US drags India to WTO over solar energy projects

The US has dragged India to WTO on the issue of the country mandating use of only local equipment for solar projects, a charge rejected by New Delhi saying several American states practise protectionist policy for renewable energy projects.
The US has challenged the domestic content requirement of India's solar mission, which requires solar power developers to use Indian-made equipment.
It notified the WTO Secretariat of a request for consultations with India concerning certain measures relating to domestic content requirements for solar cells and solar modules, according to the multilateral trade body.
The measures correspond to Phase II of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission programme.

"The United States adds that solar power developers receive certain benefits and advantages, such as long-term tariffs for electricity, contingent on their purchase and use of solar cells and solar modules of domestic origin.
"The claim states that India provides less favourable treatment to imported solar cells and solar modules that that accorded to like products originated in India and they are trade-related investment measures inconsistent with India's obligations under the GATT," according to the WTO.

Meanwhile, India is probing alleged dumping of solar panels by China and the US. "DGAD is looking into one of the request...That involves supply of solar panels from China, the US and few others," Commerce Secretary Rajeev Kher said in New Delhi.

US Trade Representative Michael told reporters yesterday that domestic content requirements of India's solar mission discriminated against US exports by requiring solar power developers to use India-manufactured equipment.
"These unfair requirements are against WTO rules, and we are standing up today for the rights of American workers and businesses," he said.