India’s agrivoltaic capacity could exceed 5-gigawatts in 3-4 years, MNRE Secretary says
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Cropping patterns & irrigation· Prelims + Mains·
Agrivoltaics as a dual-use land strategy for food security and renewable energy: a GS3 Agriculture and Energy case study.
Why in news
MNRE Secretary Santosh Kumar Sarangi stated that India's agrivoltaic capacity could exceed 5 GW in 3-4 years, contingent on states notifying feed-in tariffs.
Background
The Union Ministry for New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is collaborating with the Finance Ministry on a central sector scheme to incentivize states. Pilot projects for agrivoltaics have already been conducted in Odisha, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh.
Facts for Prelims
- FactProjected agrivoltaic capacity: Exceed 5 gigawatts in 3-4 years.
- PlaceStates with pilot projects: Odisha, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh.
- BodyMNRE: Union Ministry for New and Renewable Energy.
- FactPolicy requirement: States must notify feed-in tariffs to provide certainty for farmer-producers organisations.
Prelims practice question
Which of the following states has conducted pilot projects for agrivoltaic systems?
- (a)Kerala
- (b)Madhya Pradesh
- (c)Assam
- (d)West Bengal
Show answer
Answer: (b) Madhya Pradesh — The note mentions that pilot projects for agrivoltaics have already been conducted in Odisha, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh.
For Mains
Q. Discuss how agrivoltaic systems can balance India's dual requirements of food security and renewable energy targets while ensuring farmer livelihoods.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Policy friction: Requirement for state-level feed-in tariffs to ensure investment certainty for farmer-producers
- Incentive structure: Need for central sector schemes to bridge the gap between state-level implementation and national energy goals
Keywords: Agrivoltaics · Feed-in Tariffs · Renewable Energy · Farmer-Producers Organisations · Dual-use Land
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