IndiaCore is pleased to announce the release of its new publication- 'A GUIDE BOOK TO IMPLEMENT AGRICULTURE DEMAND SIDE MANAGEMENT- Studies from Water- Energy Nexus Activity (WENEXA II) Project'
The book is a compilation by Tetra Tech of studies conducted under the first market-driven public-private partnership between Bangalore Electricity Supply Company and an energy service company for agricultural demand-side management pilot. It will be helpful in implementing large scale program of agriculture demand side management.
The agricultural sector consumes about 23 percent of India’s electricity and 90 percent of its ground water. Although a number of initiatives have demonstrated that more efficient irrigation pump sets could save 30 to 70 percent of the sector’s electricity use, stakeholders have been unwilling to bear the costs and risks of replacing the country’s inefficient pump sets. To address this problem, the United States Agency for International Development has launched a pilot project to replace about 604 irrigation pump sets in India’s Karnataka State. The study concludes that with a nationwide investment of $12 billion in new high energy efficient pumps, India could reduce its electricity demand-supply gap from the current 11% to 3% and its annual agricultural tariff subsidy by $2 billion a year. Additionally, with improved power reliability and quality, farmers would tend to run their IPsets (Irrigation pump sets) more judiciously resulting in decreasing fall of groundwater levels.
The agricultural sector consumes about 23 percent of India’s electricity and 90 percent of its ground water. Although a number of initiatives have demonstrated that more efficient irrigation pump sets could save 30 to 70 percent of the sector’s electricity use, stakeholders have been unwilling to bear the costs and risks of replacing the country’s inefficient pump sets. To address this problem, the United States Agency for International Development has launched a pilot project to replace about 604 irrigation pump sets in India’s Karnataka State. This pilot is the first market-driven public-private partnership between Bangalore Electricity Supply Company and an energy service company for agricultural demand-side management.
The study concludes that with a nationwide investment of $12 billion in new high energy efficient pumps, India could reduce its electricity demand-supply gap by 50% and its annual agricultural tariff subsidy by $1.6 billion a year. Additionally, with improved power reliability and quality, farmers would tend to run their IP sets (Irrigation pump sets) more judiciously resulting in decreasing fall of groundwater levels.
“A perfect guide book to design and implement an effective AGDSM program in rural India. Based on first - hand experience in implementing WENEXA project this is a benchmark document which shall surely inspire the launching of similar efficient and environment friendly efforts all over the country. Congratulations to all who have contributed in one way or the other.”
Rajesh Awasthi, Chairman, Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission
"Agriculture DSM is a high impact program for the States like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu. AG DSM is needed to be pursued in coordination with energy, water, agriculture, revenue and finance departments. The WENEXA learning compiled in the book is very useful in developing and implementing large scale AG DSM program involving all stakeholders.”
Vijay L Sonavane, Member (Tech), Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission
"This book is a welcome call to all the Nation's Professionals to adopt a holistic approach to AgDSM. Studies presented, confirm that converting partial revenue subsidy of agriculture tariff into one time capital subsidy is a strong business case. Next challenge is to scale up the DSM movement Nationwide!"
Ajai Nirula, Chief Operating Officer, North Delhi Power Limited
“Being an agrarian economy, innovative and optimal utilization of limited energy resources in agriculture offers much greater opportunities for India than any other country. This AG DSM Guide offers facts, knowledge and insights for developing strategies, policies and tactics, and producing higher return on investment in limited natural resources.”
Praveen Gupta, Director, Center for Innovation Science & Applications, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago
"Very useful exercise undertaken by WENEXA for efficient co-management of Energy and Water which has a wide ramification for India's long term energy security & sustainability in terms of reducing demand-supply gap, energy saving, water preservation, power subsidies, Utility & Government finances, emission control and climate change. I am sure the encouraging results of pilot study carried out in BESCOM area shall be replicated in many more areas across different states in times to come to realize the fruits of Ag DSM."
Gopal K Saxena, Chief Executive, BSES Rajdhani Power Limited |
