INDIA’S SOLAR INITIATIVES

09.10.2025

INDIA’S SOLAR INITIATIVES

Context

India is a global frontrunner in renewable energy, with major solar projects aimed at domestic needs and international collaboration, particularly through the International Solar Alliance (ISA). The government plans to extend successful solar programs like PM-KUSUM and PM-Surya Ghar, to African and island nations to boost energy access, reduce fossil fuel dependence, and advance carbon-neutral goals. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) coordinates these efforts.

A. PM-KUSUM Scheme

(Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Maha Abhiyan)

• Launch & Objective:
  Started in 2019, PM-KUSUM promotes solar energy use in agriculture by facilitating solar-powered irrigation pumps, helping reduce diesel and electricity consumption, empowering farmers with clean energy and supplementary income.
• Budget & Subsidy:
  ₹34,000 crore allocated with a 60% subsidy shared by Central and State governments. Farmers contribute balance through loans or personal funds.
• Key Components:
  • Component A: Decentralized solar plants on barren/cultivable land (Target: 10,000 MW; Progress ~6%) enabling farmers to sell surplus power to DISCOMs.
  • Component B: Standalone solar pumps replacing diesel pumps (Target: 17.5 lakh pumps; Progress ~70%).
  • Component C: Solarizing grid-connected pumps (Progress ~16-25%), allowing irrigation plus feeding excess power back to the grid.
• International Expansion:
  Solar pump models are being introduced in Africa under ISA to address low electricity access, boost agri-productivity, and improve livelihoods in rural areas.

B. PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana

• Objective:
  Launched to popularize rooftop solar, this scheme aims to install 1 crore solar rooftop systems in residential homes, making households self-reliant in electricity production and reducing energy bills.
• Benefits:
  • Free clean electricity generation for homes.
  • Selling surplus solar power for additional income.
  • Creation of over 3 lakh green jobs in solar system installation and maintenance.
  • Reduced pressure on national grids.
• Implementation:
  Financial inclusion ensured by online registration, subsidy distribution, and partnerships with state electricity boards and urban bodies for smooth installation and connectivity.
• Contribution to National Goals:
  Critical to India’s target of 348 GW of solar capacity by March 2026 and the broader commitment to 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, aligning with the Paris Agreement.

Global Expansion via International Solar Alliance (ISA)

India’s leadership via ISA facilitates replicating these schemes in Africa and small island developing states, enhancing:

• Electricity access in off-grid areas.
• Rural income via solar entrepreneurship.
• Carbon footprint reduction.
• Technology sharing and capacity building.
  This elevates India’s stature as a renewable energy partner advancing SDG 7 (Affordable Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Strategic Significance for India

• Enhances energy security by reducing fossil fuel imports.
• Empowers rural populations through decentralized energy access.
• Spurs economic growth via renewable energy investments and green jobs.
• Demonstrates India’s climate leadership with a goal of Net Zero Emissions by 2070.

Conclusion

PM-KUSUM and PM-Surya Ghar stand as India’s solar mission pillars, transforming agriculture and household energy landscapes. Together, they embody India’s commitment to universal energy access, environmental sustainability, and inclusive development—both domestically and abroad through ISA collaborations.