Looking forward to replicate the success of IT industry, solar industry leaders have lauded the in-principle approval to the National Solar Plan. Targeting a 20,000-mw generation in the first phase by 2020, the plan was approved by the Prime Minister?s Council on Climate Change on August 3. The plan is also expected to link up Indian industry with global leaders.
Tata BP Solar CEO K Subramanya said, ?We look forward to early implementation of steps that will steer India towards a sustainable energy pathway.?
Moser Baer Photo Voltaic CEO Rajiv Arya said, ?We see it as a major step on the part of the government to put a definitive agenda in place for accelerating solar energy growth in India. It will be beneficial for manufacturers like us.?
Voicing similar benefits Lanco Infratech solar energy division CEO Saibaba V said, ?The national solar mission will open up opportunities for many players to set up base in the country. Even global companies are looking to start manufacturing activities in India.?
Solar Semiconductor vice-president Ravi Surapaneni added, ?With favourable policies and support, solar industry will undergo rapid growth like the telecom industry.?
The climate council is expected to meet in a month?s time after the suggestions made by the council members are incorporated in the plan and a road map is drawn up by the PMO, lead by special envoy on climate change Shyam Saran.
Saying that the government?s commitment to the plan is evident by the fact that senior Cabinet ministers attended the meeting, a member of the climate change council Sunita Narain underlined, ?We have to enhance our ability to implement the plan now. We must not underestimate the challenges.? India may need an enabling framework to deal with financial and technological issues, added Narain, who is director of Centre for Science & Environment.