India is looking to develop indigenous silicon carbide (SiC) MOSFET power modules for high-voltage power transmission, bringing its semiconductor ambitions closer to the national power grid.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Ministry of Power and POWERGRID have invited industry feedback on a pre-RFP proposal for the indigenous design, development, qualification and supply of SiC MOSFET-based power modules for VSC-HVDC applications.
The programme could see around 13,000 modules supplied for a pilot project.
What is India Planning?
The proposed programme targets high-power SiC modules that can be used in Voltage Source Converter High Voltage Direct Current (VSC-HVDC) systems.
Key Targets Include:
- 3.3 kV base voltage rating
- More than 1,800 A current target
- 4.5 kV higher-rating target
- Roadmap towards 6.5 kV
- Around 13,000 modules for pilot procurement
- Development period of up to 36 months
- Deployment in a proposed 1,000 MW VSC-HVDC pilot project
The programme is intended to cover the technology chain from SiC device design and power-module packaging to testing, qualification and system integration.
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Why Is This Important?
SiC is a wide-bandgap semiconductor material increasingly used in high-power electronics because it can support high voltages, high temperatures and fast switching. For HVDC systems, power semiconductor modules are critical components. Developing them domestically could help India build capabilities in an important part of the power-electronics supply chain. The initiative is therefore not simply about producing a semiconductor device. It aims to develop a qualified, high-power module that can ultimately operate in an HVDC system.
Around 13,000 Modules Planned For The Pilot
One of the most notable aspects of the proposal is the indicative commitment for approximately 13,000 modules for pilot deployment. The modules would undergo engineering development, testing and qualification before being deployed in the identified VSC-HVDC project. This could provide Indian companies with a pathway from prototype development to real-world validation.
Who Can Participate?
The consultation is open to Indian companies, including startups and MSMEs. Companies can participate individually or through consortia of up to four partners. Academia, national laboratories and R&D institutions can also participate as partners.
This could allow different organizations to combine capabilities in areas such as:
SiC device design + packaging + testing + manufacturing + HVDC integration
The programme also places emphasis on Indian ownership and control of the underlying technology and intellectual property.
What Happens Next?
The government is currently seeking feedback before the final RfP is issued. Queries and suggestions are due by 08th October 2026, while the stakeholder consultation is scheduled for 14th October 2026 in Delhi. Since this is still a pre-RFP consultation, the technical, commercial and procurement conditions may change based on industry feedback.
Also Read: Magnachip’s $5 Million Milestone: Navitas Deepens Strategic SiC Ties
Why It Matters for India’s Semiconductor Industry
India’s semiconductor push is often associated with chips for computing, automobiles and consumer electronics. This initiative highlights another important opportunity: power semiconductors for critical infrastructure. If successfully developed and qualified, indigenous SiC MOSFET modules could help strengthen capabilities across power semiconductor design, advanced packaging, testing, qualification and power electronics.
The immediate focus is the proposed pilot. The bigger question will be whether the technology can subsequently scale into commercial production and future HVDC projects.
Key Numbers At A Glance
Bottom Line
India is attempting to connect its emerging SiC power-semiconductor capabilities with large-scale electricity infrastructure. The proposed HVDC programme could become an important test of whether domestic companies can take high-voltage SiC technology from development and qualification to real-world grid deployment.
