APSC Answer Writing (Daily) based on Assam Tribune – 05/04/2025

Model answer

Model Answer

India’s solar leap is not just about numbers—it reflects a vision to decarbonize one of the world’s fastest-growing economies while ensuring energy equity and security.

1. Key Drivers of India’s Solar Surge

Policy Push and Ambitious Targets

• National Solar Mission (2010) under NAPCC aimed at 100 GW solar capacity by 2022 (later revised to 280 GW by 2030).
• Green Hydrogen Mission and Solar Park Scheme supported scale.

International Cooperation

• Formation of International Solar Alliance (ISA) with France (2015) gave global momentum.
• Joint initiatives like One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG).

Declining Costs & Domestic Manufacturing

• Sharp fall in solar module prices due to economies of scale.
• PLI Scheme to boost indigenous solar module and cell production.

Private Sector & Innovation

• Entry of giants like Adani, Reliance, Tata; use of AI in solar tracking.
• Decentralized solar innovations: solar pumps, rooftop panels (Grid Interactive Rooftop Scheme).

2. Challenges Hindering Solar Potential

3. The Way Forward

Storage and Hybrid Models

• Promote Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS); integrate with wind, hydropower.

Green Financing & Carbon Markets

• Expand viability gap funding; tap into Sovereign Green Bonds (introduced in Union Budget 2022-23).

Localized Solar Push

• Empower Gram Panchayats with solar micro-grids.
• Example: Dharnai village in Bihar – first solar micro-grid village.

Skilling and R&D Boost

• Solar Skills Council and R&D clusters in IITs to develop domestic tech.

Conclusion

India’s solar success story is a testimony to its climate commitment, but sustaining the momentum requires fixing gaps in storage, finance, and local manufacturing. If addressed wisely, India can become a solar superpower, illuminating the path for the Global South.luralism. Only an inclusive, rights-based and locally-rooted governance model can ensure enduring peace in the Northeast.