OASYS South Asia Research Project

A story by a British Journalist

In Rural India, Solar-Powered Microgrids Show Mixed Success

As India looks to bring electricity to the quarter of its population still without it, nonprofit groups are increasingly turning to solar microgrids to provide power to the nation’s villages. But the initiatives so far have faced major challenges.
by Fred Pearce

http://e360.yale.edu/feature/in_rural_india_solar-powered_microgrids_show_mixed_success/2948/

This student dissertation evaluates the impact of solar lighting interventions undertaken by OASYS and other projects in the Sunderban area of West Bengal. It finds that kerosene consumption has reduced post-intervention and consumers find solar lighting brighter than kerosene lamps.

Providing basic minimum energy services has become a real challenge for developing countries. Renewable energy-based decentralised off-grid systems preferably renewable mini-grids are found to be one of the suitable options for electrification, particularly for rural and remote areas of a country. This study explores the replication and scaling-up potential of renewable energy based mini-grids in India by considering a set of evaluation criteria viz. grid-extension option, renewable energy resource potential, electrification rate, organisational strength, presence or absence of technical support system, and ease of access to banking services. The present framework is used to rank districts on the basis of their potential for mini-grid type of intervention. Results suggest that while top 10 % of the districts are most potential districts for private investor led initiatives, bottom 10 % of the districts may require special attention from the government in terms of appropriate policy and regulatory support. This is because these districts are very unlikely to be catered by the private investors due to their weak institutional structures, poor socio-economic profiles, and poor renewable energy resource potentials.

As part of the demonstration project carried out through the OASYS South Asia project, an off-grid electrification intervention was undertaken in a cluster of villages in Dhenkenal district of Odisha. In order to develop productive uses of electricity, a detailed study of livelihoods was undertaken and potential areas for improvement in the value chain were identified. This paper reports the above activity and documents the existing livelihoods in the area. Through a series of interviews, focused group meetings and stakeholder interactions, the study finds that there exists potential for improvement of agricultural/ horticultural production and artisanal activities undertaken by the local population. Value can be added by undertaking simple processing and packing activities and by selling organic, eco-friendly outputs through local NGOs or government outlets. Electricity can support such activities, thereby offering an opportunity for improved income generation and a better quality of life.

Off-Grid energy systems are growing in popularity as an independent source of energy to satisfy electricity needs of individual households or smaller communities, mainly in developing countries where the main grid is either not developed or the grid is uneconomical to extend due to remoteness of the location. The Isle of Eigg in Scotland has been successfully using a hybrid off-grid system for several years to provide a reliable 24-hour electricity supply to the islanders. This ex-post analysis of the Isle of Eigg system investigates its performance and explores possible alternative configurations which could work more effectively and efficiently. Simulations were carried out using HOMER software for the existing system and for alternative configurations of energy generation. It is found that the existing overcapacity has been instrumental in ensuring a reliable supply but continued reliance on diesel generators adds to the cost. More wind power capacity addition can reduce reliance on fossil fuels and modular sizing of generators instead of adding large capacities could have reduced the idle capacity. This experience suggests that providing reliable off-grid electricity supply is possible but is costly without suitable capital subsidies. Appropriate system design suited to the local condition is important for developing a viable system.

This paper provides the background reading for the workshop on replication and scaling-up of Off-grid electrification. It provides a brief introduction to the electricity access challenge and raises technical, operational, financial and delivery issues related to mini-grid based electrification. It raises the following questions:
a) If local resources and local demand play an important role in designing local mini-grids, can they be easily replicated? Is there any role for system standardisation to facilitate replication?
b) If small isolated local grid systems are created (duplicated or otherwise) in large numbers, is there a danger of creating local islands that do not talk to each other? How to avoid this problem?
c) As a business process, each isolated mini-grid will be required to ensure management of complex supply and demand components. Local grid systems will require technically skilled operators to run the systems. Replication and scale-up initiatives exert tremendous pressure to find skills locally, retain them and supply adequately to all new installations. How can such a skill development be aligned with the replication roll-out? Similarly, there are planning, organisation and implementation capacity required for a successful replication process. Are the existing efforts sufficient in this respect? How can adequate capacity be developed?
d) Funding replication and scale-up efforts in developing countries remains a major challenge. How can investors mobilise sufficient funds for a speedy replication when individual projects may be below the threshold of interest of financial institutions, when project financing does not work due to absence of any bankable contractual arrangement, and when meeting guarantee requirements demanded by banks proves impossible for an off-grid project?
e) The regulatory governance issues such as appropriate pricing, quality of service, consumer protection and business promotion will also require attention. How can a nascent activity be appropriately nurtured without imposing undue regulatory burden on the participants while ensuring justice to the users?
These are some of the issues of importance for the replication and scale-up activities of off-grid electrification. The workshop will throw light into some of them through specific talks and case studies.

It has been shown by many researchers that over a long term there has been a slow but steady rise of ambient temperature within the Indian sub-continent. Due to an increased economic prosperity there has been an accompanied increase in the urban heat island effect. Furthermore, urbanisation of large cities in India has also led to higher population densities. The above factors had the combined effect of a significant increase of cooling load of buildings.
The high density of dwellings and other building construction has resulted in shading of walls. However, the flat roof spaces are exposed to an uninterrupted solar radiation regime and this in turn leads to generation of high sol-air temperatures which cause higher cooling loads. Presently, it has been argued that roof spaces are one of the major contributors to building cooling load.
In this article the reasons behind the phenomenal rise in the installation of air-conditioners in India are reviewed.  The dual role of roof-top PV systems in electricity generation and reduction of building cooling load due to the shading they provide is then investigated. For this purpose, the CIBSE method to obtain sol-air temperature with solar radiation and outdoor ambient temperature has been used. Sol-air temperature for five key Indian locations (Delhi, Bhopal, Ahmadabad, Bhubaneswar and Chennai), based on the recently presented data by the NREL-India Meteorological Department consortium, were then obtained.
A computer simulation routine was presently developed for solving the classical transient heat conduction problem with hourly sol-air temperature data and roof construction details provided to the routine. This program was executed to obtain the cooling load profile for each of the five Indian locations for the respective design day.
Practical application: The present work reviews the reasons behind the phenomenal rise in the installation of air-conditioners in India.  The dual role of roof-top PV systems in electricity generation and reduction of building cooling load due to the shading they provide has been investigated. The computer simulation demonstrated that the energy required for roof-induced cooling load decreased between 73-90% after installation of the PV system. The method used in this work has the advantage that it enables the user to obtain cooling load estimates using a general transient heat conduction approach. Moreover, all software was developed within MS-Excel environment, this is also an additional advantage as the cost associated with purchase and training of proprietary building energy software can be prohibitive for many consultants who are based in developing countries.

Off- grid energy systems for remote areas are growing in popularity. They provide independent source of energy to satisfy electrical needs of smaller communities, mainly in developing countries where main grid is not developed or where it is not economical to provide connection to it. Off grid systems utilizing only one renewable energy (for example solar) are often used, but this kind of solution is not able to satisfy all energy needs fully. Integrated Renewable Energy Systems (IRES) combine and utilize a few different renewable sources and are usually backed up by supplementary generators (i.e. diesel generators) in case of lower supply from renewables. This kind of systems are able to provide energy constantly with minimized CO2 emissions to places like rural areas or remote villages, allowing people to live modern life and still being a viable economical option. Each site is a different case as it has to utilize natural resources available in the region. There is a unique case of such a system currently operating in the UK on Isle of Eigg in Scotland. It utilizes resources of hydroelectricity, wind power, and solar power backed up by diesel generators and a battery bank. The project was initiated by the islands community and since it was completed the islanders experienced improvement in their lives and increased business opportunities.
This study analysed the off-grid system in Isle of Eigg and checked whether the system configuration is appropriate to meet the present and future electricity needs of the island. The analysis was carried out in Energy Modelling Software for Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems: HOMER  Energy.
Also alternative systems were considered to compare with the existing system. Results show that the current system is slightly oversized and other possible designs are more applicable. Also simulation shows how the price of electricity is affected by government help such as financing or subsidizing.

This workshop on SE4ALL focused on bottom up experiences that can influence policy discourse. a one day policy dialogue workshop was organized on 31st July 2014 in Kolkata, India, where social entrepreneurs, NGOs, practitioners, project implementers from state renewable energy development agencies and academics participated to deliberate and contribute to the bottom-up policy design for national and international level policy discourse for Sustainable Energy for All by 2030.  This one-day policy dialogue workshop was organised as part of the ongoing OASYS Project.

Being one of the least electrified regions of the world, South Asia faces one of the daunting challenges of providing access to energy to a large chunk of its population. The magnitude of challenge could be evident as about 470 million people in the region are deprived of any form of modern electricity (IEA, 2012). However, there exists heterogeneity in the approaches followed by the countries of the region to address this grave challenge. The paper applies an actor network framework to understand the constellation of actor networks, the role of relationships, interconnectedness and networks between actors and institutions in promotion and acceleration of renewable energy based off-grid energy system in the region. The study focuses on three countries of South Asia namely India, Nepal and Sri Lanka. Primary surveys are carried out in these countries to understand the existing as well as the evolving processes of actor networks. Primary surveys are supplemented by data gathered through secondary sources. Findings of the study suggest that actor constellations and the strength of their networks differ, both spatially and temporally, significantly across countries. The paper also suggests specific group of actors and their networks to be strengthened for each of the countries. While India needs to emphasize strengthening the networks between financial institutions and other actors on the one hand, there is also a need to give momentum to the networks connecting regulators and other actors. Sri Lanka should undertake similar efforts to strengthen regulators and the networks connecting regulators with other actors. While Nepal is relatively better placed in terms of strength of actor networks, it also has to introduce a whole range of new networks connecting the existing actors to a new actor ‘regulator’.

Conventional grid extension has been the predominant mode of electrification in India. However, solar photovoltaic technology has also been used for providing electricity access in remote, forested habitations and islands. Under Remote Village Electrification Programme of Government of India, around 12,000 villages and hamlets have been electrified using renewable energy. Chhattisgarh state in central India has alone been able to electrify around 1400 remote and forested villages through solar mini-grids. This paper makes a modest attempt to examine the development and operation of the solar mini-grid model for enhancing electricity access in India, with special focus on the state of Chhattisgarh. The paper, based on extensive literature review, interview with key stakeholders and field visit to selected remote forested villages in the state of Chhattisgarh, shares the experiences and lessons of the solar mini-grid programmes for rural electrification in the state by comprehensively analyzing  multiple dimensions of the programme such as coverage and trend, technical designs, institutional arrangements, financial mechanism and operation and maintenance aspects, which were key to the success of the solar mini-grids.  We observe that robust institutional arrangements, strong policy support and an effective maintenance and oversight mechanism have been the key contributing factors for the success of this initiative.

Providing access to electricity to a large chunk of rural populace in Nepal has traditionally been a daunting exercise. This has been exacerbated by geographical variations, poor transportability; fragmented settlements, illusive energy development strategies, lack of sufficient financial capital and moreover by on-going energy crisis. The present study conducts an objective assessment of the renewable energy based off-grid energy sector in Nepal by applying a  mixed method research design built on both qualitative and quantitative research techniques. While country experiences of developing micro-hydro and solar energy based interventions are captured by qualitative analysis, a case study evaluation is done by applying standard techno-economic analysis of renewable energy resources. Assessment of off-grid electrification options reveals that despite visible progresses achieved, there still exist multiple roadblocks to scale up. Absence of  clearly spelt out policy goals, weak institutional designs, low load factors, poor financing base, and overall regulatory concerns stand as major obstacles for off-grid energy sector development in the country. In addition, project specific analyses reveal that solar loses out as a cost effective option compared to micro-hydro. But optimal use of micro hydro interventions requires creation of productive applications at the local scale on a sustainable manner.

In developing countries like India, with rapid growth in the economy, the demand for electricity is also increasing. As the renewable energy percentage increases in the total energy mix, the inherent intermittency and variability of renewable energy sources poses a challenge when these energy sources are integrated. This is where energy storage becomes very critical as it improves the dispatch rate of the electricity generated by renewable energy resource. With the rising demand for reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly energy storage, the Flywheel Energy Storage System (FESS) is quickly coming into its own. This study presents an analysis which shows that using an FESS is a promising alternative in mitigating energy storage problems in decentralized electricity generation projects where an uninterrupted power supply (UPS) is required. With the help of HOMER simulations, we have tried to establish that energy storage through flywheel is a viable option.

The current paradigm of renewable energy based off-grid energy systems in India is ridiculed to have paid relatively greater attention to techno-economic dimension of project development without adequately appraising the importance of other crucial determinants like socio-political, governance and institutional, environmental etc. As a consequences of which, large number of projects are producing sub-optimal outcomes and are unable to reach at the level of required critical mass to become operationally and financially sustainable. Evidences suggest that uniform approach to policy and context-neutral interventions have led to a large number of project failures. In the above context, the paper makes a case for an integrated approach to mainstream renewable energy based off-grid energy systems in the rural areas of India. The approach draws its strength from literature highlighting the need for integration in the current realities of the sector. The paper finally proposes an integrated framework designed to capture the key dimensions of project development in a holistic fashion.

In recognition of the fact that billions of people in the developing world do not have access to clean energies, the United Nations launched the Sustainable Energy for All Initiative to achieve universal energy access by 2030. Although electricity grid extension remains the most prevalent way of providing access, it is now recognized that the central grid is unlikely to reach many remote areas in the near future. At the same time, individual solutions like solar home systems tend to provide very limited services to consumers. Mini-grids offer an alternative by combining the benefits of a grid-based solution with the potential for harnessing renewable energies at the local level. The purpose of this book is to provide in-depth coverage of the use of mini-grids for rural electrification in developing countries, taking into account the technical, economic, environmental and governance dimensions and presenting case studies from South Asia.

This book reports on research carried out by a consortium of British and Indian researchers on off-grid electrification in South Asia. It provides state-of-the art technical knowledge on mini-grids and micro-grids including renewable energy integration (or green mini-grids), smart systems for integration with the central grid, and standardization of systems. It also presents essential analytical frameworks and approaches that can be used to analyze the mini-grids comprehensively including their techno-economic aspects, financial viability and regulatory issues. The case studies drawn from South Asia demonstrate the application of the framework and showcase various successful efforts to promote mini-grids in the region. It also reports on the design and implementation of a demonstration project carried out by the team in a cluster of villages in Odisha (India). 

The book’s multi-disciplinary approach facilitates understanding of the relevant practical dimensions of mini-grid systems, such as demand creation (through interventions in livelihood generation and value chain development), financing, regulation, and smart system design. Its state-of-the art knowledge, integrated methodological framework, simulation exercises and real-life case analysis will allow the reader to analyze and appreciate the mini-grid-related activities in their entirety. The book will be of interest to researchers, graduate students, practitioners and policy makers working in the area of rural electrification in developing countries.

More than 1.3 billion people worldwide lack access to electricity. Although extension of the electricity grid remains the preferred mode of electrification, off-grid electrification can offer a solution to such cases. Rural Electrification through Decentralised Off-grid Systems in Developing Countries provides a review of  rural electrification experiences with an emphasis on off-grid electrification and presents business-related aspects including participatory arrangements, financing, and regulatory governance.



Organized in three parts, Rural Electrification through Decentralised Off-grid Systems in Developing Countries  provides comprehensive coverage and state-of-the art reviews which appraise the reader of the latest trend in the thinking. The first part presents the background information on electricity access, discusses the developmental implications of lack of electricity infrastructure and provides a review of alternative off-grid technologies. The second part presents a review of experiences from various regions (South Asia, China, Africa, South East Asia and South America). Finally, the third part deals with business dimensions and covers participatory business models, funding challenges for electrification and regulatory and governance issues.



Based on the research carried out under the EPSRC/ DfID funded research grant for off-grid electrification in South Asia, Rural Electrification through Decentralised Off-grid Systems in Developing Countries provides a multi-disciplinary perspective of the rural electrification challenge through off-grid systems. Providing a practical introduction for students, this is also a key reference for engineers and governing bodies working with off-grid electrification.

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University (Leicester, UK) is organising an international conference in July 2019 in Leicester on Energising the SDGs through appropriate technology and governance. We are inviting abstracts of papers for presentation in the conference. The vision of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is to transform living conditions of all people on the Earth so that we can live within the 'planetary boundaries' while enjoying economic prosperity and social wellbeing. The transformative change aimed through the SDGs requires a paradigm shift in thinking to break away from the current development trajectories that are resource intensive, inefficient (hence wasteful), environmentally damaging, growth-driven, and socially inequitable and unjust. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) offer the opportunity to approach sustainable development in an integrated, interconnected way. However, building 'the world we want' and reaching the SDGs by 2030 faces a number of major challenges which require innovation, including: 1) Demanding timelines. To reach the SDGs by 2030 would require a Marshall-like plan that has to be implemented meticulously. In many areas, implementation needs to shift from evolutionary to revolutionary timelines. Our understanding of the issues, evidence to support the decision-making process and our ability to analyse the issues effectively and manage progress in a timely manner will hinder progress. 2) Weak governance. Countries facing the greatest challenges are mostly low-income countries, with weak governance arrangements. Can top-down management approaches by governments be strengthened so that a Marshall-like Plan can be effectively implemented? Designing a modern governance arrangement that can work in these countries remains a challenge. On the other hand, the co-creation of sustainable bottom-up solutions at a decentralised level needs to be supported through innovative thinking, open knowledge sharing, business ideas, and empowering local communities and actors. 3) Complexity. As SDGs are an interconnected and integrated set of targets, better understanding of their interrelationships , synergies and conflicts is required. The human-nature interactions in the primary, secondary and tertiary sectors affect the natural capital, ecosystem services, human capital development, natural environment, the climate and the communities. Our understanding of these interactions is still incomplete and scientific research can surely improve our knowledge.