国际可持续发展研究所-可持续实施太阳能灌溉（英）-2023.5-122页

# Implementation of Solar Irrigation through PM-KUSUM Components

Report Summary

The guidebook outlines a framework for implementing PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evem Utthaan Mahabhiyan) Components A and C (feeder-level solarization) to promote sustainable solar irrigation. It emphasizes maximizing social, economic, and environmental benefits while addressing challenges like grid infrastructure, financing, groundwater depletion, and policy coordination.

1. Background

• Components A and C (FLS):

  • Component A: Decentralized solar power plants (0.5–2 MW) installed on farmland.
  • Component C (FLS): Solarization of agriculture feeders (1–5 MW) to power pumps. These models offer reliable daytime electricity, reducing subsidies and improving grid stability.

• Potential Benefits:

  • Better power quality, predictability, and daytime supply for farmers.
  • Cost savings for DISCOMs and states by reducing energy subsidies.
  • Improved RPO (Renewable Purchase Obligation) compliance and job creation.

2. Key Challenges and Solutions

• Grid Infrastructure:

  • Poor feeder conditions cause outages and voltage issues. Solution: Incorporate “deemed generation clauses” in PPAs, improve grid infrastructure via schemes like RDSS, and explore virtual feeder segregation.

• Financing Concerns:

  • High O&M costs, land acquisition issues, and DISCOM payment delays limit investment.
  • Mitigation: Use letters of credit, partner with CPSUs, and promote convergence with MSME schemes and DFIs.

• Groundwater Depletion:

  • Increased electricity access risks over-extraction. Solution: Implement direct incentive mechanisms (DBT) to limit consumption, promote energy-efficient pumps, and encourage water-saving practices.

• Implementation Coordination:

  • Requires active involvement of multiple departments (land revenue, agriculture, groundwater).
  • Effective coordination structures (e.g., multilevel committees) are needed, as seen in Punjab’s PBPK scheme.

3. Implementation Design

• Feeder Selection: Prioritize substations with high agricultural/non-agricultural loads.
• Tariff Optimization: Use LCOE (Levelized Cost of Energy) calculations, refine parameters, and align tariffs with landed costs.
• Pilot Testing: Reserve a small portion of projects to test innovative models like agrivoltaics and direct water incentives.

4. Monitoring and Learning

• Data-Driven Approach: Use platforms like SEDM (Solar Energy Data Management) and RMS (Remote Monitoring Systems) to track energy generation, consumption, and water usage.
• Feedback Loops: Institutionalize a "learning-by-doing" strategy to refine policies based on real-world results.

5. Context-Specific Adjustments

• Land Constraints: Use SPVs or equity-sharing models where land leasing is restricted.
• Tenant Farmers: Enable incentives to be transferred directly to tenants.
• WEF Nexus: Balance water conservation with increased energy access through tailored incentives and awareness programs.

Conclusion:
PM-KUSUM offers significant potential for sustainable solar irrigation but requires integrated policy, robust financing, and continuous monitoring to address challenges and maximize long-term benefits.