PM-Surya Sarovar Yojana Launched for 5 GW Floating Solar Capacity
India has launched a new scheme, PM-Surya Sarovar Yojana, to boost its renewable energy capacity by developing 5 GW of floating solar projects.
Source: GNews PM SchemeIndia has officially launched the PM-Surya Sarovar Yojana, a new government scheme aimed at significantly increasing the country's renewable energy footprint. This initiative focuses on developing 5 Gigawatts (GW) of floating solar power generation capacity across various water bodies in India. The PM-Surya Sarovar Yojana seeks to utilize unused surface areas of reservoirs, lakes, and ponds for solar energy production, thereby avoiding the need for land acquisition. This approach is expected to reduce evaporation from water bodies and improve water quality. The scheme aligns with India's broader commitment to achieve its climate change targets and transition towards a greener economy. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) will likely oversee the implementation of the PM-Surya Sarovar Yojana, working with state governments and public sector undertakings to identify suitable locations and execute projects.
This scheme is crucial for exam aspirants as it directly relates to India's renewable energy goals and sustainable development, a key topic in UPSC GS Paper III (Economy, Environment) and SSC General Awareness. Understanding the PM-Surya Sarovar Yojana's objectives, capacity targets, and implementation strategy is vital. It also highlights India's innovative approaches to energy security and climate change mitigation.
- The scheme is named PM-Surya Sarovar Yojana.
- It aims to develop 5 Gigawatts (GW) of floating solar capacity.
- The scheme utilizes water bodies like reservoirs and lakes for solar panels.
- It helps reduce land acquisition needs for solar projects.
- The initiative supports India's renewable energy targets.
- The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is the likely implementing body.
Floating solar, also known as 'floatovoltaics', refers to solar panel installations on water bodies like lakes, reservoirs, and ponds. This technology offers several benefits, including reduced land use, improved panel efficiency due to cooler temperatures, and decreased water evaporation. It is an emerging solution for countries with high population density and limited land availability for large-scale solar farms.
A Gigawatt (GW) is a unit of power equal to one billion watts, or 1,000 megawatts. It is commonly used to measure the output of large power plants or the total capacity of national electricity grids. For context, a typical large coal-fired power plant might have a capacity of around 1 GW, while a large solar farm could be in the hundreds of megawatts.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is a ministry of the Government of India, established in 1992. Its main objective is to promote research and development, intellectual property protection, and international cooperation in new and renewable energy sources. It formulates policies and programmes for the development of renewable energy in India, including solar, wind, hydro, and biomass.
Exams frequently ask about government schemes related to renewable energy, their targets, and the ministries involved. Be prepared for questions on India's renewable energy capacity, specific scheme names, and their contribution to climate change mitigation.
Remember 'Surya Sarovar' as 'Sun Lake' solar panels floating on water bodies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main objective of the PM-Surya Sarovar Yojana?
The PM-Surya Sarovar Yojana's main objective is to establish 5 Gigawatts (GW) of floating solar power generation capacity across various water bodies in India. This aims to boost renewable energy, reduce land use, and contribute to India's climate goals.
How does floating solar technology benefit India?
Floating solar technology benefits India by utilizing unused water body surfaces, thus saving valuable land. It also helps reduce water evaporation from reservoirs and can improve panel efficiency due to the cooling effect of water, contributing to sustainable energy development.
Which ministry is responsible for implementing the PM-Surya Sarovar Yojana?
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is primarily responsible for implementing the PM-Surya Sarovar Yojana. It will coordinate with state governments and other stakeholders to identify sites and execute the floating solar projects.