- Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh dedicated the 200 MW Solar Module Manufacturing Line of Central Electronics Limited (CEL) to the nation on May 14, 2026.
- The event marked a major step in strengthening India’s renewable energy manufacturing capacity and advancing the country’s clean energy goals.
Major Push Towards Clean Energy
- Addressing the gathering, Dr. Jitendra Singh said renewable and clean energy will play a crucial role in helping India achieve the net-zero emissions target by 2070 set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- He highlighted that India is rapidly expanding its capabilities in multiple non-fossil fuel energy sectors, including:
- Solar energy
- Wind energy
- Nuclear energy
- Ocean-based energy systems
- The Minister stated that the country is adopting an integrated approach for sustainable development and energy security.
Significance of the New Manufacturing Line
- The newly operational 200 MW Solar Module Manufacturing Line is expected to strengthen indigenous solar manufacturing and support India’s clean energy transition.
- Dr. Jitendra Singh described the project as an important milestone in India’s journey towards:
- Energy self-reliance
- Indigenous manufacturing
- Sustainable development
- Viksit Bharat 2047
CEL’s Historic Contribution
The Minister recalled CEL’s pioneering role in India’s renewable energy sector. He noted that:
- India’s first solar cell was manufactured by CEL in 1977
- India’s first solar plant was established by CEL in 1979
He said that although CEL’s early contributions did not receive adequate recognition at the time, the organisation is now regaining national importance through innovation and technological advancement.
Expansion into Strategic Technologies
The Minister said CEL is now expanding into several advanced technology sectors, including:
- Vertical axis wind turbines
- Hybrid renewable systems
- Data centres
- Advanced defence electronics
- Electronic warfare systems
- Small weapon systems
He added that India’s strategic technology sectors are witnessing unprecedented growth under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Collaboration with CSIR
The event also witnessed technology collaboration initiatives between CEL and laboratories under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
These collaborations include work on:
- Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS)
- Indigenous Drishti Transmissometer System
About CSIR
- The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is India’s largest publicly funded R&D organization, established in 1942, headquartered in New Delhi, and operating under the Ministry of Science and Technology.