Is India Among the Top 5 Countries in Solar Energy?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- India is among the top five countries in solar energy capacity.
- The new ethanol plant in Assam will benefit local farmers.
- Government support for bamboo cultivation is essential for sustainable energy production.
- Assam is a key player in India's Semiconductor Mission.
- Investment in renewable energy is crucial for economic growth.
Golaghat (Assam), Sep 14 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday emphasized that India is swiftly advancing in the domain of green energy and renewable power generation.
He noted that a decade prior, India was significantly behind in solar power production. Today, however, India proudly stands among the top five nations worldwide in solar energy capacity.
"In these evolving times, India needs alternative fuels to lessen its reliance on oil and gas," the Prime Minister stated, highlighting ethanol as a practical solution.
He mentioned that the newly inaugurated ethanol production plant utilizing bamboo would greatly enhance the livelihoods of farmers and tribal communities in Assam.
PM Modi pointed out that steps are being taken to ensure a consistent supply of bamboo for the bio-ethanol plant's operation, assuring that the government will assist local farmers in bamboo cultivation and directly procure it.
He announced the establishment of small bamboo chipping units in the region, revealing that about Rs 200 crore will be invested annually in this sector, benefiting thousands of locals.
Reinforcing that India is now producing ethanol from bamboo, the Prime Minister reflected on a time when cutting bamboo could lead to imprisonment under the opposition-led government.
He reiterated that bamboo is a crucial element in the daily lives of tribal communities, which had previously faced restrictions.
PM Modi underscored that the current government lifted the ban on bamboo cutting, resulting in substantial advantages for the people of the North East.
He noted that Assam is pivotal in the journey toward Aatmanirbhar Bharat as the state has been selected for the significant Semiconductor Mission.
Expressing his confidence in Assam's potential, PM Modi highlighted how Assam Tea evolved from obscurity during colonial times into a global brand through the efforts of its people.
The Prime Minister stressed that India's self-sufficiency now hinges on two essential sectors: energy and semiconductors, with Assam playing a critical role in both.
He explained that from bank cards and smartphones to automobiles, aircraft, and space missions, the essence of each electronic device is encapsulated in a small electronic chip.
He asserted that if India aspires to manufacture these products domestically, it must also produce its own chips.
To facilitate this, India has initiated the Semiconductor Mission, with Assam serving as a cornerstone of this endeavor.
PM Modi highlighted the rapid construction of a semiconductor factory in Morigaon, boasting an investment of Rs 27,000 crore, a source of immense pride for Assam.