Brief Overview:
India’s ambitious PM-KUSUM program, aimed at boosting solar energy infrastructure in agriculture, has encountered hurdles, particularly in land acquisition. To overcome this, innovative approaches are being explored. The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) has developed a digital platform using drone technology to map land parcels in Rajasthan, facilitating better land identification and allocation for solar power projects. This collaborative effort aims to bridge the gap between farmers, power developers, and government institutions, expediting the implementation of solar projects and driving India’s transition towards a greener energy landscape.
Digital Boost to Reinvigorate the PM-KUSUM Program
India’s ambitious PM-KUSUM program, aimed at galvanizing solar energy adoption within the agricultural sector, has been hampered by significant delays. However, in a bid to reinvigorate this crucial initiative, several states have begun to experiment with innovative approaches, notably the leveraging of digital technologies.
The Pradhan Mantri-Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM), launched in 2019, envisions an ambitious installation of 100 GW of solar power plants on farmer-owned land, along with the deployment of 14 lakh solar pumps and the solarization of 35 lakh grid-connected agricultural pumps. As of June 2024, however, progress has been disappointingly slow, with only 256 MW of power plants, 3.97 lakh solar pumps, and 13,500 solarized pumps installed. This lackluster uptake has necessitated an extension of the program’s deadline to 2026. The reasons behind this sluggish progress are multifaceted, but one of the most significant challenges has been the acquisition of suitable land.
Land Acquisition: The Achilles’ Heel of PM-KUSUM
A major stumbling block in the implementation of PM-KUSUM has been the acquisition of suitable land. India’s solar power growth has primarily been driven by utility-scale projects in regions like Gujarat and Rajasthan, where vast swathes of desert and uncultivable land are readily available for solar installations. In contrast, agricultural land presents unique challenges. The fragmentation of land ownership and the reluctance of farmers to part with their valuable agricultural plots have made it difficult to aggregate sufficient land for large-scale solar projects.
The situation is further complicated by the lack of clear land records and the complexities of land-use regulations in many parts of the country. These factors have created a significant bottleneck in the implementation of PM-KUSUM, hindering the program’s ability to achieve its ambitious targets.
GEAPP’s Digital Intervention: A Beacon of Hope
In response to these challenges, the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), a collaborative initiative of the IKEA Foundation, The Rockefeller Foundation, and the Bezos Earth Fund, has stepped in with an innovative solution. Recognizing the critical need for efficient land identification and allocation, GEAPP has developed a digital platform that leverages drone technology to map land parcels in Rajasthan.
This platform serves as a bridge between farmers, power developers, and government institutions, facilitating transparent and streamlined land transactions. By providing accurate and up-to-date information on land availability and suitability, the platform empowers stakeholders to make informed decisions and expedite the implementation of solar projects.
Rajasthan: A Trailblazer in Solar Adoption
The GEAPP initiative has already yielded promising results in Rajasthan, where 12.3 MW of solar capacity has been installed under the program. The state government, in collaboration with GEAPP, aims to reach 100 MW by the end of 2024. This success story highlights the transformative potential of digital solutions in overcoming the land acquisition hurdle and accelerating the deployment of solar power projects.
Rajasthan’s proactive approach in embracing this digital solution demonstrates its commitment to renewable energy development and its willingness to experiment with innovative approaches to achieve its clean energy goals. The state’s vast solar potential, coupled with its supportive policy framework, makes it an ideal testing ground for such initiatives. The success in Rajasthan can serve as a model for other states to emulate, paving the way for a nationwide solar revolution.
Digital Oversight: Ensuring Transparency and Accountability
The GEAPP digital platform not only facilitates land acquisition but also enables real-time tracking of the scheme’s progress. This level of oversight is crucial for ensuring transparency and accountability in the implementation of large-scale solar projects. By identifying and addressing bottlenecks early on, the platform can help prevent delays and cost overruns, thereby maximizing the impact of the PM-KUSUM program.
The platform’s data analytics capabilities can also provide valuable insights into the performance of solar projects, enabling stakeholders to monitor energy generation, track financial returns, and identify areas for improvement. This data-driven approach can help optimize the operation and maintenance of solar installations, ensuring their long-term sustainability and maximizing their contribution to India’s energy mix.
Empowering Farmers: Fair Compensation and Sustainable Livelihoods
The GEAPP initiative also prioritizes the interests of farmers, ensuring that they receive fair compensation for leasing their land for solar projects. The lease rates are linked to prevailing market rates and adjusted for inflation, providing farmers with a sustainable source of income and incentivizing their participation in the program.
By generating additional revenue from their land, farmers can diversify their income streams and reduce their dependence on traditional agricultural practices, which are often vulnerable to climate change and market fluctuations. The solar projects can also create local jobs and stimulate economic activity in rural areas, contributing to the overall development of the region.
The Road Ahead: Scaling Up and Replicating Success
The success of the GEAPP initiative in Rajasthan has paved the way for its expansion to other states, including Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. By replicating this model across the country, India can overcome the land acquisition bottleneck and unlock the full potential of the PM-KUSUM program.
The digital platform, with its ability to streamline land transactions, track project progress, and ensure transparency, can serve as a powerful tool for accelerating India’s solar energy revolution. As the nation strives to achieve its ambitious renewable energy targets, innovative solutions like the GEAPP initiative will play a crucial role in driving the transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.
Beyond Land Acquisition: Addressing Other Challenges
While land acquisition has been a major hurdle, it is not the only challenge facing the PM-KUSUM program. Other issues, such as financing constraints, lack of awareness among farmers, and technical complexities, also need to be addressed. The government, in collaboration with various stakeholders, must develop a comprehensive strategy to tackle these challenges and ensure the successful implementation of the program.
This could involve providing financial incentives and subsidies to farmers and power developers, conducting awareness campaigns to educate farmers about the benefits of solar energy, and simplifying the technical aspects of solar installations. By addressing these challenges in a holistic manner, India can accelerate its solar energy adoption and achieve its ambitious renewable energy targets.
The Role of Technology: A Catalyst for Change
The GEAPP initiative exemplifies the transformative power of technology in driving India’s clean energy transition. By leveraging digital solutions and innovative approaches, the program is overcoming traditional barriers and paving the way for a brighter solar future.
The use of drone technology for land mapping, coupled with the development of a digital platform for land transactions and project monitoring, demonstrates how technology can be harnessed to streamline processes, enhance transparency, and empower stakeholders. As India continues its journey towards a sustainable energy future, the role of technology will only become more critical.
Conclusion: A Brighter Future Powered by the Sun
The PM-KUSUM program, despite its initial setbacks, holds immense promise for India’s agricultural sector and its clean energy ambitions. The innovative approaches being adopted, such as the GEAPP digital platform, offer a glimmer of hope for overcoming the challenges and unlocking the full potential of solar energy in agriculture.
By empowering farmers, facilitating land acquisition, and ensuring transparency and accountability, these initiatives can help accelerate the deployment of solar power projects and drive India’s transition towards a greener and more sustainable energy landscape. The road ahead may be long and winding, but with continued innovation and collaboration, India can achieve its solar dreams and secure a brighter future powered by the sun.
Soumya Smruti Sahoo is a seasoned journalist with extensive experience in both international and Indian news writing. With a sharp analytical mind and a dedication to uncovering the truth, Soumya has built a reputation for delivering in-depth, well-researched articles that provide readers with a clear understanding of complex global and domestic issues. Her work reflects a deep commitment to journalistic integrity, making her a trusted source for accurate and insightful news coverage.
