India Offers Solar Expertise and Successful Schemes to African Nations via International Solar Alliance
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi announced that India is ready to share its extensive experience in the solar sector with other countries, particularly in Africa. Speaking at the International Solar Alliance (ISA) meeting, he highlighted the success of domestic initiatives like PM Surya Ghar (rooftop solar) and PM-Kusum (solar pumps for farmers). India aims to showcase these models as scalable solutions for regions with low rural power access. Currently, 10 lakh solar rooftops have been completed under the PM Surya Ghar scheme, and India is supporting the ISA to expand these technologies globally to combat energy poverty and climate change.
Key Points
- PM-Kusum (Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthan Mahabhiyan) focuses on solarizing the agricultural sector and providing energy security to farmers.
- The International Solar Alliance is a treaty-based intergovernmental organization launched by India and France to promote solar energy.
- Africa has currently tapped only 4% of its arable land through irrigation due to lack of power, presenting a major opportunity for solar intervention.
- New Delhi is looking to showcase PM Surya Ghar and PM-Kusum as 'excellent' models for island nations and African countries.
Exam Facts
- 10 lakh solar rooftops have been completed under the PM Surya Ghar scheme.
- PM-Kusum stands for Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthan Mahabhiyan.
- ISA (International Solar Alliance) is headquartered in Gurugram, India.
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