Context:
The government is planning to upgrade the PM-KUSUM scheme (PM-KUSUM 2.0) by integrating battery energy storage systems (BESS) to improve solar power utilization in agriculture.
Key Highlights:
- Need for Upgrade:
- Current mismatch between solar generation (daytime peak) and agricultural demand (morning/evening)
- Proposed Solution:
- Addition of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
- Store surplus energy → supply during non-generation hours
- Scheme Status:
- Launched in 2019, nearing expiry
- Installed capacity: ~12,164 MW (as of Feb)
- Implementation Aspects:
- Discussions on 2-hour vs 4-hour storage capacity
- Timeline extended for project completion
- Components of PM-KUSUM:
- Component A: Decentralized solar plants
- Component B: Standalone solar pumps
- Component C: Solarisation of grid-connected pumps
Relevant Prelims Points:
- PM-KUSUM Scheme:
- Objective: Solarisation of agriculture sector
- Battery Energy Storage System (BESS):
- Stores electricity for later use
- Feeder-Level Solarisation (FLS):
- Solarising entire agricultural feeders
- Installed Data:
- Over 10 lakh solar pumps installed
- 13 lakh+ pumps solarised under FLS
Relevant Mains Points:
- Importance of Solarisation in Agriculture:
- Reduces subsidy burden on DISCOMs
- Promotes clean energy transition
- Ensures reliable irrigation power
- Challenges in Current Scheme:
- Demand-generation mismatch
- Financial and technical barriers
- Grid integration issues
- Role of Battery Storage:
- Enhances grid stability
- Improves energy efficiency and reliability
- Enables round-the-clock renewable usage
- Governance and Policy Aspects:
- Need coordination between MNRE and Ministry of Power
- Financial viability of storage systems
- Way Forward:
- Promote indigenous battery manufacturing
- Provide incentives for energy storage adoption
- Integrate with smart grids and digital monitoring
- Encourage farmer participation and awareness
UPSC Relevance:
• GS 3: Environment – Renewable energy, solar irrigation
• GS 3: Economy – Energy infrastructure
• GS 2: Governance – Scheme implementation
• Prelims: PM-KUSUM components, BESS