The Ministry for New and Renewable Energy, in 2014, introduced the ‘Scheme for Development of Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects’. The scheme’s objective was to establish a minimum of 25 Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects with a target of over 20,000 MW of solar power installed capacity within five years, starting from 2014-15. The program’s capacity was later increased from 20,000 MW to 40,000 MW, with the parks slated for completion by 2021-22.
The implementation of this endeavor falls under the purview of the Solar Power Park Developer (SPPD). The scheme aims to help States and Union Territories in setting up solar parks across the country to create the required infrastructure for establishing solar power projects. These parks are developed in collaboration with State Governments and their agencies, Central Public Sector Undertakings, and private entrepreneurs.
Challenges in the Commissioning of Solar Projects
Despite the promising potential of the scheme, its implementation has not been without challenges. Factors like difficulties in land acquisition, a mismatch in the timeline for project setup and power routing to the grid, environmental concerns, and the economic halt due to COVID-19 have played a significant role in hampering progress.
Furthermore, environmental issues have arisen, particularly concerning the habitat of the Great Indian Bustard, a critically endangered species in Rajasthan. Solar power projects, especially transmission lines, pose a threat to these birds. In response, the Supreme Court directed power companies to lay underground cables in solar parks in Rajasthan in April 2022, but few companies have complied. The government argued that this requirement significantly heightens the cost of solar power.
Status of Solar Energy in India
As of October 2022, India has installed 61GW of solar power, making it the second-largest Asian market for new solar PV capacity and the third worldwide. The nation has set an ambitious target to achieve a renewable energy capacity of 175 GW by the end of 2022, with 100 GW aimed to be solar power. The target expands to 500 GW by 2030, marking the world’s largest expansion plan for renewable energy.
India’s total installations amount to 60.4 GW, thus overtaking Germany’s 59.2 GW for the first time. As of June 2022, Rajasthan and Gujarat were leading in large-scale solar installations, accounting for 53% and 14% respectively, followed by Maharashtra with 9%.
Initiatives Taken by India for Solar Energy
The development scheme is just one part of India’s broader strategy for promoting solar energy. Other key initiatives include:
– The Solar Park Scheme: The Scheme aims to establish several solar parks across various states, each with a near 500 MW capacity.
– Rooftop Solar Scheme: This Scheme promotes the installation of solar panels on the roofs of houses.
– Atal Jyoti Yojana (AJAY): Launched in September 2016, AJAY targets the installation of solar street lighting systems in states where less than 50% of households have grid power access.
– National Solar Mission: A key Government initiative promoting sustainable growth while assessing India’s energy security challenge.
– SRISTI Scheme: This Scheme aims to promote rooftop solar power projects in India.
– International Solar Alliance (ISA): A joint effort by India and France, the ISA aims to mobilize efforts against climate change through the deployment of solar energy solutions.
The immense potential of solar energy in India, despite regional variations in its developments, continues to be a primary topic of focus.
