Jitendra Singh has dedicated the 200 MW Solar Module Manufacturing Line of Central Electronics Limited (CEL) to the nation, highlighting the growing role of renewable and clean energy in achieving India’s net-zero emissions target by 2070.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in New Delhi, the minister said India is rapidly expanding its capabilities across solar, wind, nuclear, and ocean-based energy systems under the leadership of Narendra Modi. He noted that renewable energy and indigenous technology development will play a critical role in advancing the country’s long-term sustainable growth objectives and the vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047.”
The newly operational 200 MW solar module manufacturing line marks a significant milestone for India’s clean energy manufacturing ecosystem and reflects the country’s increasing focus on domestic production and self-reliance in strategic technologies.
During the event, Dr. Jitendra Singh stated that the new facility demonstrates India’s growing confidence in indigenous manufacturing capabilities and its commitment to strengthening the renewable energy sector through innovation and public-private collaboration.
The minister also recalled CEL’s historical contributions to India’s solar industry, noting that the company manufactured India’s first solar cell in 1977 and established the country’s first solar plant in 1979. He added that CEL has undergone a major transformation from being considered for disinvestment to becoming a profit-making Mini Ratna enterprise.
According to the minister, the project was executed within a short timeframe, with the request for proposal floated in April 2025 and the manufacturing line becoming operational in less than a year.
Apart from solar manufacturing, CEL is also expanding into advanced technology sectors including vertical axis wind turbines, hybrid renewable systems, data centres, defence electronics, electronic warfare systems, and small weapon systems.
The event also witnessed technology collaboration initiatives between Council of Scientific and Industrial Research laboratories and CEL in areas related to renewable energy and indigenous systems development. These included technology transfer initiatives involving the Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) and the indigenous Drishti Transmissometer System developed with CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories.
Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized that technologies developed in national laboratories should increasingly move towards commercialization through industry partnerships to strengthen India’s manufacturing ecosystem and strategic self-reliance.
He added that the commissioning of the 200 MW solar module manufacturing line represents another step toward strengthening India’s clean energy infrastructure and accelerating the country’s transition toward sustainable development and energy security.
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