Excelsior Correspondent
SAHIBABAD (UP), June 26: Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath and Union Science & Technology Minister today laid the foundation stone and performed the Bhumi Pujan of a state-of-the-art “Green Data Centre” – a collaboration between Central Electronics Limited (CEL), a Govt of India PSU affiliated with CSIR under Ministry of Science & Technology and ESDS – at Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh.
The project with 30 MW capacity, entails an investment of about Rs 1,000 crore.
Describing the state-of-the-art data centre as a “milestone in India’s journey toward becoming a self-reliant global digital power,” Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized its strategic importance.
Yogi Adityanath lauded Central Electronics Limited (CEL) for its pioneering contributions in solar photovoltaic technology. He acknowledged that CEL’s advanced solar panel technology played a crucial role in implementing solar-based electricity solutions across tribal and remote regions of the state, helping bring renewable energy to the last mile.
The Chief Minister emphasized that CEL’s impact extends far beyond the defence sector, contributing significantly to areas like digital literacy and railway safety. He noted that CEL’s innovations have helped bridge development gaps and strengthen critical infrastructure, reaffirming its role as a key enabler in India’s inclusive growth journey.
Green Data Centre is designed and operated with a focus on minimizing environmental impact and maximizing energy efficiency. This involves the use of energy-efficient technologies, renewable energy sources, and sustainable practices to reduce carbon footprint and resource consumption.
Recalling CEL’s historic legacy, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, and MoS in the Prime Minister Office, Dept. of Space and Atomic Energy shared that it was established in 1974 with the objective of commercially exploiting indigenous technologies developed by national laboratories and R&D institutions in the country. He highlighted how this pioneering PSU introduced India’s first solar cell in 1977 – long before the world recognized the potential of solar energy. In recent years, however, CEL faced a severe financial crisis and was on the verge of being disinvested. Through a successful Public-Private Partnership model, CEL underwent a remarkable transformation and was awarded “Mini Ratna” status last year.
Dr. Jitendra Singh also underlined CEL’s contributions to strategic sectors, noting that it has developed numerous critical components for defence applications. He specifically referred to the radars used in the Akash Missile System, which proved instrumental during Operation Sindoor, showcasing India’s technological strength. “Not limited to defence alone, it is a trusted name in innovation-led manufacturing across Defence, Railways, and Solar sectors,” he added.
“This transformation of CEL is a model for other PSUs – a story of revival, resilience, and responsibility through strategic collaboration,” said Dr. Singh.
Dr Jitendra Singh announced the establishment of a Biotechnology Industrial Park in Lucknow and the hosting of a Startup Conclave in Uttar Pradesh after the Independence Day celebrations, underlining the state’s growing prominence as an innovation and entrepreneurship hub. He expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for his unwavering support to science and innovation and recalled his role in inaugurating the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) building in Gomti Nagar, Lucknow.
Emphasizing India’s vision of “Viksit Bharat @2047,” Dr. Jitendra Singh called for collaborative national efforts: “Science, Technology, and Innovation must be a collaborative mission. We need to synergize the capabilities of the Government and the private sector to unlock India’s true potential,” he asserted.
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