The Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on Monday advocated creation of Solar Valleys on the lines of Silicon Valleys to meet the growing demand of power and also a part of efforts to combat climate change. These valleys will become hubs for solar science, engineering and research, fabrication and manufacturing, launching the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission in New Delhi he asked industrial houses to view the Solar Mission as a huge business opportunity. Referring to the role of industry in this Mission he said their role is critical. Dr Singh called for working with focus to achieve the ambitious target to generate 20,000 MW of solar generating capacity by the end of 13th Five Year Plan. <br/><br/>He said the target is doable and should be pursued single-mindedly to achieve it as a priority national endeavour Referring to Jawarharlal Nehru's vision to create world-class scientific and technological capabilities in the atomic energy and space sectors, he said it is these strengths that created the Information Technology revolution in the country and made it a global player.Dr. Singh said various ministries and authorities will have to work in tandem in order to make the Mission a success. The Mission should evolve as a single national platform for coordination among scientific, industrial and regulatory establishments in a synergetic manner.<br/><br/>The Prime Minister said that the increased use of solar energy was a central component of government's strategy to bring about a strategic shift from the current reliance on fossil fuels to a pattern of sustainable growth based on renewable and clean sources of energy.He expressed the hope that the Mission will also establish India as a global leader in solar energy, not just in terms of solar power generation but also in solar manufacturing and technology. Addressing the function, the Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Dr. Farooq Abdullah announced that government owned power companies will get an equal amount of thermal and solar power which will lead to a much cheaper tariff to the consumer. He urged the state governments to meet their renewable power purchase obligation which is mandatory now. <br/><br/>AIR correspondent reports that scientific community working in the field of solar energy, NRIs interested in investing in this sector, captains of industry and policy makers are participating in the day long deliberations to prepare guidelines for the implementation of the national mission for reducing green house gases and meet the growing energy demand.