Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh today dedicated the 200 MW Solar Module Manufacturing Line of Central Electronics Limited (CEL) to the nation and said renewable energy and clean energy are set to play a major role in India’s growth trajectory under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
Dr. Jitendra Singh said PM Shri Narendra Modi has set a national target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 and India is rapidly expanding its capabilities across multiple non-fossil energy domains including solar energy, wind energy, nuclear energy and ocean-based energy systems.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, the Minister said each renewable energy source has its own utility and importance, and India is moving ahead with an integrated approach towards clean energy expansion and sustainable development.
Secretary, DSIR and Director General, CSIR, Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, CMD, CEL, Shri Chetan Jain, senior scientists, directors of CSIR laboratories, officers of CEL and distinguished guests were present on the occasion. The event also witnessed important technology collaboration initiatives between CSIR laboratories and CEL in areas linked to renewable energy and indigenous systems development.
Dr. Jitendra Singh described the operationalisation of the 200 MW Solar Module Manufacturing Line as a major milestone for India’s clean energy ecosystem and said the facility reflects the country’s growing confidence in indigenous manufacturing and renewable energy expansion.
Recalling CEL’s historic contribution to India’s renewable energy journey, the Minister said India’s first solar cell was manufactured by CEL in 1977 and the country’s first solar plant was also established by the organisation in 1979. He remarked that despite such pioneering achievements, CEL’s contribution did not receive the recognition it deserved at that time, but the institution is now gaining renewed national visibility and relevance.
Dr. Jitendra Singh said CEL’s transformation from an institution once on the verge of disinvestment into a profit-making, revenue-generating Mini Ratna enterprise is a remarkable example of institutional revival. He said the turnaround reflects determined leadership, policy support, operational discipline and the collective efforts of scientists, engineers and employees associated with the organisation.
The Minister appreciated the speed with which the new manufacturing line was established. He noted that the Request for Proposal for the project was floated on 24 April 2025, the successful bidder was selected within one month and the manufacturing facility became operational in less than a year.
Dr. Jitendra Singh said CEL is now expanding into future-oriented sectors including vertical axis wind turbines, hybrid renewable systems, data centres, advanced defence electronics, electronic warfare and small weapon systems, reflecting India’s growing technological confidence and strategic preparedness.
Referring to the Government’s policy reforms in strategic sectors, the Minister said India has opened up sectors like space and nuclear energy to greater private participation and is moving ahead with ambitious plans involving advanced nuclear technologies and small modular reactors.
Dr. Jitendra Singh also welcomed the technology transfer initiatives involving CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories and CEL for the Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) and the new-generation Drishti Transmissometer System. He said technologies developed in national laboratories must increasingly move towards commercialization and public use through industry partnerships.
The Minister expressed satisfaction that the new-generation Drishti Transmissometer System has now become fully indigenous and said indigenous technologies strengthen national confidence, manufacturing capability and strategic self-reliance.
Dr. Jitendra Singh said the dedication of the 200 MW Solar Module Manufacturing Line marks another important step towards Viksit Bharat 2047 and reflects India’s growing capability to convert scientific excellence into national development.