Introduction

Abstract

The pilot project Implementing Cooperative and Technical Solutions to Increase Energy Efficiency in Irrigation was initiated in 2011 as a research and development approach toward exploring low-cost solutions for improving energy efficiency in Indian agriculture. It was developed under the assumption that technical solutions only work when accompanied by social interventions and capacity building. The technical solution consisted of installing shunt capacitors for agricultural pumpset motors where a low power factor had been observed. Capacitors are a low-cost solution which farmers can easily afford themselves, providing benefits to farmers and local utilities by reducing electrical energy consumption and motor and distribution transformer burnouts. This chapter introduces Part II of this SpringerBrief, outlining the pilot project steps and rationale.