70^th BPSC Mains

Introduction

• Begin with a thought-provoking quote or data point:
  “The sun is the source of all energy. Tap it, and India can light up sustainably.”
• Briefly introduce India’s energy challenge: dependence on fossil fuels, energy security, and climate commitments.
• Introduce the National Solar Mission as a transformative step towards energy transition.

Body

Context: Why Solar?

• India’s rising energy demand (expected to double by 2040)
• Heavy dependence on fossil fuels (~75% of current electricity)
• Climate change commitments (Paris Agreement, Net-Zero by 2070)
• Geographic advantage: India receives 300+ sunny days/year (~5,000 trillion kWh potential)

The National Solar Mission: Vision and Evolution

• Launched in 2010 under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)
• Aims:
  • Achieve 100 GW of solar capacity by 2022 (target revised to 280 GW by 2030)
  • Promote grid-connected and off-grid solar applications
  • Drive the indigenous manufacturing of solar panels and modules
• Phases of implementation:
  • Phase I (2010–2013): Focus on off-grid and rooftop solar
  • Phase II (2013–2017): Boost utility-scale grid solar
  • Phase III (2017 onwards): Competitive bidding, ultra-mega solar parks

Achievements of the Mission :

• Installed solar capacity: ~74 GW (as of early 2024)
• India ranks 5th globally in solar deployment
• Key initiatives under NSM:
  • Solar Parks Scheme
  • Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM)
  • Rooftop Solar Programme Phase-II
• Employment creation: Over 1.6 million green jobs estimated in RE sector by 2030
• Improved energy access in rural and off-grid areas

Challenges in Solar Mission Implementation:

• Land acquisition issues for large solar parks
• Grid integration and storage: Intermittent nature of solar energy
• Dependence on imports: Over 80% of solar modules imported (mainly from China)
• Financial viability: DISCOMs' poor health and payment delays
• Rooftop solar underperformance due to lack of awareness, financing

Way Forward for a Green Energy Future

• Domestic manufacturing push: PLI scheme for solar modules
• Storage solutions: Investment in battery technologies, pumped hydro
• Research & innovation: Perovskite solar cells, floating solar
• Public-private partnerships to scale rooftop and decentralized solar
• International collaboration:
  • International Solar Alliance (ISA): India’s leadership role
  • Cross-border solar energy trade (One Sun One World One Grid initiative)
• Policy reforms: Improved grid infrastructure, time-of-day tariffs, carbon pricing

Conclusion

• Reaffirm the central role of the National Solar Mission in realizing India’s green energy transition.
• Emphasize that solar energy is not just an environmental need but an economic and strategic imperative.
• End with a forward-looking thought: “Harnessing the sun is no longer a choice—it’s India’s destiny in a low-carbon world.”