Providing basic minimum energy services has become a real challenge for developing countries of t... more Providing basic minimum energy services has become a real challenge for developing countries of the world. India encounters the problem of provisioning basic minimum electricity services to a section of her population. Renewable energy-based decentralised systems have emerged as a viable electrification option for many developing countries of the world, particularly for rural and remote areas of the country. This study explores the replication and scaling-up of potential of such mini-grids in the least electrified states of India by considering a set of evaluation criteria i.e. 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. Overall rankings suggest that top 20% districts offer good business potential for private investors to venture into the mini-grid market. However, the concern lies with the districts placed at the bottom, which require specific government interventions through appropriate policy, regulatory and financial support.
This article sheds light on multi-level climate governance in the particular context of India and... more This article sheds light on multi-level climate governance in the particular context of India and scrutinizes the role India’s subnational states play in climate policy. It uses an analytical lens that combines multi-level climate governance and “laboratories of experimentation”. The first part of the article clarifies the analytical concept of the article and deals with the phenomenon of states experimentation in multi-level climate governance structures from a theoretical background. The second part of the article explores India’s multi-level climate governance structure and sheds light on the role of India’s states therein with specific emphasis on the development of renewable energy. The third part looks at the multi-tiered climate action planning processes, and considers how central top-down policies and subnational bottom-up approaches are linked. Asking whether the Indian states do not only act as mere implementers of federal top-down policies, but instead create own initiatives for climate action. The article examines state climate action plans with particular focus on renewable energy initiatives integrated in the plans by asking whether the Indian states do not act solely as mere implementers of federal top-down policies, but instead create their own initiatives for climate action, much like the German Bundesländer, for example. Based on document analysis and interviews the article explores whether India’s states experiment with individual approaches to develop renewable energy which are, tailored to regional specifics, or whether they mainly implement national objectives.
With the enactment of Electricity Act 2003, competition in the Indian power sector received a new... more With the enactment of Electricity Act 2003, competition in the Indian power sector received a new nomenclature and is considered instrumental in driving the sector in a sustainable trajectory. An exploratory analysis of the development of the electricity market is carried out to understand the finer nuances of emerging competitive paradigm of the sector, its critical aspects, evolving trends and patterns and future outlooks. The analysis reveals that competition, as it has evolved over last decade or so, manifests a growing trend of an efficient, liquid and complete market phenomenon. The article also identifies key anomalies and distortions inhibiting the seamless growth of competition in the Indian power sector. More action is required in certain directions, such as enhancing liquidity of the market, addressing transmission congestion problems and dealing with open access constraints, controlling market power, giving teeth to the electricity regulatory commissions and importantly, addressing political economy concerns. It concludes that in order to carry forward the momentum, a cautious approach needs to be adopted and necessary ancillary measures are to be undertaken.
Providing access to electricity to a large section of rural population in Nepal has traditionally... more Providing access to electricity to a large section of rural population in Nepal has traditionally been a challenging exercise. This has been exacerbated by difficult geography, poor-socio-economic profile of the rural Nepal and moreover by the on-going energy crisis. This chapter conducts an objective assessment of the renewable energy-based off-grid electricity sector in Nepal, with specific focus on micro-hydro-based mini-grid systems by applying a mixed method research design built on both qualitative and quantitative research techniques. While the country’s experiences of developing micro-hydro- and solar energy-based off-grid interventions are captured by qualitative analysis, a standard techno-economic analysis of a micro-hydro mini-grid project is conducted to explore the possibility of introducing additional productive loads and to examine the cost efficacy of generating energy from micro-hydro vis-à-vis solar. Assessment of off-grid electrification options reveals that despite visible progresses, there still exist multiple roadblocks to scale up. Absence of clearly spelt out policy goals, weak institutional designs, low load factors, lack of adequate finance and overall regulatory concerns stand as major obstacles for off-grid electricity sector development in the country. In addition, project-specific analysis reveals that solar loses out as a cost-effective option compared to micro-hydro. But optimal use of energy generated from micro-hydro-based mini-grids requires creation of productive applications at the local scale on a sustainable basis.
Conventional grid extension has been the predominant mode of electrification in India. However, s... more 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 the Remote Village Electrification Programme by the Government of India, around 12,000 villages and hamlets have been electrified using renewable energy. The state of Chhattisgarh in Central India has alone been able to electrify around 1,400 remote and forested villages through solar mini-grids. This chapter attempts 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 work, based on extensive literature review, interview with key stakeholders and field visits to selected remote forested villages in the state of Chhattisgarh, shares the experiences and lessons of the solar mini-grid programme for rural electrification in the state by comprehensively analysing 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 arrangement, strong policy support and an effective maintenance and an oversight mechanism have been the key contributing factors for the success of this initiative.
Although rural electrification using mini-grids has attracted recent global attention, the concep... more Although rural electrification using mini-grids has attracted recent global attention, the concept has been there for quite some time. Consequently, a number of analytical approaches exist to support the decision-making process. This chapter first provides a review of literature dealing with analytical frameworks for off-grid and mini-grid based electrification projects. The range of analytical options includes simple worksheet-based tools to more sophisticated optimisation tools for technology selection as well as assessments based on multi-criteria analysis. This is followed by an evaluation of mini-grid based off-grid electrification projects in India that allows the identification of critical factors for the success of such projects. Finally, the chapter proposes an integrated approach for analysing decentralised mini-grid projects in a holistic manner.
Mini-Grids for Rural Electrification of Developing Countries, Jun 2014
Providing access to electricity to a large section of rural population in Nepal has traditionally... more Providing access to electricity to a large section of rural population in Nepal has traditionally been a challenging exercise. This has been exacerbated by difficult geography, poor-socio-economic profile of rural Nepal and moreover by the on-going energy crisis. This chapter conducts an objective assessment of the renewable energy-based off-grid electricity sector in Nepal, with specific focus on micro-hydro-based mini-grid systems by applying a mixed method research design built on both qualitative and quantitative research techniques. While the country’s experiences of developing micro-hydro- and solar energy-based off-grid interventions are captured by qualitative analysis, a standard techno-economic analysis of a micro-hydro mini-grid project is conducted to explore the possibility of introducing additional productive loads and to examine the cost efficacy of generating energy from micro-hydro vis-à-vis solar. Assessment of off-grid electrification options reveals that despite visible progresses, there still exist multiple roadblocks to scale up. Absence of clearly spelt out policy goals, weak institutional designs, low load factors, and lack of adequate finance and overall regulatory concerns stand as major obstacles for off-grid electricity sector development in the country. In addition, project-specific analysis reveals that solar loses out as a cost-effective option compared to micro-hydro. But optimal use of energy generated from micro-hydro-based mini-grids requires creation of productive applications at the local scale on a sustainable basis.
Providing basic minimum energy services has become a real challenge for developing countries. Ren... more 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.
Renewable energy based off-grid systems played a crucial role in providing energy access to remot... more Renewable energy based off-grid systems played a crucial role in providing energy access to remote and rural areas of Sri Lanka. Despite odds, the country has stridden a long way in providing basic minimum energy access to a large mass of population. While centralised supply systems have been the dominant mode of electrification and a political choice (Wickramasinghe, 2013), decentralised off-grid systems also have supplemented the efforts carried out through the centralised grid based systems. Despite wide penetration of grid electrification in Sri Lanka and grid extension being a preferred political option (Salih, 2012), the role of off-grid energy systems cannot be undermined (Flavin, 2006; PUCSL, 2012). The paper capitalises on the mixed method research design for the analysis of gathered information. Both qualitative as well as quantitative research techniques are employed to better comprehend and develop an in-depth understanding of the various dimensions of off-grid energy sector development in Sri Lanka. The study reveals that strategic policy interventions coupled with targeted policy goals, robust community centric interventions, well designed credit systems, and well-structured capacity building initiatives are key leveraging points for dramatic rise in electrification rates in Sri Lanka. The techno-economic analysis of existing micro-hydro project reveals there exist opportunity for more productive loads which could better the socio-economic profile of rural villages.
Providing basic minimum energy services has become a real challenge for developing countries of t... more Providing basic minimum energy services has become a real challenge for developing countries of the world. India encounters the problem of provisioning basic minimum electricity services to a section of her population. Renewable energy-based decentralised systems have emerged as a viable electrification option for many developing countries of the world, particularly for rural and remote areas of the country. This study explores the replication and scaling-up of potential of such mini-grids in the least electrified states of India by considering a set of evaluation criteria i.e. 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. Overall rankings suggest that top 20% districts offer good business potential for private investors to venture into the mini-grid market. However, the concern lies with the districts placed at the bottom, which require specific government interventions through appropriate policy, regulatory and financial support.
This article sheds light on multi-level climate governance in the particular context of India and... more This article sheds light on multi-level climate governance in the particular context of India and scrutinizes the role India’s subnational states play in climate policy. It uses an analytical lens that combines multi-level climate governance and “laboratories of experimentation”. The first part of the article clarifies the analytical concept of the article and deals with the phenomenon of states experimentation in multi-level climate governance structures from a theoretical background. The second part of the article explores India’s multi-level climate governance structure and sheds light on the role of India’s states therein with specific emphasis on the development of renewable energy. The third part looks at the multi-tiered climate action planning processes, and considers how central top-down policies and subnational bottom-up approaches are linked. Asking whether the Indian states do not only act as mere implementers of federal top-down policies, but instead create own initiatives for climate action. The article examines state climate action plans with particular focus on renewable energy initiatives integrated in the plans by asking whether the Indian states do not act solely as mere implementers of federal top-down policies, but instead create their own initiatives for climate action, much like the German Bundesländer, for example. Based on document analysis and interviews the article explores whether India’s states experiment with individual approaches to develop renewable energy which are, tailored to regional specifics, or whether they mainly implement national objectives.
With the enactment of Electricity Act 2003, competition in the Indian power sector received a new... more With the enactment of Electricity Act 2003, competition in the Indian power sector received a new nomenclature and is considered instrumental in driving the sector in a sustainable trajectory. An exploratory analysis of the development of the electricity market is carried out to understand the finer nuances of emerging competitive paradigm of the sector, its critical aspects, evolving trends and patterns and future outlooks. The analysis reveals that competition, as it has evolved over last decade or so, manifests a growing trend of an efficient, liquid and complete market phenomenon. The article also identifies key anomalies and distortions inhibiting the seamless growth of competition in the Indian power sector. More action is required in certain directions, such as enhancing liquidity of the market, addressing transmission congestion problems and dealing with open access constraints, controlling market power, giving teeth to the electricity regulatory commissions and importantly, addressing political economy concerns. It concludes that in order to carry forward the momentum, a cautious approach needs to be adopted and necessary ancillary measures are to be undertaken.
Providing access to electricity to a large section of rural population in Nepal has traditionally... more Providing access to electricity to a large section of rural population in Nepal has traditionally been a challenging exercise. This has been exacerbated by difficult geography, poor-socio-economic profile of the rural Nepal and moreover by the on-going energy crisis. This chapter conducts an objective assessment of the renewable energy-based off-grid electricity sector in Nepal, with specific focus on micro-hydro-based mini-grid systems by applying a mixed method research design built on both qualitative and quantitative research techniques. While the country’s experiences of developing micro-hydro- and solar energy-based off-grid interventions are captured by qualitative analysis, a standard techno-economic analysis of a micro-hydro mini-grid project is conducted to explore the possibility of introducing additional productive loads and to examine the cost efficacy of generating energy from micro-hydro vis-à-vis solar. Assessment of off-grid electrification options reveals that despite visible progresses, there still exist multiple roadblocks to scale up. Absence of clearly spelt out policy goals, weak institutional designs, low load factors, lack of adequate finance and overall regulatory concerns stand as major obstacles for off-grid electricity sector development in the country. In addition, project-specific analysis reveals that solar loses out as a cost-effective option compared to micro-hydro. But optimal use of energy generated from micro-hydro-based mini-grids requires creation of productive applications at the local scale on a sustainable basis.
Conventional grid extension has been the predominant mode of electrification in India. However, s... more 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 the Remote Village Electrification Programme by the Government of India, around 12,000 villages and hamlets have been electrified using renewable energy. The state of Chhattisgarh in Central India has alone been able to electrify around 1,400 remote and forested villages through solar mini-grids. This chapter attempts 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 work, based on extensive literature review, interview with key stakeholders and field visits to selected remote forested villages in the state of Chhattisgarh, shares the experiences and lessons of the solar mini-grid programme for rural electrification in the state by comprehensively analysing 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 arrangement, strong policy support and an effective maintenance and an oversight mechanism have been the key contributing factors for the success of this initiative.
Although rural electrification using mini-grids has attracted recent global attention, the concep... more Although rural electrification using mini-grids has attracted recent global attention, the concept has been there for quite some time. Consequently, a number of analytical approaches exist to support the decision-making process. This chapter first provides a review of literature dealing with analytical frameworks for off-grid and mini-grid based electrification projects. The range of analytical options includes simple worksheet-based tools to more sophisticated optimisation tools for technology selection as well as assessments based on multi-criteria analysis. This is followed by an evaluation of mini-grid based off-grid electrification projects in India that allows the identification of critical factors for the success of such projects. Finally, the chapter proposes an integrated approach for analysing decentralised mini-grid projects in a holistic manner.
Mini-Grids for Rural Electrification of Developing Countries, Jun 2014
Providing access to electricity to a large section of rural population in Nepal has traditionally... more Providing access to electricity to a large section of rural population in Nepal has traditionally been a challenging exercise. This has been exacerbated by difficult geography, poor-socio-economic profile of rural Nepal and moreover by the on-going energy crisis. This chapter conducts an objective assessment of the renewable energy-based off-grid electricity sector in Nepal, with specific focus on micro-hydro-based mini-grid systems by applying a mixed method research design built on both qualitative and quantitative research techniques. While the country’s experiences of developing micro-hydro- and solar energy-based off-grid interventions are captured by qualitative analysis, a standard techno-economic analysis of a micro-hydro mini-grid project is conducted to explore the possibility of introducing additional productive loads and to examine the cost efficacy of generating energy from micro-hydro vis-à-vis solar. Assessment of off-grid electrification options reveals that despite visible progresses, there still exist multiple roadblocks to scale up. Absence of clearly spelt out policy goals, weak institutional designs, low load factors, and lack of adequate finance and overall regulatory concerns stand as major obstacles for off-grid electricity sector development in the country. In addition, project-specific analysis reveals that solar loses out as a cost-effective option compared to micro-hydro. But optimal use of energy generated from micro-hydro-based mini-grids requires creation of productive applications at the local scale on a sustainable basis.
Providing basic minimum energy services has become a real challenge for developing countries. Ren... more 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.
Renewable energy based off-grid systems played a crucial role in providing energy access to remot... more Renewable energy based off-grid systems played a crucial role in providing energy access to remote and rural areas of Sri Lanka. Despite odds, the country has stridden a long way in providing basic minimum energy access to a large mass of population. While centralised supply systems have been the dominant mode of electrification and a political choice (Wickramasinghe, 2013), decentralised off-grid systems also have supplemented the efforts carried out through the centralised grid based systems. Despite wide penetration of grid electrification in Sri Lanka and grid extension being a preferred political option (Salih, 2012), the role of off-grid energy systems cannot be undermined (Flavin, 2006; PUCSL, 2012). The paper capitalises on the mixed method research design for the analysis of gathered information. Both qualitative as well as quantitative research techniques are employed to better comprehend and develop an in-depth understanding of the various dimensions of off-grid energy sector development in Sri Lanka. The study reveals that strategic policy interventions coupled with targeted policy goals, robust community centric interventions, well designed credit systems, and well-structured capacity building initiatives are key leveraging points for dramatic rise in electrification rates in Sri Lanka. The techno-economic analysis of existing micro-hydro project reveals there exist opportunity for more productive loads which could better the socio-economic profile of rural villages.
Providing access to electricity to a large chunk of rural populace in Nepal has traditionally bee... more 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.
A database prepared by OASYS South Asia project partner TERI University providing various details... more A database prepared by OASYS South Asia project partner TERI University providing various details of off-grid projects in India
Off-grid renewable energy systems have recently been brought to the lime light on the face of mou... more Off-grid renewable energy systems have recently been brought to the lime light on the face of mounting environmental burdens and ever increasing energy access concerns. It has been reflected in the fast changing energy policy directions in many countries of the world including India with specific focus on decentralized and off-grid small scale renewable energy systems as an effective and efficient mechanism of energy supply. At international level, UN’s enunciation of the year 2012 as ‘International Year of Sustainable Energy for All’ is a clear manifestation of such a shift in direction and focus. A crucial issue concerning operation and management of the sector is to build consensus in designing an appropriate regulatory and governance framework and regulatory incentive schemes for the sector. Given the paucity of regulatory directions and regulatory mandates combined with limited practical experience with the sector, new forms of regulatory mechanisms like self-regulatory schemes, technological standards, certification schemes, and technological designs and protocols have evolved over years. However, existing limited practical experience with the sector suggests that electricity regulators in India have dealt with the sector in a cautious manner so far. In this context, the paper makes an objective assessment of the existing regulatory framework governing off-grid/decentralised energy systems in India. In order to assess the existing regulatory regime governing these systems, an extensive review of literature constituting legal, legislative and regulatory aspects of such systems is carried out. Then the paper attempts to demarcate the regulatory boundary to appraise the scope of regulation in the sector. A regulatory construct is prepared to identify and locate regulatory vacuum with the current regulatory regime. The paper finally proposes some innovative regulatory mechanismsto streamline the off-grid energy development in India aiming at enhancing greater social welfare.
Decarbonizing the electricity sector has received
heightened attention worldwide amidst growing c... more Decarbonizing the electricity sector has received heightened attention worldwide amidst growing concerns of climate change. Towards reaching this end, numerous clean energy innovations have been attempted across countries that increasingly emphasized on various renewable energy technologies. Of late decentralised renewable energy interventions have caught the attention of policy makers and private sector players in significant ways due to multiple benefits associated with these systems, importantly as a form of eco-innovation. In this backdrop, the paper lays thrust on mapping and analyzing key driving forces for the promotion of decentralsied energy systems as eco-innovation and how these systems have led further innovations in the form of eco-behavioural changes in India The analytical contours of the paper draws from secondary data sources as well as from case study analysis.
Being one of the least electrified regions of the world, South Asia faces one of the daunting cha... more 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 collated 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 assign 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’.
This book provides a summary of outputs from the research carried out under EPSRC/DFID funded res... more This book provides a summary of outputs from the research carried out under EPSRC/DFID funded research project on off-grid electrification in South Asia. The lessons from the studies are first presented, followed by a set of policy recommendations. Overall, the project finds and demonstrates that off-grid electrification can be an appropriate option for remote areas. However, no single solution fits all situations and a phased development process is more appropriate to take care of different levels of needs, local contexts, and resource availability. Given that mini-grid based local delivery systems can cater to household needs and productive loads, such an option can constitute an effective service delivery option for reliable and good quality electricity in rural areas. While lessons can be learnt from pilot projects, mass electrification requires
scaling up of successful initiatives by providing a supportive environment. Ten policy recommendations distilled from various studies undertaken through OASYS South Asia project can guide us in the right direction.
The e-book provides a summary of research undertaken through OASYS South Asia Project and provide... more The e-book provides a summary of research undertaken through OASYS South Asia Project and provides 10 recommendations for developing mini-grid based rural electrification.
A critical evaluation of existing approaches to the off-grid development in India suggests that s... more A critical evaluation of existing approaches to the off-grid development in India suggests that successful decentralised interventions are contingent upon the combined influence of three key determinants, that is, strength of policy support, community participation, and productive linkages. Technology, source of finance and plant size are other key determinants. Contrary to the established wisdom on role of communities, it is suggested that, in practice, the reality of capacity constraints among communities, local-level conflicts and elite capture subvert community participation.
Providing basic minimum energy services has become a real challenge for developing countries of t... more Providing basic minimum energy services has become a real challenge for developing countries of the world. India encounters the problem of provisioning basic minimum electricity services to a section of her population. Renewable energy-based decentralised systems have emerged as a viable electrification option for many developing countries of the world, particularly for rural and remote areas of the country. This study explores the replication and scaling-up of potential of such mini-grids in the least electrified states of India by considering a set of evaluation criteria i.e. 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. Overall rankings suggest that top 20% districts offer good business potential for private investors to venture into the mini-grid market. However, the concern lies with the districts placed at the bottom, which require specific government interventions through appropriate policy, regulatory and financial support.
Conventional grid extension has been the predominant mode of electrification in India. However, r... more Conventional grid extension has been the predominant mode of electrification in India. However, renewable energy based mini-grids have also been used for providing electricity access in remote areas, forested habitations, and islands. This paper, based on extensive literature review, interview with key stakeholders, and field visits to selected sites, captures the nuances of renewable energy based mini-grid developments in India. It also shares the experiences and lessons from the mini-grid programs by comprehensively analyzing multiple dimensions such as coverage and trend, technical designs, institutional arrangements, financial mechanism, tariffs, and operation and maintenance aspects. Finally, the paper suggests takeaway points for improving the rural electricity access level through renewable energy based mini-grids to compliment the grid electrification efforts in India.
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heightened attention worldwide amidst growing concerns
of climate change. Towards reaching this end, numerous
clean energy innovations have been attempted across
countries that increasingly emphasized on various
renewable energy technologies. Of late decentralised
renewable energy interventions have caught the attention of
policy makers and private sector players in significant ways
due to multiple benefits associated with these systems,
importantly as a form of eco-innovation. In this backdrop,
the paper lays thrust on mapping and analyzing key driving
forces for the promotion of decentralsied energy systems as
eco-innovation and how these systems have led further
innovations in the form of eco-behavioural changes in India
The analytical contours of the paper draws from secondary
data sources as well as from case study analysis.
scaling up of successful initiatives by providing a supportive environment. Ten policy recommendations distilled from various studies undertaken through OASYS South Asia project can guide us in the right direction.