Solar Energy — Current Affairs 2026
Current Affairs Connections
India's Solar Capacity Surpasses 75 GW Mark, Eyes 100 GW Rooftop Target by 2027
March 2024Recent reports from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) indicate that India's cumulative installed solar power capacity has crossed the 75 GW milestone, with a significant push towards accelerating rooftop solar installations. The government has launched new incentives and streamlined approval processes to achieve the ambitious 40 GW rooftop solar target, now potentially extended to 100 GW by 2027 under a revised strategy. This surge reflects the success of policy interventions and declining costs, positioning India closer to its 2030 renewable energy goals. From a UPSC perspective, this highlights the dynamic growth of the sector and the government's adaptive policy measures.
UPSC Angle: Focus on policy effectiveness (Rooftop Solar Phase-II, PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana), capacity addition trends, and the role of distributed generation in meeting energy demand and reducing grid strain. Analyze the socio-economic benefits of rooftop solar for households and MSMEs.
International Solar Alliance (ISA) Launches 'SolarX Grand Challenge' for Innovative Storage Solutions
February 2025The International Solar Alliance (ISA), under India's leadership, has announced the 'SolarX Grand Challenge' – a global competition aimed at fostering innovation in affordable and efficient solar energy storage technologies. This initiative seeks to address one of the most significant hurdles in widespread solar adoption: intermittency and the need for reliable, round-the-clock power. The challenge will provide funding, mentorship, and market access to startups and researchers developing breakthrough battery technologies, thermal storage, or other novel solutions. This move underscores ISA's commitment to not just deployment but also technological advancement in the solar ecosystem.
UPSC Angle: Examine the role of ISA in promoting R&D and technology transfer, the critical importance of energy storage for grid stability and 24x7 renewable power, and India's leadership in driving global solar innovation. Connect to India's energy security and climate goals.