Union Cabinet approved the proposal to set-up National Institute of Solar Energy for R&D

The Union Cabinet of India on 3 September 2013 approved the proposal for setting up of an autonomous National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE). The NISE will act as an apex national center for research and development and related activities in the area of solar energy technologies in India. It will also assist the Government to look forward towards the development aspects of the sector.

The National Institute of Solar Energy will be established by converting Solar Energy Centre (SEC), Gurgaon with a long term vision to develop it as a world class institute.

The Government would set-up a national team in the form of a Review-cum-Strategy Formulation Committee representation from industry, the scientific community, financial institutions to prepare a blue print. The committee will be responsible for various models available in the country and outside and prepare a roadmap for the Institute.

Background

Setting up of an Apex National Centre For Solar Energy is a part of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM), which was considered by the Prime Minister`s Council on Climate Change in August 2009. The Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission and other related proposals were approved by the Government of India in November 2009. While approving the JNNSM, the Government also approved specific targets and budget for the first phase of the Mission till March, 2013. This includes R&D in solar energy, setting up of a Centre of Excellence as an apex centre on different aspects of solar energy technologies.

Comment

The technologies related to the field of solar energy are constantly evolving and to accelerate the process of development in the sector, National Institute of Solar Energy is a good idea of the Government.