Way back in 2011, when I stepped into the renewable energy sector, I had a very different approach to the sustainable energy domain. It was the time of inner realisation when I got the opportunity to serve rural India. Having an urban approach when we are talking about digital India and technology advancements across different industry domains, it is ironic that several parts of rural India were deprived of basic power needs. After more than 60 years of Independence, struggling even for basic power is a curse to any developing country, both socially and economically, and this is the dark side of the story.
For instance, during my visit to a small village in Ballia district in Uttar Pradesh, I was puzzled to see the villagers still using kerosene lamps for their basic power needs. These kerosene lamps enabled them to cook food, but their children’s studying needs deprived them of basic social living.
However, with government initiatives and support from financial bodies and renewable companies, social awareness increased, and renewable power sources became an indispensable part of their lives. Renewable energy with uninterrupted power not only supported them in their day-to-day living but also uplifted their socio-economic status in society.
“Rural India became more empowered with power in their hands and with no dependency on anyone. With the spread of home lighting systems and rooftop solar schemes, every rural home has become a powerhouse.”
With the increased use of renewables at the utility-scale, rural India also receives uninterrupted power supplies for as long as 24 hours. This change through renewables has generated business and employment opportunities even in the most remote villages of India. The renewable power infra has changed the whole scenario and directly impacted rural India, empowering its present and future. Renewable power has enabled them to stay updated and connected with the outside world, increasing their exposure and reach to any opportunity, which is, therefore, the urban world. Our roots come from rural India; if rural India is sustainable, then it is sustainable. When discussing India as a superpower, we have to empower rural communities.
Renewables are also crucial in enabling farmers to optimise their return on investment in farming. The increased use of renewable sources, mostly solar energy, adds more to the value chain. This results in low investment and high returns with a shorter ROI than in the era before renewables. This value addition has also empowered rural India to the maximum extent, with a great social impact.