Clean energy innovations to boost rural incomes

Ninety-two per cent of the electricity-deprived population of India lives in rural areas. Farm power availability is a third of that of China. More than four million rural micro-enterprises in India mention lack of reliable electricity as a major bottleneck to their business. Clean energy innovations for farm and non-farm micro-enterprises can bridge gaps in the centralised electricity supply system and power income-generating activities in rural areas. This study by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water, envisions to maximise the role of clean energy as a catalyst for increasing rural incomes.