Rotterdam | Building the Next Generation of Solar Manufacturing

Bharat Renewable Energy Summit & Expo 2026 | European outreach

India’s solar manufacturing story is entering a new phase. At the 43rd European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition (EU PVSEC) in Rotterdam, the conversation moved from expanding production capacity to building the technologies, equipment, research and skills that can sustain it.

Shri Mayank Tewari, Additional Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, met European manufacturers, researchers and industry bodies. Discussions examined how India could connect manufacturing challenges directly with universities and research institutions, develop next-generation solar materials, and strengthen testing and reliability. Public sessions also explored the geographical diversification of solar manufacturing. India’s experience with the Production Linked Incentive scheme prompted interest in how policy can help build competitive supply chains.

A Bharat Renewable Energy Summit & Expo roadshow brought together 40 participants around opportunities in equipment localisation, advanced materials, upstream manufacturing and industry-led research. The exchanges produced specific avenues for follow-up. VON ARDENNE expressed interest in a perovskite pilot line in India, subject to a suitable consortium and funding structure. RCT Solutions will provide inputs on adapting lithium-ion battery manufacturing infrastructure for sodium-ion production and on what equipment makers would need to manufacture in India. Discussions with European industry also opened possibilities around solar recycling, Indian cell supply for Belga Solar, and participation by MBJ at the Summit.

Other meetings widened the scope of cooperation. SolarPower Europe discussed industry exchanges on energy storage and agrivoltaics. German partners explored a joint research centre for future solar technologies, clearer intellectual-property arrangements, training and recycling-technology matchmaking. Holland Solar agreed to share its forecasting methods, ahead of a proposed India–Netherlands industry interaction on renewable energy integration; wind repowering was identified for further exploration.

At the Port of Rotterdam, the focus shifted to green hydrogen. Its future supply needs and India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission present a reason to connect the Port with Indian producers and developers during the Summit.

Rotterdam’s result was a set of practical conversations with a path forward: proposals to develop, technical inputs to exchange, and potential partners to bring together at the Bharat Renewable Energy Summit & Expo 2026.