PM lays foundation stone of 45 MW solar PV plant in Gujarat, says India moving towards reducing carbon footprint

• Modi laid the foundation stone of 45 MW Production Plant of Monocrystalline Solar PhotoVoltaic Panel and Centre of Excellence on Water Technology

• The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the country will achieve its renewable energy generation target 'before time'

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that India is moving forward with the goal of reducing its carbon footprint by 30-35 percent and increasing the share of natural gas in the country's energy basket by four times in this decade. "Work is on to double the oil refining capacity in the next five years, Energy security related startup ecosystem is being strengthened and a fund has been created for students and professionals," said the PM. While addressing the 8th convocation of Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, Modi also laid the foundation stone of 45 MW Production Plant of Monocrystalline Solar PhotoVoltaic Panel and Centre of Excellence on Water Technology. He also inaugurated Innovation and Incubation Centre – Technology Business Incubation, Translational Research Centre and Sports Complex at the University.

India will achieve its RE target before time: Modi

The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the country will achieve its renewable energy generation target "before time." "Today, per unit cost (of solar power) has come down to less than Rs 2 from Rs 12-13 earlier. Today, solar power has become the country's priority. We have made a commitment to generate 175 gigawatt renewable energy and I am confident that we will achieve this before 2022," he said.

"Also, our renewable energy target of 450 gigawatt by 2030, a big aim, will be achieved before time…I am confident of that," he added.

'Oil & gas sector will see investment of crores of rupees in this decade'

While asserting that the oil and gas sector will see an investment of crores of rupees in this decade, Modi said that it will create opportunities for the graduating students of the university in the fields of research, manufacturing and others. He also said that work is underway to strengthen the start-ups ecosystem in the energy sector and a special fund has been allocated for the purpose. "If you have any idea, product or any concept which you want to incubate, then this fund will be a good opportunity for you, and a gift from the government," he said.

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PM suggests changing name of PDPU to PD Energy University

Modi also suggested changing the name of the Petroleum University to Energy University. "Looking at the requirement of the country and the world, and the way the university has taken its shape, I would request the state government to, if required, change the law, to better convert its name as an Energy University. Its expansion as Energy University will benefit the country a lot," he said.

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