March 2018 - Claro Energy Private Limited

In a developing country whose economy is centred around agriculture, and which is rapidly transitioning into the realm of renewable energy, the future of solar pumps seems brighter than ever.

This is testified by the increased impetus given by the Government of India to the widespread deployment of solar pumps- in the Budget 2018, there has been a budget allocation of Rs 48,000 crore for distributing 17.5 lakh solar pumps, and solarizing existing pumps, as part of the ‘Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (Kusum)’ scheme. The scheme has additional objectives of setting up 10,000 MW solar plants on barren lands, besides allowing farmers to sell the surplus produced energy to state electricity. This move is a welcome step towards ensuring the financial stability of farmers, and at the same time, bolsters the government’s ambitions of integrating a vast share of renewable energy in the overall energy mix.

The potential for solar water pumps

India is blessed with an abundance of solar energy and has a massive potential to transform this into electricity- the National Institute of Solar Energy in India has determined this amount to be a whopping 750 GW. Equally massive is the presence of agriculture in the Indian economy- it employs nearly 50% of the workforce, and contributes 17.32% to India’s GDP. Thus, an intensive economic practice like this needs reliable practices that can ensure a high yield of agricultural crops, such as efficient irrigation techniques. Water pumps have emerged as a dependable mode of irrigation, and the advent of renewable energy has ensured the rapid advancement of solar water pumps. At the fore of this breakthrough is The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), which has collaborated with various state governments and started promoting solar water pumps by providing various subsidies to farmers.

The majority of pumps used today are either grid-connected or run on diesel. However, remote, off-grid areas, the rising prices of diesel, as well as the environmental implications of its usage, raise several questions over the efficacy of these traditionally-powered pumps. Our nation’s economic well-being hinges on that of the rural economy, which in turn depends on agriculture, rather cost-effective agriculture. Thus, innovative solutions and ideas are the need of the hour to revamp this sector. Solar pumps can be heralded as a solution that the rural agrarian society needs- they can be used in power deficient and remote regions, and reduce diesel consumption, both necessary steps to ensure sustainability as well as a clean environment. Besides, they provide farmers with an opportunity to generate extra income by selling surplus energy. In a nutshell, solar water pumps have immense economic, societal, and environmental advantages.

Solar Energy in India: Current Scenario

The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, has set an ambitious target of producing 175 GW of electricity from renewable energy sources by 2022, during the recently held International Solar Alliance (ISA) Summit at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi. The recent news of Diu becoming the first 100% solar powered Union Territory further cements the government’s conviction towards this great cause. This enormous increase in installed solar capacity would entail a proportionate increase in jobs related to solar energy. Indeed, achieving these renewable energy goals would be a step closer towards realizing an energy-secure and sustainable future.

The Road Ahead

The government’s ambitious target to initiate wide-spread usage of solar pumps is a positive indication of the growth of the solar pump industry, which is likely to flourish in the coming years and aid in accelerating the sustainable development of our country. The immediate challenge facing the mass implementation of solar pumps is its high upfront cost, but taking into account the long-term benefits they provide, this challenge could soon be converted into a successful opportunity. Perhaps, that day isn’t far away when a solar pump in a farm is as ubiquitous as a tractor ploughing on a field!

Written By: Vinita Srinivasan

Edited By: Priyanka Pandey

World Water Day, on 22 March every year, is about taking action to tackle the water crisis.In 1993, the United Nations General Assembly officially designated March 22 as World Water Day. World Water Day is coordinated by UN-Water in collaboration with governments and partners.

Water is a basic requirement for survival, often touted as the ‘elixir of life’, but at the same time, there about 2.1 billion people on this planet who live without access to safe drinking water, spending countless hours queuing, trekking to distant locations to fetch just a few litres of water. World Water Day is an annual event celebrated on 22 March, to focus attention on the importance of water, as well as throw light on the challenges of water access that the society faces even today.

Spearheaded by UN-Water, a UN Body that coordinates the joint efforts of various UN entities, governments, and industries, this day is an annual reminder of the need to ensure global access to clean water, and the challenges associated with it.

Of the 70% water that is available on this planet, only 2.5% of it is fresh and fit for consumption. But the real issue is, how much of this is able to reach people? Sadly, 40 percent of the global population is inflicted by water scarcity, and this figure is projected to rise, even though access to clean water is a basic human right

Pollution and contamination of freshwater resources, improper industrial practices, and poor infrastructure and policy regulations are some of the major roadblocks to ensuring water access. It is alarming that about 1.8 billion people use a fecally contaminated source of drinking water; this is the leading cause of more than 2 million deaths due to diarrhoeal diseases alone. The sad truth is that nearly 1,000 children die every day, due to preventable water and sanitation-related diarrhoeal diseases. More and more countries are coming under the ambit of water-stressed countries, with a majority of African countries facing severe water shortage and droughts. UN’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 aims to tackle this very challenge. It has several targets to achieve by 2030, chiefly encompassing equitable access to safe water and adequate sanitation facilities, and pollution reduction to achieve improved water quality. This shortage can lead to severe outcomes- especially water and sanitation related diseases and adversely impacts both the people and the economy.

Answer Lies In Nature!

The first and foremost step lies in creating better infrastructure and water management practices to overcome the problem of clean water shortage. This year’s theme for the World Water Day is ‘Nature for Water’, which strives to employ solutions inspired by nature, be it in treating wastewater or recycling water. Indeed, innovative solutions are the need of the hour to achieve sustainable water management.

At Claro Energy, we have been innovating in the field of sustainable agriculture and ensuring that rural agrarian communities have access to safe and affordable water, for agricultural and consumption purposes. We have installed more than 8000 solar pumps across 16 states of India, for drinking, irrigation and sanitation purposes. Our breakthrough innovation of Pay-As-U-Go Mobile Solar Trolleys enables affordable energy and water access to the most marginal farmers who lies in the bottom line of the pyramid.

Smallest Steps Leads to Biggest Impacts

Devising a solution for this means that first we fully comprehend the gravity of the situation. Once we understand how people across the world are struggling to find sources for safe water, we will think twice before letting that tap open. At the individual level, we can do our bit by ensuring that we use water judiciously and curb pollution of the water bodies. Change begins with us and once we start taking care of small things and take small steps, bigger things will eventually fall into the place.

As they say, Every Drop Counts and each and every drop that we save may be finding its way to a world where everyone has equal access to clean water!

Written By: Vinita Srinivasan

Edited By: Priyanka

In recognition of Claro’s significant contribution to the renewable energy sector and the innovative leadership of its founders, Amity Business School has conferred upon Claro’s founder and director, Mr Kartik Wahi, the “Amity Leadership Award for Excellence in the Energy Industry”.

The award recipients are chosen by identifying successful businesses and services to acknowledge the achievements of the individual and organization in the realms of leadership, enterprise, innovation, strategy, CSR and business performance in creating value for stakeholders and nation. This is also an initiative to honour all those who have set examples for others to follow.

This prestigious award further bolsters Claro’s conviction towards creating sustainable agriculture solutions. We believe it will add more momentum to our expansion in the solar energy market and pave the way to becoming leaders in this field.