26 Jul 2023 PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan)
This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “PM-KUSUM”. The topic “PM-KUSUM” has relevance in the Energy Security section of the UPSC CSE exam.
For Prelims:
About PM-KUSUM?
Objectives of PM-KUSUM?
For Mains:
GS 3: Energy Security
Components of PM-KUSUM?
Major Challenges?
Way Forward?
Why in the news?
The Union Minister of New Renewable Energy provided an update on the current status of the PM KUSUM scheme in a written response to the Lok Sabha.
About PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan):
- PM-KUSUM is a flagship scheme launched by the Indian government in 2019 to promote the adoption of solar energy solutions in the agricultural sector.
- It operates on a demand-driven approach, allocating capacities based on demands from states and union territories (UTs).
- The scheme aims to add 30.8 GW of solar power capacity by March 31, 2026.
Objectives of PM-KUSUM:
De-dieselisation of the Farm Sector:
- Encourage the use of solar-powered pumps and renewable energy sources to reduce the dependence on diesel for irrigation.
- Help farmers increase their income by lowering irrigation costs through solar pumps and enabling them to sell surplus solar power to the grid.
Water and Energy Security for Farmers:
- Provide access to solar pumps and promote solar-based community irrigation projects to enhance water and energy security for farmers.
Curbing Environmental Pollution:
- Mitigate environmental pollution caused by conventional energy sources by adopting clean and renewable solar energy.
Components of PM-KUSUM:
- Component-A: establishment of 10,000 MW of Decentralized Ground/Stilt Mounted Solar Power Plants on various types of land, including barren, fallow, pasture, marshy, and cultivable land owned by farmers.
- Component-B: Installation of 20 lakh stand-alone solar pumps in areas without access to the electricity grid.
- Component-C: Solarisation of 15 Lakh Grid Connected Agriculture Pumps through individual pump solarisation and feeder level solarisation.
Recent Significant Developments:
- Extension of Scheme Duration: PM-KUSUM, the flagship scheme initiated by the Indian government to promote the adoption of solar energy solutions in the agricultural sector, has been extended until March 31, 2026.
- State-Level Tendering: State level tendering is allowed for the procurement of standalone solar pumps, making the process more streamlined and efficient.
- Inclusion in AIF and PSL Guidelines: The solarization of pumps under PM-KUSUM has been included in the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) and Priority Sector Lending (PSL) Guidelines of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), making it more accessible for farmers to access finance.
Major Challenges:
- Geographical Variability: Varying solar radiation levels in different regions can impact the efficiency of solar installations and the performance of solar pumps.
- Inadequate Grid Infrastructure: Weak or unreliable grid infrastructure can hinder the integration of solar power into the grid and limit the benefits for farmers.
- Lack of Water Regulation: The surge in irrigation demand with solar pumps can strain groundwater resources without proper water management practices.
Way Forward:
- Mobile Solar Pumping: Implement mobile solar pump stations that can be moved to different locations based on irrigation needs to enhance water access in remote areas.
- Water Regulation and Monitoring: Establish effective water regulation policies and monitoring mechanisms to control groundwater extraction and ensure sustainability.
- Linking with MGNREGA: Link PM-KUSUM with the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) to support the installation of micro-irrigation systems for improved water-use efficiency and crop productivity.
- Technology and Training: Promote the use of advanced technology and provide training to farmers for efficient utilization of solar pumps and solar energy solutions.
- Awareness and Outreach: Conduct awareness campaigns to educate farmers about the benefits of solar energy and encourage wider adoption of the scheme.
- Public-Private Partnerships: Foster partnerships with private sector entities to accelerate the implementation of solar projects and address challenges effectively.
SOURCE: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1941116
Q.1 Which of the following statements regarding the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) is/are correct?
1. PM-KUSUM aims to promote the adoption of conventional energy sources in the agricultural sector.
2. Component-C of PM-KUSUM focuses on solarisation of grid-connected agriculture pumps through individual pump solarisation and feeder level solarisation.
3. The scheme operates on a supply-driven approach
4. PM-KUSUM has been extended until 2026, to facilitate wider adoption of solar energy solutions among farmers.
Select the correct option(s):
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3 only
(d) All of the above
ANSWER: B
Q.2 Which of the following statements about the National Solar Mission is/are true?
1. The National Solar Mission was launched in 2010 with the goal of promoting solar power generation in India.
2. The mission aims to achieve 100 GW of solar power capacity by 2030, making India a global leader in solar energy.
3. The National Solar Mission focuses solely on grid-connected solar power projects and does not include off-grid solar installations.
4. The mission has various components, including solar park development, solar rooftop installations, and solar water pumps.
Select the correct option(s):
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2 and 4 only
(d) All of the above
ANSWER: C
Q.3 India has immense potential for solar energy though there are regional variations in its developments. Elaborate.
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