Content:

1. PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana Turns One
2. India Energy Week 2025 Showcases India’s Clean Cooking Gas Model: A Blueprint for the Global South

PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana Turns One

Introduction

• Launch & Vision: Launched on February 13, 2024, by PM Narendra Modi, aiming to install rooftop solar panels for one crore households by March 2027.
• World’s Largest Rooftop Solar Initiative: Aims to make solar energy affordable and accessible, accelerating India’s transition to sustainable energy.
• Current Achievements (as of Jan 27, 2025):
  • 8.46 lakh households benefited.
  • 70,000 installations/month, a 10x increase from pre-scheme levels.
  • ₹4,308.66 crore disbursed as Central Financial Assistance (CFA).
  • 45% beneficiaries receiving zero electricity bills.

Relevance : GS 2(Schemes) , GS 3(Energy Security)

Key Benefits

• Free Electricity for Households: Subsidized rooftop solar panels ensure zero-cost electricity for many.
• Reduced Government Electricity Subsidy Burden: Estimated annual savings of ₹75,000 crore in government electricity expenses.
• Promotes Renewable Energy Usage: Strengthens India’s push towards clean energy and energy security.
• Lower Carbon Footprint: A significant step in reducing carbon emissions, aiding India’s climate commitments.

Subsidy Structure

• Application Process: Households can apply via the National Portal and select a certified vendor.
• Financial Assistance Processing Time: On average, 15 days post-redemption request.
• Loan Support: Collateral-free loans at 7% interest for solar systems up to 3 kW.

Impact Assessment

Household Benefits:

• Cost Savings: Solar power users save significantly on electricity bills.
• Income Generation: Households can sell surplus power to DISCOMs.
• Energy Independence: Reduces dependency on fossil-fuel-powered electricity

Expansion of Solar Capacity:

• 30 GW additional solar capacity expected in residential sectors.

Environmental Gains:

• Over 1,000 BUs of electricity generation over 25 years.
• 720 million tonnes CO₂ emission reduction.

Employment Generation:

• Expected to create 17 lakh direct jobs across:
  • Manufacturing
  • Logistics & Supply Chain
  • Sales & Installation
  • Operations & Maintenance (O&M)

Model Solar Village Initiative

• Objective: One Model Solar Village per district to showcase energy self-sufficiency.
• Funding: ₹800 crore total, ₹1 crore per village.
• Selection Criteria:
  • Must be a revenue village.
  • Population requirement: 5,000+ (2,000 in special category states).
  • Selected based on highest renewable energy (RE) capacity six months post-identification.

Future Roadmap

• Target Installations:
  • 10 lakh installations by March 2025.
  • 20 lakh by October 2025.
  • 40 lakh by March 2026.
  • One crore by March 2027.

• Economic & Environmental Milestones:
  • ₹75,000 crore in government savings.
  • Stronger renewable energy infrastructure.
  • Enhanced rural electrification via solar villages.

Conclusion

• PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana is a game–changer in India’s clean energy transition.
• The scheme reduces household energy costs, decarbonizes electricity production, and boosts employment.
• The Model Solar Village initiative fosters rural self-sufficiency in energy.
• India reaffirms its global leadership in renewable energy, accelerating towards a sustainable and carbon-neutral future.

India Energy Week 2025 Showcases India’s Clean Cooking Gas Model: A Blueprint for the Global South

Introduction :

• India showcased its success in achieving universal access to clean cooking fuel, positioning itself as a model for the Global South.

Relevance : GS 3 (Energy Security)

• The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) was highlighted as a game-changer in driving LPG adoption, with affordable pricing of 7 cents/day for beneficiaries and 15 cents/day for other consumers.
• India’s strategy involves targeted subsidies, digitalized distribution networks, and nationwide awareness campaigns.
• International stakeholders recognized India’s approach as highly replicable in nations facing energy access challenges.

Discussions & International Participation

• Ministerial roundtable chaired by Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri included representatives from Brazil, Tanzania, Malawi, Sudan, Nepal, and industry leaders like IEA, Total Energy, and BCG.
• Countries shared their clean cooking expansion strategies, challenges, and policy insights:
  • Tanzania: Aims for 80% household transition to clean cooking by 2030, facing financing and regulatory challenges.
  • Sudan: Emphasized private sector participation for LPG supply and local cylinder production.
  • Nepal & Rwanda: Working on reducing firewood dependency through electric stoves and biogas initiatives.

India’s Policy Success & Key Takeaways

• Targeted Subsidies: Ensured affordability for low-income households.
• Strong Political Will: Government commitment enabled efficient policy execution.
• Digital Distribution Networks: Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) streamlined last-mile delivery.
• Cultural Shift Campaigns: Public awareness efforts boosted LPG adoption.

Global Perspectives on Scaling Clean Cooking

• IEA Deputy Executive Director Mary Burce Warlick: Highlighted the role of concessional financing and PPPs in clean cooking expansion.
• BCG Partner Rahool Panandiker: Stressed the need for refining the LPG refill model for sustainability.
• Regulatory Adjustments & Tax Reductions: Identified as crucial for large-scale adoption.

Future Prospects: Expanding Beyond LPG

• Solar Cookers: Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) developed solar cookers with integrated panels (~$500/unit).
  • Challenge: High cost limiting mass adoption.
  • Proposed solution: Carbon financing & private sector collaboration to reduce costs.
• Diverse Clean Cooking Options: India’s long-term goal is to reduce biomass reliance & cut carbon emissions.

India’s Global Leadership in Energy Transition

• Shri Puri emphasized that universal clean cooking access is a moral, health, and environmental imperative.
• India’s policies provide a scalable and sustainable framework for other developing nations.
• Strengthened international cooperation through India Energy Week, reaffirming India’s role as a leader in global energy dialogues.

India Energy Week 2025: Significance

• Evolved into the world’s second-largest energy event within two years.
• The third edition (Feb 11-14, 2025, Yashobhoomi, New Delhi) focused on shaping global energy narratives.
• Demonstrates India’s proactive stance in energy transition & clean cooking accessibility.