Relevance: GS II (Govt. Policies) & GS III (Energy & Agriculture) | Source: MNRE / News Dailies
1. What is the News?
- The original PM-KUSUM scheme (started in 2019) is ending this month. The government is now launching PM-KUSUM 2.0.
- The Major Change: The new version will now include Batteries (BESS). This is a game-changer because it allows farmers to store solar energy and use it whenever they want.
2. The Logic: Why do we need Batteries?
- The Sun Problem: Solar panels produce the most electricity at 12 noon when the sun is hottest.
- The Farmer’s Problem: Most farmers need to pump water early in the morning or late at night.
- The Solution: Batteries act like a “power bank.” They store the extra energy generated during the day so the farmer can use it at 9 PM. This means they don’t have to wait for the sun or rely on the unreliable regular electricity grid.
3. The Three Parts of the Scheme
UPSC often asks about the “Components” of this scheme. They are very simple:
| Part | What it does in simple words |
| Component A | Putting up small solar plants on empty or dry land that farmers aren’t using for crops. |
| Component B | Giving Solar Pumps to farmers who have no electricity wires (Off-grid) reaching their fields. |
| Component C | Adding solar power to pumps already using electricity wires. Farmers can use what they need and sell the rest to the government. |
4. Why is this good for India?
- Extra Income: Farmers can sell the extra electricity they make to power companies (DISCOMs). This gives them a “second income.”
- Saves Diesel: Many farmers use expensive and polluting diesel pumps. Solar pumps are free to run and much cleaner.
- Saves Water: Because farmers can earn money by selling extra power, they will stop wasting electricity and water unnecessarily.
The “UPSC Trap”
- The “Mandatory” Trap: A statement might say all solar pumps must now have batteries. Incorrect. Batteries are a new option in version 2.0 to help with timing; they are not yet forced on everyone.
UPSC Value Box
| Key Term | Simple Meaning |
| BESS | Battery Energy Storage System. These are large-scale batteries used to store green energy like solar. |
| MNRE | Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. The main department in charge of India’s shift to solar and wind power. |
With reference to the PM-KUSUM 2.0 scheme, consider the following statements:
- The scheme is the primary responsibility of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
- Component B of the scheme provides solar pumps to farmers who are already connected to the traditional electricity grid.
- PM-KUSUM 2.0 introduces battery storage to help farmers use solar power during non-sunny hours.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: (b)
Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!
Start Yours at Ajmal IAS – with Mentorship StrategyDisciplineClarityResults that Drives Success
Your dream deserves this moment — begin it here.