City Accelerator Program

City Accelerator Program : Recently, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) launched the City Accelerator Program in a major move to boost India’s clean energy transition.

o The launch took place during the National Conference on Skill Development for Renewable Energy Workforce held in New Delhi.

• About City Accelerator Program : A flagship initiative under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGMBY)—the world’s largest rooftop solar scheme.

o Aims to solarise 1 crore households and contribute to India’s goal of 500 GW renewable energy by 2030.

o Objectives: Boost Rooftop Solar (RTS) adoption in urban areas and empower key stakeholders: Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), DISCOMs, and State Nodal Agencies (SNAs).

o Strategic Urban Focus: Targets urban energy demand hubs for decentralised solar adoption.

ü Demonstrates cost savings, grid resilience, and sustainability.

ü Promotes solar-ready cities through replicable models in governance and finance.

ü Supports India’s commitment to 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.

• About PMSGMBY : Launched on February 15, 2024 to provide free electricity to households through rooftop solar installations.

o Financial Support: Subsidy covers up to 40% of the cost of rooftop solar panels. Families can receive up to 300 units of free electricity/month, saving up to ₹18,000 annually.

o Key Benefits: Free electricity for eligible households, reduction in electricity subsidies and government expenditure and boosts renewable energy use and cuts carbon emissions.