Central Electronics Ltd. (CEL) has commissioned its 200 MW solar module manufacturing line at Sahibabad, Uttar Pradesh. Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, inaugurated the facility.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Singh said renewable and clean energy will play a major role in India’s growth trajectory under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as the country moves towards its net-zero emissions target by 2070.
The Minister stated that India is rapidly expanding its capabilities across multiple non-fossil energy domains, including solar, wind, nuclear and ocean-based energy systems. He added that the country is pursuing an integrated approach towards clean energy expansion and sustainable development.
Describing the operationalisation of the 200 MW manufacturing line as a significant milestone for India’s clean energy ecosystem, Dr. Singh said the facility reflects growing confidence in indigenous manufacturing and renewable energy expansion.
Recalling CEL’s historic role in India’s renewable energy journey, the Minister said the company manufactured India’s first solar cell in 1977 and established the country’s first solar plant in 1979. He noted that although CEL’s early contributions did not receive adequate recognition at the time, the organisation is now regaining national prominence.
Dr. Singh further highlighted CEL’s transformation from an organisation once facing disinvestment into a profit-making Mini Ratna enterprise, attributing the turnaround to policy support, operational discipline and the collective efforts of scientists, engineers and employees.
He also appreciated the speed of execution of the project, noting that the Request for Proposal (RFP) was floated on April 24, 2025, the successful bidder was selected within one month, and the manufacturing line became operational in less than a year.
The Minister said CEL is also expanding into emerging sectors, including vertical axis wind turbines, hybrid renewable systems, data centres, advanced defence electronics, electronic warfare systems and small weapon systems.
The event witnessed technology collaboration initiatives between CEL and laboratories under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in renewable energy and indigenous systems development. Dr. Singh welcomed technology transfer initiatives involving CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories and CEL for the Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) and the indigenous Drishti Transmissometer System.
