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India Can Fast-Track Chip, Battery Making By Learning From China: Wally Jang

Wally Jang, MD of Welson Power, argues India does not have decades to build its semiconductor and battery ecosystem from scratch and should instead learn from China's experience. He emphasizes that technology transfer and local assembly can significantly accelerate India's manufacturing capabilities in these critical sectors. This comes as China tightens export controls on rare earth minerals, prompting India to boost domestic production through missions like the Indian Semiconductor Mission. Jang highlights the crucial role of energy storage systems in supporting renewable energy and outlines his company's investment plans and product offerings for the Indian market.

Key Points: India Can Accelerate Semiconductor, Battery Manufacturing: Wally Jang

  • Learn from China's experience to accelerate
  • Leverage tech transfer and local assembly
  • Focus on energy storage for renewables
  • Invest in domestic manufacturing capacity
3 min read

India can fast-track semiconductor, battery manufacturing by learning from China: Welson Power MD Wally Jang

Wally Jang of Welson Power says India can fast-track semiconductor and battery manufacturing by learning from China's experience, not starting from scratch.

"India can take the existing knowledge, assemble it here, manufacture it here, and deliver solutions much faster. - Wally Jang"

New Delhi, January 5

India does not have the time to build its semiconductor and battery ecosystem entirely from scratch and can significantly accelerate manufacturing by learning from China's experience, said Wally Jang, Managing Director of Welson Power Technology Co. Ltd., on Wednesday.

On the sidelines of a seminar at PHD House in New Delhi, Jang said India does not have the luxury of spending decades developing technologies independently, as China did over the last several years.

"China took 10, 15, or even 30 years to go from zero to one. India does not have that much time," Jang told ANI. "India can take the existing knowledge, assemble it here, manufacture it here, and deliver solutions much faster."

His remarks come at a time when China has tightened export controls on rare earth minerals used in batteries, chips, and other critical machinery, prompting India to step up efforts to strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities. India has launched the Indian Semiconductor Mission and the National Critical Minerals Mission to boost chip production and secure supplies of rare earth and critical minerals.

"If China works with India, we should be the world of chips," Jang said, referring to controllers and integrated systems used in batteries and energy storage. "Working together, we can improve efficiency, safety and cost."

Jang said that while there is a perception that China has superior technology, the real difference lies in timing. "China and India, only the time is different. What China has today, after two-and-a-half hours, it comes to India," he said, emphasising that technology transfer and local assembly could fast-track India's growth.

He said India is at a critical stage where it can scale up energy storage by combining global experience with domestic manufacturing under the Make in India initiative. Highlighting the importance of energy storage systems (ESS), Jang said renewable energy, particularly solar, requires reliable storage solutions to address timing and distribution challenges.

"Solar can produce power, but the problem is timing. We don't always need energy when it is generated. The solution is how to store it, transport it, and use it safely and efficiently," he said.

Jang said safety remains the biggest concern as energy storage capacity expands. Welson Power, he added, is positioning itself as a one-stop ESS solutions provider, offering battery management systems, controllers, inverters, and integrated storage solutions, while supporting local assembly through SKD and CKD models.

The company plans to invest around USD 500 million and is targeting up to 5 gigawatt-hours of battery manufacturing capacity. Welson Power has also supplied over 1.5 lakh units in India's rooftop solar segment.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While collaboration sounds good, we must be very careful. China has recently restricted exports of critical minerals. Relying on their "knowledge transfer" might create a new dependency. Our focus should be on building our own R&D muscle alongside manufacturing. 🇮🇳
R
Rohit P
The point about energy storage is spot on! We have massive solar potential, but without efficient batteries, it's wasted. If companies like Welson are ready to invest $500M and set up local assembly, it's a win for job creation and energy security. Let's fast-track this!
S
Sarah B
Interesting perspective from an industry insider. The "two-and-a-half hours" comment is a powerful metaphor for how quickly technology can diffuse today. India's advantage is its vast domestic market and engineering talent. We can scale faster than China did if we get the policy right.
V
Vikram M
I respectfully disagree with the core premise. "Learning from China" is one thing, but the MD's statement seems to suggest heavy reliance on Chinese tech and assembly. Given geopolitical tensions, we need a more balanced approach with partnerships from Japan, Taiwan, and the West as well. Self-reliance is key.
K
Kavya N
Safety in battery manufacturing is crucial. We've seen incidents with EVs. As we scale up, we must adopt the highest global safety standards from day one, not learn from accidents later. Hope the government's missions have strong safety and quality control frameworks.

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