OREANDA-NEWS. February 17, 2015. Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of State for Power, Coal and New and Renewable Energy has said that RE-INVEST 2015 is going to be the game changer in terms of India’s growing Renewable story, setting new targets, new paradigms of growth and will demonstrate to the world India’s commitment to a Clean and Green future. He was speaking at the maiden “Talkathon with a Union Minister by PIB” on the topic #REInvest2015 organized in the sidelines of the global conference here. During 30 minute live event which was based on integration of social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook and You Tube, the Minister took about 20 questions put forward by the people across the globe. The Talkathon @#REInvest with Shri Piyush Goyal was webcast live on www.youtube.com/inbministry & www.india.gov.in.

Shri Goyal said the government hopes to connect with the people of the country by providing 24X7 power particularly in the remote corners of the nation through off-grid solutions, micro-grid. The Minister hoped that the solar rooftop programme would reach every home in the country. He said, with support and enthusiasm shown from all the corners will make this programme a grand success and India will meet its challenging target.

Shri Piyush Goyal said all the initiatives in the renewable sector is aimed at creating new jobs through setting up of solar and wind power plants, its operation, repair and maintenance, all of these are going to be job creators. He envisaged that this conference alone could create one million jobs for India. The Minister said that the government has the political will and there is no dearth of money for new initiatives. The Minister added that the government on a war-footing basis has started setting up of universities and skill development centres in different parts of the country. The government has also plans for promoting ‘solar entrepreneurs’ in a big way. Welcoming a suggestion which came up in a tweet of using solar panels in trains, Shri Goyal said he will take up the matter with the Railway Minister and ascertain its technical feasibility.

Replying to a volley of questions on smart metering and Transmission & Distribution issues, the Minister said that he had directed his officials to prepare an action plan for establishing cost effective Smart Metering and Smart Grid which will help preventing the power theft and ultimately reducing the cost of power. Shri Piyush Goyal also informed that a dialogue has already been started with state governments on improving the Distribution networks. And next month another conclave of state power ministers will be held. The Minister said the government is embarking up on a mission mode project with an investment close to 3 lakh crore rupees in the next 4 to 5 years to enhance the transmission and distribution infrastructure to make a seamless grid across India. Hailing the innovative capacity of the young generation, Shri Piyush Goyal urged the youth of the country to get connected with all programs of the government which is aimed to the last man in the street.