The Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM), also known as the National Solar Mission, is a major initiative by the Government of India aimed at promoting the development and use of solar energy in the country. Launched in January 2010, the mission seeks to establish India as a global leader in solar energy by creating conducive policy conditions for its widespread diffusion.

Objectives:

• Achieve 100 GW of solar energy capacity by 2022, increased from the initial target of 20 GW.
• Reduce the environmental impact of power generation by promoting clean energy.
• Encourage the use of both on-grid and off-grid solar power.
• Foster indigenous solar manufacturing capabilities.
• Promote off-grid applications and rural solar lighting arrangements.

Action Plans by the Government of India:

• Implementation Phases:
  • Phase 1: Targeted 1,000 MW of grid-connected solar plants, 100 MW of rooftop solar, and 200 MW of off-grid applications.
  • Phase 2: Planned 4 GW under central schemes and 6 GW under state-specific schemes.
  • Phase 3: Targeted 100 GW of grid-connected solar plants, divided into 40 GW rooftop and 60 GW large/medium scale projects.
• Funding and Investment:
  • Rs 15,050 crore as a capital grant for solar capacity addition.
  • International finance through mechanisms like the Green Climate Fund.
  • Involvement of public sector units and independent power producers.
• Policy Support:
  • Implementation of various schemes like the bundling scheme, Generation Based Incentive (GBI), and Viability Gap Funding.
  • Introduction of the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) as a key procurement agency.
  • Establishment of solar parks and renewable energy corridors to facilitate large-scale solar power projects.
• Achievements:
  • Development of large solar parks and unified solar projects.
  • Reduction in the cost of solar power generation.
  • Significant increase in installed solar capacity.

Solar Energy Scenario in Karnataka:

• Renewable Energy Leadership:
  • Karnataka achieved its 2030 renewable energy generation target set by PM Modi by 2021.
  • Over 50% of Karnataka’s total installed power capacity comes from renewable sources.
• Installed Capacity:
  • Karnataka’s total installed capacity exceeds 31,000 MW, with 15,909 MW from renewable sources.
  • Significant contributions from solar energy, especially with projects like the 2,050 MW Solar Park in Pavagada.
• Mixed Energy Sources:
  • The state benefits from a mix of thermal, hydel, solar, and wind energy, providing flexibility and reliability.
  • Hydel capacity: 3,798 MW, with a strong reliance on good rainfall for hydroelectric power.
• Domestic Solar Initiatives:
  • Promotion of rooftop solar installations with a 40% subsidy from the Central government.
  • Current rooftop solar generation: 280 MW, with significant contributions from domestic households.
• Challenges and Future Plans:
  • Continuous improvement of the transmission system to handle additional loads and transfer energy efficiently.
  • Focus on reducing coal usage and adding renewable energy capacities.
  • Efforts to integrate renewable energy with electric and hydrogen vehicle initiatives.

Karnataka’s proactive approach and significant investments in renewable energy have positioned it as a leader in the green energy sector, with robust policies and infrastructure to support sustainable growth.