Introduction:
- India possesses vast potential for solar energy utilization. The scalability of solar photovoltaic electricity offers significant opportunities for the country.
- Decentralized and off-grid solar applications can address rural energy needs, including electricity, heating, and cooling, benefiting both rural and urban areas.
- Solar energy-based decentralized applications have already benefited millions in Indian communities by providing clean and sustainable solutions for cooking, lighting, and other energy requirements.
Body:
Initiatives Taken by India:
Development of Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects:
- Launched in December 2014, this initiative aims to expedite the establishment of solar projects.
- Solar parks are developed in partnership with state governments, CPSUs, and private entities.
Examples:
- NTPC Floating Solar Plant, Ramagundam (100 MW)
- NTPC Floating Solar Plant, Kayamkulam (92 MW)
- Rihand Dam Floating Solar Power Plant (50 MW)
Grid Connected Solar Rooftop Programme:
- The goal of this scheme is to achieve a cumulative installed capacity of 40,000 MW from grid-connected rooftop solar (RTS) projects.
Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (KUSUM) Scheme:
- Component-A: Setting up 10,000 MW of decentralized grid-connected renewable energy power plants on barren land.
- Component-B: Installation of 17.50 lakh stand-alone solar agriculture pumps.
- Component-C: Solarization of 10 lakh grid-connected agriculture pumps.
One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG):
In May 2021, the UK and India agreed to combine their Green Grids Initiative with the OSOWOG initiative, jointly launching GGI-OSOWOG at the COP26 summit in Glasgow.
Conclusion:
Research by Global Energy Monitor indicates that India plans to add 76 GW of utility-scale solar and wind power by 2025, potentially saving up to $19.5 billion annually from reduced coal burning.
By the end of 2021, India ranked 4th globally in solar PV deployment. As of November 30, 2022, the country’s solar power installed capacity reached approximately 61.97 GW.