A National Mission to promote solar power launched by Indian Government is named as "Jawaharlal Nehru…

Question

A National Mission to promote solar power launched by Indian Government is named as "Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM)" in 2010. Elaborate the mission and its major objectives.

Ghissu Editorial · Accepted Answer

Launched in 2010 under the National Action Plan on Climate Change, JNNSM aims to make India a solar leader through phased targets, domestic manufacturing and supportive policy, with its 2022 goal raised from 20 GW to 100 GW. Solar capacity rose from 2.82 GW (2014) to over 107 GW (mid-2025).

**Introduction**

Launched in 2010, the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission⟦3⟧⟦2⟧⟦1⟧ (JNNSM) is central to India’s renewable energy strategy, targeting large-scale solar capacity expansion and sustainable development.

**Institutional Framework and Strategic Design**

1. **Phased Implementation and Targets**: The mission’s three phases aimed for 20 GW grid and 2 GW off-grid solar by 2022, later upscaled to 100 GW, reflecting evolving technology and policy support.  
2. **Policy and Domestic Manufacturing**: MNRE leads with policies like Renewable Purchase Obligations and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, promoting solar adoption and indigenous manufacturing.

**Implementation Challenges and Outcomes**

1. **Capacity Expansion and Cost Reduction**: Solar capacity surged from 2.82 GW in 2014 to over 107 GW by 2025, with tariffs dropping nearly 65%, showing successful deployment.  
2. **Off-Grid and Rural Electrification**: PM-KUSUM and PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana⟦4⟧ complement JNNSM by promoting solar pumps and free electricity, benefiting rural areas including ==Telangana==.

**Sectoral Impact and Sustainability Benefits**

1. **Energy Security and Climate Goals**: JNNSM helped India meet its 40% non-fossil power capacity goal in 2021, ahead of 2030, and now supports the raised target of 50% by 2030, reducing fossil fuel dependence.  
2. **Integration with Other Missions**: It aligns with the National Green Hydrogen Mission and Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT) Scheme for a holistic energy transition.

**Way Forward**

1. **Enhance R&D and State Support**: Increasing investment in solar technology and empowering states like ==Telangana== is vital for scaling and innovation.

**Conclusion**

JNNSM has been transformative, but addressing infrastructure gaps and boosting innovation are key to sustaining India’s solar leadership.

A National Mission to promote solar power launched by Indian Government is named as "Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM)" in 2010. Elaborate the mission and its major objectives.

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