| Title | Off-grid opportunities and threats in the wake of India's electrification push |
|---|---|
| ID_Doc | 69046 |
| Authors | Heynen, AP; Lant, PA; Smart, S; Sridharan, S; Greig, C |
| Title | Off-grid opportunities and threats in the wake of India's electrification push |
| Year | 2019 |
| Published | |
| Abstract | BackgroundIn pursuing the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal of affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy access for all, India's electrification efforts are dominated by a central electricity grid, with 100% of villages now connected. Despite this, 305 million people still remain without electricity. Off-grid electrification may play an important role in energy access for these last mile' consumers. However, opportunities are directly influenced by government plans and policies, including the integration of grid and off-grid systems. This paper aims to provide a contemporary assessment of the policies of the government, and how they manifest in electrification systems in rural and remote India, revealing opportunities and threats for the sector.MethodThe progress of village electrification is examined via policy announcements and the Indian government's dedicated websites on progress. The role and extent of off-grid systems are then examined in two contrasting Indian states: industrialised Maharashtra and less-developed Odisha. Publically-available information is supplemented with data obtained directly from known private sector operators and state agencies. The geographic and societal setting of off-grid locations is then examined to provide contextual commentary. Finally, interviews with key stakeholders (regulatory authorities, distribution companies, private firms, industry bodies and academia) were undertaken to validate findings.ResultsThere is evidence of some remote localities not included in the government's electrification programs. The grid's poor quality and reliability, along with affordability barriers, means that the government's grid connection efforts may not result in significant improvements in electricity use by some consumers. Data from Maharashtra and Odisha showed limited private sector off-grid systems, generally operating on the periphery of government programs. This is despite the fact that there seems to be an opportunity for the private sector to enter the market, given the grid's shortcomings.ConclusionThe shortcomings of India's centralised electrification paradigm could be overcome through more localised off-gridsolutions that can access last mile' consumers. The government might consider achieving this by formally recognising the role of off-grid systems in India's electrification objectives. Further, the government could extend the reach of electrification by transferring responsibilities for household electricity access to local-level businesses and community organisations. |
| https://energsustainsoc.biomedcentral.com/track/pdf/10.1186/s13705-019-0198-z |
Similar Articles
| ID | Score | Article |
|---|---|---|
67856
|
Almeshqab, F; Ustun, TS Lessons learned from rural electrification initiatives in developing countries: Insights for technical, social, financial and public policy aspects(2019) | |
| 69731
|
Datta, A; Mohanty, P; Gujar, M Accelerated Deployment of Smart Grid Technologies in India - Present Scenario, Challenges and Way Forward(2014) | |
| 33379
|
Streimikiene, D; Balezentis, T; Volkov, A; Morkunas, M; Zickiene, A; Streimikis, J Barriers and Drivers of Renewable Energy Penetration in Rural Areas(2021)Energies, 14.0, 20 | |
| 66672
|
Reddy, BS; Balachandra, P; Nathan, HSK Universalization of access to modern energy services in Indian households-Economic and policy analysis(2009)Energy Policy, 37, 11 | |
| 74788
|
Huber, M; Namockel, N; Rezgui, R; Küppers, M; Heger, HJ Electrification seeds-A fiexible approach for decentralized electricity supply in developing countries(2021) | |
| 69010
|
Elavarasan, RM; Shafiullah, GM; Kumar, NM; Padmanaban, S A State-of-the-Art Review on the Drive of Renewables in Gujarat, State of India: Present Situation, Barriers and Future Initiatives(2020)Energies, 13, 1 | |
| 67663
|
Barman, P; Dutta, L Charging infrastructure planning for transportation electrification in India: A review(2024) |