SOLAR POWER CAPACITY: ENVIRONMENT
NEWS: India
Achieves Historic Milestone of 100 GW Solar Power Capacity
WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?
India has
achieved a major renewable energy milestone by surpassing 100 GW of
installed solar power capacity, reflecting rapid growth over the past
decade. This success is driven by strong policy support, advancements in
domestic manufacturing, and increased solar adoption, with a vision of
reaching 280 GW by 2030.
1. Growth and Achievements in Solar Energy
- India’s solar capacity grew 35 times in a
decade, from 2.82 GW in 2014 to 100 GW in 2025.
- Current installed solar power capacity (as of
January 31, 2025): 100.33 GW.
- Projects under development:
- 84.10 GW currently under implementation.
- 47.49 GW under tendering.
- Rooftop solar sector growth:
- Added 4.59 GW of new capacity in 2024,
a 53% increase from 2023.
- Top-performing states in solar energy production:
- Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra,
and Madhya Pradesh.
- Solar module manufacturing capacity:
- Increased from 2 GW in 2014 to 60 GW in
2024.
- India aims for 100 GW of solar module
production by 2030, reducing import dependency.
2. Significance of Solar Energy for India
a) Energy
Security
- Reduces dependence on fossil fuels and imports,
making India more self-reliant.
- Strengthens India’s energy independence and
lowers trade deficits.
b)
Environmental Benefits
- Solar energy reduces greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions, helping in climate change mitigation.
- Contributes to India’s Net Zero target by 2070.
c) Economic
Growth and Job Creation
- The solar industry has generated millions of jobs
in installation, manufacturing, and maintenance.
- Boosts the domestic renewable energy sector,
making India a global leader in solar manufacturing.
d)
Cost-Effectiveness and Affordability
- Solar PV technology costs have dropped significantly,
making it cheaper than conventional fossil fuels.
- Solar tariffs in India are among the lowest in the
world, making it an attractive energy source.
e) Rural
Electrification and Energy Access
- Off-grid solar solutions
provide electricity to remote and rural areas.
- Improves quality of life by providing access
to lighting, education, and healthcare.
3. Key Government Initiatives Driving Solar Growth
a) National
Solar Mission (NSM) (2010)
- Aims to achieve 280 GW of installed solar
capacity by 2030.
- Encourages solar parks, rooftop solar, and
decentralized solar power.
b) PM
SuryaGhar Muft Bijli Yojana (2024)
- Focuses on rooftop solar for households,
providing free electricity up to 300 units per month.
- Empowers residential consumers with clean and
affordable energy.
c) PM-KUSUM
Scheme (2019)
- Supports farmers by providing subsidies for:
- Solar irrigation pumps to
replace diesel-based pumps.
- Grid-connected solar plants on
barren farmland.
d) Solar
Parks Scheme
- Promotes large-scale solar parks to
facilitate utility-scale solar power projects.
- Target: 50 solar parks with a capacity of 40 GW.
e)
Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme
- Encourages domestic manufacturing of solar PV modules.
- Aims to reduce dependence on Chinese imports
and strengthen the "Make in India" initiative.
f) Net
Metering Policy
- Allows residential and commercial consumers
to sell surplus solar power to the grid.
- Increases adoption of decentralized solar energy
solutions.
g)
International Solar Alliance (ISA) (2015)
- India-led global initiative to promote solar
energy adoption worldwide.
- Focuses on technology transfer, capacity
building, and financing for solar projects.
4. Challenges and the Way Forward
a) Land
Acquisition Constraints
- Large-scale solar projects require significant
land, which is often a challenge.
- Need for policy reforms to streamline land
allocation for renewable energy projects.
b) Grid
Integration Issues
- Solar power is intermittent, creating
challenges for grid stability.
- Investment in smart grids and energy storage
solutions is essential.
c) Financial
Constraints
- High upfront investment costs for solar
infrastructure.
- Need for more financing options, incentives, and
subsidies.
d) Energy
Storage Solutions
- Efficient battery storage systems are crucial
to ensure round-the-clock power supply.
- India must invest in advanced storage
technologies like lithium-ion batteries and pumped hydro storage.
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2100603