Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Shri Pralhad Joshi, inaugurated India’s largest solar cell gigafactory, a 5.4 GW high-tech facility by Waaree Energy, at Chikhli in Gujarat. The event saw the presence of key dignitaries, including Union Minister for Jal Shakti Shri C. R. Patil and Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel, along with senior state ministers.
Speaking at the inauguration, Shri Joshi described the day as historic for Gujarat and India. He highlighted India’s exponential growth in solar power capacity—from 2.82 GW in 2014 to 104 GW in 2025, marking a 3580% increase. He emphasized that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India has transformed into a leader in renewable energy and now ranks third globally in renewable energy capacity.
The new plant not only strengthens India’s domestic solar supply chain but is also set to boost exports of advanced solar technologies. Shri Joshi noted a sharp rise in module production capacity, now at 80 GW, and solar cell production reaching 25 GW. With the government’s new sourcing guidelines for solar PV modules, capacities are expected to soar by 2030.
He credited PM Modi for launching initiatives like the International Solar Alliance and the “One Sun, One World, One Grid” vision, positioning India as a global green energy leader.
Gujarat, where renewables comprise 57% of energy capacity, was praised as a model state in renewable development. The new plant is also expected to generate substantial employment, aligning with the World Economic Forum’s prediction of 170 million green jobs by 2030.
Joshi concluded by urging other states to follow Gujarat’s lead in sustainable industrial growth.
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