ANNOUNCEMENTS
This paper provides an overview of solar system deployment in South Asia, with a focus on India, and its potential to improve the region's water economy. The paper is divided into five sections with subsections in each.
Section 1 highlights South Asia's water endowments and economy, as well as the plentiful solar resources available in the region. Section 2 examines India's minor irrigation scenario, while Section 3 discusses the potential for agri-solarisation in South Asia.
Section 4, gives a general review of India's solar irrigation policy landscape, including the KUSUM and Solar Water Pump Subsidy Scheme, as well as Renewable Purchase Obligations. Section 5 entails overview of State Policies in different regions of India which includes Surya Raitha scheme of Karnataka, Solar Powered Community Water Supply Systems in Gujarat and the Saur Sujala Scheme of Chhattisgarh.
Section 6 brings in details about solar potential in the Indian states of Rajasthan and Gujarat. It also mentions about the Badla solar park and the upcoming projects of Gujarat Energy Development Agency (GEDA).
Section 7 explores the expansion of solar irrigation in South Asia through various business models, such as stand-alone off-grid individual SIPs, SPaRC, and solar irrigation entrepreneurs and enterprises. Emerging business models like Canal top, Agri PV, and Mobile SIPs are also discussed. Lastly.
Section 8 evaluates the potential and scalability of agri-solarisation in South Asia and provides a vision for scaling agri-solarisation. The paper concludes by emphasizing the need to adopt a holistic approach towards achieving sustainable development in the region by incorporating clean energy into the agriculture industry, such as solar energy.
