PM asks BHEL to take lead in solar tech development

Says the solar mission seeks to develop 20,000 Mw by the end of the 13th Five Year Plan

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has asked Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) to not only take lead in solar energy generation but also in the development of solar power technology in India. The government's Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission success had the potential to enhance India's energy security, he said.

In his speech after dedicating the Rs 1,000-crore high pressure boiler plant unit-II, a greenfield initiative, and the Rs 300 crore power plant piping unit at Thirumayam, south Tamil Nadu, set up by the public sector unit, the PM said the solar mission seeks to develop 20,000 Mw by the end of the 13th Five Year Plan.

"India plans to add over 100,000 Mw including renewable energy in the 12th Plan. In the 11th Plan period the country added around 55,000 Mw of generation capacity, out of this, BHEL alone accounted for almost half. This shows the critical role the company plays in one of the key sectors of our economy," he said.

The Prime minister also highlighted the country needs to develop ways and means to reduce carbon footprint through technological innovation as 50 per cent of the power comes from coal-based generation, which is a major emitter of greenhouse gases.