Renewable energy is bringing power and livelihood to the local people – A case study

India has divided into 15 agro climatic zones – and – therefore region specific programs would be required particularly for rural electrification and linkages with livelihood. To achieve this, we must look at multiple feedstocks and their sustainability. Also, in each of the species the right geno-types and quality planting materials would be necessary.

The sesbania sesban (fast grown biomass species) plantation which is already got acknowledged by the farmers in the study area should be quickly validated. In this context it was felt that we have enough land for both food and fuel but we have to identify the stakeholders. A centre-point for information and its dissemination would be crucial for success.

This study has inventoriesd all the options that are possible for utilization of biomass, analyze their pros and cons for a given time frame, and, ensure that it will provide clean energy and replace nonrenewable energy which is supplied by diesel genset. As an example, could the private nonrenewable energy franchisee that villagers may have in the early years, preferentially go for standby renewable energy and reduce carbon emission? This would ensure full utilization of all available material but not expose the vast automotive population to variable fuel quality and specifications. Similarly, can we use smokeless stove and develop appropriate cook-stoves for bio-mass so that the villages can directly benefit? This may prevent kerosene diversion and adulteration as well.

For micro industries applications, any program for mandating blends should be uniform for the whole country, and more importantly, be sustained over a period of time. A switch-on and switch-off mode could lead to inefficiencies and other problems in today’s and tomorrow’s for self belief of a very small scale entrepreneur.

The policy for biomass should be people-centric and must look at the village as a focus point. Apparently, the economics of the local consumption model are highly favorable and should be sustained for the long term.

The huge amount of conserve/waste biomass available in and around the study villages, and, energy plant is cultivating in remote level in the fallow/ waste land, should be efficiently used. This way, it helps enhance irrigation facilities for farming, waste management and improve the local micro industries.