PM KUSUM Scheme
Context:
• The Karnataka State Cabinet recently has come forward for the implementation of PM KUSUM-B (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan-B) which is a centrally sponsored scheme under which solar-powered irrigation pump sets will be provided to farmers.
About:
• The scheme is aimed at ensuring energy security for farmers in India, along with honoring India’s commitment to increase the share of installed capacity of electric power from non-fossil-fuel sources to 40% by 2030 as part of Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs).
Structure of the Scheme:
• For Setting up of 10,000 MW of Decentralized Grid Connected Renewable Energy Power Plants on barren land.
• Under this part, renewable energy based power plants (REPP) of capacity 500 kW to 2 MW will be setup by individual farmers/ group of farmers/ cooperatives/ panchayats/ Farmer Producer Organisations (FPO)/Water User associations (WUA) on barren/fallow land.
• These power plants can also be installed on cultivable land on stilts where crops can also be grown below the solar panels.
• The renewable energy power project will be installed within five km radius of the sub-stations in order to avoid high cost of sub-transmission lines and to reduce transmission losses. The power generated will be purchased by local DISCOM at pre-fixed tariff
• For Installation of 17.50 Lakh stand-alone solar agriculture pumps. Under this Component, individual farmers will be supported to install standalone solar Agriculture pumps of capacity up to 7.5 HP for replacement of existing diesel Agriculture pumps / irrigation systems in off-grid areas, where grid supply is not available. Pumps of capacity higher than 7.5 HP can also be installed, however, the financial support will be limited to 7.5 HP capacity
• For Solarisation of 10 Lakh Grid Connected Agriculture Pumps. Under this Component, individual farmers having grid connected agriculture pump will be supported to solarise pumps.
• The farmer will be able to use the generated solar power to meet the irrigation needs and the excess solar power will be sold to DISCOMs at pre-fixed tariff.
Source: THE HINDU
