National Solar Mission

National Solar Mission is a major initiative by the Government of India to promote the use of Solar power in the country, with the aim of reducing dependence on Fossil fuels and mitigating Climate change. The mission was launched in 2009 by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as part of the National Action Plan on Climate Change, which also includes initiatives such as the National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency and the National Water Mission. The mission is being implemented by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy in collaboration with other ministries and state governments, including the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Power. The mission has received support from international organizations such as the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank.

Introduction

The National Solar Mission is part of India's efforts to promote the use of Renewable energy and reduce its dependence on Fossil fuels, which are a major contributor to Greenhouse gas emissions and Climate change. The mission aims to promote the use of Solar power in the country, with a focus on Solar photovoltaics and Solar thermal energy. The mission has been influenced by international initiatives such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol, and has received support from countries such as Germany and Japan. The mission is also aligned with India's Intended Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement, which aims to reduce Greenhouse gas emissions and promote Sustainable development.

Objectives and Targets

The National Solar Mission has set ambitious targets for the promotion of Solar power in India, including the installation of 100 Gigawatts of Solar power capacity by 2022. The mission also aims to promote the use of Solar power in various sectors, including Rural electrification, Irrigation, and Industrial applications. The mission has set specific targets for the promotion of Solar photovoltaics and Solar thermal energy, including the installation of 40 Gigawatts of Solar photovoltaics capacity and 10 Gigawatts of Solar thermal energy capacity by 2022. The mission is being implemented in collaboration with state governments, including the Government of Gujarat and the Government of Rajasthan, and has received support from organizations such as the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency and the Solar Energy Corporation of India.

Implementation and Progress

The National Solar Mission is being implemented through a range of initiatives, including the provision of subsidies and incentives for the installation of Solar power systems, and the development of Solar parks and Solar city initiatives. The mission has also led to the establishment of new institutions, such as the Solar Energy Corporation of India, which is responsible for the implementation of the mission. The mission has made significant progress, with the installation of over 30 Gigawatts of Solar power capacity in India, and the promotion of Solar power in various sectors, including Rural electrification and Irrigation. The mission has also received support from international organizations such as the International Renewable Energy Agency and the Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century, and has been influenced by initiatives such as the European Union's Renewable Energy Directive.

Policy and Regulatory Framework

The National Solar Mission is being implemented through a range of policies and regulations, including the National Tariff Policy, which provides for the purchase of Solar power at a fixed tariff, and the Renewable Purchase Obligation, which requires Electricity distribution companies to purchase a certain percentage of their power from Renewable energy sources. The mission has also led to the development of new policies and regulations, such as the Solar Park Scheme, which provides for the development of Solar parks, and the Grid Connected Rooftop Solar Scheme, which provides for the installation of Solar photovoltaics systems on rooftops. The mission is being implemented in collaboration with state governments, including the Government of Maharashtra and the Government of Tamil Nadu, and has received support from organizations such as the Confederation of Indian Industry and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry.

Impact and Benefits

The National Solar Mission has had a significant impact on the promotion of Solar power in India, with the installation of over 30 Gigawatts of Solar power capacity, and the creation of thousands of jobs in the Solar industry. The mission has also helped to reduce Greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate Climate change, and has contributed to India's Sustainable development goals. The mission has received international recognition, including the United Nations Environment Programme's Champions of the Earth award, and has been cited as a model for other countries to follow. The mission has also been influenced by international initiatives such as the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement, and has received support from countries such as China and the United States. The mission is expected to continue to play a major role in the promotion of Solar power in India, and to contribute to the country's Energy security and Sustainable development goals. Category:Energy policy