The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) recently extended the deadline to install 30,000 MW solar power capacity in rural India to March 2026 under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Uttham Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM). Launched in 2019, the initiative aims to empower agricultural workers by promoting solar energy and off-grid solar pumps, thereby boosting India’s renewable energy sector.
About PM-KUSUM
PM-KUSUM was launched by the MNRE with a focus on enabling rural areas to become less reliant on the grid. Its primary components include the establishment of 10,000 MW of decentralized ground-mounted grid-connected renewable power plants, installation of 20 lakh solar-powered agriculture pumps, and converting 15 lakh agriculture pumps already connected to the grid into solar. The mission intends to motivate farmers to set up solar power generation capacity on their arid lands and sell it to the grid, thus increasing their income by selling surplus solar power.
Significance of the Scheme
PM-KUSUM holds significant potential to positively impact rural India. It not only enhances access to electricity but also proposes to contain climate catastrophe through efficient use of resources, reduction in carbon emissions and encouraging solar-based irrigation. In terms of employment and empowerment, the scheme is expected to create job opportunities in the installation, maintenance, and operation of solar power projects, also empowering rural communities by providing control over their energy generation and distribution.
Challenges Associated with PM-KUSUM
Despite its benefits, PM-KUSUM faces substantial issues such as high setup costs for solar power projects and limitations with domestic equipment availability. A significant concern is the depletion of water tables due to constant pumping driven by low electricity costs, making it challenging to upgrade to higher capacity pumps in solar installations. Regulatory barriers that disrupt the smooth implementation of the scheme, and technical difficulties associated with integrating decentralized solar power projects into the grid, are other notable challenges.
Way Forward
The success of PM-KUSUM relies heavily on achieving consensus between the Centre and States. Any reform in India’s power sector requires agreement between these entities, along with stakeholders. It suggests that alongside transitioning to solar power, farmers should consider adopting drip irrigation to save water and power while increasing crop output. Moreover, addressing the high costs of implementation and comprehensive maintenance is vital to make the scheme more attractive in terms of benchmark prices.
Examining Past Questions Relating to Solar Energy
In the 2016 UPSC Civil Services Examination, one question focused on the International Solar Alliance (ISA). The question centred around its launch and member inclusion. To recap, India and France launched the ISA to accelerate solar energy in developing countries during the United Nations Climate Change Conference in 2015. The secretariat is located in Gurugram, India. However, not all UN member countries are part of the ISA. As of now, 80 countries have signed and ratified the ISA Framework Agreement while it has been signed by 98 countries. These facts contribute to understanding the international commitment towards promoting solar energy.
In the 2020 examination, a question required elaboration on India’s potential for solar energy and its regional development variations. The varied nature of solar energy potential across India underscores the importance of targeted efforts and initiatives like PM-KUSUM in leveraging renewable resources and ensuring equitable access. Considering the country’s vast solar potential, utilizing it efficiently becomes crucial in our journey towards sustainable and self-reliant development.
Final Thoughts
PM-KUSUM signifies a critical stride in empowering rural communities and promoting clean energy. Despite the challenges, successful implementation could mark a significant step in India’s journey towards renewable energy dependence while simultaneously boosting rural development and mitigating climate change impact.