India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) in partnership with the International Solar Alliance has recently announced a detailed report titled ‘Roadmap of Solar Energy for Universal Energy Access.’ The roadmap was developed under India’s G20 presidency in 2023 and was unveiled at the 4th G20 Energy Transition Working Group in Goa.
The report emphasizes solar energy’s essential role in achieving Universal Energy Access by 2030. It also highlights the potential socio-economic benefits of solar energy and how it can enhance electrification efforts globally.
Key Highlights of the Report
According to the roadmap, around 59% of the unelectrified population, about 396 million people, are best suited for electrification through solar-based mini-grids. Approximately 30% (203 million people) can be electrified through grid extensions, while the remaining 11% of the unelectrified population (77 million) through Decentralized Renewable Energy solutions.
A total investment of around USD 192 billion is required to achieve the electrification goals. The roadmap underscores the importance of addressing challenges related to policies, regulations, and financial risks for the sustainable scaling up of solar energy solutions.
Understanding Solar Mini-grids
Solar mini-grids are small-scale electricity generation and distribution systems that use solar photovoltaic technology to generate electricity and store it in batteries. They are important as around 9% of the global population lacks access to electricity, with Sub-Saharan Africa and rural areas being most affected. Solar mini-grids provide reliable and affordable electricity to these communities and can power electric stoves or other cooking appliances, providing clean cooking solutions.
Benefits of Solar Mini-grids
Solar energy, with energy storage systems, offers a reliable source of electricity resilient even during natural disasters or power outages. It is also a clean and renewable energy source, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change. The scalability of solar mini-grids, based on the energy demand of the community, makes them a flexible option for energy access.
Challenges in Deploying Solar Energy
For universal energy access, the deployment of solar energy faces several challenges including lack of enabling policies and regulations, challenges in equipment manufacturing, on-ground execution, and maintenance. Accumulation of dust on solar panels significantly reduces their output, necessitating regular cleaning. Financial risks in underdeveloped regions increase project costs for developers, widening the gap between consumer affordability and supplier viability.
The International Solar Alliance (ISA)
Co-founded by India and France during 2015, the ISA facilitates the deployment of solar energy technologies. Its headquarters is in India with its Interim Secretariat being set up in Gurugram. A total of 109 countries have signed the ISA Framework Agreement and 90 have ratified it. The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has granted Observer Status to the ISA.
Government Schemes to Enhance Solar Energy Production in India
The government has initiated various schemes to enhance solar energy production in India including the International Solar Alliance, National Solar Mission, Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM), One Sun, One World, One Grid (OSOWOG), Solar Park Scheme, and Rooftop Solar Scheme.
The Way Forward
The report advocates for assisting access-deficit countries in developing enabling policy and regulatory frameworks, facilitating private-sector participation in energy access projects and exploring innovative financing models like green bonds. Hybridization with wind or biomass energy enhances mini-grid reliability and lowers power equipment costs can also be a potential way forward. The integration of solar PV-based cooking solutions with electrification initiatives can also enhance energy access in remote and underdeveloped areas.