By Tanmoy Duari

In a country like India, with a large geographical area where the agriculture and textile industries play an important role in the country’s economy, a silent revolution is underway. An updated report from the ministry, highlights the potential of decentralised clean energy technologies to improve the lives of millions of people involved in these projects. Let’s explore the exciting area of solar textiles, biomass-powered solar cold storage, and mini-solar pumps, among other innovative solutions.

India now boasts 12 mature DRE-powered plants, ranging from high-performance irrigation pumps to solar-powered textile machines. Together, these technologies can positively impact the lives of 37 million people, with 547,380 already installed. Solar technologies, especially high-efficiency irrigation systems, small-scale irrigation systems, solar vertical food growers, and solar dryers, are emerging in the running of the implementation of allotted government subsidies.

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The report highlights the important link between the social opportunities created by DRE technologies and their adoption rates. Solar silk reeling machines and micro-solar pumps, due to their affordability, are more acceptable compared to solar bulk milk refrigeration or transportation. Furthermore, frequency also plays a role in determining the financial return. Even though solar pumps are more economical than diesel pumps, the benefits can be lost if the diesel pump is operated for a limited amount of time but is efficient.

Uttar Pradesh is leading the charge in terms of future projected adoption of solar-powered technologies, closely followed by some other states such as West Bengal, Bihar, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka. These regions exhibit a promising trend in integrating decentralised clean energy solutions.

Impact in the real world

A second report based on end-user experience provides a more personal view of the impact of DRE technology. Solar-powered silk reeling and spinning machines, small solar refrigerators, micro solar pumps, and solar vertical fodder growing units were observed in various countries. The first phase of the survey involved 767 end users, revealing that 91% had access to government-funded technology without previous knowledge. Notably, 71% of respondents reported a significant 35% increase in revenue.

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The transformation effects of DRE technologies in the renewable energy sector especially solar energy extend beyond just the economic benefits. Under this report, users gained confidence, with 86% reporting improved confidence in their work. Additionally, 88% of end users saw themselves in a better position to support their families financially.

Despite the apparent success, one hurdle is that users can’t communicate directly with manufacturers to address technical faults. The report recommends using lower-term loans with lower interest rates, acknowledging that consumers can afford the higher costs.

(The author is CEO, AXITEC Energy India Pvt. Ltd. Views expressed are the author’s own.)