Solar Energy Transforming Lives In Villages

In India development has been witnessed in political, economic and power sectors in the recent time. The new government under Prime Minister Modi has toiled hard to change the image of our country. Smart moves and strategic decisions have made India shine brightly on a global podium today. We have also been listening and reading a lot about a power surplus India as well. It is estimated that India does not require power plants anymore for at least the upcoming three years. India has 300 GW of power plants, operating at 64% capacity. But whether or not the country has made some progress can only be correctly answered by reflecting on the rural India. What is the power condition in our existing villages? Has power successfully reached the remotest parts of rural India, where people are still leading an energy starved life? It is estimated that about one-fourth of the country’s population still lives without electricity.

It is so weird to even think of a life like that. In today’s times, people in cities can’t even survive without the internet leave alone electricity! The only solution for these rural areas is to use solar power. India has done a lot to make sure these villages are lit up using solar power. A large number of mini and micro grids are proposed to be installed in these villages. The government aims to install 500 MW of total capacity. India plans to set up 10,000 solar, wind and biomass-based power projects in five years based around this concept to help the rural population in India. The Union Ministry of MNRE released a draft policy on micro and mini-grids that will run on renewable energy sources like solar and wind energy, and hydro and biomass plants.

I keep writing a lot about the application of solar energy in the Indian villages. But recently I saw a small TV series on BBC that covered rural electrification with the help of solar energy in a remote village of Kerala in South India. I was so overwhelmed on seeing how solar energy has touched the lives of the villagers. It showed how a young girl, who lost her father at a young age, was able to lead a respectable life with the help of solar energy that powered her electric sewing machine. The girl sews villagers’ clothes for a living. Now she has also installed a TV, a fan and a light at her workplace. For someone, it was just a task of putting up these solar panels, but for this girl, solar power has now become her source of living. The story also featured a school that runs with the help of solar energy and children are regularly getting their education. The village’s microgrid also powers the running of water pumps, household electricity etc. which has tremendously transformed the lives of these villagers. It is heartening to see such sort of development and the transformational effects solar power is having on the lives of millions of people in a developing India. Through this article, I would like to extend my gratitude and congratulate these organisations who went an extra mile to change the lives of villagers. May more and more people be encouraged by such kind deeds.

India still has an estimated 300 million people living in the dark. Such initiatives taken by the government and corporate entities is not only helping India get closer to its ‘100 GW of solar installations by 2022’ target but is also helping in building a solid and sustainable lifestyle of millions of villagers living in these parts. A strong foundation will indirectly lead to the emergence of a stronger Indian economy on a global platform.

We keep hearing about the progress that India has made in recent time. The most awaited GST implementation is around the corner, effects of demonetization are bearing fruits, rapid usage of renewable energy and UDAY scheme have revolutionised the country etc. These initiatives combined with rural electrification programs will go a long way in building a stronger Indian nation. We are truly living in a progressive India today!