Difference between revisions of "Transition to Renewable Energies Through Mini-grids"

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= Overview =
  
= Transition to Renewable Energies through Mini-grids =
+
The following article details the proceedings of the [[Micro_Perspectives_for_Decentralized_Energy_Supply_-_Conference_2013|Micro Perspectives for Decentralized Energy Supply Conference - 2013]]. The experiences from projects in India, Nepal and Tanzania using mini-grids to extend access to electricity for local communities are detailed.<br/>
  
 +
<br/>
  
 +
= Providing Access to Clean, Reliable and Affordable Power to the Poor in <span data-scayt_word="Bihar" data-scaytid="3">Bihar</span> (India) Through Solar Micro Grid Networks =
  
== 1- <span dir="LTR"></span>Providing access to clean, reliable and affordable power to the poor in Bihar (India) through Solar Micro Grid Network ==
+
== Abstract ==
  
 +
<span data-scayt_word="Bihar" data-scaytid="5">Bihar</span> is <span data-scayt_word="3rd" data-scaytid="7">3<sup>rd</sup></span> largest state in terms of population of the 27 states in India, having 9% of population, and in terms of area it is the <span data-scayt_word="12th" data-scaytid="8">12<sup>th</sup></span> largest and has less than 3% of the total national area. Per capita energy consumption is 95 units, which is 8 times less than the national average. The reasons for this are attributed to Insufficient supply and high transmission & distribution losses (51%). Bihar clearly is the state with the highest population density, wherein most of the other states have no access to electricity which causes a huge demand-supply gap. These factors among others have led to strong market opportunitys for off-grid energy solutions. The government in Bihar has made some changes in its laws which have led to the emergence of enterprises in various sectors as well as the improvement of infrastructure.
  
 +
<br/>
  
=== Abstract ===
+
== Objectives ==
  
Bihar is 3<sup>rd</sup> largest state in terms of population of the 27 states, having 9% of population, and in terms of area it the 12<sup>th</sup> largest and has less than 3% of the total national area. Per capita energy consumption is 95 units, which is 8 times less than the National average; the reasons for that are being - Insufficient supply and high Transmission & Distribution Losses (51%). It clearly is the State with highest population density, wherein most of the other states have no access to electricity. And that causes huge demand- supply gap. All these factors and others lead to strong market opportunity for off-grid energy solution. The government there did some changes in its lows, and that in order has led to emergence of enterprises in various sectors and improved infrastructure.
+
To create a sustainable solar micro grid project in order to address the electricity shortage problems that <span data-scayt_word="Bihar" data-scaytid="14">Bihar</span> is facing.
  
=== Objectives ===
+
<br/>
  
To create a sustainable solar micro grid project, this will help to solve the problems that Bihar is facing.
+
== Approach ==
  
=== Approach ===
+
To begin the installation, a room is constructed where solar panels of 5.5kW are set up to generate power during the day and store it in the energy bank. At night this energy is converted from '''direct current (DC)''' to '''alternating current (AC) '''using a '''solar power conditioning unit (<span data-scayt_word="PCU" data-scaytid="18">PCU</span>)''' and is then transmitted to various clusters of 10 houses each. Each cluster has a distribution box which supplies power to 10 '''households (<span data-scayt_word="HHs" data-scaytid="19">HHs</span>) '''separately. In order to limit the supply, a load checker is kept for <span data-scayt_word="HHs" data-scaytid="20">HHs</span> to keep a cap on maximum allotted usage. Due to problems with theft of the components, the transmission system was subsequently built underground.<br/>
  
To start the installation, we first construct a room, setup solar panels of 5.5kW, which generate power during day and store it in the battery bank. At night this energy is converted from DC to AC using the PCU and is transmitted to various clusters (of 10 houses each). Each cluster has a distribution box which supplies power to 10 HHs separately. And to limit the supply a load checker is kept for HHs to keep a cap on maximum allotted usage. Besides, after some theft issues the transmission was brought underground.
+
<br/>
  
=== Learned lessons ===
+
== Lessons Learned ==
  
Some of the issues that were resolved immediately after carefully observing the operations in the first plant and these were:
+
<u>After careful observation of the operations in the first plant, some issues identified and resolved were:</u>
  
- <span dir="LTR"></span>Abuse of system
+
'''<span dir="LTR"></span>1. Abuse of system'''<br/>Reduced by constructing underground transmission and load checkers<br/>
  
Reduced through underground transmission and load checkers.
+
*Equipment and hardware were secured by storing them in locked cabinets and rooms
  
Securing of equipment in locked cabinets and hardware in a locked room.
+
'''2. System Maintenance '''<br/>
  
- <span dir="LTR"></span>System Maintenance
+
*Train people locally to do the basic maintenance
 +
*Regular visits by technical supervisors
  
Train people locally to do the basic maintenance.
+
'''<span dir="LTR"></span>3. Monitoring'''
  
Regular visits by technical supervisors.
+
*Give incentives to the local NGOs versus remote monitoring
  
- <span dir="LTR"></span>Monitoring
+
'''<span dir="LTR"></span>4. Regular Payment collection'''
  
Incentivizing local NGO Vs Remote monitoring.
+
*Currently being addressed by giving incentives to operators
 +
*Prepaid meters (for buying credits by making advanced payment) were not installed because of weather issues leading to insufficient charge in batteries
 +
*A Diesel Generator Hybrid system with a '''battery management system (BMS)''' is to be introduced
  
- <span dir="LTR"></span>Regular payment collection.
+
<br/>
  
Currently being addressed by incentivizing operators.
+
= <span style="font-size: 19px;  line-height: 23px">Interconnected Mini-grids for Rural Energy Transition - A Case Study of Nepal</span> =
  
Pepaid meter- for buying credits by making advanced payment- were not installed because of weather issues leading to insufficient charge in batteries.
+
<br/>
  
Diesel Generator Hybrid system with a BMS to be introduced.
+
== <span style="font-size: 17px">Abstract</span> ==
  
The 3 middle ones in orange were further improved by having a network of SMGs.
+
More than 2 billion people worldwide have no access to electricity, with 99&nbsp;% of these people residing in developing countries. About 80% of them live in rural areas. In Nepal 56% of the population has access to electricity (49% in the rural areas), but with up to 16 hours of load-shedding in the national grid. This study has been done to show whether the use of individual renewable energy technologies have socio-economic benefits.
  
=== Discussion and open questions ===
+
<br/>
  
1- <span dir="LTR"></span>The allowed consumption is 15 watts per household, is it possible to increase the demand?
+
== Objectives ==
  
It is allowed to increase it to 30 Watt.
+
To show the socio-economic benefits that individual renewable energy technologies have in Nepal.
  
2- <span dir="LTR"></span>How did you identify the village? And how can you assess their willingness to adopt solar mini grid? What is the cost per unit of electricity, and the payback period for the investment?
+
<br/>
  
Village here means a town that does not have electricity. And we can assist them with having electricity. The cost of each kWh is 55 Rupee. The payback period is around 3 years.
+
== Approach ==
  
3- <span dir="LTR"></span>There are several stakeholders for the systems, how do you manage that?
+
The approach that has been considered is the Next Generation of Renewable Based Mini-Grids. This approach has many advantages including:
  
No, they are owned by the company itself. With non government organization (NGO),
+
*Grid stabilization
 +
*Reliable energy supply
 +
*Avoids end-user maintenance
 +
*Periodic maintenance
 +
*Simple integration of different energy sources (PV, wind, hydro, etc.)
 +
*Least-cost option
 +
*Increasing quality of energy services
 +
*Supports local infrastructure and economic development
 +
*Alternative solution to the national electricity grid
  
Companies can build Operate and Transfer.
+
<br/>
  
4- <span dir="LTR"></span>Is it possible to manage the systems by the community?
+
= Geographic Analysis of Isolated Diesel Mini-grids for the Implementation of Renewable Energies – A Case Study of Tanzania =
  
At the moment No, because you need some authority. We do our best to do that in the near future.
+
<br/>
  
5- <span dir="LTR"></span>Are you paying NGOs?
+
== Abstract ==
  
We do not pay, but part of the fees collected by them is shared.
+
Tanzania has a population of around 47 million people who live in an area of approximately 950,000<span data-scayt_word="km2" data-scaytid="31">km<sup>2</sup></span>. The installed capacity of electricity power generation is more than '''950 megawatts (MW)''', where 60.5% of it is renewable energies (mainly hydropower). Many mini-grid diesel generators are installed. These have high power generation costs due to the price of diesel, transport costs and low efficiency. At the same time, these generators are air pollutants causing '''carbon dioxide (CO'''<sub>2</sub>''')''' emissions. Therefore there is a need to upgrade these diesel mini-grids with renewable energies.
  
6- <span dir="LTR"></span>Does your company has any gender issues?
+
<br/>
  
No. In fact one of the operators is a woman.
+
== Objectives ==
 
 
7- <span dir="LTR"></span>How do you see the rule of private sector?
 
 
 
Now the government is doing the projects, but later on the private sector should do much effort.
 
 
 
8- <span dir="LTR"></span>In the process of distribution, how do you manage the waste of energy?
 
 
 
There is no waste of energy. It is decentralized.
 
 
 
9- <span dir="LTR"></span>Why is the cost per unit of electricity very high?
 
 
 
Because it includes pulps and lightings with the cost of the solar system
 
 
 
10- <span dir="LTR"></span>How do you see your company in the future?
 
 
 
We have a longer vision for scaling, and expected to grow.
 
 
 
11- <span dir="LTR"></span>What do you see the key requirement to transition to renewable energy?
 
 
 
The main is regulation and policy
 
 
 
12- <span dir="LTR"></span>Do the Micro energy systems work better?
 
 
 
Yes there are fewer losses in case of less populations
 
 
 
13- <span dir="LTR"></span>What is the most recent question you look forward to know?
 
 
 
At what scale I can use this power?
 
 
 
== 2- <span dir="LTR"></span>Interconnected Mini-grids for rural energy Transition ==
 
 
 
== ''A Case of Nepal'' ==
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
=== Abstract ===
 
 
 
More than 2 billion populations worldwide have no access or no reliable access to electricity, where 99 % of these populations are in developing countries. About 80% of them live in rural areas. In Nepal 56 % population has access to electricity ( 49 % - rural areas), but with up to 16 hours of load-shedding in National Grid. So this study has been done to show if individual renewable energy technologies have socio-economic benefits.
 
 
 
=== Objectives ===
 
 
 
To show the socio benefits those the individual renewable energy technologies have in Nepal.
 
 
 
=== Approach ===
 
 
 
The approach that has been considered is Next Generation of Renewable Based Mini-Grids. This approach has many advantages such as:
 
 
 
- <span dir="LTR"></span> Grid Stabilization
 
 
 
- <span dir="LTR"></span>Reliable energy supply
 
 
 
- <span dir="LTR"></span>Avoids end-user maintenance
 
 
 
- <span dir="LTR"></span>Periodic maintenance
 
 
 
- <span dir="LTR"></span>Simple integration of different energy sources (PV, wind, hydro, etc.)
 
 
 
- <span dir="LTR"></span>Least-cost option
 
 
 
- <span dir="LTR"></span>Increasing quality of energy services
 
 
 
- <span dir="LTR"></span>Support local infrastructure and economic development
 
 
 
- <span dir="LTR"></span>Alternative solution to the national electrical grid
 
 
 
=== Discussion and open questions ===
 
 
 
1- <span dir="LTR"></span>What do you see the key requirement to transition to renewable energy?
 
 
 
The main is regulation and policy
 
 
 
2- <span dir="LTR"></span>If using individual renewable energy systems reliable, why it did not expand?
 
 
 
In Nepal they have just small projects, they will expand later
 
 
 
3- <span dir="LTR"></span>Who owns the assets?
 
 
 
The community
 
 
 
4- <span dir="LTR"></span>In the new project, which will takes place in Nepal, are new villages will be electrified by new installations or old mini-grids will be connected together?
 
 
 
No new installations. Try to connect all the systems together. The 6 projects are near to each other that will balance the power in the grid
 
 
 
5- <span dir="LTR"></span>Do you use smart management?
 
 
 
We do not use at the moment, may be in the future.
 
 
 
6- <span dir="LTR"></span>Do the micro energy systems work better?
 
 
 
Yes, houses are separated, so the voltage will drop in case of not using micro energy systems.
 
 
 
7- <span dir="LTR"></span>What is the most recent question you look forward to know?
 
 
 
What are the technical impacts of the new project!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
== 3- <span dir="LTR"></span>Geographic analysis of isolated diesel mini-grids for the implementation of renewable energies – A case study of Tanzania ==
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
=== Abstract ===
 
 
 
Tanzania is an African country with around 47 million populations live in a country area of around 950,000 km<sup>2</sup>. The installed capacity of electricity power generation is more than 950MW, where 60.5% of it is renewable energies (mainly hydropower). There are many mini-grid diesel generator,, which have high power generation costs due to diesel fuel price, transport costs and low efficiency. At the same time, these generators cause CO<sub>2</sub>-emissions, air pollutants. So idea to upgrade of former diesel mini-grids with renewable energies has appeared.
 
 
 
=== Objectives ===
 
  
 
The main goal is to show the effects of using diesel mini-grids with renewable energies.
 
The main goal is to show the effects of using diesel mini-grids with renewable energies.
  
=== Approach ===
+
<br/>
 
 
The main idea was to upgrade of former diesel mini-grids with renewable energies, this upgrade has many advantages such as:
 
 
 
- <span dir="LTR"></span>lower power generation costs
 
 
 
- <span dir="LTR"></span>lower fuel dependency
 
 
 
- <span dir="LTR"></span>fewer CO2-emissions, fewer detrimental environmental effects
 
 
 
- <span dir="LTR"></span>existing diesel generators serve as back-up power sources
 
 
 
Different methods are used in the localization of diesel main-grids and deciding whether the power plant operates off-grid or on-grid such as:
 
 
 
- <span dir="LTR"></span>Use the global spatial information
 
 
 
- <span dir="LTR"></span>Use the information on power plant inventory and locations from world power plant database.
 
 
 
- <span dir="LTR"></span>Spatial extension of transmission grid
 
 
 
- <span dir="LTR"></span>Extraction of 25 km buffer zone
 
 
 
=== Results ===
 
 
 
- <span dir="LTR"></span>State-owned village mini-grids have to be targeted for a broader implementation of renewable energies in decentralized power generation
 
 
 
- <span dir="LTR"></span>Problem: Tariff structure
 
 
 
· <span dir="LTR"></span>loss of 0.42 USD per generated kWh in diesel mini-grids
 
 
 
· <span dir="LTR"></span>av. deficit of 85 Million USD between 2003 - 2009
 
 
 
· <span dir="LTR"></span>Subsidies necessary for enabling electricity access, but investments in RE cannot be covered with low tariffs
 
 
 
=== Recommendations ===
 
 
 
- <span dir="LTR"></span>Necessary to break the negative feed-back-loop
 
 
 
- <span dir="LTR"></span>Fuel imports – Debt – Lack of capital – Fuel imports
 
 
 
- <span dir="LTR"></span>External funding necessary for upgrading with RE
 
 
 
- <span dir="LTR"></span>Improved and more reliable power supply through hybrid mini-grids can increase electricity access (National target: 30 % of population in 2015)
 
 
 
=== Further research ===
 
 
 
- <span dir="LTR"></span>Community-operated diesel mini-grids, individually operated diesel generators
 
  
 +
== Approach ==
  
 +
The main idea was to upgrade diesel mini-grids with renewable energies. This upgrade has many advantages such as:
  
=== Discussion and open questions ===
+
*Lower power generation costs
 +
*Lower fuel dependency
 +
*Fewer CO<sub>2</sub> emissions and fewer detrimental environmental effects
 +
*Existing diesel generators serve as back-up power sources
 +
*Different methods are used in the localization of diesel main-grids and deciding whether the power plant operates off-grid or on-grid such as:
 +
**Using the global spatial information
 +
**Using the information on power plant inventory and locations from world power plant database.
 +
**Spatial extension of transmission grid
 +
**Extraction of <span data-scayt_word="25km" data-scaytid="36">25km</span> buffer zone
  
1- <span dir="LTR"></span> Why do you do analysis although it is owned by the government?
+
<br/>
  
Because the situation is not the same in all countries
+
== Results ==
  
2- <span dir="LTR"></span>Is there hybrid mini grid
+
*State owned village mini-grids have to be targeted for a broader implementation of renewable energies in decentralized power generation.
 +
*Problem: Tariff structure
 +
**Loss of 0.42 USD per generated kWh in diesel mini-grids
 +
**An average deficit of 85 million USD between 2003 - 2009
 +
**Subsidies are necessary for enabling electricity access, but investments in <span data-scayt_word="renerwable" data-scaytid="37">renerwable</span> energies cannot be covered with low tariffs
  
Yes, they are private. Non from TANESCO (
+
<br/>
  
3- <span dir="LTR"></span> What does the generation cost include?
+
== Recommendations ==
  
Capital Investment and Operation and Maintenance Cost
+
*It's necessary to break the negative feed-back loop
 +
*Fuel imports–Debt–Lack of capital–Fuel imports
 +
*External funding necessary for upgrading with renewable energies
 +
*Improved and more reliable power supply through hybrid mini-grids can increase electricity access (National target: 30% of population in 2015)
  
4- <span dir="LTR"></span>Is there are subsidies of diesel in Tanzania?
+
<br/>
  
Yes, around 6%
+
= Further Research =
  
5- <span dir="LTR"></span>What is the efficiency of the used diesel mini-grid generators?
+
*Community operated diesel mini-grids<br/>
 +
*Individually operated diesel generators
  
No details.
+
<br/>
  
6- <span dir="LTR"></span>What is the size of the used Diesel generators?
+
= <span style="font-size: 22px;  line-height: 30px">Further Information</span> =
  
250kW, for 100000 people, and there are some Mega watts.
+
Read more in the [[Transition to Renewable Energies Through Mini-grids - Discussion|Discussion and Answer Session]].
  
7- <span dir="LTR"></span>What do you see them as a key requirement to transition to renewable energy?
+
More information can be found at [[Micro_Perspectives_for_Decentralized_Energy_Supply_-_Conference_2013|Micro Perspectives for Decentralized Energy Supply Conference - 2013]].
  
The main is regulation and policy.
+
<br/>
  
8- <span dir="LTR"></span>What is the most recent question you look forward to know?
+
<br/>
  
The output of the study can be used by micro energy companies.
+
= References<br/> =
  
9- <span dir="LTR"></span>What happens to the data from Mini grids?
+
<references />
  
Any company wants to target Tanzania, and then they can contact TANESCO.
+
[[Category:Conference_Documentation]]
 +
[[Category:Energy_Transition]]
 +
[[Category:Microenergy_Systems]]
 +
[[Category:PV_Mini-grid]]
 +
[[Category:India]]
 +
[[Category:Tanzania]]
 +
[[Category:Nepal]]
 +
[[Category:Lessons_Learned]]
 +
[[Category:Solar]]

Latest revision as of 14:25, 30 October 2019

Overview

The following article details the proceedings of the Micro Perspectives for Decentralized Energy Supply Conference - 2013. The experiences from projects in India, Nepal and Tanzania using mini-grids to extend access to electricity for local communities are detailed.


Providing Access to Clean, Reliable and Affordable Power to the Poor in Bihar (India) Through Solar Micro Grid Networks

Abstract

Bihar is 3rd largest state in terms of population of the 27 states in India, having 9% of population, and in terms of area it is the 12th largest and has less than 3% of the total national area. Per capita energy consumption is 95 units, which is 8 times less than the national average. The reasons for this are attributed to Insufficient supply and high transmission & distribution losses (51%). Bihar clearly is the state with the highest population density, wherein most of the other states have no access to electricity which causes a huge demand-supply gap. These factors among others have led to strong market opportunitys for off-grid energy solutions. The government in Bihar has made some changes in its laws which have led to the emergence of enterprises in various sectors as well as the improvement of infrastructure.


Objectives

To create a sustainable solar micro grid project in order to address the electricity shortage problems that Bihar is facing.


Approach

To begin the installation, a room is constructed where solar panels of 5.5kW are set up to generate power during the day and store it in the energy bank. At night this energy is converted from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) using a solar power conditioning unit (PCU) and is then transmitted to various clusters of 10 houses each. Each cluster has a distribution box which supplies power to 10 households (HHs) separately. In order to limit the supply, a load checker is kept for HHs to keep a cap on maximum allotted usage. Due to problems with theft of the components, the transmission system was subsequently built underground.


Lessons Learned

After careful observation of the operations in the first plant, some issues identified and resolved were:

1. Abuse of system
Reduced by constructing underground transmission and load checkers

  • Equipment and hardware were secured by storing them in locked cabinets and rooms

2. System Maintenance

  • Train people locally to do the basic maintenance
  • Regular visits by technical supervisors

3. Monitoring

  • Give incentives to the local NGOs versus remote monitoring

4. Regular Payment collection

  • Currently being addressed by giving incentives to operators
  • Prepaid meters (for buying credits by making advanced payment) were not installed because of weather issues leading to insufficient charge in batteries
  • A Diesel Generator Hybrid system with a battery management system (BMS) is to be introduced


Interconnected Mini-grids for Rural Energy Transition - A Case Study of Nepal


Abstract

More than 2 billion people worldwide have no access to electricity, with 99 % of these people residing in developing countries. About 80% of them live in rural areas. In Nepal 56% of the population has access to electricity (49% in the rural areas), but with up to 16 hours of load-shedding in the national grid. This study has been done to show whether the use of individual renewable energy technologies have socio-economic benefits.


Objectives

To show the socio-economic benefits that individual renewable energy technologies have in Nepal.


Approach

The approach that has been considered is the Next Generation of Renewable Based Mini-Grids. This approach has many advantages including:

  • Grid stabilization
  • Reliable energy supply
  • Avoids end-user maintenance
  • Periodic maintenance
  • Simple integration of different energy sources (PV, wind, hydro, etc.)
  • Least-cost option
  • Increasing quality of energy services
  • Supports local infrastructure and economic development
  • Alternative solution to the national electricity grid


Geographic Analysis of Isolated Diesel Mini-grids for the Implementation of Renewable Energies – A Case Study of Tanzania


Abstract

Tanzania has a population of around 47 million people who live in an area of approximately 950,000km2. The installed capacity of electricity power generation is more than 950 megawatts (MW), where 60.5% of it is renewable energies (mainly hydropower). Many mini-grid diesel generators are installed. These have high power generation costs due to the price of diesel, transport costs and low efficiency. At the same time, these generators are air pollutants causing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Therefore there is a need to upgrade these diesel mini-grids with renewable energies.


Objectives

The main goal is to show the effects of using diesel mini-grids with renewable energies.


Approach

The main idea was to upgrade diesel mini-grids with renewable energies. This upgrade has many advantages such as:

  • Lower power generation costs
  • Lower fuel dependency
  • Fewer CO2 emissions and fewer detrimental environmental effects
  • Existing diesel generators serve as back-up power sources
  • Different methods are used in the localization of diesel main-grids and deciding whether the power plant operates off-grid or on-grid such as:
    • Using the global spatial information
    • Using the information on power plant inventory and locations from world power plant database.
    • Spatial extension of transmission grid
    • Extraction of 25km buffer zone


Results

  • State owned village mini-grids have to be targeted for a broader implementation of renewable energies in decentralized power generation.
  • Problem: Tariff structure
    • Loss of 0.42 USD per generated kWh in diesel mini-grids
    • An average deficit of 85 million USD between 2003 - 2009
    • Subsidies are necessary for enabling electricity access, but investments in renerwable energies cannot be covered with low tariffs


Recommendations

  • It's necessary to break the negative feed-back loop
  • Fuel imports–Debt–Lack of capital–Fuel imports
  • External funding necessary for upgrading with renewable energies
  • Improved and more reliable power supply through hybrid mini-grids can increase electricity access (National target: 30% of population in 2015)


Further Research

  • Community operated diesel mini-grids
  • Individually operated diesel generators


Further Information

Read more in the Discussion and Answer Session.

More information can be found at Micro Perspectives for Decentralized Energy Supply Conference - 2013.



References