Solar project developers under no compulsion to source equipment from China: Minister

Developers of solar energy projects are under no compulsion to import equipment from China which has been hit by new coronavirus outbreak, New & Renewable Energy Minister R K Singh said on Tuesday.

The minister was replying to a question if the coronavirus outbreak in China has adversely affected India's ability to increase clean energy capacity.

"The Solar Industry is under no compulsion to import solar cells, modules and other equipment from China. They are free to meet their requirements either from domestic market or alternative sources," Singh said in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.

In a separate reply, the minister said, "The government has already clarified that disruption of supply chains due to spread of coronavirus in China or any other country should be considered as a case of natural calamity and force majeure clause may be invoked, wherever considered appropriate, following the due procedure."