Decentralised Renewable Energy (DRE) Technologies [UPSC Notes]

A study reveals that decentralised renewable energy technologies in India’s agri and textile sectors can impact 37 million livelihoods, with a market potential of Rs 4 lakh crore. We discuss this topic in detail in this article, from the perspective of the IAS exam.

Decentralised Renewable Energy Technologies

Decentralised renewable energy (DRE) technologies refer to energy technologies that are powered by renewable sources and are implemented in a decentralised manner.

• These technologies aim to provide clean and sustainable energy solutions to communities, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas.
• Examples of DRE technologies include solar-powered systems, biomass-based systems, micro-hydro systems, and wind turbines, among others.
• DRE technologies have the potential to significantly reduce dependence on fossil fuels, mitigate climate change, and improve energy access and reliability.
• They can be used in various applications such as electricity generation, heating and cooling, water pumping, and agricultural processing.
• DRE technologies offer several benefits, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions, cost savings on energy bills, job creation, and improved resilience to power outages.
• The adoption and scalability of DRE technologies can be hindered by challenges such as high upfront costs, limited awareness and knowledge, inadequate policy and regulatory frameworks, and technical and operational issues.
• Government support, financial incentives, public-private partnerships, and capacity-building initiatives are crucial for promoting the widespread deployment of DRE technologies.
• DRE technologies have the potential to transform energy systems, improve energy access for underserved populations, and contribute to sustainable development and environmental conservation.

Current Deployment and Potential Impact of DRE Technologies

India currently has 12 mature technologies powered by DRE, including high-capacity irrigation pumps, silk reeling machines, dryers, and cold storage.

• These technologies collectively have the potential to impact 37 million livelihoods, with 547,380 installations and an estimated impact on 566,827 people.
• Solar-powered technologies like irrigation pumps, vertical fodder-growing units, and dryers show the highest potential for deployment due to government subsidies.

Source: Down To Earth

Factors Affecting Adoption:

• The ability of DRE technologies to provide livelihood opportunities and generate income increases their likelihood of adoption.
• Technologies like solar-powered silk-reeling machines and micro solar pumps have higher chances of adoption due to their income-generating capabilities.
• The number of days the technology is utilized also affects its viability, with solar pumps being more economically advantageous than diesel pumps used for only a few days a year.

Regional Adoption:

• Uttar Pradesh leads in the estimated future adoption of solar-powered technologies, followed by West Bengal, Bihar, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka.
• Different states exhibit specific examples of technology usage, such as solar silk reeling machines in Chhattisgarh and Odisha, and small solar refrigerators in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Karnataka.

Impact on Users:

Source: Down To Earth

• The study involved 767 end-users across 19 Indian states, with 91% receiving subsidised technologies without awareness.
• Approximately 71% of the respondents reported a 35% increase in income after using DRE technologies.
• Users, particularly those employing silk reeling machines, experienced improved productivity, leading to an enhanced ability to afford and repay loans.
• DRE technologies increased users’ confidence and enabled them to provide financial support to their family members.

Barriers and Proposed Solutions:

• Users face difficulties in directly contacting manufacturers to address technology defects, as the technologies are often provided through philanthropic efforts and government subsidies.
• The study suggests introducing longer-term loans with lower interest rates, as users now have the ability to repay loans.

Conclusion:

• Decentralised renewable energy technologies have significant potential to positively impact livelihoods in India’s agriculture and textile sectors.
• Continued research and implementation are essential to overcome barriers and scale up the adoption of DRE technologies.

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