India’s solar energy capacity increased 13 times in last 6 yrs: PM Modi

New Delhi: With only two months to go for the Assembly elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday dedicated two mega power projects to Kerala in a big to boost the infrastructure in the southern state of the country.

Stating that the people of Kerala make “rich contributions to India’s progress”, the PM said that the development works starting today are spread across all parts of Kerala and cover a wide range of sectors that will power and empower “this beautiful state”.

“It is a pleasure to dedicate yet another clean energy asset of 50 MW capacity – the Kasargod solar project. This will be a step in achieving the green and clean energy dream of our country... I seek the support of the people of Kerala so that we can move forward to realise the shared vision of togetherness and development,” PM Modi said during the virtual conference.

He said that “work is also underway to connect our hardworking farmers with the solar sector – make our ‘Annadatas’ also ‘Urjadatas’.

“Work is also underway to connect our hardworking farmers with the solar sector - make our Annadatas also Urjadatas. In the last six years, India’s solar energy capacity is up 13 times. India is devoting great importance to solar energy. There will now be access to power with reliability. It is equally important to strengthen intra-state transmission network for delivery of power to households and industrial units,” the Prime Minister said.

Modi said that Thrissur will hereon not only be a cultural centre of Kerala, but also a power centre.

“Thrissur is an important cultural centre of Kerala and will now also be the power centre. This system will facilitate transfer of large quantum of power to meet the growing power demands of the state. The 200 MW state-of-the-art Pugalur-Thrissur high voltage direct current system is being inaugurated today,” he said.

The developmental works starting today are spread across the state and cover several sectors and they will empower this beautiful state whose people are making rich contributions to India's progress, he said.

“Another aspect that makes me happy about this project is – the HVDC equipment used in this project have been made in India. This makes the Aatmanirbhar Bharat movement stronger… It is also the first time the VHC converter technology has been introduced in India for transmission. It is a moment of pride for all of us,” he said.

Taking note of India’s gains in solar energy, he said, “Our gains in solar energy ensure: (1) a stronger fight against climate change, (2) a boost to our entrepreneurs… India has brought the world together through the International Solar Alliance.