Joshi Inaugurates NISE’s PV Lab, Eyes Global Solar Leadership

23 Apr 2025 CW Team

Calling the lab a game-changer, the Minister said it would set global benchmarks in solar R&D, testing, and certification, while bolstering India's Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and its ambitions to become a solar manufacturing powerhouse. The facility is equipped to test new-age photovoltaic modules for which no international standards currently exist, and it aligns with BIS norms for quality assurance.

He also praised NISE for training over 55,000 Suryamitras, and supporting local livelihoods in Ladakh by installing over 300 solar dryer-cum-heating systems for farmers. With the new lab, Joshi said, India would further strengthen its technical capabilities and global research presence.

India’s Renewable Leap: Shri Joshi highlighted India’s solar growth from 2.82 GW in 2014 to over 106 GW today—a 3700% rise—alongside a manufacturing boom from 2 GW to 80 GW. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, including 292 GW of solar, as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Pushing the Innovation Frontier: The Minister emphasised research in emerging solar technologies such as perovskite cells, bifacial panels, AI-driven solar forecasting, building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), and solar-powered EV charging. He urged NISE to collaborate globally and push the boundaries of innovation and patents.

Global Solar Synergy and Earth Day Commitment: During a review meeting of the International Solar Alliance, Joshi called for enhanced global cooperation. Commemorating Earth Day, he also planted a sapling as part of PM Modi’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign—symbolising a greener future and tribute to motherhood.

Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Shri Pralhad Joshi, inaugurated the cutting-edge PV Module Testing and Calibration Lab at the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) in Gwal Pahari, Haryana—marking a major milestone in India’s journey towards clean energy leadership. Calling the lab a game-changer, the Minister said it would set global benchmarks in solar R&D, testing, and certification, while bolstering India's Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and its ambitions to become a solar manufacturing powerhouse. The facility is equipped to test new-age photovoltaic modules for which no international standards currently exist, and it aligns with BIS norms for quality assurance. He also praised NISE for training over 55,000 Suryamitras, and supporting local livelihoods in Ladakh by installing over 300 solar dryer-cum-heating systems for farmers. With the new lab, Joshi said, India would further strengthen its technical capabilities and global research presence. India’s Renewable Leap: Shri Joshi highlighted India’s solar growth from 2.82 GW in 2014 to over 106 GW today—a 3700% rise—alongside a manufacturing boom from 2 GW to 80 GW. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, including 292 GW of solar, as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Pushing the Innovation Frontier: The Minister emphasised research in emerging solar technologies such as perovskite cells, bifacial panels, AI-driven solar forecasting, building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), and solar-powered EV charging. He urged NISE to collaborate globally and push the boundaries of innovation and patents. Global Solar Synergy and Earth Day Commitment: During a review meeting of the International Solar Alliance, Joshi called for enhanced global cooperation. Commemorating Earth Day, he also planted a sapling as part of PM Modi’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign—symbolising a greener future and tribute to motherhood.

Infrastructure Urban

08 Oct 2025

Kashmir Receives First-Ever Automobile Consignment By Rail

In a landmark moment for Jammu and Kashmir’s transport infrastructure, the Valley has received its first-ever automobile consignment by rail, signalling a major advancement in freight connectivity.A freight rake carrying over 100 vehicles arrived early this morning at the newly operational Goods Shed in Anantnag, South Kashmir. The train, dispatched from Maruti Suzuki India Limited’s Gati Shakti Terminal in Manesar, Haryana, completed its 850-kilometre journey in approximately 45 hours.Officials described the successful operation as a “significant leap forward” in Kashmir’s logistics..

Infrastructure Transport

08 Oct 2025

Kilambakkam Station, Skywalk Opening Delayed To January 2026

The long-awaited Kilambakkam railway station and pedestrian skywalk connecting it to the Kilambakkam Kalaignar Centenary Bus Terminus (KCBT) will now open only by January 2026, after multiple construction delays by both the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) and Southern Railway. The postponement has left thousands of commuters struggling with poor connectivity during the ongoing festive season.Located nearly 25 kilometres from Chennai, KCBT serves as a major hub for mofussil and SETC buses heading to districts across Tamil Nadu. In the absence of train connectivity, commuters a..

Infrastructure Transport

08 Oct 2025

Railways Clears Rs 1.12 Billion Six-Lane Bridge Near Amaravati

The Ministry of Railways has approved the construction of a six-lane road over bridge (ROB) at the E13 extension road between Mangalagiri and Krishna Canal stations in Andhra Pradesh, at an estimated cost of Rs 1.12 billion. The project, fully funded by the Railways, aims to improve regional connectivity and ease traffic flow towards the Amaravati Capital Region.The proposed bridge will provide a crucial link between National Highway-16 (NH-16) and Amaravati, crossing the busy Chennai–Howrah railway line near Vijayawada. Initially planned as a four-lane structure, the design has been upgrade..