As the lockdown continue across the country because of COVID 19 breakout , the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has decided to extend the date for submission of EoIs for evaluation of Component A and C of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme.
The new deadline set by the ministry for the submission of EoI is 20 May, 2020. The earlier deadline was May 8, 2020.
MNRE in a statement said “In view of the prevailing situation and lockdown in many parts of the country due to COVID-19 pandemic, it has been decided to provide an extension in time for submission of EoIs.”
With the PM KUSUM scheme the government aims to add solar and other renewable capacity of 25,750 MW by 2022 with total central financial support of Rs 34,422 crore including service charges to the implementing agencies.
The PM KUSUM scheme includes three components — Component A, B, and C.
Under Component A, MNRE is targeting to commission 10,000 MW of decentralised ground-mounted grid-connected renewable power plants of individual plant size up to 2 MW.
Under component B the ministry aims to install 17.50 lakh standalone solar-powered agriculture pumps of individual pump capacity up to 7.5 HP.
And under Component C it aims to solarise 10 lakh grid-connected agriculture pumps of individual pump capacity up to 7.5 HP.
MNRE launched the PM-KUSUM scheme to support installation of off-grid solar pumps in rural areas and reduce dependence on grid, in a grid-connected areas.
In February 2019 the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs had approved the launch of the scheme with the objective of providing financial and water security.