NEWS – The Union government plans to showcase India’s solar energy programmes in several African countries and island nations through the International Solar Alliance (ISA) platform

HIGHLIGHTS

Key Programmes for Global Promotion

• PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahabhiyan): Focuses on boosting solar energy in agriculture by setting up 100 GW of solar power plants on farmer-owned land.
• PM Surya Ghar: Targets rooftop solar installations, especially in regions with poor electricity connectivity.

Programme Targets

• Original PM-KUSUM targets (2019–2022): 308 GW of solar capacity.
• Revised target: 348 GW by March 2026, after initial targets were missed.
• Total programme funding: ₹34,000 crore.

Progress and Implementation

• Standalone solar pumps: Target of 17.5 lakh; ~70% installed.
• Decentralized grid-connected renewable energy plants: Only 6% installed.
• Grid-connected solar pumps: Only 16–25% installed.

Significance of ISA Platform

• Provides an international forum to share India’s renewable energy expertise.
• Helps support connectivity-challenged regions in Africa and island nations.
• Enhances India’s global leadership in clean energy initiatives.

Future Outlook

• India aims to replicate its solar energy infrastructure success abroad, contributing to sustainable energy transition in developing countries.
• PM-KUSUM and PM Surya Ghar programmes are positioned as models for decentralized solar energy deployment.
• The ISA General Assembly later this month will serve as a key platform for policy and technical collaboration.