New Delhi: Germany is keen to collaborate with Indian companies to manufacture solar panels and batteries in India as the two countries seek to strengthen energy security, expand clean energy capacity and reduce dependence on global supply chains, German Ambassador to India Jasper Wieck has said.
Speaking to PTI on Tuesday on the sidelines of the 20th anniversary of the Indo-German Energy Forum (IGEF), Wieck said recent disruptions to global energy supplies had underscored the importance of developing domestic renewable energy resources.
"Renewable energies are a very important part of the answer to the question of disruptions on energy supply worldwide," he said.
The ambassador pointed to supply disruptions affecting Europe and Asia, including shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil shipments. The ongoing conflict involving Iran has heightened concerns over energy security and dependence on imported fuels.
Wieck said expanding domestic renewable energy production would make India more resilient to external shocks while supporting its long-term energy independence.
Highlighting opportunities for industrial cooperation, Wieck said German companies were ready to work with Indian manufacturers to establish domestic production capabilities in solar panels, batteries and other clean energy technologies.
"Where do the solar panels come from? Where do all the batteries come from? In the future, they should be produced in India, and German companies stand ready to cooperate with Indian companies in order to make that happen," he said.
He cautioned that India must avoid replacing dependence on imported fossil fuels with dependence on imported renewable energy equipment.
The concern is significant given China's dominance in global solar manufacturing. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), China accounts for more than 80 percent of manufacturing capacity across the major stages of solar panel production.
Wieck said stronger domestic manufacturing would complement India's Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
"That means more self-reliance, more resilience, more independence, and that is very much in the philosophy of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India)," he said.
The ambassador described the Bharat Renewable Energy Summit 2026, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, as an important platform for strengthening business partnerships between the two countries.
"I'm very proud that we have a very strong business delegation which came from Germany," he said.
The summit offers Indian and German companies opportunities to explore joint manufacturing, technology partnerships and investments across the renewable energy value chain.
Wieck also highlighted the role of the Indo-German Energy Forum, established in 2006, in advancing bilateral cooperation in renewable energy integration, energy efficiency, battery storage and green hydrogen.
"The Indo-German Energy Forum has become a true success story," he said.
The two countries launched the Indo-German Green Hydrogen Roadmap in October 2024 to deepen cooperation in hydrogen production, infrastructure, industrial applications and sustainable energy trade.
Looking ahead, Wieck said the partnership would increasingly focus on building industrial capabilities and developing future clean energy supply chains.
"I believe the most exciting chapters of our energy partnership are still ahead of us. Our ambition is to work with our Indian partners not only to expand renewable energy, but also to build the industries and value chains of the future," he said.
The proposed expansion of manufacturing cooperation comes as India seeks to scale up renewable energy deployment while strengthening domestic supply chains for solar equipment, energy storage systems and green hydrogen technologies.
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