New Delhi: The Union Minister for the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) Pralhad Joshi on Tuesday inaugurated the first Training Program on Solar Cell and Module Manufacturing at National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), Gurugram under the aegis of Seva Parv. On the occasion, he also released the updated Solar PV Potential Assessment Report at the MNRE headquarters.
The training programme on solar cell and module manufacturing has been designed to build technical capacity and develop a skilled workforce in line with India’s growing solar manufacturing sector, which has already achieved 100+ GW of installed module manufacturing capacity and 15 + GW of solar cell manufacturing capacity.
The course will provide hands-on training in advanced manufacturing processes, quality control protocols, and global best practices, thereby contributing to the creation of a self-reliant and globally competitive solar manufacturing ecosystem.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that India is writing a new chapter in clean energy history. He underlined that these initiatives mark a decisive step towards achieving India’s target of 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, ensuring energy independence by 2047 and fulfilling the net-zero commitment by 2070.
The Minister also highlighted that India has already crossed 250 GW of non-fossil installed electricity capacity and achieved the NDC target of 50 percent non-fossil share in installed capacity, five years ahead of the 2030 deadline. He noted that India has created a strong domestic manufacturing base with over 100 GW of solar PV module capacity and more than 20 GW of wind turbine manufacturing capacity annually, showcasing the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
According to Solar PV Potential Assessment Report, India possesses one of the world’s richest solar resources, with average irradiance ranging from 3.5 to 5.5 kWh/m²/day across much of the country. Recognising this opportunity, NISE has undertaken an updated, scientific, and spatially resolved assessment of India’s ground-mounted solar PV potential.
The new report builds on the earlier 2014 estimate of 749 GWp and incorporates cutting-edge methodologies, including high-resolution GIS, satellite-derived datasets, and refined land-use models.
The Minister interacted with 28 women trainees from 15 nations participating in the International Training Programme on Solar Energy Technologies and Applications for Women. He emphasised that India’s clean energy transition is not only about technology, but also about people and empowerment.
Highlighting PM Modi’s vision of Solar Didi, he said Nari Shakti is at the forefront of the renewable energy journey. He also noted the significance of launching the initiatives during Seva Parv and Navratri, reflecting the spirit of collective service and the strength of divine feminine energy in driving India’s clean energy transition.
The Union Minister said that the dual initiatives of releasing the updated Solar PV Potential Assessment Report and launching the training programme on solar manufacturing mark a defining moment in India’s renewable energy journey. He underlined that these steps will provide the scientific roadmap, skilled manpower, and manufacturing strength required to realise the vision of Viksit Bharat. With sustained efforts, partnerships with global and domestic stakeholders, and the active participation of citizens, India is poised to emerge as a global leader in the clean energy transition while ensuring energy security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.
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