ENERGY  ALTERNATIVES: RENEWABLE
ENERGY AND ENERGY CONSERVATION
TECHNOLOGIES



Extension and Training

  Usually, energy programmes  require a system by which end use 
  devices, such as  Improved  Cook stoves (IC's) and biogas are 
  disseminated  in  accordance  with  the  programme objectives.  
  Dissemination  mechanisms become extremely important when the 
  end  use  device  is new to the user.  Unfamiliar  technology 
  obviously  raises a number of questions  that can be answered 
  only  when the  technology is  successfully  implemented  and 
  comprehensively  evaluated.  In   order  to  strengthen   the 
  dissemination  process,  there  is  a  need  for rural energy 
  centres.  The purpose is to demonstrate the energy techniques 
  that  are  suitable for local  conditions and see that  these 
  techniques are practical  and  reliable from the  farmers and 
  locals' point of view. The objectives  of the Regional Energy 
  Centres should be to:
  (i)   study  energy  supply   and  consumption   patterns  to 
        identify village needs,
  (ii)  demonstrate  the  use  of  efficient energy devices and 
        disseminate ,  monitor  and  evaluate  appropriate 
        technologies,
  (iii) augment  the  fuel   supply  situation  through  energy 
        plantations and other decentralised means, and
  (iv)  analyse the impact of  energy-related activities on the 
        socio - economic  development  of  the  village  and 
        improvement of its environment.
  Besides  promotion  of  energy,  the  local  panchayaths   by 
  themselves  constitute  a   very  strong   extension  network.  
  Currently, the energy development agencies at the State level 
  have  little or  no  field  staff.  As a  result, their rural 
  energy  programmes  have suffered.  The village panchayat can 
  help  fill  this  gap  and  can  provide  valuable assistance 
  through quick dissemination and extension work.