The BEEP-RE project team has been working with different technology providers, building designers, developers, and promoters for the identification and pilot demonstration of the right renewable technologies in buildings in India. The project team during the implementation of the project consulted with the stakeholders about the issues being faced for the implementation of renewable energy systems. Access to finance and lack of business models were among the key barriers that emerged through discussion.

The specific objectives of the workshop have been listed below. 

To consult and receive stakeholders’ inputs about the business models and financial mechanisms proposed by the BASE’s team.

To receive an expert’s opinion on the business models for further fine tuning and finalizing the recommendations. 

The event had participation ranging from technology providers, financial institutions, and technical support agencies, including academia, and the government represented by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).

To get a clear understanding from participants on the business models and financial mechanisms being consulted, participants were asked to fill in a questionnaire at the end of the session to specifically answer two questions:

Q1. From the business models/ Financial Mechanisms presented, which one do you think is important to accelerate the market of RE integration into buildings in India?

Q2. In a potential SDC future program, in which of the following business models/ mechanisms do you see your organization participating/ collaborating actively (e.g., engaged in capacity building, testing the model/ financing mechanism in the market, providing financial resources, etc.)

Outcome of the discussion: 

The event was a huge success, with a large number of attendees from the financial and public sectors, as well as manufacturers. The participants had interactive discussions and actively contributed with questions and comments throughout the event. Emphasis was placed on de-risking alternatives to overcome the main market barriers through business models and mechanisms. ·The opex/service model was found to be the optimal preference for adopting renewables in construction,however it requires the support of a well-structured guarantee to limit the risk of repayment, as discussed by the participants.