'We Do Not Want Fake Energy': The Social Shaping of a Solar Micro-grid in Rural India. (July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sharma, Aviram
• Other Names: Pandey Poonam guest-editor.; Valkenburg Govert guest-editor.; Mamidipudi Annapurna guest-editor.; Bijker Wiebe guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Science, technology & society. Volume 25:Number 2(2020)
• Page Start: 308
• Page End: 324
• Publication Date: 2020-07
• Subjects: Social shaping of technology -- SCOT -- solar energy -- new technologies -- rural India; Technology -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Science -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; 509
• DOI: 10.1177/0971721820903006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0971-7218

Abstract

During the last two decades, numerous policy actors have advocated multiple models for the diffusion of solar energy-based technologies in India. In recent years, the social development-based energy business model was promoted by some NGOs, civil society groups and academicians for reaching the poor for meeting their energy needs. Using a case study approach, this article explores the social shaping of a solar micro-grid established in rural Bihar through the hybrid model of environmental governance. The article employs the social shaping of technology framework to explain the top-down and bottom-up interpretations of the solar micro-grid in rural India. By focusing on the idea of citizens and consumers, it explains the influence of the wider socio-political context in closing down the debate and stabilising the choices. The article illustrates the implications of the narrow framing of the socio-technical ensemble by the NGO's and civil society groups (top-down perspective) on the diffusion potential of the solar micro-grid. The bottom-up perspective adds more layer to the interpretation of the socio-technical ensemble. An integrated, comprehensive understanding based on both the top-down and bottom-up perspective would help in developing a responsible research and innovation paradigm.