Taiwan’s specialized role in global solar wafer production places it at a strategic crossroads in the global clean energy movement.
As India pushes toward its ambitious goal of installing 500 gigawatts (GW) of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, the need for high-quality, reliable upstream components has never been more urgent. Taiwan, as one of the world’s leading solar wafer producers, could emerge as a critical partner in supporting India’s renewable energy and energy storage ambitions.
Taiwanese manufacturers have established a global reputation for producing high-efficiency solar wafers that meet the stringent demands of next-generation photovoltaic technologies. While China leads global production by volume, Taiwan’s edge lies in its precision, consistency and manufacturing quality. As countries look to de-risk their energy supply chains, Taiwan’s advanced manufacturing ecosystem has become increasingly attractive, especially to economies such as India that are energy-hungry and geopolitically cautious.
India’s renewable energy sector is growing rapidly, with large-scale utility projects and decentralized rooftop solar systems expanding. In just the past year, it added more than 20GW of solar capacity.
However, despite the growth, India remains dependent on imported solar components, particularly wafers and cells, with a majority sourced from China. This dependence creates vulnerabilities: Price fluctuations, trade restrictions and geopolitical uncertainty pose risks to India’s energy transition.
To address this, India has launched the Production-Linked Incentive scheme aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing of solar modules. Yet without access to top-grade wafers and upstream materials, the success of the plans remains uncertain. Taiwanese suppliers can help fill the gap. Their ability to supply India with stable, high-performance wafers could significantly bolster India’s efforts to build a vertically integrated solar manufacturing base.
For Taiwan, India represents a vast and expanding market for clean energy technologies. A partnership with India allows Taiwanese firms to diversify beyond China and tap into one of the fastest-growing renewable sectors globally. Collaborative ventures between Taiwanese wafer producers and Indian manufacturers could also accelerate the transfer of high-efficiency technologies.
Importantly, the scope of cooperation is not limited to solar. Taiwan’s expertise in battery technology and other energy storage systems complements India’s growing demand in those areas. As India scales up its grid infrastructure to integrate more renewable power, storage becomes a key enabler. Taiwan’s innovation in lithium iron phosphate and emerging battery technologies could provide Indian developers with much-needed technological support to stabilize grid operations and expand electric mobility.
Recent developments suggest that the groundwork for such cooperation is being laid. Taiwanese investment in India has increased significantly, particularly in high-tech sectors.
A partnership between Powerchip Semiconductor and Tata to build a semiconductor fab in Gujarat is a clear example of how Taiwan and India can work together in advanced manufacturing.
Energy security is becoming a central concern for both countries. Taiwan imports the vast majority of its energy, while India faces rising energy demand alongside climate-induced risks. Building clean-tech supply chains that are resilient, diversified and based on mutual trust is not just good economics, it is a strategic imperative. Deeper cooperation in solar manufacturing and energy storage can enhance the energy independence of both nations.
Even with formal diplomatic constraints, there is significant room for productive engagement. India’s adherence to the “one China” policy does not preclude meaningful collaboration with Taiwan in areas such as science, technology and clean energy. Practical, issue-specific cooperation can move forward without politicizing the relationship. By focusing on shared priorities such as sustainability and innovation, both sides can build a stable, forward-looking partnership.
To realize the full potential of this opportunity, a few strategic steps are necessary. Bilateral frameworks for clean energy cooperation would provide structure to ongoing dialogue. Investment facilitation and regulatory support could encourage more Taiwanese firms to set up operations in India. Academic institutions from both sides could collaborate on research in solar efficiency and energy storage.
Furthermore, Taiwan and India could explore joint clean-energy projects in other parts of Asia, as well as Africa, reinforcing their climate leadership on the global stage.
The intersection of Taiwan’s manufacturing expertise and India’s renewable energy demand presents a compelling case for partnership. As global energy systems shift away from fossil fuels, new supply chains and alliances are taking shape. Taiwan and India have the tools, the talent and the mutual interest to shape one of the most important clean-tech relationships of this decade.
Together, they could build better solar panels and batteries, as well as a more resilient, equitable and sustainable energy future.
Sutandra Singha is an independent researcher with a doctorate in international studies, specializing in climate change, from Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi.
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