Illustration: Chen Xia/GT

India's ambitious initiatives in the renewable energy sector are attracting considerable global attention. The Indian government and various companies are promoting the growth of this sector with great intensity, leading some Western media outlets to view these efforts as a challenge to China's dominance in the green supply chain.

For instance, in a recent report entitled "Tycoon Drives India's Push Against China's Solar-Energy Dominance," The Wall Street Journal said that Indian energy conglomerate Adani Group is setting up an entire solar supply chain starting with indigenous manufacturing of ingots, wafers, cells and panels, and soon polysilicon. 

Adani's move can be seen as a microcosm of the broader response among major Indian energy companies to the government's ambitious goals for developing the clean energy sector. Just last month, India unveiled its National Electricity Plan, aiming to achieve 500 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2030 and more than 600 gigawatts by 2032. 

This plan is a crucial component of India's commitment to reaching net zero emissions by 2070. A significant aspect of this endeavor involves the development of a robust domestic solar sector, which is pivotal to realizing these ambitious targets and fostering sustainable energy solutions.

While India's industrial efforts are commendable, it is indeed necessary to clarify some misunderstandings about the development of the solar energy sector. The prosperity of the solar energy industry does not solely rely on localized manufacturing capabilities; rather, it is a complex system that involves deep integration across the entire industrial chain and continuous technological innovation.

The reason why China's solar products can enjoy a leading position globally is not merely due to a massive production scale, but also to continuous technological achievements. One example is the large-scale production technology for high-purity silicon materials, which is crucial for improving the photoelectric conversion efficiency of solar cells and reducing production costs. In recent years, leading companies in China's photovoltaic industry have consistently achieved record-breaking technological breakthroughs across various segments, solidifying China's competitive edge in the global solar sector.

For instance, in late October, leading Chinese solar company LONGi Green Energy Technology announced that its independently developed HPBC 2.0 back contact solar cells achieved an efficiency rate of 25.4 percent, breaking the world record for crystalline silicon modules. Another leading Chinese solar company, Trinasolar, confirmed that its n-type bifacial i-TOPCon cell has achieved an efficiency rate of 25.9 percent, setting a new world record for a solar cell of this type and size.

Furthermore, China has made remarkable strides in the widespread application of solar thermal utilization technology in diverse fields, including heating staple foods and crude oil, food processing, agricultural greenhouses, aquaculture and the processing of agricultural by-products. These innovations and applications drive the growth of the solar energy industry and provide robust support for China's energy transition and sustainable development.

India's reliance on Chinese solar products stems precisely from China's continuous technological innovations that ensure low costs and high quality. 

Data indicate that India depends on imports for nearly 80 percent of its solar equipment, with China supplying more than 60 percent of these imports.

Therefore, if India wants to develop a domestic solar sector as strong as China's, it needs to first recognize that merely enhancing localized manufacturing capabilities is insufficient. It is equally crucial for India to intensify its focus on technological innovation and the comprehensive development of its industrial supply chain. This entails significantly increasing investments in solar technology research and development, while also fostering an environment that encourages companies to bolster their independent research and innovation capacities.

The evolution of the solar sector is a long-term endeavor, demanding sustained investment and patience. There are no shortcuts to success in this complex landscape. Only by adopting a long-term and down-to-earth approach can India lay a solid foundation for a competitive solar energy sector.