Modi calls for setting up model solar cities

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for the setting up of some model solar cities in the country where the power requirement is fulfilled solely by solar energy. He made this proposal while reviewing the progress of key infrastructure sectors including petroleum and natural gas, power, renewable energy and housing.

The review meeting, which came soon after the review of connectivity-related infrastructure sectors in the last week of April, was attended by top officials from PMO, NITI Aayog and all infrastructure Ministries of the Government of India.

The PM also emphasised that manufacturing of solar equipment should be given priority, to drive employment generation, and derive maximum benefit from the renewable energy drive.

According to a PMO release, the total renewable generation capacity has crossed 57 GW, with an increase of 24.5 per cent being registered in 2016-17. The capacity addition in solar energy in 2017-18 was the highest-ever, at 81 per cent. Solar and wind tariffs have now achieved grid parity, with rates well below Rs 4 per KwH.