National Solar Mission, Wind Mission, Hydrogen Mission | Science & Technology for UPSC CSE PDF Download

Introduction

India’s renewable energy missions address climate change, energy access, and economic growth under the NAPCC (2008). The National Solar Mission (launched 2010) has scaled solar capacity from 161 MW (2010) to 97.86 GW (2025), surpassing initial targets. The National Wind Mission (formalized 2015) promotes wind energy and hybrid systems, contributing ~50 GW. The National Green Hydrogen Mission (2023) aims for 5 million metric tonnes (MMT) of green hydrogen by 2030, leveraging renewable energy. These missions align with India’s Paris Agreement pledge (40% non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030) and net-zero goal by 2070. Recent developments, including the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (2024) and international partnerships (e.g., International Solar Alliance), highlight India’s leadership. These initiatives are vital for UPSC aspirants, linking energy policy, sustainability, and global diplomacy.

National Solar Mission (NSM)

Background

• Launch: January 11, 2010, as the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission, part of NAPCC, under PM Manmohan Singh.
• Objective: Establish India as a global solar energy leader, reduce fossil fuel dependence, and ensure energy security.
• Initial Target: 20 GW by 2022, revised to 100 GW in 2015 (60 GW utility-scale, 40 GW rooftop).
• Revised Target (2015): Part of 175 GW renewable energy by 2022 (100 GW solar, 60 GW wind, 10 GW biomass, 5 GW small hydro).

Key Features

• Phased Approach:

  • Phase I (2010–13): Policy framework, feed-in tariffs, and 1.4 GW capacity addition.

  • Phase II (2013–17): Scaled-up projects, private sector participation, and ~15 GW added.

  • Phase III (2017–22): Focused on rooftop solar, solar parks, and grid integration; surpassed 20 GW target in 2018.

• Policy Support: Viability Gap Funding (VGF), Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), tax exemptions, and waived interstate transmission charges.

• Key Schemes:

  • PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (2024): Targets 1 crore rooftop solar installations by March 2027; 6.3 lakh completed by November 2024.

  • Solar Parks: 34 parks approved across 21 states, adding >20 GW capacity.

• Institutions: Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) facilitates implementation; National Institute of Solar Energy leads R&D.

Progress 

• Capacity: 97.86 GW (from 9.01 GW in 2016), with 6.1 GW rooftop solar (June 2021, growing steadily).

• Achievements:

  • Surpassed 20 GW target in 2018, four years early.

  • Added 9,362 MW in 2017–18, highest annual growth.

  • PM Surya Ghar achieved 10x installation growth in 2024.

• Global Impact: NSM’s success inspired the International Solar Alliance (ISA), launched by PM Modi in 2015, mobilizing $1 trillion for solar by 2030.

Challenges

• Land Acquisition: Large solar parks face delays due to land disputes (e.g., Rajasthan, Gujarat).

• Grid Integration: Intermittency requires advanced storage (batteries cost ~₹7–10 lakh/MWh).

• Rooftop Lag: Only ~10 GW rooftop vs. 40 GW target, due to high costs and awareness gaps.

• Import Dependence: 80% of solar panels imported from China, challenging Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Recent Developments

• Budget 2025-26: ₹1.97 lakh crore for renewables, with ₹15,000 crore for solar projects, including storage and grid upgrades.

• ISA Expansion: India secured $500 million in 2024 for solar projects in Global South via ISA.

• Manufacturing Push: Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme added 10 GW domestic panel capacity in 2024.

Relevance to Policy & Safety

• Policy: NSM drives renewable energy policy, integrating solar with wind and hydrogen missions for hybrid grids.

• Safety: Solar’s low-risk profile (no radiation, minimal waste) contrasts with nuclear, reducing environmental concerns.
  

National Wind Mission

Background

• Launch: Formalized in 2015 under NAPCC, building on India’s wind energy programme since the 1980s.

• Objective: Promote grid-connected wind power and wind-solar hybrid systems for efficient land and transmission use.

• Target: 60 GW by 2022 (part of 175 GW renewable goal), revised to 140 GW by 2030.

Key Features

• Policy Framework:

  • National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy (2018): Promotes co-located wind-solar plants for grid stability.

  • Repowering Policy (2016): Upgrades old wind turbines for higher efficiency.

  • Green Energy Corridor: Dedicated transmission for wind and solar integration.

• Institutions: National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) leads R&D; Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) provides financing.

• Incentives: Accelerated depreciation, tax holidays, and competitive bidding for wind projects.

Progress 

• Capacity: ~50 GW (from 25 GW in 2015), second-largest renewable source after solar.

• Achievements:

  • Added 2.5 GW in 2024, driven by hybrid projects.

  • Offshore wind potential of 70 GW identified; first 1 GW project off Gujarat coast planned for 2027.

• Global Standing: India is 4th globally in wind capacity, after China, US, and Germany.

Challenges

• Land and Grid Issues: Similar to solar, land acquisition and grid integration hinder scaling.

• High Costs: Offshore wind costs ~₹12–15 crore/MW vs. ₹6 crore/MW for onshore.

• Policy Gaps: Slow repowering of old turbines due to funding and regulatory delays.

• Competition: Solar’s lower costs overshadow wind in some regions.

Recent Developments

• Budget 2025-26: ₹10,000 crore for wind-solar hybrids and offshore wind projects.

• Offshore Push: MNRE issued tenders for 2 GW offshore wind in Tamil Nadu (2025).

• Hybrid Growth: 5 GW wind-solar hybrid capacity added in 2024, optimizing land use.

Relevance to Policy & Safety

• Policy: Wind Mission complements NSM, enabling hybrid systems for stable renewable grids.

• Safety: Wind energy’s minimal environmental risks (no emissions or radioactive waste) enhance its appeal.
  

National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM)

Background

• Launch: January 4, 2023, approved by the Union Cabinet, announced by PM Modi on August 15, 2021.

• Objective: Make India a global hub for production, usage, and export of green hydrogen and its derivatives (e.g., green ammonia, methanol).

• Target: 5 MMT annual green hydrogen production by 2030, with 125 GW renewable energy addition.

Key Features

• Budget: ₹19,744 crore until 2029-30, including ₹17,490 crore for Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT).

• Components:

  • SIGHT Programme: Incentives for electrolyser manufacturing and green hydrogen production.

  • Green Hydrogen Hubs: Two hubs planned by 2026 (e.g., Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh) for large-scale production.

  • Pilot Projects: ₹455 crore for low-carbon steel, ₹496 crore for mobility, ₹115 crore for shipping.

  • Policy Support: Waiver of interstate transmission charges for renewable energy used in hydrogen production; banking and open access for projects.

• Governance: Empowered Group (chaired by Cabinet Secretary) and Advisory Group (led by Principal Scientific Adviser) guide implementation.

Progress 

• Capacity: Pilot projects operational; 0.5 MMT production capacity established, mainly for fertilizers and refineries.

• Investments: ₹8 lakh crore committed, creating ~1 lakh jobs.

• Achievements:

  • First green hydrogen plant at Jorhat, Assam (2024).

  • SECI issued tenders for 1 MMT production in 2025.

• Global Impact: India’s NGHM aligns with global hydrogen strategies (e.g., EU’s REPowerEU, US Hydrogen Hubs).

Challenges

• High Costs: Green hydrogen production costs ₹300–400/kg vs. ₹150/kg for grey hydrogen; needs scale to compete.

• Incentive Gaps: ₹50/kg initial incentive (decreasing annually) is lower than global standards (e.g., US: $3/kg).

• Infrastructure: Limited pipelines and storage facilities; current hydrogen demand (6 MMT) is mostly grey hydrogen.

• Technology: Electrolyser production lags; 80% imported in 2024.

Recent Developments

• Budget 2025-26: ₹5,400 crore for electrolyser manufacturing and hub development.

• International Ties: India-Japan collaboration (2024) for green ammonia exports; ISA integration for solar-powered hydrogen.

• Pilot Expansion: 10 new mobility pilots launched in 2025, targeting buses and trucks.

Relevance to Policy & Safety

• Policy: NGHM integrates with NSM and Wind Mission, using solar/wind for electrolysis, supporting hybrid grids.

• Safety: Green hydrogen’s non-radioactive nature avoids nuclear risks, but storage and transport require stringent safety protocols (e.g., explosion-proof systems).
  

Challenges, Future Prospects, and Significance

Challenges

• Land and Infrastructure: Solar and wind projects face land acquisition delays; hydrogen lacks distribution networks.

• Cost Barriers: High upfront costs for rooftop solar, offshore wind, and green hydrogen hinder scaling.

• Import Dependence: Solar panels and electrolysers rely on imports, challenging self-reliance.

• Public Awareness: Low adoption of rooftop solar and public skepticism about hydrogen safety slow progress.

• Global Competition: China’s dominance in solar/wind manufacturing and hydrogen pilots outpaces India.

Future Prospects

• Solar: Aim for 280 GW by 2030; PM Surya Ghar to add 20 GW rooftop by 2027.

• Wind: 140 GW by 2030, with 10 GW offshore by 2030; hybrid systems to dominate.

• Hydrogen: 5 MMT by 2030, with exports to EU and Japan; 50 GW electrolyser capacity planned.

• Policy Integration: Green Energy Corridor II (2025) will enhance grid stability for all missions.

• Private Sector: PLI schemes and public-private partnerships (2025 budget) will boost domestic manufacturing.

Significance for India

• Energy Security: Reduces fossil fuel imports (₹12 lakh crore in 2024), supporting 1.4 billion population.

• Climate Goals: Contributes to 50% non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030 and net-zero by 2070.

• Economic Impact: Creates 10 lakh jobs by 2030; supports $1 trillion renewable economy.

• Global Leadership: ISA and NGHM position India as a clean energy hub, strengthening NSG and UNFCC roles.
  

The National Solar Mission, Wind Mission, and National Green Hydrogen Mission are cornerstones of India’s renewable energy strategy, driving sustainable growth and global leadership. With solar at 97.86 GW, wind at ~50 GW, and green hydrogen pilots scaling up, India is on track for 500 GW by 2030. Recent initiatives like PM Surya Ghar, offshore wind tenders, and hydrogen hubs, backed by the 2025-26 budget, reflect strong policy commitment. Addressing challenges like costs, imports, and infrastructure will ensure success.