Government Approves Scheme To Mandate Installation Of 12 GW Solar Power In PSUs Using Locally-Sourced Panels 

The Cabinet Committee of Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by PM Narendra Modi on Wednesday (6 January) approved a proposal to make it mandatory for central public sector units (CPSUs) to install 12 GW of solar power projects using locally-sourced solar panels.

“The 12,000 MW or more capacity of grid connected solar power projects will be set up by the Government Producers in 4 years period, i.e. 2019-20 to 2022-23, as per the terms and conditions specified in Government Producer Scheme. The Scheme will mandate use of both solar photovoltaic (SPV) cells and modules manufactured domestically as per specifications and testing requirements fixed by MNRE,” said a government release.

The scheme, which is expected to bring investment worth Rs 48,000 crore, will generate sufficient demand for domestically produced solar PV cells and modules for the next three to four years.

“It will also boost "Make-in-lndia" by encouraging Government Producers to procure solar cells and modules from domestic manufacturers,” said a release. Over 1,20,000 additional employment opportunities are predicted to be created in the country.

Revolution In The Making

Commenting on the progress made by the country in clean energy generation, Piyush Goyal, in his 2019-20 budget speech, said that solar production in the country increased ten times over the last ten years.

While India is building the world’s largest solar power plant in Ladakh with a capacity of 5000 MW, Madhya Pradesh is all set to establish India’s biggest floating solar power plant of 100 MW at Indira Sagar Reservoir in Khandwa,

Also Read: Power Ministry’s New ‘Sun Calendar’: Notifies Shorter Timelines For Solar Power Projects