Roadmap for Promoting Solar Energy for Universal Energy Access

Roadmap for Promoting Solar Energy for Universal Energy Access

This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “Roadmap for Promoting Solar Energy for Universal Energy Access”. The topic “Roadmap for Promoting Solar Energy for Universal Energy Access” has relevance in the Energy security section of the UPSC CSE exam.

For Prelims:

Target Range?

Current Scenario of Indian Export?

For Mains:

GS 3: Energy security

Solar Mini-grids?

Key Highlights of the Report?

Challenges in Deployment of Solar Energy for Universal Energy Access?

Way Forward?

Why in the news?

At an event of the 4th Energy Transition Working Group in Goa today, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India, in association with the International Solar Alliance, released a Roadmap of Solar Energy for Universal Energy Access.

Key Highlights of the Report:

  1. Emphasis on Solar Energy: The report highlights solar energy as a key solution to achieve Universal Energy Access by 2030.
  2. Electrification Methods: It identifies different methods for electrifying the unelectrified population:
  • Solar-based mini-grids for 59% (396 million people).
  • Grid extensions for 30% (203 million people).
  1. Decentralized Renewable Energy solutions for 11% (77 million people).
  2. Investment Requirement: The report estimates a total investment of around USD 192 billion for accomplishing the electrification goals through various solar energy solutions.
  3. Viability Gap Funding: The deployment of mini-grids requires viability gap funding of around 50% (USD 48.5 billion).
  4. Challenges and Solutions: The report emphasizes addressing challenges related to policies, regulations, financial risks, and technical expertise to scale up solar energy solutions successfully.
  5. Increased Investments: The roadmap advocates for increased investments, ecosystem development, and optimal resource utilization to accelerate universal energy access.
  6. Integration of Solar PV-based Cooking Solutions: The report emphasizes integrating solar PV-based cooking solutions with electrification initiatives to enhance energy access in remote and underdeveloped areas.

Solar Mini-grids:

  • Solar mini-grids are small-scale electricity generation and distribution systems that utilize solar PV technology to generate electricity and store it in batteries.
  • They provide reliable and affordable electricity to communities or areas lacking access to the main power grid or experiencing frequent power outages.
  • Solar mini-grids can also power electric stoves or other cooking appliances, offering clean cooking solutions.

Challenges in Deployment of Solar Energy for Universal Energy Access:

  • Lack of enabling policies and regulations supporting solar energy deployment.
  • Challenges in equipment manufacturing, execution, and maintenance.
  • Accumulation of dust on solar panels affects their efficiency.
  • High financial risks in underdeveloped regions increasing project costs.
  • Need for technical and financial expertise for successful implementation and maintenance.

International Solar Alliance (ISA):

  • ISA is a collaborative platform co-founded by India and France in 2015 to increase the deployment of solar energy technologies.
  • Its primary goal is to facilitate energy access, ensure energy security, and drive energy transition in member countries.
  • The Alliance is the nodal agency for implementing One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG) that aims to transfer solar power generated in one region to meet electricity demands in others.

Government Schemes to Enhance Solar Energy Production in India:

  • International Solar Alliance
  • National Solar Mission
  • Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM)
  • One Sun, One World, One Grid (OSOWOG)
  • Solar Park Scheme
  • Rooftop Solar Scheme

Way Forward:

  • Assisting access-deficit countries in developing enabling policy and regulatory frameworks.
  • Facilitating private-sector participation in energy access projects.
  • Exploring innovative financing models like green bonds.
  • Hybridization with wind or biomass energy to enhance mini-grid reliability and lower power equipment costs.

SOURCE: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1941211

Q.1 Consider the following statements: 

  1. The International Solar Alliance was launched at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in 2015.
  2. The Alliance includes all the member countries of the United Nations.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (a)

Q.2 Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the National Solar Mission?

  1. The National Solar Mission was launched in 2010 by the Government of India with the objective of promoting the use of solar energy in the country.
  2. The mission aims to achieve 100 GW (Gigawatt) of solar power capacity by 2022.
  3. The National Solar Mission is a part of India’s commitment to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
  4. The mission focuses on the deployment of solar energy technologies for both grid-connected and off-grid applications.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1, 2, and 3 only

(c) 2 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4

Answer: (d)

Q.3 India has immense potential for solar energy though there are regional variations in its developments. Elaborate. 

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