RENEWABLEENERGY

Sustainable Development using Renewable Energy through Corporate Social Responsibility

Dr. Anil Kurchania and Mr. Chirag Shah

Renewable Energy through decentralized model can make Indian villages self sustainable. Dr.Anil Kurchania and Mr.Chirag Shah explain how Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) can help achieve self-sustainable Indian villages.

usinesses can make a very positive intervention in the society by adding renewable energy projects to their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities, which will help to improve the socioeconomic conditions of the marginalized. Organizations obligations are now extending beyond maximing shareholder value and now also include steps to improve the quality of life of surrounding community and people. As a part of CSR a business can set up Renewable Energy Technologies like Solar, Biogas to serve energy needs. Decentralized electricity generation using renewable and its distribution can become the new frontiers for CSR activities. Such projects reduce load on the grid, bridge the growing electricity deficit, provide regular electricity supply and generate local employment. As part of a CSR initiative a business can set up renewable energy systems in villages that will be maintained by villagers who have undergone training. Installing a mix of solar panels, wind mills and biogas plants can make a village energy self sufficient. By adding renewable energy projects to their CSR activities, businesses will make a very positive intervention that will go a long way in improving the socioeconomic lot of disempowered. How different Renewable tools will address basic needs of villages

Dr. Anil Kurchania is Professor, Department of Renewable Energy Sources, College of Technology and Engineering, Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture & Technology, Udaipur. Mr. Chirag Shah is Independent Renewable Energy Advisor

Fig. 2: Sustainable rural system through renewable energy sources.

Improved Cookstoves: The use of Improved Cookstoves can help meet out rural energy needs with low emission level, cut use of wood for fuel and also enhance local entrepreneurship There is an estimated potential of 120 million improved cookstoves in our country and so far about 36 million units have been constructed. Solar PV Panels (Lantern, Home system, Solar Street Light): Decentralized power generation can be implemented quickly with no long transmission line and with minimum training. So far 55000 solar street lighting systems, 3, 50,000 home lighting systems, 5, 65,000 solar lanterns and 2000 kWp solar photovoltaic power plants have been installed in our country. Solar Dryer: Useful for agriculture for value addition of food products, reduction in wastage of agri output and helps to generate employment. Solar Cooker: Food preparation, reduction in wood usage. More than 6, 00,000 solar cookers are currently being used. Solar Desalination Plants: Clean water availability free from fluorides which is a major problem in certain parts of country. Improves health of people Biogas Plants: This is an established and proven technology and apart from cooking, biogas can be used as fuel for automobiles just like CNG. There is a potential of 12 million family size biogas plants in India and about 4 million have been installed.

FIG. 3: Cooking on biogas.

Biomass Gasifier: Agricultural waste normally free from sulphur can be burned and help to generate heat and energy. Decentralization system for heat and power generation and helps in reducing CO2 as well. About 70 MW is the installed capacity of power production from biomass gasifier. Small Hydro Power: By using clean hydro power sources, local air pollution and associated health risks will be avoided. In a country where coal is the primary fuel for electricity generation, these projects reduce pollution going into the environment. Estimated potential of small hydro (up to 25 MW) is 15000 MW and about 1800 MW has been installed. Increased use of renewable energy sources and promotion of energy conversation are the main pillars of a sustainable energy supply. Our country is blessed with a variety of renewable energy sources. The intervation of renewable energy technology in CSR helps to improve the quality of work with a sustainable effect on the society. It explains the positive impact that renewable energy and energy efficiency systems could have to an organisations impact on society, the environment and our climate.
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JANUARY|FEBRUARY12