Context:

• The solar thermal industry in India is miffed as it believes that the ministry of new and renewable energy is ignoring its contribution in the renewable energy space, though the country ranks among the top five markets globally for solar thermal.

Facts & Figures:

• As per the Renewable Global Markets Status 2018, India continues to maintain its position among the top five markets globally for solar thermal. “Solar heat for industrial processes (SHIP) is a an upcoming market in India and we are placed fourth in the world. With oil prices looking high, SHIP will have a vital role to play in reducing dependence on oil.
• The Indian solar thermal capacity saw a 26% y-o-y growth in 2017, the highest growth across the globe. With capacity of 2.8 MW thermal India was among the top 10 markets for concentrated heat technologies in 2017 along with Oman, China, Italy and Mexico. When it comes to solar water heating collectors capacity in operation, India was at number six behind China, the US, Turkey, Germany and Brazil.
• India has used solar thermal across various industries and has the largest number of units using the technology, unlike in other countries where it is used in limited areas.
• In India, it is used in pharma, textile, food processing, textile, fertiliser and many more industries, an achievement which is appreciated globally but ignored at home.
• While there is 30% subsidy for solar thermal, the STFI said it needs something similar like the power sector has with its RPO or renewable purchase obligation.
• The STFI has 28 members, who account for close to 80% of the solar thermal manufacturing in India.

Source:Financial Express