New Delhi, May 14 (IANS). The central government on Thursday dedicated the 200 MW solar module manufacturing line of Central Electronics Limited (CEL) to the country. India is currently rapidly expanding its capacity in several non-fossil energy sectors, including solar energy, wind energy, nuclear energy and ocean-based energy systems.
Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh said that renewable and clean energy is going to play a big role in India’s development journey under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Prime Minister Modi has given a national target for India to achieve net-zero emissions by the year 2070.
Addressing the program, the Minister said that every renewable energy source has its own utility and importance. India is moving forward with an integrated approach to clean energy expansion and sustainable development.
Dr. Singh described the commissioning of the 200 MW solar module manufacturing line as a major achievement for India’s clean energy ecosystem. He said that this facility reflects the growing confidence in indigenous manufacturing and renewable energy in the country.
Recalling the historical contribution of CEL, the Minister said that India’s first solar cell was made by CEL in 1977. Apart from this, the country’s first solar plant was also established by this organization in 1979.
He said that the journey of CEL has been very inspiring. At one time this organization was on the verge of disinvestment, but now it has become a profit making Mini Ratna company.
The minister said that this transformation is the result of strong leadership, support of government policies, better operations and hard work of scientists, engineers and employees associated with the organization.
He informed that Request for Proposal (RFP) was issued for this project on 24 April 2025. The successful bidder was selected within a month and the manufacturing facility became operational in less than a year.
CEL is also now expanding into new futuristic areas including vertical axis wind turbines, hybrid renewable systems, data centres, advanced defense electronics, electronic warfare and small arms systems. The minister said this reflects India’s growing technological capability and strategic preparedness.
–IANS
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