Replication and scaling-up of isolated mini-grid type of off-grid interventions in India

Pugazenthi D; Gopal K Sarangi; Arabinda Mishra; Subhes C Bhattacharyya; Pugazenthi D; Gopal K Sarangi; Arabinda Mishra; Subhes C Bhattacharyya

doi:10.3934/energy.2016.2.222

AIMS Energy

2016, Volume 4, Issue 2: 222-255. doi: 10.3934/energy.2016.2.222

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Research article Special Issues

Replication and scaling-up of isolated mini-grid type of off-grid interventions in India

1.
Department of Energy and Environment, TERI University, New Delhi, India
2.
Department of Policy Studies TERI University, New Delhi, India
3.
Senior Social Scientist (Livelihoods), ICIMOD, Nepal
4.
Institute of Energy and Sustainable Development, De Montfort University, UK

Received: 19 October 2015 Accepted: 17 February 2016 Published: 25 February 2016

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.
- Isolated mini-grids,
- India,
- scaling-up,
- off-grid energy
Citation: Pugazenthi D, Gopal K Sarangi, Arabinda Mishra, Subhes C Bhattacharyya. Replication and scaling-up of isolated mini-grid type of off-grid interventions in India[J]. AIMS Energy, 2016, 4(2): 222-255. doi: 10.3934/energy.2016.2.222

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Abstract

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.

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