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The question for forum participants was ‘What are the decentralised renewable energy resources, technologies, development models and approaches that can help eradicate poverty especially in South Asian countries to meet transportation needs, so that poor people can be independent of the effects of petroleum fuels?’ A variety of suggestions to find and promote renewable energy transport solutions for the South Asian region were aired. Not only were an increase in use of public transport and the use of RE driven transport suggested, but the need to reduce the need to travel overall was suggested.

Reducing the need to travel through improvements in technology and communication facilities was one of the points raised by several participants in this discussion. Spreading the availability of basic facilities – such as schools, hospitals, administration offices – will reduce people’s need to travel. Thus, not only saving energy but people’s income as well. As one participant put it ‘…the solution is more in the "way of thinking" rather than in the technology’.

The above attitudinal changes were also linked to the type of technology used for transport. It was suggested that people’s lifestyles and attitudes have drawn them away from Intermediate Technologies such as the bicycle. Improvements to these technologies and their use for short distance travel should be encouraged at all levels.

As always, the role that the political bodies and governments play in this arena was highlighted. Comprehensive transport policies covering, besides other issues, the transport needs of rural and urban poor are required and should be formed taking into consideration public inputs as well as inputs from other essential service providers (service providers of education, health, etc.).

Transport planning should not be limited to roads alone and should take into account other forms of travel, such as ropeways, waterways, etc. – which may be more energy efficient in different situations. Renewable energy sources which are easily accessible should be encouraged, and use of the energy generated from such applications should be maximized. The sector needs to be open to finding energy efficient transport alternatives and letting go of the less inefficient ones. As one forum participant put it ‘… we are not ready or willing to rock the inefficient entrenched system. Creative destruction should be the order of day.’

The discussion also highlighted the fact the independence from petroleum fuel will not happen overnight. While purely technical interventions such as introducing biofuels, electric vehicles and efficient engines are recommended, there is also a need for a shift from private to public transport for commuter and goods traffic. The need to improve public transport and promote its use was expressed. Exploring possibilities of public transport being powered by solar electric, thermal electric power plants fed with bio-fuels and electric train combination were suggested as alternatives - for both the rich and the poor. It was noted that the present hybrid vehicles in the market should be improved, their price reduced and multi-purpose vehicles designed and mass produced. Governments need to tap companies and promote hybrid vehicles and make them affordable to the masses.

A participant working in an NGO helping communities in the rural and tribal belt of Rajasthan, India highlighted the dire, unaddressed transport needs of the poor in the South Asian region. With Rajasthan’s geographical area consisting of the desert and Aravallis Hills, the rural communities in the area are still using bullock carts and "Jugars" (small tractor made by the pumping engine by the people on their own) for transport. Apart from these energy intensive modes of transport (requiring large amounts of human/animal effort to function) the only other transport system available is the Public Transport System. Such communities need to be served and given access to energy efficient modes of transport.

We thank all those who participated in the e-discussion. It is through such exchanges of views that ideas are born.

Let’s keep the dialogue alive!

The e-net team