he provision
of modern energy services is a huge concern globally. Over 1.2 billion
people living in the developing world and constituting around 20% of the
world’s population are still struggling for electricity access. Nearly 3
billion people use wood, coal, charcoal or animal dung to cook their
meals and heat their homes and nearly 2 million die every year due to
respiratory disorders caused by exposure to indoor pollution from
traditional cook stoves. While non-electrified rural households are
dependent on kerosene for their lighting needs, those that have been
connected to the grid also often depend on kerosene due to
non-availability of electricity.
It is estimated that by 2030, 3 billion people in the
world will move into the rising middle class segment, which will
increase the demand for energy by almost 50%. The key solution to these
challenges lies in providing sustainable energy, which is not only
affordable and reliable, but also modern. With sustainable energy,
countries can leapfrog over the limits of the energy systems of the past
and build clean energy economies for the future.
For achieving sustainable energy for all, the
following four parameters have to be met: affordability, reliability,
sustainability and use of high-technology. These four components in the
right mix are essential for producing a long term solution that
addresses the energy needs of the unserved masses. Currently, innovation
in solar lighting has provided a stand-alone solar home lighting system
that has a low initial cost. Technological advancement in pelletisation
of agro-waste could also lead to a reliable and long term solution to
meeting energy needs in a sustainable manner. Another interesting
intervention that is waiting to happen is the techno-commercial solution
allowing the existing lakhs of Diesel Generator Operators to readily
adopt renewable energy based solutions like solar. Sustainable
development without energy is inconceivable. Hence, the need is to
provide real access, while focusing on equitable pattern of consumption.
Lastly, modern energy services are crucial to human
well-being and to a country’s economic development. Access to energy is
essential for the provision of not only clean water, sanitation and
healthcare but also reliable and efficient lighting, cooking and
heating. TARA, the social enterprise wing of the Development
Alternatives Group is attempting to find a solution that would be
attractive to a Diesel Generator Operator to convert from diesel based
generation to solar based generation. One major component is efficient
use of the energy that is generated. To optimise this, currently under
the final stages of development is a load management and cloud based
revenue management system that allows energy that is actually generated
to be used both efficiently and be accounted for by the billing system.
It is being planned to deploy this system at various micro grid sites
across Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. TARA, along with its network partners is
committed towards carving a better world by implementing innovative
projects and business models to ensure energy access for all.
q
Rakesh Khanna
rkhanna@devalt.org