Context:
PM-KUSUM scheme needs recalibration to achieve its targets, says CSE study.
PM KUSUM:
- Launched in – 2019
- Aim – To help farmers access reliable daytime solar power for irrigation, reduce power subsidies, and decarbonise agriculture.
- Target – Install a solar capacity of 34.8 GW by March 2026
- Nodal Ministry – Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
- Components –
- Component A – 10,000 MW of solar capacity through installation of small Solar Power Plants of individual plants of capacity upto 2 MW.
- Component B – Installation of 14 lakh standalone Solar Powered Agriculture Pumps.
- Component C – Solarisation of 35 Lakh Gridconnected Agriculture Pump
Source: Down To Earth
Previous Year Question
With reference to technologies for solar power production, consider the following statements:
1. ‘Photovoltaics’ is a technology that generates electricity by direct conversion of light into electricity, while ‘Solar Thermal’ is a technology that utilizes the Sun’s rays to generate heat which is further used in the electricity generation process.
2. Photovoltaics generates Alternating Current (AC), while Solar Thermal generates Direct Current (DC).
3. India has a manufacturing base for Solar Thermal technology, but not for Photovoltaics.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2020 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
Statement 2 is not correct:
Solar energy can be converted directly into electrical energy (direct current, DC) by photovoltaic (PV) cells commonly called solar cells.
Statement 3 is not correct:
India has a manufacturing base for Solar Thermal technology as well as for Photovoltaics.
