Minister Pralhad Joshi Inaugurated 5.4 GW Solar Cell Plant In Gujarat

Gandhinagar, Mar 31 (KNN) Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi inaugurated a state-of-the-art 5.4 GW solar cell manufacturing facility operated by Waaree Energy at Chikhali in Gujarat. 

The ceremony marked a significant milestone in India's renewable energy sector, with the plant being hailed as the country's largest solar cell production facility.

The inauguration was attended by several dignitaries including Union Minister of Jal Shakti C.R. Patil, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel, and several state ministers including Kanubhai Desai, Harshbhai Sanghvi, Mukeshbhai Patel, and P.P. Chaudhary.

In his address, Minister Joshi emphasised that the new facility represents a decisive step toward strengthening India's domestic solar supply chain and reducing import dependence. 

He described the plant as an embodiment of India's growing expertise in the global renewable energy landscape, aligning with the national vision of establishing the country as a manufacturing hub for clean energy technologies.

The minister highlighted the remarkable progress made in India's renewable energy sector since 2014, noting that the country has risen to become the third largest in renewable energy capacity worldwide. 

He pointed to the extraordinary increase in solar power capacity, from 2.82 GW in 2014 to 104 GW today, representing a growth of 3,580 percent.

Minister Joshi also detailed the expansion of the solar manufacturing ecosystem in India, stating that module production capacity has grown from 2 GW in 2014 to 80 GW today. 

He noted that solar cell and wafer production, which was nonexistent in 2014, has now reached 25 GW and 2 GW respectively.

Looking ahead, the minister announced new government guidelines requiring all solar PV modules used in projects to source their solar cells from the Approved List of Manufacturers (ALM list-II) starting from June 1, 2026. 

He expressed confidence that by 2030, India's solar module production would reach 150 GW, solar cell capacity would increase to 100 GW, and wafer production would reach 40 GW.

The minister credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi with transforming India's approach to environmental sustainability, referencing India's co-founding of the International Solar Alliance to accelerate global solar energy development, which now includes over 100 member countries. 

He also highlighted the "One Sun, One World, One Grid" initiative as evidence of India's leadership in the new global energy order.

Minister Joshi praised Gujarat as a model state for renewable energy development, noting that renewables comprise 57 percent of the state's total energy capacity. 

He encouraged other states to adopt Gujarat's model of creating a conducive environment for industry and investing in renewable energy.

Citing the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025, the minister stated that the green transition will generate approximately 170 million jobs globally by 2030, with the new solar cell manufacturing facility expected to contribute significantly to job creation for both local residents and professionals.

The minister concluded by emphasising the need to boost participation in government initiatives such as the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijili Yojana, under which 3.85 lakh installations have been completed so far. 

He expressed pride that the new facility, at full capacity, will contribute to establishing India as a global powerhouse in solar energy production.

(KNN Bureau)