Solar Efficiency Key to Energy Transition

08 Nov 2024 CW Team

Pralhad Joshi, the Union Minister of Coal and Mines, recently emphasized the crucial role of solar efficiency and cost reductions in India's energy transition. Speaking at an industry event, Joshi outlined that improving the efficiency of solar energy systems and reducing costs are essential to meeting India’s renewable energy targets and ensuring a sustainable future. As India seeks to fulfill its ambitious goal of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy by 2030, solar power is expected to play a pivotal role.

The government’s focus on improving solar panel efficiency has been a cornerstone of the nation’s renewable energy strategy. By making solar power more efficient, the energy output per square meter of solar panels increases, making it more economical and accessible, especially in regions with limited space. Along with this, cost reduction in manufacturing solar components and systems will lower the overall price of solar energy, making it more competitive with traditional energy sources like coal.

Joshi further noted that the integration of advanced technologies and innovations in solar energy will help make renewable energy more reliable and economically viable. As the cost of solar energy continues to drop globally, India is positioning itself as a leader in solar deployment, both in terms of capacity and technological advancements.

The push for cost reductions and efficiency improvements is also in line with the government's production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme, which aims to boost domestic manufacturing of solar components. With these efforts, the country hopes to reduce dependency on imports and foster innovation in the energy sector.

Infrastructure Urban

13 Mar 2026

Implementation Status of Jal Jeevan Mission

Since August 2019 the Government has implemented Jal Jeevan Mission to provide assured potable water through household tap connections in rural India. At the start of the mission only 32.3 million (mn) rural households, representing 16.7 per cent, were reported to have tap water connections. States and union territories have reported that 125.8 mn additional rural households have since been provided with tap connections. As a result, of about 193.6 mn rural households roughly 158.2 mn, or 81.71 per cent, are reported to have tap water supply at home.\n\nThe State, district and village level st..

Jal Jeevan Mission Reaches Eighty One Per Cent Rural Coverage

The Government reported substantial progress under the Jal Jeevan Mission, launched in August 2019 to provide tap water to every rural household. At launch only 32.3 million (mn) rural households had tap connections and states and Union territories reported provision of 125.8 mn additional households by March 2026. Consequently, out of about 193.6 mn rural households around 158.2 mn, or 81.71 per cent, are reported to have tap water at home. The Finance Minister announced extension of the mission until 2028 in the 2025-26 budget speech. The Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen, launched in October 20..

Empowering Local Governance for Sustainable Rural Water Supply

The Ministry of Jal Shakti has aligned the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) with the 73rd Amendment to strengthen village level planning and community ownership of water supply. Gram Panchayats, village water and sanitation committees and Pani Samitis are to plan, implement, manage and maintain piped water systems, with gram sabha processes formalising handover and oversight. Implementation support agencies including non government organisations, community based organisations and self help groups have been empanelled to train local committees and promote women participation. Under JJM, the department ..