New Delhi, Sept 13 (KNN) Inaugurating the a 2.4-megawatt capacity solar power plant on Monday at Pondicherry University in the Union Territory of Puducherry Vice President, M. Venkaiah Naidu called States to promote setting up of manufacturing plants for solar PV cells and modules to accelerate their production in India.

Observing that India still relies heavily on imported components such as solar cells and modules, he stressed the importance of ‘Atma Nirbharta’ in solar energy through active participation of the states. He also called for encouraging small players in the industry in this regard.

Noting that India’s potential for growth in the renewable energy sector over the next few years, the vice president said that the lack of a trained force is a bottleneck in our exponential growth in the sector. He suggested investing in training and upskilling the workforce in adopting the latest technologies and cited the instance of the scheme of ‘Surya Mitras’.

During the event, he expressed his concern over climate change and its impact. He emphasised that green energies such as solar, wind and small hydro offer a viable alternative to meet our growing energy needs.

Observing that India was fast becoming a global leader in ‘energy transition’, he noted that with over 40 Gigawatts of installed solar capacity, India is ranked fifth globally in solar power capacity.

Stressing the importance of innovation in the solar sector, the vice president suggested exploring alternative avenues to install ground-mounted PV systems. In this context, he cited the instance of floating solar plants on water, particularly the NTPC’s floating solar power plant of 100 MW capacity at Ramagundam in Telangana. He pointed out that rooftop-mounted solar plants are a sustainable option and need to be encouraged.

The Vice President also called upon universities to proactively take up research and projects which have a component of renewable energy. He advised educational institutions to encourage students to take up final year projects and internships in the field of renewable energy and in material sciences.

“This will not only improve their employment prospects but will also help in promoting innovations and improvements in our domestic solar industry”, he added.

Lt. Governor of Puducherry, Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan, Chief Minister, N. Rangasamy, Speaker, Puducherry Assembly, Shri Embalam R. Selvam, Member of Puducherry Legislative Assembly, P.M.L. Kalyana Sundaram, Vice Chancellor of Pondicherry University, Prof. Gurmeet Singh, Director of Studies, Dr S. Balakrishnan and others were present during the event.