electrified if 10 percent households and some important structures like the panchayat building got electricity. In remote locations, standalone systems can be more costeffective than extending a power line to the electricity grid (the cost of which can range from $15,000 to $50,000 per mile). The power provider can demonstrate a commitment to non-polluting energy sources. Successful standalone systems generally take advantage of a combination of techniques and technologies to generate reliable power, reduce costs, and minimize inconvenience. Some of these strategies include using fossil fuel or renewable hybrid systems and reducing the amount of electricity required to meet your needs. Investments in the Enhanced Geothermal Systems to harness the heat naturally generated by the earth to produce electricity is a virgin area. In this, the heat is captured and converted into electricity via steam turbines and the water is released back into the fracture network to be reheated. In order to do so, wells are drilled into high temperature basement rock which is naturally fractured. The fracture network is enhanced to create a reservoir into which additional wells are drilled. Cold water is then pumped into the fracture network, via the wells, PRAVASI TODAY | JANUARY 2010
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absorbing the heat of the rock as it passes through. It has the ability to produce electricity for 24 hours a day. It is also economically viable as it costs less to set up an operation than to set up a new clean coal burning power plant. With zero carbon emissions, this technology will certainly help in the overall reduction of polluting emissions. In India, only around 10% of households own a motorcycle. Cars are owned by around 0.7% of households. In such a context, public transport - the primary mode of transport for most of the Indians - is the most heavily utilised one. Although India has only 1% of the world's vehicles, it accounts for 8% of the world's vehicle fatalities. In general, public transport in India suffers from outdated technology. A recent World Bank report projected 86 privately owned cars per 1,000 people in 2031-32, which is currently eight per thousand people. The active promotion of car ownership by the government has been quite myopic. There is a need for investments in efficient public transport over private alternatives, and for development of corresponding infrastructure. The writer is with the Centre for Social Medicine and Community Health, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, and works as an environment and health policy analyst
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