Incorporation of Battery Energy Storage in
PM-KUSUM 2.0
The Government is considering incorporating a battery
energy storage system in the revamped PM-KUSUM 2.0 scheme.
More on the News
¨
Revamped Scheme: A
revamped version of the PM-KUSUM scheme, termed PM-KUSUM 2.0, is being
considered by the government to address the existing shortcomings and enhance
overall efficiency.
¨ Incorporation of Battery
Storage: The current scheme focuses on solarisation of agricultural pumps but
lacks battery storage. Its inclusion is being considered to address the
mismatch between solar generation and agricultural power demand.
¨
Timeframe Revision: The
Centre has extended the deadlines for financial closure and project completion
under the existing scheme in response to delays faced by stakeholders,
particularly in securing financing from financial institutions.
¨ Shift towards PM-KUSUM
2.0: The existing scheme is likely to be subsumed under the upcoming PM-KUSUM
2.0 framework, with states being advised to coordinate closely with financial
institutions to expedite pending projects ahead of the transition.
Rationale for Battery Storage in PM-KUSUM
2.0
¨ The integration of
battery storage is primarily driven by the mismatch between solar power
generation and agricultural electricity demand patterns:
¨ Agricultural Load
Profile: Farm power demand generally begins in the morning, remains consistent
during the day, and often extends beyond sunset.
¨ Solar Generation Pattern:
Solar output peaks around midday and declines sharply in the evening hours.
¨
Proposed Solution:
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) can store excess solar energy generated
during peak sunlight hours and supply it when generation declines, but
irrigation demand persists. This helps enhance grid stability and ensures a
more reliable power supply for farmers.
¨ Policy Deliberations:
While the Ministry of Power has proposed up to four hours of storage capacity,
the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has recommended a two-hour
storage provision for the initial phase of implementation.
About PM KUSUM (PM Kisan Urja Suraksha
evam Utthaan Mahabhiyaan)
¨
Launched in March 2019,
it is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
¨
It aims to ensure energy
security for farmers, reduce dependence on diesel in agriculture, and augment
farmers’ income through the adoption of solar energy.
Three Components of PM-KUSUM
1. Component
A: Decentralised solar plants
2. Component B: Standalone solar pumps
3. Component C: Solarisation of grid-connected pumps
