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Renewable Energy-Based Mini-Grid for Rural Electrification: Case Study of an Indian Village

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Mini-Grids for Rural Electrification of Developing Countries

Part of the book series: Green Energy and Technology ((GREEN))

Abstract

Although off-grid electrification has become a cost-effective and convenient option for many non-electrified areas, generally stand-alone individual options receive greater attention; and when mini-grid-based solutions are considered, traditionally a single technology-based limited level of supply is often considered, without paying attention to reliable round-the-clock supply of electricity. This chapter considers a hybrid combination of renewable energy technologies (RETs) as an alternative to grid extension for remote areas. Applying HOMER software, this study presents an analysis for choosing the best hybrid RET system for an Indian village and compares the result with conventional grid extension. It provides a systematic load demand analysis of the village, simulates optimal sizing of a hybrid system, calculates the economical distance limit (EDL) beyond which the use of the grid extension is not cost-effective and shows that the use of decentralised RET systems at an off-grid location can be a relevant option. HOMER results show that the solution is sustainable and techno-economically viable and environmentally sound.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    This chapter is an extended version of Sen and Bhattacharyya [20].

  2. 2.

    There is distribution of electricity in a mini-grid but often the distance covered is relatively small. Although there will be some distribution loss in the mini-grids, it is likely to be lower than the case where electricity is transported over long distances at low voltage.

  3. 3.

    See Analytical frameworks and an integrated approach for mini-grid-based electrification for a detailed review of the relevant literature.

  4. 4.

    Alternative scenarios of rural electricity demand are presented for the Bangladesh study in From SHS to mini-grid based off-grid electrification: A case study of Bangladesh.

  5. 5.

    http://eosweb.larc.nasa.gov/sse/

  6. 6.

    Chhattisgarh SHP Projects Identified by AHEC—CREDA.pdf, Available from http://www.credacg.org/6-_Chhattisgarh_SHP_Projects_Identified_by_AHEC.pdf (Assessed on 10/12/2012).

  7. 7.

    http://www.commodityonline.com/news/Raise-price-for-bio-diesel-from-jatropha--India-ministry-35338-3-1.html (Accessed on 08/06/2011).

  8. 8.

    The components’ technical and cost parameters for this study are based on data collected from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy Sources (Government of India), the Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) in India, previous published literatures, information from personal sources of Indian manufactures and expert opinion.

  9. 9.

    Prices in 2010–2011 were considered and include the cost of charge controller and power optimiser.

  10. 10.

    The prices considered are an interpolation of data (quotations) obtained from local Indian manufactures and distributors.

  11. 11.

    The prices considered are an interpolation of data (quotations) obtained from local Indian manufactures, distributors and previous published literatures.

  12. 12.

    These costs are an interpolation from previous literature, estimates from TERI’s existing projects and quotations from local Indian civil contractors.

  13. 13.

    The costs are an estimated assumption based on the interpolation from published literatures.

  14. 14.

    In cycle charging mode of operation, the generator charges the battery with surplus power each time the generator operates.

  15. 15.

    All generators can be co-located at the SHP power house to reduce the length of the distribution system for carrying power from the village.

  16. 16.

    HOMER ranks options by net present value and not by cost of electricity.

Abbreviations

COE:

Cost of Energy

Km:

Kilometre

EDL:

Economical Distance Limit

RET:

Renewable Energy Technology

RES:

Renewable Energy Sources

GHG:

Green House Gases

LCC:

Life-Cycle Cost

LUCE:

Levelised Unit Cost of Electricity

NPC:

Net Present Cost

O&M:

Operation and Maintenance

BET:

Bioenergy Technology

T&D:

Transmission and Distribution

SPV:

Solar Photovoltaics

BDG:

Biodiesel Generator

SHP:

Small Hydropower

B100:

100 % Pure Biodiesel

DG:

Diesel Generator

MNRE:

Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, India

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. TERI—The Energy and Resources Institute, New Delhi, India

    Rohit Sen

  2. Institute of Energy and Sustainable Development, De Montfort University, Leicester, UK

    Subhes C. Bhattacharyya

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  1. Rohit Sen
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  2. Subhes C. Bhattacharyya
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Correspondence to Subhes C. Bhattacharyya .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. De Montfort University, Leicester, United Kingdom

    Subhes C. Bhattacharyya

  2. The Energy and Resources Institute, New Delhi, India

    Debajit Palit

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Sen, R., Bhattacharyya, S.C. (2014). Renewable Energy-Based Mini-Grid for Rural Electrification: Case Study of an Indian Village. In: Bhattacharyya, S., Palit, D. (eds) Mini-Grids for Rural Electrification of Developing Countries. Green Energy and Technology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-04816-1_9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-04816-1_9

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

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  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-04816-1

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