Abstract
Renewable energy sector of India has the potential to be a credible alternative for households and communities. The sector accounts for approximately 13 per cent of the national energy capacity, including technologies such as solar grid/ off – grid generation, wind power, small hydro power, biomass/ biogas, and waste to energy. Statistics related to implementation illustrate the scope of tapping the renewable energy sector comprehensively, esp. for decentralized, household and community level applications. This paper analyses on – ground case studies and projects from various renewable energy categories, specifically the socio – technical and community aspects that play a significant role in successful Renewable Energy Technologies (henceforth RET) implementation. The distilled positive and negative drivers include technical, economic considerations, policy and regulatory, environmental aspects, market/ business models, and social/ community linked aspects. Case studies describe the need for a system based and stakeholder engagement approach where all possible stakeholders and their issues are envisaged and taken into account. Use of an evaluating framework is suggested to ensure successful community models of RETs and mass adoption of renewable technologies.
Highlights
1.1 India’s Energy Security OutlookThe United Nations launched Sustainable Energy for All Initiative with the overall objective of attaining universal energy access by the year 2030
Grid Connected systems refer to those projects which are connected with electricity grid and supply power to the grid, while Off-Grid refers to those energy systems which have been designed for local use and not connected with electricity grid
Off-grid, or decentralized energy systems are favoured in context of remote location, grid infeasibility, and the ability to balance power needs through optimized usage of available renewable energy solutions
Summary
The United Nations launched Sustainable Energy for All Initiative with the overall objective of attaining universal energy access by the year 2030. In this context, India’s energy scenario and future projections assume significance. Energy access in rural areas has been estimated for 95.6 percent of Indian villages (CEA, 2014; Palit, Garimella, Shardul, & Chaudbury, 2015) though household electricity coverage has only reached an upper level of 67% (Census of India, 2011). The Government of India set up the Rural Electricity Supply Technology (REST) Mission (2001) with a target of ‘power for all’ by 2012 This was followed by the consequent launch of Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY). Case studies of successfully implemented projects yield parameters that if taken into account, could lead to development of successful and sustainable projects
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