Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi today announced that India is entering a new phase in its clean energy journey with the release of the updated Solar PV Potential Assessment of India (Ground-Mounted) report and the inauguration of the country’s first training programme on solar cell and module manufacturing.
The Minister made the announcement at the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) headquarters, noting that the initiatives mark a crucial step towards achieving India’s targets of 500 GW non-fossil capacity by 2030, energy independence by 2047, and net-zero emissions by 2070.
Solar Potential Report Highlights
The report, prepared by the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) with support from ISRO, estimates that India has a feasible ground-mounted solar potential of 3,343 GWp, nearly five times higher than the 2014 assessment of 749 GWp.
Key findings include:
- Utilisation of ~6.69% of identified wastelands can deliver the estimated potential.
- Solar potential is spread across the country, with Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra leading, alongside several other states with high irradiance and land-use efficiency.
- Advanced GIS and satellite-derived datasets were used, integrating infrastructure proximity and technical design factors.
Officials said the report provides a scientific, policy-linked framework to attract investments, plan infrastructure, and guide private sector participation, aligning with India’s COP26 Panchamrit commitments.
Training Programme on Solar Manufacturing
Shri Joshi also inaugurated the first Training Programme on Solar Cell and Module Manufacturing at NISE, Gurugram. The course aims to strengthen India’s skilled workforce by offering practical training in advanced processes, quality control, and global best practices.
India’s domestic manufacturing base has already crossed 100 GW of module capacity and 15 GW of cell capacity, with the programme expected to further boost Atmanirbhar Bharat ambitions in clean energy.
Women Empowerment and Global Cooperation
The Minister interacted with 28 women trainees from 15 countries enrolled in the International Training Programme on Solar Energy Technologies and Applications for Women. Calling them the embodiment of Nari Shakti, he said that India’s clean energy transition is not just about technology but also about people and empowerment.
He also linked the initiative to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Solar Didi, highlighting the significance of women’s leadership in driving renewable energy adoption.
India’s Renewable Energy Milestones
India has already achieved 250 GW of non-fossil installed electricity capacity, meeting its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) target of 50% non-fossil share in installed capacity five years ahead of schedule.
“With scientific mapping, skilled manpower, and manufacturing strength, these initiatives will provide the foundation for India’s clean energy leadership and the vision of Viksit Bharat,” Joshi said.
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