Renewable & Affordable Energy

Introduction: Energy at the Heart of Sustainable Development

Energy powers every aspect of human progress: health systems, education, industries, agriculture, and technology. Yet, the way we generate and consume energy will determine the survival of our planet.

Globally, nearly 80% of energy still comes from fossil fuels, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. In India, energy demand is rising sharply, projected to double by 2040 as urbanization, industrialization, and population growth accelerate.

This raises critical challenges:

  • Dependence on coal for over 50% of electricity.
  • Rising air pollution from fossil fuel combustion.
  • Energy poverty — over 200 million people still lack reliable access to electricity.
  • Increasing import dependence for oil and gas, creating economic vulnerability.

Pradeep Global Foundation (PGF) recognizes that renewable energy is the cornerstone of sustainable growth. By promoting solar, wind, and bioenergy, alongside energy efficiency, PGF advances the vision of “Affordable and Clean Energy for All” as outlined in SDG 7.

 

Why Renewable & Affordable Energy Matters for India

  1. Climate Change Mitigation
    Renewable energy reduces reliance on fossil fuels, cutting carbon emissions and slowing global warming.
  2. Energy Security
    By reducing dependence on imported oil and gas, India gains self-reliance and resilience.
  3. Public Health
    Cleaner energy means reduced air pollution, which currently causes over 1 million premature deaths annually in India.
  4. Economic Growth & Jobs
    Renewable energy industries (solar, wind, EVs, batteries) create millions of jobs while reducing inequality.
  5. Equity & Inclusion
    Affordable renewable energy brings electricity to rural households, schools, and clinics, improving health and education outcomes.

 

PGF’s Renewable Energy & Awareness Initiatives

1. Solar for All – Community Awareness Programs

  • Promoting solar rooftop systems in villages and semi-urban areas.
  • Educating farmers about solar-powered irrigation pumps to reduce diesel dependency.
  • Demonstrating affordable solar lamps for rural households.

2. Wind & Bioenergy Advocacy

  • Promoting awareness of wind energy potential in Indian states like Tamil Nadu and Gujarat.
  • Encouraging the use of biogas systems in rural homes to reduce dependence on firewood and LPG.

3. Energy Efficiency Literacy

  • Teaching communities about energy-saving appliances (LEDs, efficient pumps).
  • Promoting behavioral changes (switching off unused appliances, reducing energy waste).

4. Youth & Schools Program: Energy Ambassadors

  • Training young students as “energy ambassadors” who advocate for renewables in their communities.
  • Conducting debates, competitions, and model projects on clean energy.

5. Corporate Awareness & CSR

  • Encouraging companies to include renewable adoption in their CSR.
  • Organizing workshops on green buildings, energy-neutral campuses, and carbon reporting.

 

Alignment with the UN SDGs

PGF’s renewable energy work directly contributes to:

  • SDG 7: Affordable & Clean Energy – ensuring access to reliable, sustainable energy.
  • SDG 13: Climate Action – cutting greenhouse emissions.
  • SDG 3: Good Health & Well-being – improving air quality by reducing fossil fuel use.
  • SDG 8: Decent Work & Economic Growth – creating renewable energy jobs.

 

French Inspiration & International Best Practices

France has long been a global leader in energy transition, and PGF draws inspiration from its policies, institutions, and innovations:

  • International Solar Alliance (ISA): Co-founded by India and France in 2015, the ISA is the world’s first treaty-based intergovernmental organization for solar cooperation.
  • AFD (Agence Française de Développement): Financing renewable energy projects worldwide, from solar plants in Africa to wind farms in Asia.
  • ADEME (French Environment & Energy Agency): Promotes energy efficiency, low-carbon transitions, and waste-to-energy innovation.
  • Ministère de la Transition Écologique: France’s ministry dedicated to ecological and energy transition, spearheading green transport, renewable integration, and eco-cities.
  • IDDRI (Institute for Sustainable Development & International Relations): Conducts high-level research on global energy policy and just transitions.

PGF adapts these inspirations into the Indian context:

  • Promoting solar adoption in rural India, inspired by ISA.
  • Advocating low-carbon transitions in cities, inspired by ADEME’s work.
  • Mobilizing youth and women as agents of energy change, echoing France’s emphasis on inclusive sustainability.

 

Case Example: Solar Awareness Pilot in Rural Uttar Pradesh

In 2023, PGF conducted a solar literacy campaign in rural Uttar Pradesh:

  • Distributed 50 solar lamps to households previously dependent on kerosene.
  • Demonstrated the use of solar irrigation pumps to farmers, reducing fuel costs.
  • Conducted a community workshop on how renewable energy reduces pollution, saves costs, and empowers households.

The pilot showed measurable outcomes:

  • Reduced monthly fuel costs for families.
  • Improved study hours for children with clean lighting.
  • Awareness ripple effect, as neighboring villages began demanding solar adoption.

 

Future Roadmap: Scaling Renewable Energy Impact

PGF’s vision for renewable energy includes:

  1. One Solar Village at a Time
    • Transforming villages into 100% renewable energy models through solar, biogas, and efficiency.
  2. Clean Energy Entrepreneurship
    • Training women and youth to sell, install, and maintain renewable systems.
  3. Franco-Indian Clean Energy Forums
    • Hosting dialogues with AFD, ADEME, and ISA to bring French innovations to Indian communities.
  4. Corporate Renewable Partnerships
    • Helping companies adopt carbon-neutral campuses with solar rooftops and wind energy.
  5. Energy Data for Climate Reporting
    • Encouraging NGOs, schools, and local governments to measure and publish their energy impact.

 

Conclusion: Energy as Empowerment

Affordable, clean energy is not just about electricity — it is about empowerment, dignity, and survival. For a farmer irrigating his field, for a child studying at night, for a mother cooking without smoke, renewable energy is life-changing.

By aligning with the UN SDGs and inspired by France’s energy leadership, PGF ensures that every solar panel installed, every wind turbine promoted, and every bioenergy project launched contributes to both India’s development and global climate resilience.

This is how PGF lives its tagline:

“Travailler pour la nature – Working for Nature.”