in India.

    Ashmit Bhatia, CEO, Stellar Mobility, said the partnership would bring EKA’s electric commercial vehicle portfolio to Kanpur’s business and logistics community while providing sales and after sales support to individual operators and fleet owners.

    EKA Mobility offers a range of electric commercial vehicles spanning three wheelers, small commercial vehicles, buses and heavy duty trucks. The vehicles are designed, engineered and manufactured in India in line with the Government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.

    The company currently operates three manufacturing facilities, including its bus manufacturing plant at Koregaon Bhima and its truck and small commercial vehicle manufacturing facility at Chakan in Pune. EKA Mobility is also developing a new 47 acre manufacturing facility at Pithampur, which is expected to further strengthen its production capabilities.

    Collectively, the manufacturing facilities are planned to support annual production capacity of 10,000 buses, 24,000 small commercial vehicles and 4,000 trucks.

  • MiniMines Secures Patent for Hybrid Hydrometallurgy Technology to Recover Critical Minerals

    MiniMines Secures Patent for Hybrid Hydrometallurgy Technology to Recover Critical Minerals

    MiniMines Cleantech Solutions on Wednesday said it has secured a patent for its proprietary Hybrid Hydrometallurgy technology that enables recovery of critical minerals from energy storage devices and electronic waste, including lithium-ion batteries, irrespective of their chemical composition, size or shape.

    The patented hybrid hydrometallurgy technology integrates multiple recovery techniques into a unified hydrometallurgical process, enabling the efficient extraction of valuable critical minerals from end-of-life lithium-ion batteries.

    The process enables the recovery of high-purity materials, including lithium, cobalt, manganese, aluminium, copper and nickel, as well as spherical graphite with up to 99% purity, while maintaining a low environmental footprint.

    MiniMines Cleantech Solutions on Wednesday said it has secured a patent for its proprietary Hybrid Hydrometallurgy technology that enables recovery of critical minerals from energy storage devices and electronic waste, including lithium-ion batteries, irrespective of their chemical composition, size or shape.

    The patented hybrid hydrometallurgy technology integrates multiple recovery techniques into a unified hydrometallurgical process, enabling the efficient extraction of valuable critical minerals from end-of-life lithium-ion batteries.

    The process enables the recovery of high-purity materials, including lithium, cobalt, manganese, aluminium, copper and nickel, as well as spherical graphite with up to 99% purity, while maintaining a low environmental footprint.

    In a statement, the company said it “has been granted a patent by the Indian Patent Office for its proprietary Hybrid Hydrometallurgy (HHMR) technology. The patented process enables the efficient recovery of critical minerals from energy storage devices and electronic waste, including end-of-life lithium-ion batteries, irrespective of their chemical composition, size or shape”.

    Designed and developed in India, the technology addresses a growing need for sustainable and resource-efficient battery recycling solutions as the adoption of electric vehicles and energy storage systems accelerates globally.

    The patented process has already been successfully deployed and validated at MiniMines’ commercial facility, where it forms the foundation of the company’s lithium-ion battery recycling operations, the Bengaluru-based clean technology startup said.

    “As India’s demand for critical minerals continues to grow, technologies like HHMR will play an important role in strengthening resource security and accelerating the transition towards a circular economy,” MiniMines Cleantech Solutions Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Arvind Bhardwaj said.

  • MiniMines Secures Patent for Hybrid Hydrometallurgy Technology to Recover Critical Minerals

    MiniMines Secures Patent for Hybrid Hydrometallurgy Technology to Recover Critical Minerals

    MiniMines Cleantech Solutions on Wednesday said it has secured a patent for its proprietary Hybrid Hydrometallurgy technology that enables recovery of critical minerals from energy storage devices and electronic waste, including lithium-ion batteries, irrespective of their chemical composition, size or shape.

    The patented hybrid hydrometallurgy technology integrates multiple recovery techniques into a unified hydrometallurgical process, enabling the efficient extraction of valuable critical minerals from end-of-life lithium-ion batteries.

    The process enables the recovery of high-purity materials, including lithium, cobalt, manganese, aluminium, copper and nickel, as well as spherical graphite with up to 99% purity, while maintaining a low environmental footprint.

    MiniMines Cleantech Solutions on Wednesday said it has secured a patent for its proprietary Hybrid Hydrometallurgy technology that enables recovery of critical minerals from energy storage devices and electronic waste, including lithium-ion batteries, irrespective of their chemical composition, size or shape.

    The patented hybrid hydrometallurgy technology integrates multiple recovery techniques into a unified hydrometallurgical process, enabling the efficient extraction of valuable critical minerals from end-of-life lithium-ion batteries.

    The process enables the recovery of high-purity materials, including lithium, cobalt, manganese, aluminium, copper and nickel, as well as spherical graphite with up to 99% purity, while maintaining a low environmental footprint.

    In a statement, the company said it “has been granted a patent by the Indian Patent Office for its proprietary Hybrid Hydrometallurgy (HHMR) technology. The patented process enables the efficient recovery of critical minerals from energy storage devices and electronic waste, including end-of-life lithium-ion batteries, irrespective of their chemical composition, size or shape”.

    Designed and developed in India, the technology addresses a growing need for sustainable and resource-efficient battery recycling solutions as the adoption of electric vehicles and energy storage systems accelerates globally.

    The patented process has already been successfully deployed and validated at MiniMines’ commercial facility, where it forms the foundation of the company’s lithium-ion battery recycling operations, the Bengaluru-based clean technology startup said.

    “As India’s demand for critical minerals continues to grow, technologies like HHMR will play an important role in strengthening resource security and accelerating the transition towards a circular economy,” MiniMines Cleantech Solutions Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Arvind Bhardwaj said.

  • MiniMines Secures Patent for Hybrid Hydrometallurgy Technology to Recover Critical Minerals

    MiniMines Secures Patent for Hybrid Hydrometallurgy Technology to Recover Critical Minerals

    MiniMines Cleantech Solutions on Wednesday said it has secured a patent for its proprietary Hybrid Hydrometallurgy technology that enables recovery of critical minerals from energy storage devices and electronic waste, including lithium-ion batteries, irrespective of their chemical composition, size or shape.

    The patented hybrid hydrometallurgy technology integrates multiple recovery techniques into a unified hydrometallurgical process, enabling the efficient extraction of valuable critical minerals from end-of-life lithium-ion batteries.

    The process enables the recovery of high-purity materials, including lithium, cobalt, manganese, aluminium, copper and nickel, as well as spherical graphite with up to 99% purity, while maintaining a low environmental footprint.

    MiniMines Cleantech Solutions on Wednesday said it has secured a patent for its proprietary Hybrid Hydrometallurgy technology that enables recovery of critical minerals from energy storage devices and electronic waste, including lithium-ion batteries, irrespective of their chemical composition, size or shape.

    The patented hybrid hydrometallurgy technology integrates multiple recovery techniques into a unified hydrometallurgical process, enabling the efficient extraction of valuable critical minerals from end-of-life lithium-ion batteries.

    The process enables the recovery of high-purity materials, including lithium, cobalt, manganese, aluminium, copper and nickel, as well as spherical graphite with up to 99% purity, while maintaining a low environmental footprint.

    In a statement, the company said it “has been granted a patent by the Indian Patent Office for its proprietary Hybrid Hydrometallurgy (HHMR) technology. The patented process enables the efficient recovery of critical minerals from energy storage devices and electronic waste, including end-of-life lithium-ion batteries, irrespective of their chemical composition, size or shape”.

    Designed and developed in India, the technology addresses a growing need for sustainable and resource-efficient battery recycling solutions as the adoption of electric vehicles and energy storage systems accelerates globally.

    The patented process has already been successfully deployed and validated at MiniMines’ commercial facility, where it forms the foundation of the company’s lithium-ion battery recycling operations, the Bengaluru-based clean technology startup said.

    “As India’s demand for critical minerals continues to grow, technologies like HHMR will play an important role in strengthening resource security and accelerating the transition towards a circular economy,” MiniMines Cleantech Solutions Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Arvind Bhardwaj said.

  • MiniMines Secures Patent for Hybrid Hydrometallurgy Technology to Recover Critical Minerals

    MiniMines Secures Patent for Hybrid Hydrometallurgy Technology to Recover Critical Minerals

    MiniMines Cleantech Solutions on Wednesday said it has secured a patent for its proprietary Hybrid Hydrometallurgy technology that enables recovery of critical minerals from energy storage devices and electronic waste, including lithium-ion batteries, irrespective of their chemical composition, size or shape.

    The patented hybrid hydrometallurgy technology integrates multiple recovery techniques into a unified hydrometallurgical process, enabling the efficient extraction of valuable critical minerals from end-of-life lithium-ion batteries.

    The process enables the recovery of high-purity materials, including lithium, cobalt, manganese, aluminium, copper and nickel, as well as spherical graphite with up to 99% purity, while maintaining a low environmental footprint.

    MiniMines Cleantech Solutions on Wednesday said it has secured a patent for its proprietary Hybrid Hydrometallurgy technology that enables recovery of critical minerals from energy storage devices and electronic waste, including lithium-ion batteries, irrespective of their chemical composition, size or shape.

    The patented hybrid hydrometallurgy technology integrates multiple recovery techniques into a unified hydrometallurgical process, enabling the efficient extraction of valuable critical minerals from end-of-life lithium-ion batteries.

    The process enables the recovery of high-purity materials, including lithium, cobalt, manganese, aluminium, copper and nickel, as well as spherical graphite with up to 99% purity, while maintaining a low environmental footprint.

    In a statement, the company said it “has been granted a patent by the Indian Patent Office for its proprietary Hybrid Hydrometallurgy (HHMR) technology. The patented process enables the efficient recovery of critical minerals from energy storage devices and electronic waste, including end-of-life lithium-ion batteries, irrespective of their chemical composition, size or shape”.

    Designed and developed in India, the technology addresses a growing need for sustainable and resource-efficient battery recycling solutions as the adoption of electric vehicles and energy storage systems accelerates globally.

    The patented process has already been successfully deployed and validated at MiniMines’ commercial facility, where it forms the foundation of the company’s lithium-ion battery recycling operations, the Bengaluru-based clean technology startup said.

    “As India’s demand for critical minerals continues to grow, technologies like HHMR will play an important role in strengthening resource security and accelerating the transition towards a circular economy,” MiniMines Cleantech Solutions Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Arvind Bhardwaj said.

  • MiniMines Secures Patent for Hybrid Hydrometallurgy Technology to Recover Critical Minerals

    MiniMines Secures Patent for Hybrid Hydrometallurgy Technology to Recover Critical Minerals

    MiniMines Cleantech Solutions on Wednesday said it has secured a patent for its proprietary Hybrid Hydrometallurgy technology that enables recovery of critical minerals from energy storage devices and electronic waste, including lithium-ion batteries, irrespective of their chemical composition, size or shape.

    The patented hybrid hydrometallurgy technology integrates multiple recovery techniques into a unified hydrometallurgical process, enabling the efficient extraction of valuable critical minerals from end-of-life lithium-ion batteries.

    The process enables the recovery of high-purity materials, including lithium, cobalt, manganese, aluminium, copper and nickel, as well as spherical graphite with up to 99% purity, while maintaining a low environmental footprint.

    MiniMines Cleantech Solutions on Wednesday said it has secured a patent for its proprietary Hybrid Hydrometallurgy technology that enables recovery of critical minerals from energy storage devices and electronic waste, including lithium-ion batteries, irrespective of their chemical composition, size or shape.

    The patented hybrid hydrometallurgy technology integrates multiple recovery techniques into a unified hydrometallurgical process, enabling the efficient extraction of valuable critical minerals from end-of-life lithium-ion batteries.

    The process enables the recovery of high-purity materials, including lithium, cobalt, manganese, aluminium, copper and nickel, as well as spherical graphite with up to 99% purity, while maintaining a low environmental footprint.

    In a statement, the company said it “has been granted a patent by the Indian Patent Office for its proprietary Hybrid Hydrometallurgy (HHMR) technology. The patented process enables the efficient recovery of critical minerals from energy storage devices and electronic waste, including end-of-life lithium-ion batteries, irrespective of their chemical composition, size or shape”.

    Designed and developed in India, the technology addresses a growing need for sustainable and resource-efficient battery recycling solutions as the adoption of electric vehicles and energy storage systems accelerates globally.

    The patented process has already been successfully deployed and validated at MiniMines’ commercial facility, where it forms the foundation of the company’s lithium-ion battery recycling operations, the Bengaluru-based clean technology startup said.

    “As India’s demand for critical minerals continues to grow, technologies like HHMR will play an important role in strengthening resource security and accelerating the transition towards a circular economy,” MiniMines Cleantech Solutions Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Arvind Bhardwaj said.

  • MiniMines Secures Patent for Hybrid Hydrometallurgy Technology to Recover Critical Minerals

    MiniMines Cleantech Solutions on Wednesday said it has secured a patent for its proprietary Hybrid Hydrometallurgy technology that enables recovery of critical minerals from energy storage devices and electronic waste, including lithium-ion batteries, irrespective of their chemical composition, size or shape.

    The patented hybrid hydrometallurgy technology integrates multiple recovery techniques into a unified hydrometallurgical process, enabling the efficient extraction of valuable critical minerals from end-of-life lithium-ion batteries.

    The process enables the recovery of high-purity materials, including lithium, cobalt, manganese, aluminium, copper and nickel, as well as spherical graphite with up to 99% purity, while maintaining a low environmental footprint.

    MiniMines Cleantech Solutions on Wednesday said it has secured a patent for its proprietary Hybrid Hydrometallurgy technology that enables recovery of critical minerals from energy storage devices and electronic waste, including lithium-ion batteries, irrespective of their chemical composition, size or shape.

    The patented hybrid hydrometallurgy technology integrates multiple recovery techniques into a unified hydrometallurgical process, enabling the efficient extraction of valuable critical minerals from end-of-life lithium-ion batteries.

    The process enables the recovery of high-purity materials, including lithium, cobalt, manganese, aluminium, copper and nickel, as well as spherical graphite with up to 99% purity, while maintaining a low environmental footprint.

    In a statement, the company said it “has been granted a patent by the Indian Patent Office for its proprietary Hybrid Hydrometallurgy (HHMR) technology. The patented process enables the efficient recovery of critical minerals from energy storage devices and electronic waste, including end-of-life lithium-ion batteries, irrespective of their chemical composition, size or shape”.

    Designed and developed in India, the technology addresses a growing need for sustainable and resource-efficient battery recycling solutions as the adoption of electric vehicles and energy storage systems accelerates globally.

    The patented process has already been successfully deployed and validated at MiniMines’ commercial facility, where it forms the foundation of the company’s lithium-ion battery recycling operations, the Bengaluru-based clean technology startup said.

    “As India’s demand for critical minerals continues to grow, technologies like HHMR will play an important role in strengthening resource security and accelerating the transition towards a circular economy,” MiniMines Cleantech Solutions Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Arvind Bhardwaj said.

  • India’s Solar Additions Set to Surpass 50 GW in 2026 Despite Supply Constraints: Wood Mackenzie

    India’s Solar Additions Set to Surpass 50 GW in 2026 Despite Supply Constraints: Wood Mackenzie

    India is on track to achieve its highest-ever annual solar capacity addition in 2026, with installations expected to exceed 50 GWdc, according to Wood Mackenzie’s report From Modules to Cells: India Deepens its Solar PV Push. The projected growth comes despite emerging supply constraints and higher system prices following the implementation of the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers-II (ALMM-II) framework.

    India added 34 GWdc of solar capacity during the first half of 2026, marking a 38% year-on-year increase compared with H1 2025. Developers accelerated project commissioning ahead of the June deadline for ALMM-II, which requires modules used in government-supported projects to incorporate domestically manufactured solar cells. If the forecast is achieved, India’s 2026 additions will exceed the previous annual record of 49 GWdc set in 2025.

    The deployment momentum was also supported by the phased reduction of inter-state transmission charge waivers. The waiver declined from 75% to 50% for projects commissioned from July 2026 and is scheduled to be completely phased out after July 2028.

    However, Wood Mackenzie expects solar deployment to moderate during the second half of 2026 as limited domestic cell manufacturing capacity and rising module prices create additional pressure on project development. At the same time, ALMM-II exemptions for net-metering and open-access projects until December 31, 2026, could provide further support to installations.

    In July 2026, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) also agreed to waive the ALMM-II requirement for projects nearing completion, subject to applicants having submitted their applications by July 23, 2026.

    According to Sureet Singh, Research Analyst at Wood Mackenzie, ALMM-II represents an important step towards establishing an integrated domestic solar supply chain. However, domestic cell manufacturing capacity has not expanded at the same pace as module production, creating near-term cost pressures for project developers.

    While ALMM-II has reduced India’s direct dependence on Chinese solar cell imports, sourcing has increasingly shifted towards other markets in Southeast Asia. Indonesian solar cell imports nearly tripled during early 2026, highlighting the changing dynamics of India’s solar supply chain.

    During the first five months of 2026, India imported 5 GW of wafers and 20 GW of solar cells. Wafer imports increased by 86% year-on-year, supporting the expansion of domestic cell manufacturing. India currently levies a 20% basic customs duty on imported solar cells and modules.

    The domestic manufacturing push is also being reinforced through trade measures. In September 2025, the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) recommended additional anti-dumping duties of up to 30% on Chinese-origin solar cells and modules. However, the Central Government’s final decision on the recommendation remains pending.

    Wood Mackenzie has warned that delays in commissioning the 14 GW of cell manufacturing capacity currently under construction could increase India’s dependence on imports and put further upward pressure on solar equipment prices. An additional 130 GW of cell manufacturing capacity is expected to come online by 2029, requiring a 49% compound annual growth rate from the projected 88 GW full-build capacity in 2026.

    Despite this expected expansion, the report forecasts that supply shortages will continue into 2027. Indian solar cell production is projected to reach 29 GW, which would still be around 21 GW below average annual module demand of approximately 50 GW.

    As a result, system prices are expected to decline by only 3% between Q4 2026 and Q4 2027. Prices are then expected to stabilise through 2029 as additional domestic cell manufacturing capacity becomes operational.

    Mathew Thomas, Research Analyst at Wood Mackenzie, said policy consistency and timely execution by manufacturers will be critical to stabilising solar equipment prices. The planned implementation of ALMM-III in June 2028, which would extend domestic content requirements to solar wafers, indicates that India’s efforts to build a deeper and more integrated domestic solar manufacturing ecosystem are likely to continue.

  • India’s Solar Additions Set to Surpass 50 GW in 2026 Despite Supply Constraints: Wood Mackenzie

    India’s Solar Additions Set to Surpass 50 GW in 2026 Despite Supply Constraints: Wood Mackenzie

    India is on track to achieve its highest-ever annual solar capacity addition in 2026, with installations expected to exceed 50 GWdc, according to Wood Mackenzie’s report From Modules to Cells: India Deepens its Solar PV Push. The projected growth comes despite emerging supply constraints and higher system prices following the implementation of the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers-II (ALMM-II) framework.

    India added 34 GWdc of solar capacity during the first half of 2026, marking a 38% year-on-year increase compared with H1 2025. Developers accelerated project commissioning ahead of the June deadline for ALMM-II, which requires modules used in government-supported projects to incorporate domestically manufactured solar cells. If the forecast is achieved, India’s 2026 additions will exceed the previous annual record of 49 GWdc set in 2025.

    The deployment momentum was also supported by the phased reduction of inter-state transmission charge waivers. The waiver declined from 75% to 50% for projects commissioned from July 2026 and is scheduled to be completely phased out after July 2028.

    However, Wood Mackenzie expects solar deployment to moderate during the second half of 2026 as limited domestic cell manufacturing capacity and rising module prices create additional pressure on project development. At the same time, ALMM-II exemptions for net-metering and open-access projects until December 31, 2026, could provide further support to installations.

    In July 2026, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) also agreed to waive the ALMM-II requirement for projects nearing completion, subject to applicants having submitted their applications by July 23, 2026.

    According to Sureet Singh, Research Analyst at Wood Mackenzie, ALMM-II represents an important step towards establishing an integrated domestic solar supply chain. However, domestic cell manufacturing capacity has not expanded at the same pace as module production, creating near-term cost pressures for project developers.

    While ALMM-II has reduced India’s direct dependence on Chinese solar cell imports, sourcing has increasingly shifted towards other markets in Southeast Asia. Indonesian solar cell imports nearly tripled during early 2026, highlighting the changing dynamics of India’s solar supply chain.

    During the first five months of 2026, India imported 5 GW of wafers and 20 GW of solar cells. Wafer imports increased by 86% year-on-year, supporting the expansion of domestic cell manufacturing. India currently levies a 20% basic customs duty on imported solar cells and modules.

    The domestic manufacturing push is also being reinforced through trade measures. In September 2025, the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) recommended additional anti-dumping duties of up to 30% on Chinese-origin solar cells and modules. However, the Central Government’s final decision on the recommendation remains pending.

    Wood Mackenzie has warned that delays in commissioning the 14 GW of cell manufacturing capacity currently under construction could increase India’s dependence on imports and put further upward pressure on solar equipment prices. An additional 130 GW of cell manufacturing capacity is expected to come online by 2029, requiring a 49% compound annual growth rate from the projected 88 GW full-build capacity in 2026.

    Despite this expected expansion, the report forecasts that supply shortages will continue into 2027. Indian solar cell production is projected to reach 29 GW, which would still be around 21 GW below average annual module demand of approximately 50 GW.

    As a result, system prices are expected to decline by only 3% between Q4 2026 and Q4 2027. Prices are then expected to stabilise through 2029 as additional domestic cell manufacturing capacity becomes operational.

    Mathew Thomas, Research Analyst at Wood Mackenzie, said policy consistency and timely execution by manufacturers will be critical to stabilising solar equipment prices. The planned implementation of ALMM-III in June 2028, which would extend domestic content requirements to solar wafers, indicates that India’s efforts to build a deeper and more integrated domestic solar manufacturing ecosystem are likely to continue.

  • India’s Solar Additions Set to Surpass 50 GW in 2026 Despite Supply Constraints: Wood Mackenzie

    India’s Solar Additions Set to Surpass 50 GW in 2026 Despite Supply Constraints: Wood Mackenzie

    India is on track to achieve its highest-ever annual solar capacity addition in 2026, with installations expected to exceed 50 GWdc, according to Wood Mackenzie’s report From Modules to Cells: India Deepens its Solar PV Push. The projected growth comes despite emerging supply constraints and higher system prices following the implementation of the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers-II (ALMM-II) framework.

    India added 34 GWdc of solar capacity during the first half of 2026, marking a 38% year-on-year increase compared with H1 2025. Developers accelerated project commissioning ahead of the June deadline for ALMM-II, which requires modules used in government-supported projects to incorporate domestically manufactured solar cells. If the forecast is achieved, India’s 2026 additions will exceed the previous annual record of 49 GWdc set in 2025.

    The deployment momentum was also supported by the phased reduction of inter-state transmission charge waivers. The waiver declined from 75% to 50% for projects commissioned from July 2026 and is scheduled to be completely phased out after July 2028.

    However, Wood Mackenzie expects solar deployment to moderate during the second half of 2026 as limited domestic cell manufacturing capacity and rising module prices create additional pressure on project development. At the same time, ALMM-II exemptions for net-metering and open-access projects until December 31, 2026, could provide further support to installations.

    In July 2026, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) also agreed to waive the ALMM-II requirement for projects nearing completion, subject to applicants having submitted their applications by July 23, 2026.

    According to Sureet Singh, Research Analyst at Wood Mackenzie, ALMM-II represents an important step towards establishing an integrated domestic solar supply chain. However, domestic cell manufacturing capacity has not expanded at the same pace as module production, creating near-term cost pressures for project developers.

    While ALMM-II has reduced India’s direct dependence on Chinese solar cell imports, sourcing has increasingly shifted towards other markets in Southeast Asia. Indonesian solar cell imports nearly tripled during early 2026, highlighting the changing dynamics of India’s solar supply chain.

    During the first five months of 2026, India imported 5 GW of wafers and 20 GW of solar cells. Wafer imports increased by 86% year-on-year, supporting the expansion of domestic cell manufacturing. India currently levies a 20% basic customs duty on imported solar cells and modules.

    The domestic manufacturing push is also being reinforced through trade measures. In September 2025, the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) recommended additional anti-dumping duties of up to 30% on Chinese-origin solar cells and modules. However, the Central Government’s final decision on the recommendation remains pending.

    Wood Mackenzie has warned that delays in commissioning the 14 GW of cell manufacturing capacity currently under construction could increase India’s dependence on imports and put further upward pressure on solar equipment prices. An additional 130 GW of cell manufacturing capacity is expected to come online by 2029, requiring a 49% compound annual growth rate from the projected 88 GW full-build capacity in 2026.

    Despite this expected expansion, the report forecasts that supply shortages will continue into 2027. Indian solar cell production is projected to reach 29 GW, which would still be around 21 GW below average annual module demand of approximately 50 GW.

    As a result, system prices are expected to decline by only 3% between Q4 2026 and Q4 2027. Prices are then expected to stabilise through 2029 as additional domestic cell manufacturing capacity becomes operational.

    Mathew Thomas, Research Analyst at Wood Mackenzie, said policy consistency and timely execution by manufacturers will be critical to stabilising solar equipment prices. The planned implementation of ALMM-III in June 2028, which would extend domestic content requirements to solar wafers, indicates that India’s efforts to build a deeper and more integrated domestic solar manufacturing ecosystem are likely to continue.