Operationalising 10% of agrivoltaic land could meet India’s 2050 power demand
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Cropping patterns & irrigation· Prelims + Mains·
Dual-use land strategy for energy and food security: a GS3 Agriculture and Environment case study.
Why in news
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi stated that operationalising 10% of land suitable for agrivoltaics could meet India’s 2050 power demand based on a TERI study.
Background
India has 47.5 million hectares of land suitable for agrivoltaics. A TERI study from July indicates that agrivoltaic costs are 25-30% higher than ground-mounted solar systems.
Facts for Prelims
- Fact47.5 million hectares of land in India are identified as suitable for agrivoltaics
- FactAgrivoltaic costs are 25-30% higher than ground-mounted solar systems
Prelims practice question
What is the total area of land in India identified as suitable for agrivoltaics?
- (a)10 million hectares
- (b)25 million hectares
- (c)60 million hectares
- (d)47.5 million hectares
Show answer
Answer: (d) 47.5 million hectares — The note specifies that India has 47.5 million hectares of land suitable for agrivoltaics.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the potential of agrivoltaics in achieving India's renewable energy targets while ensuring food security and sustainable land use.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Cost-benefit trade-off: Higher capital expenditure of agrivoltaics compared to traditional ground-mounted solar
- Land-use conflict: Balancing crop suitability and land restoration requirements with large-scale solar deployment
- Policy requirement: Need for specific frameworks on crop-specific repairs and soil health maintenance
Keywords: Agrivoltaics · Renewable Energy · Food Security · Land Use Policy · Sustainable Development
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.