Latest news with #PradhanMantriKisanUrjaSurakshaevamUtthaanMahabhiyan
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Business Standard
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Centre gears up for the launch of PM-KUSUM 2.0 to meet growing demand
The ministry of new and renewable energy (MNRE) is considering launching phase 2 of the PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan) scheme—brought under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) last August—in response to rising demand, a senior official said. It would be implemented in the next financial year, they added. While the current phase will run till FY26 to add 34.8 gigawatt (GW) of solar capacity, the second phase is likely to match or exceed Phase 1's scale (₹34,000–35,000 crore outlay and installation of 4.9 million pumps), with possible additions like agrovoltaics and minor guideline revisions. 'Allocations have been made for PM Kusum's demand that we have seen a spike in the last one year. We have demands which are now probably 2-3 times of what has been allocated, which we are seeing only in phase two of the programme as and when we get it through for the next financial cycle,' the government official cited above said. Total demand rose to 4.9 million pumps from the initial target of installing 2 million standalone solar powered agricultural pumps and solarisation of 1.5 million existing grid-connected agricultural pumps. This has been entirely allocated and aggregation of demand for the next phase is being carried out, the official said. Queries sent to the secretary and spokesperson of MNRE remained unanswered at the time of publishing this report. Components B and C of PM-Kusum were merged with the AIF scheme in August 2024. By integrating PM-KUSUM components B and C with the AIF, farmers can access funding for solar-powered irrigation systems alongside other agricultural infrastructure projects. 'We have to submit the EFC (expenditure finance committee) note. Let's see how much we are able to get from EFC,' the official said when asked about the capex of phase 2. 'It will at least be equivalent to what was the phase 1 of the scheme, roughly Rs 35,000 crore.' 'Once we submit the EFC note, we might include a component on agrovoltaics–the practice of combining agriculture with solar energy production on the same land and small guideline changes based on the learning that we had in phase 1,' the official said. Learnings from Phase 1 include the need to raise the central financial assistance (CFA) cap to 10 pumps, which is currently limited to 7.5 pumps. Another takeaway was Maharashtra's model, wherein the state aggregated 40,000 acres of farmer land through a centralised portal without centre support. The model is now being shared with other states for localised adaptation. Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Telangana were among other successful models, the official said. 'Guidelines in phase 1 have been amended multiple times based on learnings. Amongst the other ones, we have still not been able to increase the CFA capacity. Let's see if in phase 2 we are able to increase or not,' the official added. For component C, which is feeder level solarisation, some states saw enthusiastic adoption, the official said. In gigawatt terms, Maharashtra and Rajasthan have tendered 16 GW and 12 GW respectively, against an allocation of 4 GW. Launched in March 2019, with a total outlay of Rs 34,422 crore, the PM-Kusum scheme aims to enhance energy and water security for farmers, reduce reliance on diesel, and increase their income. The AIF scheme, on the other hand, focuses on providing loans for the creation of post-harvest management infrastructure and community farming assets.
The Hindu
29-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Youth Congress workers stage protest at Anert office
The Youth Congress on Tuesday staged a protest at the office of the Agency for New and Renewable Energy Research and Technology (Anert) demanding a comprehensive probe into the alleged irregularities and corruption involved in the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme. The Youth Congress workers also demanded the removal of Anert CEO Narendra Nath Veluri from the post. Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala had levelled allegations of corruption against Anert in connection with the implementation of the PM-KUSUM scheme. Despite the seriousness of the allegations, Electricity Minister K. Krishnankutty has not taken any action against the CEO, they alleged. The Youth Congress workers were later removed by the police. Youth Congress State secretaries Rajith Raveendran and Afsal, district vice president Sulfi Balaramapuram and district secretary Gokul Shankar led the protest.
News18
17-07-2025
- Business
- News18
Modi's Green Promise Delivered: How India Became A Global Climate Leader
The promise has been delivered ahead of schedule, cementing Modi's legacy as a leader who not only makes ambitious commitments on world stage but ensures they are realised at home When it was first announced, it seemed an insurmountable task. But India has achieved 50 per cent clean power capacity five years ahead of target, setting a global benchmark for sustainable growth. Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a promise on behalf of India at the Paris Climate Change Summit and that promise has now been fulfilled, that too with an oomph factor. Five years ahead of target is outstanding, especially at a time when nations are struggling to understand whether they would even be able to meet the 2030 deadline. As of June 2025, the nation's installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources has officially crossed the 50 per cent threshold, reaching 50.08 per cent. According to official data, out of a total installed capacity of 484.82 GW, a remarkable 242.78 GW is now derived from non-fossil sources, including renewable energy, large hydropower, and nuclear power. It achieves a critical Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) pledged under the Paris Agreement, five years ahead of the 2030 target date. As Union minister Pralhad Joshi stated: 'In a world seeking climate solutions, India is showing the way." Despite having one of the lowest per capita emissions profiles among major economies, India remains one of the few G20 countries on track to not only meet but exceed its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. The progress unfolds against a backdrop of global energy uncertainty, exacerbated by the recent resurgence of fossil fuel proponents on the world stage, most notably in the United States under Donald Trump. In this context, India's steadfast progress is not just commendable, but it is a critical anchor for global climate ambitions. For a country of 1.4 billion people with rapidly growing energy needs, re-engineering half of its power grid away from fossil fuels is a monumental undertaking. While other nations debate the feasibility of their targets, India is delivering on its promises, transforming its energy landscape and setting a powerful example for the rest of the world to follow. A Policy-Driven Transformation This achievement is all the more remarkable considering that just 18 months prior, the share stood at 43.82 per cent. Such a rapid ascent was powered by a suite of visionary policies designed to catalyse every segment of the renewable ecosystem. Under the leadership of PM Modi, India has cultivated a robust ecosystem for clean energy through a series of interlocking, visionary policies. These initiatives create the foundational architecture for sustainable growth. Flagship programmes have been central to this transformation. The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) has empowered millions of farmers by facilitating solar-powered irrigation, simultaneously ensuring energy security for agriculture and reducing its carbon footprint. The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, launched in 2024 to bring rooftop solar to one crore households, is democratising energy generation, turning citizens from passive consumers into active 'prosumers'. These have been complemented by the establishment of vast solar parks, which have driven down tariffs to record lows, and the National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy, which optimises land and grid infrastructure. It is a deliberate, policy-driven push that has catalysed private investment and public participation, building momentum year on year. Green Growth Achieving the 50 per cent mark five years early is not a finish line but a new starting block. The road ahead towards India's ambitious Panchamrit goals—including 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2070—demands an even greater intensification of effort and strategic foresight. Furthermore, the financial undertaking is colossal, with estimates suggesting an investment of $570 billion is needed in the electricity sector by 2032. Mobilising this capital and ensuring the development of robust supply chains for critical components, from solar panels to batteries, will be paramount. The promise made in Paris has been delivered ahead of schedule, cementing PM Modi's legacy as a leader who not only makes ambitious commitments on the world stage but also ensures they are realised at home. India has already lit the lamp of green transformation. The task now is to ensure it shines ever brighter, illuminating a path for the nation and the world towards a truly sustainable and self-reliant future. Sohil Sinha Sohil Sinha is a Sub Editor at News18. He writes on foreign affairs, geopolitics along with domestic policy and infrastructure projects. Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 17, 2025, 12:13 IST News opinion Modi's Green Promise Delivered: How India Became A Global Climate Leader Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
The Print
09-07-2025
- General
- The Print
Andhra Chief Secretary directs officials to ensure uninterrupted power supply during monsoon
'All the staff, from CMDs (chairman and managing director) to linemen must stay alert during the monsoon to ensure uninterrupted electricity and safety,' an official statement quoted Vijayanand as saying. Reviewing the power supply scenario under the jurisdictions of Andhra Pradesh Eastern Power Distribution Company Limited (APEPDCL), Andhra Pradesh Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (APSPDCL), and Transmission Corporation of Andhra Pradesh (APTRANSCO), he emphasised the importance of prompt response to power disruptions. Amaravati, Jul 8 (PTI) Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary K Vijayanand on Tuesday directed officials of power utilities in the state to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply during the monsoon. He instructed the electricity staff deployed at ward and village secretariats to attend secretariat duties only during pension disbursement days and ensure field-level service delivery during the remaining days. On solar power, he asked the state power distribution companies to finalise the standard operating procedures and expedite pending works under the Central government schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) and PM Surya Ghar-Muft Bijli Yojana (PM-Surya Ghar). APEPDCL CMD I Prudvi Tej informed the chief secretary that 99,346 applications were registered under the PM-Surya Ghar scheme for 51,453 kilowatt capacity and 220.30 megawatt tenders were finalised under PM-KUSUM. APSPDCL CMD K Santosha Rao informed Vijayanand that over 6 lakh applications have been registered under the PM-Surya Ghar scheme, with 7,461 projects commissioned, totalling 27.17 megawatt of installed capacity and 610 megawatt tenders were issued under PM-KUSUM for agricultural pumps. PTI MS STH SKY RUK RUK This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
The Hindu
12-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
2.69 MW solar power plant commissioned in Chamarajanagar
A 2.69 MW solar power plant has been commissioned at Honnahalli village in Chamarajanagar taluk under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) Component-C scheme. The project aims to provide a sustainable and reliable daytime power supply for agricultural pump sets, benefiting around 300 local farmers. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah inaugurated the plant virtually on Wednesday during a State-wide event held at Gauribidanur in Chikkaballapur district, besides launching multiple solar projects. Energy Minister K.J. George, Higher Education Minister M.C. Sudhakar, and officials attended the virtual event. A live screening of the inauguration was organised in Honnahalli, where Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC) Chairman Ramesh Bandisidde Gowda and other dignitaries participated. Highlighting the CESC's ongoing efforts in expanding solar infrastructure, Mr. Gowda said, 'We have already set up solar plants with capacities of up to three MW and are targeting a total generation of 950 MW. Land for 500 MW of this capacity has already been secured this year.' Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasised the importance of providing three-phase power to farmers during the day. 'This project will eliminate the need for farmers to operate pump sets at night, enhancing safety and convenience,' he said. During an interaction with the Chief Minister, Mahesh, farmer from Honnahalli, expressed gratitude for the initiative, explaining the challenges posed by wild animals during night-time irrigation. 'With solar power available during the day, it is now much safer and more convenient for us to irrigate our fields,' he said.
