5 Reasons Why You Should Attend the Renewable Energy Expo 2017
As India’s largest cleantech conference opens, there are a lot of unanswered questions that everyone wants answers to. Here are 5 important points that everyone will be looking for answers to at the event.
- To take the temperature on the upcoming anti-dumping case decision by DGAD
The anti‑dumping case recommendations that will be made by the Directorate General of Anti-Dumping (DGAD) will be one of the most important factors that will dictate the future direction of the market. Recommendations from DGAD could come in a few months or could take up to a year. Accordingly, developers and installers want to know what to expect so they can align their strategies. The talk in the industry right now is that the ‘big’ manufacturers are pushing the government to impose an anti‑dumping tariff. It will be interesting to hear different perspectives on this.
- To learn how the industry is coping with higher Chinese panel prices
Higher Chinese panel prices have brought tender and auction activity to a standstill in India. Module prices are being kept high by a combination of strong demand in the Chinese domestic market coupled with higher US demand ahead of the Suniva anti-dumping case decision. However, developers cannot stall the procurement of panels forever and we will see real problems if this trend continues into the first quarter of 2018.
- To learn why DISCOMs are stalling tender and auction activity in their search for lower PPAs
DISCOMs looking for developers to match the lowest tariff is another factor that is currently disrupting tender and auction activity. It is worth exploring just how prevalent this trend is and why there such a lack of understanding and clarity among government agencies in regard to this topic.
- To hear what the market demand situation looks like for 2018
Based on the above topics, what is the industry’s expectation regarding demand for 2018? Mercom expects demand to decline by at least 15-20% next year based on current market developments. It will be important to gauge participant perception on this topic and understand just how each segment of the market is looking to respond.
- To learn how the GST is affecting the industry
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) bill was recently enacted, but there is still a lot of confusion surrounding the GST for solar systems, creating uncertainty in the solar sector. Every company has its own interpretation. How is GST affecting the sector so far and how are solar companies coping with it is important to understand.
Image credit: By Lujkin8 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Raj Prabhu is a recognized thought leader in clean energy markets where his work has influenced policies worldwide. He has a deep understanding of regulatory policy and clean energy markets and his market and opinion pieces are regularly published on both MercomIndia.com and other leading publications globally. Raj is also a regular speaker and presenter on clean energy policy and finance topics at conferences worldwide. Raj attended the KLE College of Science in Bangalore, India for physics and chemistry, and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Hotel and Institutional Management from Johnson and Wales University, Rhode Island. More articles from Raj Prabhu.
