PM asks BHEL to help develop solar power technology
02 Aug 2013
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today called upon the country's top power gear maker Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) to help further develop solar power technology so that the country can tap the full potential of this perennial source of energy.
Development of permanent sources of energy such as solar and wind power is key to India achieving self-sufficiency in its energy needs.
The government's Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission's success has the potential to enhance India's energy security, the prime minister said.
He was speaking at a function organised to dedicate the Rs1,000-crore high pressure boiler unit-II being set up by BHEL at Thirumayam, in Southern Tamil Nadu and the Rs300 crore power plant piping unit at Tiruchirapalli (Trichy).
The prime minister said the government's solar mission seeks to develop 20,000 MW of power generating capacity by the end of the 13th Plan and the mission's success has the potential of enhancing India's energy security while at the same time combating climate change.
The prime minister today dedicated BHEL's Rs1,000 crore high pressure boiler unit-II, a greenfield initiative, and the Rs300 crore power plant piping unit to the nation.
Together, the units will provide employment to about 8,000 people.
BHEL has invested Rs350 crore for the power piping plant, including Rs100 crore for civil works and Rs250 crore for machinery.