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Transition towards Renewable Energy Production? Potential in Smallholder Agricultural Systems in West Bengal, India

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  • Bastian Winkler

    (Department of Biobased Products and Energy Crops (340b), Institute of Crop Science, University of Hohenheim, Fruwirthstrasse 23, 70593 Stuttgart, Germany)

  • Iris Lewandowski

    (Department of Biobased Products and Energy Crops (340b), Institute of Crop Science, University of Hohenheim, Fruwirthstrasse 23, 70593 Stuttgart, Germany)

  • Angelika Voss

    (Department of Energy Futures, Former Shell Global Solutions, P.O. Box 38000, 1030 BN Amsterdam, The Netherlands)

  • Stefanie Lemke

    (Centre for Agroecology, Water and Resilience, Coventry University, Ryton Gardens, Ryton-on-Dunsmore CV8 3LG, UK
    Department of Societal Transformation and Agriculture (430b), Institute for Social Sciences in Agriculture, University of Hohenheim, 70593 Stuttgart, Germany)

Abstract

Renewable energy (RE) production promotes the efficient and sustainable utilization of natural resources at the local level. This study assessed smallholder farmers’ perceptions of RE production in two villages in West Bengal, India. The availability and potential of renewable resources and livelihood characteristics of smallholders were explored. Relevant factors for the selection of appropriate RE technologies were identified, based on the participatory, bottom-up Integrated Renewable Energy Potential Assessment. The research area has abundant solar resources and substantial amounts of organic residues and waste suitable for biodigestion. Important factors for RE technology selection, as stated by farmers, are: ease of daily activities, government support, and limited land requirements. Solar-photovoltaic (PV) systems providing sufficient electricity for household use and irrigation are considered the most appropriate. Key informants focus on initial investment costs, government support, and reduced energy expenditure. They favor solar-PV systems for household electrification. Second choice was an integrated food and energy system that combines solar-PV for irrigation and vermicomposting of organic residues/wastes for fertilizer production. Smallholder famers’ motivation to produce and use RE is high. Their perspective should be integrated in the design of RE-supporting policies and related programs to utilize local natural resources effectively and promote the transition towards renewable energy.

Suggested Citation

  • Bastian Winkler & Iris Lewandowski & Angelika Voss & Stefanie Lemke, 2018. "Transition towards Renewable Energy Production? Potential in Smallholder Agricultural Systems in West Bengal, India," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(3), pages 1-24, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:10:y:2018:i:3:p:801-:d:136158
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    3. Mohd Ashraf Zainol Abidin & Muhammad Nasiruddin Mahyuddin & Muhammad Ammirrul Atiqi Mohd Zainuri, 2021. "Solar Photovoltaic Architecture and Agronomic Management in Agrivoltaic System: A Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(14), pages 1-27, July.

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