Decentralized renewable energy plan

Our studies show that fuelwood from depleting forest resources could be substituted by bioenergy from agro-residues and animal dung or solar energy using solar-thermal technologies within the State. Solar energy in the state is apt for decentralized electrification using photovoltaic technologies. This can minimize further centralized grid extension to biodiversity rich regions of the state. Solar water/room heating would be ideal for the higher elevation zones with highest thermal energy demand and limited bioenergy resources for sustenance. Wind energy from relatively higher winds in identified zones could be utilized for small scale agricultural water pumps, wind-photovoltaic hybrids, space/water heaters etc, reducing the dependence on grid connected electricity as well as fuelwood. Renewable energy from small-hydro and municipal waste projects in the state holds further prospects. Hence, it is inferred that renewable energy resources in Himachal Pradesh could be prudently utilized given the technological, socioeconomic, organizational and political factors favour a decentralized energy plan.