New and Renewable Energy Projects: From Policy to Action

In the light of various findings relating to future energy scene in India, the development of new and renewable energy sources have been given substantial emphasis in the Sixth Plan. Some evidence from field level experience of a few of these technologies has become available through micro studies. The focus of this paper is (a) to review this evidence to determine its implications for a strategy for developing new and renewable energy sources on a large scale and (b) to suggest some critical elements that will determine the success of the strategy for the implementation of such projects. The analysis of the finding of the existing micro study indicates that the availability of technology is only a necessary condition for its induction and large scale multiplication. The sufficiency condition will be met only when an understanding of the user environment or the context in which technology is to be introduced is achieved. Several studies available offer insights into the future energy scenario. It is suggested, however, that an area approach and local village studies using intensive observation and interview methods can provide an understanding of the context in which specific technological interventions are to be contemplated. Without such efforts and understanding, new and renewable energy projects will remain hopes without significant positive results.