Jaipur: The Budget’s focus on energy transition and security is expected to open new opportunities for Rajasthan, the leading hub for renewable energy in the country.Two proposals, including customs duty exemptions for capital goods used in manufacturing lithium-ion cells for battery energy storage systems, and for sodium antimonate used in solar glass, hold particular relevance.By extending duty exemptions to equipment for lithium-ion cell manufacturing, the Budget reduces costs for companies investing in battery energy storage systems.Rajasthan, with its vast solar parks in Jaisalmer, Bikaner and Jodhpur, requires large-scale storage solutions to balance intermittent renewable generation.Manish Gupta, manufacturer of solar panels and cells, said, “Lower capital costs will encourage investment in local manufacturing units, potentially attracting industries to set up storage technology facilities in the state, which already has an ambitious target.” This will strengthen grid stability, support electric mobility, and create new jobs, Gupta added.The proposed exemption on sodium antimonate imports for solar glass production is equally significant, as cheaper inputs will reduce production costs.
