Unleashing India's Solar Potential: A Review of the National Solar Mission and the Path to Sustainable Energy in India

Abstract

India possesses vast potential for generating clean energy from Renewable Energy Sources (RES), specifically hydro, wind, and solar. This potential has been appropriately recognized, indicating India's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint as a developing nation. The significance of this endeavor is becoming increasingly evident worldwide. The objectives of this review study are to provide an overview of the abundant solar energy resources in India, including availability, current status, strategies, perspectives, challenges, achievements, and future prospects. The review study examines the Government of India's Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM), launched in 2009 to promote clean energy. This mission, initiated on January 11, 2010, is one of the eight missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC–2008). The JNNSM aims to deploy 22,000 MW of solar power through grid-connected and off-grid solar power plants. The review results show that as of August 2023, India has achieved a cumulative installed solar power capacity of 63,000 MW, exceeding the initial target of 22,000 MW set under the JNNSM. The country has seen a significant increase in solar energy deployment, with an average annual growth rate of 18% over the past five years. India's solar energy potential is estimated to be around 750 GW, indicating vast untapped resources. The review study recommends that India should continue to strengthen its policy and regulatory frameworks, incentivize private sector participation, and invest in research and development to further harness its solar energy potential. Addressing challenges related to grid integration, storage, and financing will be crucial for the sustainable growth of the solar energy sector in India.