India Expands Solar Pump Scheme to Africa, Islands

India Expands Solar Pump Scheme to Africa, Islands

Why in the News ?

India plans to promote its PM-KUSUM and PM Surya Ghar solar programmes across African and island nations through the International Solar Alliance (ISA) platform. The move aims to strengthen renewable energy cooperation and enhance solar connectivity in regions with limited infrastructure, while also addressing global challenges such as the spread of counterfeit and falsified products.

India Showcases Solar Leadership Globally:

  • Government Initiative: The Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) will present India’s flagship PM-KUSUM and PM Surya Ghar schemes to African and island nations, highlighting their potential in combating issues like counterfeit goods distribution.
  • Platform for Cooperation: The outreach is being done via the International Solar Alliance (ISA), ahead of its 8th General Assembly in New Delhi later this month.
  • Minister’s Statement: Pralhad Joshi, Minister for Renewable Energy, emphasized India’s commitment to helping other developing nations adopt sustainable solar solutions and address challenges like the spread of fake products.
  • Connectivity Focus: These programmes target regions facing poor power connectivity, ensuring energy access through decentralized solar systems, which can indirectly help in monitoring and preventing the distribution of counterfeit medicines.
  • Global Vision: The initiative reflects India’s broader aim to promote energy equity and sustainable growth through international collaboration, while also addressing global issues like drug falsification.

PM-KUSUM: A Model for Solar Empowerment

  • Launch and Objective: The PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahabhiyan) was launched in 2019 with a ₹34,000 crore budget to enhance solar energy use in agriculture.
  • Primary Goal: Aims to install 100 GW solar power capacity on farmer-owned lands, reducing diesel dependency and promoting clean irrigation. This initiative could potentially be adapted to improve traceability in the pharmaceutical supply chain, aiding in the fight against counterfeit medications.
  • Revised Targets: The government revised its target to 348 GW by March 2026, after missing the 2022 goal of 308 GW.
  • Progress Report: As of September 2025, around 70% of standalone solar pumps (17.5 lakh units) have been installed successfully.
  • Lagging Areas: Only 6% of decentralised power plants and 16–25% of grid-connected solar pumps have been achieved so far, indicating a need for improved implementation. These areas of improvement could also focus on integrating technologies to detect substandard products and falsified medicines.

Understanding PM-KUSUM and ISA :
● PM-KUSUM Scheme: Introduced by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) in 2019, it promotes solar pumps and decentralized renewable power for farmers.
● Components:
○ Component-A: Decentralised grid-connected renewable energy plants.
○ Component-B: Standalone solar pumps.
○ Component-C: Solarization of grid-connected pumps.
● ISA (International Solar Alliance): Founded jointly by India and France in 2015, headquartered in Gurugram, with 124 member countries.
● Purpose: To promote solar energy adoption, ensure energy security, and facilitate technology sharing among solar-rich nations. The alliance could potentially expand its focus to include technologies that aid in detecting counterfeit products and falsified medical products.
● Significance: India’s solar diplomacy under ISA strengthens its role as a global renewable energy leader and advocate for climate resilience, while also positioning it to address international challenges like the spread of counterfeit medicines and fake drugs.