MNRE Issues Framework to Promote Decentralised RE Livelihood App

The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued a ‘Framework for Promotion of Decentralised Renewable Energy (DRE) Livelihood Applications’.

DRE technologies are basically solutions, systems or products powered by renewable energy that help people to make a living. Solar looms, solar pumps, biomass powered cold storage and so on are some of the common examples visible today.

The government aims to holistically integrate renewable energy with livelihood applications. The natural benefits of this are twofold – clean energy generation and income support to consumers. The government opines that DRE-based livelihood applications eliminate or reduce fossil fuel dependence while contributing to the renewable share in the energy basket.

There are already success stories regarding the use of green power in areas like agriculture, food processing, food storage, etc. Now the government is looking to extend the same to other sectors so that they too can harness the benefits of RE.

Support

The framework begins with the aim of assessing the actual demand of the livelihood applications and the DRE. The government plans to weigh the possibilities or potential of deployment of DRE livelihood applications across various sectors of the economy and across different regions with the support of sectoral ministries, state nodal agencies, state rural livelihood missions, other state government departments, civil society organisations and the private sector.

Another key focus is on raising the level of research and development, and subsequent standardization. This implies that focus will be on the innovation and R&D of DRE technologies to offer tailor-made solutions as this is important for their widespread adoption.

The framework says that all government agencies are obliged to promote and scale up good quality products. They will also be required to encourage other stakeholders like the private sector, innovators and non-profit organisations to join hands in ensuring top quality applications and their wider availability.

MNRE states that field demonstrations will become pertinent to prove the efficacy of the solutions. The enterprises involved in the DRE-based livelihood applications will collaborate with other organisations of the ecosystem. Sustainability of the livelihood installations is crucial for the success of the program. Hence a powerful post sales service and maintenance industry has to be created in place.

The framework gives a great emphasis on the public information and awareness generation. It considers that awareness about appropriate DRE technologies and related services amongst the relevant stakeholders is required for taking necessary decisions and encouraging participation.

The MNRE document also mandates the identification and exploitation of opportunities for DRE livelihood applications under the schemes of various ministries and departments of the central and state governments. SNAs for renewable energy with expertise in the RE sector will coordinate with these implementing agencies to provide technical support for DRE livelihood applications.

Mission/Objective

Employment and clean environment are two inalienable factors in promoting the right to life and dignity of an individual. The novel framework is an attempt to promote high quality DRE-based livelihood products and their mass adoption. This is possible only when there is enhanced R&D, creativity and innovation in terms of applications.

A better collaboration between ministries is expected to translate into furthering employment, self-employment, lower failings and a better standard of living for those who put up in far flung or backward pockets of the country.

The government wants skill development and an addition to the county’s human capital at various energy research institutions like the IITs, whih are already involved in imparting skill training through engaging programs.

The newly released framework is said to a holistic piece where MNRE tries to create a market system such that private investment plays a crucial role in it. Linking various financial programs with DRE-based livelihood solutions can speed up the adoption of such technologies. At the same time, it underlines the importance of the access to finance for entrepreneurs and consumers of DRE-based livelihood applications to encourage cooperatives, self-help groups (SHG) and women to adopt such applications.