SunEdison to build 5GW of subsidy-free renewables in India

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

US PV giant SunEdison has confirmed an agreement with the state government of Karnataka in India to build 5GW of subsidy-free wind and solar.

The company claims the projects will produce subsidy-free electricity at prices competitive with coal power.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

The five-year deal includes an immediate plan to build 1-1.5GW by the end of December 2016.

SunEdison will provide hardware, project development and finance know-how to the plants. Electricity will be sold under Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with local distribution and utility firms. The Karnataka government will work with SunEdison to find public land for the projects and to enable grid connection.

“Karnataka's comprehensive energy policy paves the way for socially and environmentally responsible economic growth and prosperity by addressing the energy needs of utility customers, distributed generation customers, and farmers who can benefit from solar water pumps for irrigation,” said Pashupathy Gopalan, president of SunEdison, Asia-Pacific.

“The energy leadership in the state is determined to make a significant positive impact for the people and businesses of Karnataka, and we are excited about the opportunity to work with them to make this positive change,” added Gopalan.

The deal was signed by chief minister Siddaramaiah of Karnataka, and Ahmad Chatila, president and CEO of SunEdison.

On Monday SunEdison announced it was evaluating the possibility of building a fully-integrated manufacturing facility in the country. The company entered the wind market in November with the US$2.4 billion acquisition of First Wind.

Read Next

September 18, 2025
CERC is finalising guidelines for virtual power purchase agreements (vPPAs) to unlock financing for over 40GW of uncontracted renewable capacity.
September 18, 2025
The capacity of virtual power plants in operation in North America has reached 37.5GW, a 13.7% year-on-year growth, according to Wood Mackenzie.
September 18, 2025
The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) has forecast that Canada will add between 17GW and 26GW of solar PV over the next decade.
September 18, 2025
Researchers have called for enhanced international standards to detect ultraviolet-induced degradation (UVID) in PV modules after identifying “severe” levels of the problem in operational n-type panels.             
September 18, 2025
Indian PV makers have welcomed the government’s plan to add solar wafers to its ALMM List-III from June 2028.
September 17, 2025
US renewables developer Longroad Energy has reached financial close for its 400MW 1000 Mile solar project in the US state of Texas.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
September 30, 2025
Seattle, USA
Solar Media Events
October 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
October 2, 2025
London,UK
Solar Media Events
October 7, 2025
Manila, Philippines
Solar Media Events
October 7, 2025
San Francisco Bay Area, USA