Union Minister of New & Renewable Energy, Shri Pralhad Joshi, announced that India is taking a major step in clean energy with the release of the updated Solar PV Potential Assessment Report and the inauguration of the first Training Programme on Solar Cell and Module Manufacturing at the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), Gurugram, under the aegis of Seva Parv.

Addressing a gathering at MNRE headquarters, Shri Joshi highlighted that these initiatives advance India’s target of 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, energy independence by 2047, and net-zero emissions by 2070. India has already surpassed 250 GW of non-fossil installed capacity and achieved a 50 per cent non-fossil share in installed capacity five years ahead of schedule.

India has established a robust domestic manufacturing base, with over 100 GW of solar PV module capacity and more than 20 GW of wind turbine manufacturing capacity annually, reflecting the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

The updated report by NISE, an autonomous institute under MNRE, provides a scientific, spatially resolved assessment of India’s ground-mounted solar PV potential. Using high-resolution GIS, satellite datasets, and refined land-use models, the study estimates feasible ground-mounted solar potential at approximately 3,343 GWp, utilising roughly 6.69 per cent of identified wasteland.

While regions such as Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra remain highly suitable due to irradiance and land availability, many other states also show significant potential. The report offers a policy-linked, investment-ready framework for project siting, infrastructure development, and private sector participation, supporting India’s Panchamrit commitments announced at COP26.

Shri Joshi also inaugurated India’s first Training Programme on Solar Cell and Module Manufacturing at NISE. The initiative aims to develop skilled manpower for the solar sector, already boasting over 100 GW of module manufacturing and 15 GW of solar cell manufacturing capacity. The programme offers hands-on training in advanced manufacturing, quality control, and global best practices, strengthening India’s self-reliant and globally competitive solar ecosystem.

The Minister engaged with 28 women trainees from 15 countries participating in the International Training Programme on Solar Energy Technologies and Applications for Women. Highlighting PM Modi’s Solar Didi initiative, Shri Joshi emphasised the pivotal role of women in India’s renewable energy transition.