The Modi government powering the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission

Sandro Lacarbona flickr

The new target will give impetus to the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission, launched 5 years ago. In 2013, we doubled our solar capacity to 2.18 GW, which we aim to multiply to give power to 400 million Indians who don't have power.  It will also supplement the cost and environmental damage faced by fossil  fuels. Considering India's horrifying air pollution, solar power is no more a futuristic vision - it is going to a lifesaver. The target is budgeted at 600,000 crore ($100 billion), something India is aiming to procure from international green energy financing. 

The announcement spelled it out:“Government of India may also approach bilateral and international donors [and] also the Green Climate Fund for achieving this [solar energy] target.” 

original by: KUNAL ANAND