Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM)
The Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM), initiated by the Indian government, aims to establish the country as a global leader in solar power. Launched officially in 2010 by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on January 11th, the mission initially set a target of 20 GW by 2022. However, in the 2015 Union Budget, Prime Minister Narendra Modi increased the target to an ambitious 100 GW. The Central Government initiated this mission to contribute to India’s future development, operating under the “Solar India” brand.
The primary objective of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission is to promote sustainability. This initiative holds significance as it reflects India’s comprehensive commitment to addressing and mitigating the impacts of climate change. In this blog post, we will delve deeper into the impact, achievements, and future prospects of JNNSM.
Table of Contents
Overview of JNNSM’s Objectives and Target
The Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission is one of the eight missions included in the National Action Plan on Climate Change.
The Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission has the following objectives:
1. Establishing India as a global leader in Solar Energy by creating favorable policy conditions for widespread adoption.
2. Aiming to achieve grid parity by 2022, with a further goal of reaching parity with coal-based thermal power by 2030.
3. Adopting a three-phase approach spanning from 2010 to 2022, with a focus on creating a conducive environment for solar technology at both centralized and decentralized levels.
| Phase | Year | Cumulative Target Grid-Connected Solar PV (including rooftop) | Target for Off-Grid Solar PV Applications |
| Phase I | 2010 – 2013 | 1,000 MW | 200 MW |
| Phase II | 2014 – 2017 | 4,000 – 10,000 MW | 1,000 MW |
| Phase III | 2017 – 2022 | 100,000 MW | 2,000 MW |
Promoting Solar Power Generation in India
Through its mission, the JNNSM aims to increase the capacity of grid-connected solar power to 20,000 MW by 2022. Furthermore, it focuses on bringing clean and sustainable solar energy to rural areas through decentralized off-grid solar applications. This mission also strives to create a favorable investment environment in the solar sector, encourage research and development, and promote domestic manufacturing of solar equipment. By setting these targets, the JNNSM showcases India’s commitment to combat climate change and pave the way towards a more sustainable future.
Target to Achieve 100 GW of Solar Power Capacity by 2022
One of the key highlights of the JNNSM is its ambitious target to achieve 100 GW of solar power capacity by 2022. This target is a significant leap towards meeting India’s growing energy demands while reducing its carbon footprint. By setting such a bold goal, the JNNSM aims to position India as a global leader in renewable energy and drive the transition towards a cleaner and greener future.
To achieve this target, the mission focuses on a multi-pronged approach that includes expanding grid-connected solar power capacity, promoting off-grid solar applications, and encouraging investment and domestic manufacturing in the solar sector. This comprehensive strategy aims to harness the full potential of solar energy and transform India’s energy landscape.
Key Components of JNNSM
Comprising two fundamental aspects:
- Grid-connected solar power
- Off-grid solar applications
Grid-connected solar power and off-grid solar applications constitute the primary components of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM). Grid-connected solar power involves establishing solar power plants integrated with the existing electricity grid. These plants harness solar energy to generate electricity, contributing to the overall energy supply. The objective is to elevate the proportion of solar power in the national energy portfolio, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Conversely, off-grid solar applications concentrate on delivering solar energy solutions to regions without access to the electricity grid. This encompasses rural and remote areas facing limited or no electricity access. The spectrum of off-grid solar applications spans from small-scale solar home systems to more extensive community-level installations. The aim is to furnish clean and sustainable energy solutions to these underserved areas, enhancing their quality of life and fostering economic development.
Both facets of JNNSM assume pivotal roles in realizing the mission’s objectives. Grid-connected solar power facilitates the expansion of solar energy generation, curbing greenhouse gas emissions. Simultaneously, off-grid solar applications cater to the energy requirements of marginalized communities, promoting energy access and equity. Collectively, these components contribute to the overarching goal of reducing the cost of solar power generation and positioning India as a global leader in renewable energy.
Solar Power Policies and Schemes implemented under JNNSM
Under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM), various policies and schemes have been instituted to foster the expansion and acceptance of solar power in India. A pivotal policy is the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) mechanism, offering extended contracts and assured tariffs to solar power producers. This not only stimulates investments in solar projects but also ensures a dependable revenue stream for developers. Additionally, the JNNSM has implemented the Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) mechanism, mandating electricity distribution companies to procure a specified percentage of their power from renewable sources, including solar. This policy has played a crucial role in stimulating the demand for solar power and establishing a market for solar energy in India.
Introduction to the National Solar Mission Policy and Solar Park Initiative
The National Solar Mission (NSM) policy, initiated by the Indian government in 2010, endeavors to encourage the utilization of solar energy within the country and achieve the ambitious target of 100 GW of solar power capacity by 2022. The policy addresses both grid-connected and off-grid solar power projects, placing a significant emphasis on fostering domestic manufacturing of solar equipment. A key component of the NSM is the Solar Park Initiative, designed to establish expansive solar parks equipped with essential infrastructure to attract solar power developers and investors. These solar parks offer an enabling environment for the development of solar projects, providing access to land, transmission infrastructure, and other necessary facilities.
Achievements and Impact of JNNSM
The Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) has attained notable accomplishments since its initiation. A key success is the substantial increase in solar power capacity within the country. Through the implementation of various initiatives, JNNSM has effectively elevated India’s solar power generation capacity, moving closer to its targeted 100 GW by 2022.
This noteworthy expansion in solar power capacity has not only bolstered the nation’s energy security but has also played a crucial role in curbing carbon emissions and addressing climate change. Moreover, JNNSM’s emphasis on promoting domestic manufacturing of solar equipment has energized the country’s solar industry, generating employment opportunities and fostering economic growth. The pivotal Solar Park Initiative has been particularly influential in attracting solar power developers and investors, facilitating the development of large-scale solar projects nationwide. Overall, JNNSM has left a significant imprint on India’s solar power sector, charting a course toward a sustainable and cleaner energy future.
