BRICS adopts photovoltaic industry action plan, calls for value addition in critical minerals

By Editorial Team17 Sep. 2026
 BRICS adopts photovoltaic industry action plan, calls for value addition in critical minerals

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BRICS leaders at the New Delhi Summit adopted a photovoltaic industry action plan and broader clean-tech agenda, linking solar manufacturing, hydrogen, smart grids and energy storage with industrial development, reported DTE. The Delhi Declaration also “called for greater cooperation on smart grids, energy storage and critical minerals”, reported the Times of India

The declaration stresses value addition in critical minerals, resilient supply chains, climate finance, and a just energy transition that balances rising clean energy deployment with continued fossil fuel use in emerging economies.

BRICS members will establish national knowledge portals and support a BRICS Solar Photovoltaic Cooperation Roadmap covering technology, finance and skills.

Amid disruptions to global energy supplies, Brics leaders have called for uninterrupted flows of energy from diverse sources and stronger protection of critical energy infrastructure . including cross-border infrastructure, while stressing the continuing role of fossil fuels in the global energy mix. They also called for greater cooperation on smart grids, energy storage , TOI reported 

India’s solar manufacturing pipeline reaches 30 GW but production yet to start

India's solar manufacturing sector is expecting a major expansion as polysilicon, ingot, and wafer manufacturing pipeline has reached 30 GW, though actual commercial production has not yet begun, Mercom research found. 

The capacity pipeline for upstream poly silicon, ingot, and wafer production stands at 30 GW but converting it to  Operational Production remains an issue. India currently has about 2 GW of operational ingot and wafer manufacturing capacity, with no commercial polysilicon production active yet. 

While solar module manufacturing capacity has surged past 200 GW, the heavy reliance on imported upstream components remains a bottleneck

India’s battery storage additions jump 84 fold to 8.2 GW

India added 8.2 GWh of battery energy storage capacity in the first half of 2026, marking an 84-fold surge compared to the 98.4 MWh installed during the same period in 2025, reported Mercom. 

Total installations reached 8.2 GWh in 1H 2026, up dramatically from just 98.4 MWh a year prior, according to Mercom India Research.

Rapid deployment of battery energy storage systems (BESS) is helping integrate surging solar and wind capacity into the national grid.

Standalone storage projects make up the bulk of installed capacity — these move faster since they aren't tied to renewable generation timelines

Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra together account for over 60% of capacity — clear state-level entry points

Storage tenders far outpaced auctions in 1H 2026, pointing to a deep pipeline rather than weak demand

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Editorial Team

Editorial Team

A team of handpicked and dedicated writers committed to fact check each climate-related statement. They go to the roots and intent of each policy implemented, internationally and at home, to help you understand climate better.
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