Union Minister Jitendra Singh dedicates 200 MW Solar Module Manufacturing Line of Central Electronics Limited to the Nation

📌 Summary:

• Union MoS (I/C) for Science & Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh dedicated the 200 MW Solar Module Manufacturing Line of Central Electronics Limited (CEL) to the nation on 14 May 2026
• He said renewable and clean energy will play a major role in achieving India's net-zero emissions target by 2070, with India expanding capabilities across solar, wind, nuclear and ocean-based energy through an integrated approach
• CEL has historic significance: it manufactured India's first solar cell in 1977 and established the country's first solar plant in 1979
• The Minister highlighted CEL's turnaround from an institution once on the verge of disinvestment into a profit-making, revenue-generating Mini Ratna enterprise — an example of institutional revival through leadership, policy support and operational discipline
• He said India's clean energy and strategic technology sectors are entering a transformative phase driven by public-private partnership and indigenous innovation

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS3 — renewable energy and India's net-zero by 2070 commitment; indigenous manufacturing in the solar value chain; revival of public sector enterprises.

📝 Prelims Facts:

• Central Electronics Limited (CEL) is a Mini Ratna public sector enterprise under the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR)
• CEL manufactured India's first solar cell in 1977 and set up India's first solar plant in 1979
• India's net-zero emissions target year is 2070
• The new facility has a capacity of 200 MW for solar module manufacturing

🔑 Key Term: Net-zero emissions — a state where greenhouse gas emissions released are balanced by an equivalent amount removed from the atmosphere; India has committed to achieving it by 2070.