IESA Applauds Government's Initiative to Simplify Visa Process for PLI-Related Businesses
The India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA) has expressed strong support for the Indian government's recent initiative to streamline the visa application process for foreign experts engaged by Indian…
The India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA) has expressed strong support for the Indian government's recent initiative to streamline the visa application process for foreign experts engaged by Indian companies under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. This move is expected to significantly impact the energy storage and advanced chemistry cell (ACC) battery sectors.According to the IESA, the government will now offer multiple-entry business visas, valid for six months, to foreign specialists, engineers, and technical personnel involved in PLI-related industries. This new provision will facilitate their roles in areas such as installation, commissioning, quality assurance, maintenance, production, IT and disaster recovery planning, training, supply chain development, plant design, and executive management.
IESA President Debi Prasad Dash commented
"The government's decision to enhance the visa application process will create substantial opportunities, enabling the establishment of over 100 gigawatt-hour (GWh) ACC battery and battery component factories in India over the next five years. This is a pivotal step forward for the sector."Dash further highlighted that the ACC battery and related components manufacturing industry is poised to attract approximately $9 billion (₹7.5 lakh crore) in investment within the next five years. This development is anticipated to generate around 50,000 direct jobs, boosting India's employment landscape.The new visa policy is also expected to contribute to significant foreign exchange savings by reducing India's reliance on imported ACC batteries. Currently, China dominates global ACC manufacturing, controlling over 75% of the market and more than 80% of the refining capacity for critical minerals like lithium, nickel, and cobalt, essential for ACC batteries.In the fiscal year 2023-24, India imported lithium-ion cells worth approximately ₹24,346 crore from countries including China, South Korea, and Vietnam. By promoting domestic manufacturing and reducing import dependency, the initiative aims to position India as a global hub for electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing.The IESA has long advocated for policy parity for ACC-PLI bid winners and PLI-associated companies regarding business visas for foreign experts. The organisation remains a leading industry alliance focused on advancing energy storage, green hydrogen, and e-mobility technologies in India.This initiative marks a significant advancement in supporting the growth and development of the ACC battery sector and aligns with India's broader goals of enhancing its manufacturing capabilities and reducing import reliance.
