Powering UP: Over 1000 rural women entrepreneurs install 4 MW of solar power
Decentralized Renewable Energy
for Women's Economic Empowerment (DEWEE) programme, implemented through the
Uttar Pradesh
State Rural Livelihood Mission (UPSRLM), women-led
self-help groups
(SHGs) are adopting solar-powered technologies to run small-scale enterprises.
According to officials, over 1,000 women entrepreneurs have already established
solar-powered businesses
under the programme, with more than 4 MW of decentralized solar energy capacity installed across participating villages.
From flour mills and tailoring units to general stores and dairy operations, these initiatives are not only reducing dependency on diesel but also generating alternative income sources.
The initiative, supported by a multi-stakeholder consortium, aims to integrate clean energy solutions with rural livelihood programmes, providing both technical assistance and business development support. Partners include the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA), Prerna OJAS, PCI India, the Gates Foundation, HSBC, and the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP).
'This programme demonstrates the potential of integrating clean energy with grassroots economic development,' said Keshav Prasad Maurya, Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.
From Pilot to Statewide Scale
A significant milestone in the programme has been its implementation in Take Home Ration (THR) manufacturing units across Unnao, Varanasi, and Agra districts. These facilities, equipped with hybrid solar PV systems, recorded production efficiency of up to 82 per cent, with monthly electricity savings estimated at ₹30,000 and a reduction of approximately 21 metric tonnes of CO₂ emissions.
Based on these results, the Uttar Pradesh government has approved the scale-up of solar integration to over 200 THR units, with a 90 per cent capital subsidy to encourage wider adoption. Officials note that the move is likely to contribute to more stable employment opportunities for women in SHGs.
'This is not just about
energy access
— it's about building enterprise viability through
sustainable power
,' said Deepa Ranjan, State Mission Director, UPSRLM.
National Recognition
The DEWEE programme was recently highlighted in the Government of India's Economic Survey 2024–25 as a notable example of linking decentralized renewable energy (DRE) with
women's economic empowerment
. The recognition is expected to enable greater engagement with national policymakers and encourage replication in other states.
The Road Ahead
The programme has set an ambitious target of involving 1,00,000 SHG women in the decentralized green energy workforce over the coming years. This will require continued investment in skills training, stronger financial linkages, and improved market access for women-led enterprises.
Officials view the initiative as a potential template for scaling clean energy adoption through community-based models, particularly in rural India, where energy access and employment remain key development priorities.
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Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Powering UP: Over 1000 rural women entrepreneurs install 4 MW of solar power
Lucknow: Under the Decentralized Renewable Energy for Women's Economic Empowerment (DEWEE) programme, implemented through the Uttar Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission (UPSRLM), women-led self-help groups (SHGs) are adopting solar-powered technologies to run small-scale enterprises. According to officials, over 1,000 women entrepreneurs have already established solar-powered businesses under the programme, with more than 4 MW of decentralized solar energy capacity installed across participating villages. From flour mills and tailoring units to general stores and dairy operations, these initiatives are not only reducing dependency on diesel but also generating alternative income sources. The initiative, supported by a multi-stakeholder consortium, aims to integrate clean energy solutions with rural livelihood programmes, providing both technical assistance and business development support. Partners include the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA), Prerna OJAS, PCI India, the Gates Foundation, HSBC, and the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP). 'This programme demonstrates the potential of integrating clean energy with grassroots economic development,' said Keshav Prasad Maurya, Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. From Pilot to Statewide Scale A significant milestone in the programme has been its implementation in Take Home Ration (THR) manufacturing units across Unnao, Varanasi, and Agra districts. These facilities, equipped with hybrid solar PV systems, recorded production efficiency of up to 82 per cent, with monthly electricity savings estimated at ₹30,000 and a reduction of approximately 21 metric tonnes of CO₂ emissions. Based on these results, the Uttar Pradesh government has approved the scale-up of solar integration to over 200 THR units, with a 90 per cent capital subsidy to encourage wider adoption. Officials note that the move is likely to contribute to more stable employment opportunities for women in SHGs. 'This is not just about energy access — it's about building enterprise viability through sustainable power ,' said Deepa Ranjan, State Mission Director, UPSRLM. National Recognition The DEWEE programme was recently highlighted in the Government of India's Economic Survey 2024–25 as a notable example of linking decentralized renewable energy (DRE) with women's economic empowerment . The recognition is expected to enable greater engagement with national policymakers and encourage replication in other states. The Road Ahead The programme has set an ambitious target of involving 1,00,000 SHG women in the decentralized green energy workforce over the coming years. This will require continued investment in skills training, stronger financial linkages, and improved market access for women-led enterprises. Officials view the initiative as a potential template for scaling clean energy adoption through community-based models, particularly in rural India, where energy access and employment remain key development priorities.
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