Why is it in the news?

• India Meteorological Department (IMD) study indicates a decreasing trend in solar radiation for electricity, affecting Solar Photovoltaic Potential (SPV).

More about the news

• Regions like Gujarat and Rajasthan, where India’s largest solar parks are situated, are also experiencing a decrease in SPV potential.
• The primary cause of this decline is attributed to an increase in aerosol load stemming from fine particles emitted from carbon emissions, fossil fuel burning, and dust.
• Aerosols have the capacity to absorb sunlight and deflect it away from the Earth’s surface, while also potentially forming dense clouds that obstruct sunlight, further reducing the availability of solar radiation for electricity generation.

Intiatives to promote:

• National Solar Mission
• Solar Park Scheme
• Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) Suryamitra Skill Development Programme
• International Solar Alliance
• Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana

India’s Target:

• The country aims to obtain nearly half of its electricity needs from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030. This would require around 500 GW of power generation.

India Meteorological Department:

• It was established in 1875.
• It is the National Meteorological Service of the country and the principal government agency in all matters relating to meteorology and allied subjects.
• The administrative responsibilities of the Department are under the supervision of the Ministry of Earth Sciences of the Indian Government.
• IMD is also one of the six Regional Specialized Meteorological Centres of the World Meteorological Organization.