Session 3.3: Cross-Sectoral Applications of Renewable Energy Systems

As of 2019, there were more than 14,000 mini grid projects implemented in India, by various organizations impacting numerous rural and remote communities that were devoid of access to electricity. These implementations have seen varying levels of success. However, there is a lack of evidence on equitable access to opportunities from the mini grids being implemented. To enhance mini-grids utilization, community engagement processes are essential to incorporate income generating opportunities especially to priority groups i.e., low-income and women community members. Such an engagement requires a tailored approach, based on the socio-economic and existing practices of the community, to create awareness on the application of productive uses. This presentation will highlight the engagement framework across multiple mini grids on formation of village level committees, sensitization, selection and implementation of appropriate productive-use appliances and recommendations for scaling utilisation of mini grids in other regions for equitable development.

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization is currently implementing the Renewable energy technologies for seaweed value added in Tawi-Tawi (RETS) project, funded by the European Union. The project involves the installation of two (2) renewable energy hybrid systems in the islands of Sitangkai and Sibutu, Tawi-tawi, comprised of solar panels, lithium-ion batteries, diesel generators and smart energy management systems. Implementation of the project is strengthening linkages among public and private development partners in the region lead by the Mindanao Development Authority towards a sustainable Mindanao energy transition. The delivery of electricity is integrated with the delivery of community social and welfare services, provision of adequate water supply, and improving the local seaweeds industry, one of the main sources of livelihood in the province. RETS serves as a model for renewable energy solutions adding value in agriculture and demonstrates the importance of the water-energy-food nexus.

Energy transition from biomass and fossil fuel to renewable energy is must to achieve Nepal’s target to achieve ‘net zero emission’ by 2045. The transition needs to be participatory and inclusive and requires multi-disciplinary outlook. Multi-actor partnership (MAP) for 100 % Renewable Energy is a platform of 40+ organizations and experts working on energy and climate change in Nepal to facilitate the policy dialogues for developing long-term transition processes to 100% RE. The partnership also provides the scientific knowledge, capacity-building measures and implementation expertise that is necessary for local planning for transition toward 100% RE. Through the facilitation of participatory knowledge-sharing workshops and by using state-of-the art modelling technologies, 100% RE scenarios develops which highlight possible transition pathways based on the current energy mix and planned energy projects (renewable and traditional). MAP will use the 100% RE scenarios to discuss necessary policy changes for a 100% RE future. This is important for Nepal to graduate from underdeveloped country to a middle-income developing country by 2026 following the low carbon development mechanism.