Why in news
- Decentralised solar programmes, led by PM-KUSUM and rooftop solar, contributed 40% of India's total solar capacity additions during the early months of FY27.
What are PM-KUSUM and PM Surya Ghar Schemes?
- PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan) was launched in 2019 by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy to de-dieselise the farm sector through solar agricultural pumps and solarisation of grid-connected pumps.
- PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana provides central financial assistance for installing rooftop solar units on residential households.
Current Trends in Solar Expansion
- Decentralised additions are offsetting slowdowns in utility-scale solar parks caused by power evacuation and transmission corridor constraints.
- Shift from large land-intensive solar parks toward localized generation reduces transmission losses and land acquisition bottlenecks.
Why it matters
- Supports India's updated NDC commitment under the Paris Agreement to achieve 50% non-fossil fuel cumulative electric capacity by 2030.
- Promotes grid decentralization and financial sustainability of state electricity distribution companies (DISCOMs).
Key terms
Decentralised Renewable Energy
Power generated on-site or near the point of use through small-scale systems rather than central power stations.
Utility-Scale Solar
Large-scale solar power plants designed to feed generated electricity directly into the high-voltage transmission grid.
Prelims facts
- PM-KUSUM contains components for standalone solar pumps, solarisation of grid pumps, and grid-connected RE power plants on barren farm land.
Mains discussion
- Evaluate the structural challenges in utility-scale solar expansion versus the potential of decentralized solar power.
Source: Economic Times