Pro-policy Intervention Strategy
– the changing energy equation
Manoj Mahata    mmahata@devalt.org

This is the arena of the ambitious “Bharat Nirman Programme” where the Government is planning for a massive investment in rural infrastructural development. Energy, safe drinking water, rural telephony, irrigation and all-weather roads are a few major areas considered under this mega programme. Respective departmental plans and policies are almost complete. However, the inter-departmental synergy is still a big question.

        It is well known that India’s energy security continues to be threatened by the nation’s dependency on fossil fuel. Therefore, a strong policy must be pursued to reduce the demand for conventional energy in order to improve India’s energy security.

        A question arises in the mind: “Do we, as a nation, really want to promote non-conventional energy?” May be, we don’t. Dual pricing policy of LPG is one among the many examples. On the other hand, we are having endless isolated successful models of energy efficiency, energy conservation, distribution generation through renewable energy sources etc. trying hard for multiplication. In fact, we as a nation, have enough learning experiences to draft a pro-policy intervention strategy in order to balance the demand and supply of energy. To understand the various parameters of energy let us focus on a sfew overlooked areas, where more quality work needs to be done:
 

        Till now, there have been capacity building initiatives of all kinds and pilot testing of each technology, but they have largely been either in isolation or rampant, hardly giving any scope for communities to become self reliant. After those initiatives and tests are over, the situation and the status of ultimate benefaction are back to square one. Energy-centric livelihood engagements for socio-economic empowerment have to essentially get into a business mode. It, therefore, needs a paradigm shift in the thought process. A multi-stakeholder integrated approach, backed by national/state/ local policy; innovative financial schemes; quality contribution from pro-active civil society organisations, must encourage the accelerated deployment of Energy Services Companies to increase awareness on energy generation and conservation options among the rural masses. Various tariff rebate incentives, similar to those offered to consumers (users of solar water heaters in new / old bungalows and apartment complex) in Karnataka and Rajasthan, can be replicated widely in peri-urban and urban areas.

        There is also a huge potential of creating employment and micro enterprise based livelihood opportunities through biomass gasifier based energy generation and co-generation. DESI power’s “Baharbani Model” is the best example in this context. National resource based rural energy market is a huge emerging sector, still waiting for innovative financing schemes. MNES offers subsidies and soft loans for purchase of renewable energy devices like solar home lighting systems. Incidentally, this mechanism has proved inefficient. On the other hand, several banks and financial institutions are slowly and steadily penetrating the big “housing loan” market. A good idea will be to integrate the above two, i.e. subsidies and soft loan, offered by MNES along with housing financing. Time tested technologies like densification of biomass (called briquettes) as an efficient substitute for traditional cooking fuels, improved cook stoves, modular biogas plants for domestic cooking etc. need only innovating re-packaging to capture this endless rural energy market.

        Energy education, yet another overlooked area, can change the energy equation in a big way. The objective of this education has been acknowledged as energy literacy and awareness building. The final outcome should be empowerment and technology adoption for energy generation practices and energy efficiency.

        Energy related health and gender issues are yet another area under preliminary research stage. The following table can very well co-relate energy with gender and health.

Health Hazards of Different Parts of the Biomass Fuel Cycle

A joint operation by experts from various fields like energy, forestry, health, mass communications, agriculture, women’s development etc. can probably bring a necessary positive change.

                Before undertaking any substantial policy and programme intervention, we have to agree TO ACT upon these over-looked issues for a common holistic purpose. It remains the task of enlightened government agencies, committed NGOs, and international development organizations to initiate programmes to draw attention of commercial organizations and financial institutes to join hands in this profitable and yet social movement. q

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