The Indian government will make all efforts to encourage battery manufacturing in India, the country’s Minister of Power and New and Renewable Energy R K Singh said at a meeting with battery makers on Friday.
The minister called on the industry to establish battery manufacturing units in India as the government promoting e-vehicles will spur strong future demand. In addition, he said that the future bids will be for solar/wind hybrid projects coupled with storage, according to a press release.
Singh added that the government will soon present a policy in this respect and the focus will be on “Make in India.”
“Tenders for procuring e- vehicles have already been issued and we have started procuring the vehicles. This is going to increase,” the minister stated.
The industry raised the issue of high GST (goods and services tax) rates on batteries, said that Indian made batteries should be given preference in government procurement, and noted on the need for Indian standards for batteries and field testing facilities.
The minister also said that with respect to adequate raw materials supply for battery manufacturing, the government has started communication with resource rich countries such as Bolivia.
