| | SEPTEMBER 20179Consultants Reviewmainly on technical as well as economic grounds. With these urban and rural populations often dispersed, sometimes in difficult topographies, makes the grid extension costs very high. Moreover, given that the stark disparity in income levels between rural and urban, the consumption at the initial years, household level tends to be lower. With high level of power losses and cost of connections, decentralized distributed generation for energy provision would certainly help in providing access to energy beyond the centralized electricity grid.Technically speaking, the approach for DDG enables small-scale technologies to produce electricity close to the end users of power. The technologies used often consist of modular (often renewable-energy based) generators, offering potential benefits like providing electricity at a lower cost with, higher power reliability and security, along with fewer environmental consequences than traditional power generators. DDG systems employ numerous, yet, small plants, providing power onsite, with minimal reliance on the central distribution and transmission grid thereby managing demand efficiently by generating power at the source of consumption. Moreover, the technology in use yields power in capacities that can range from a fraction of a kilowatt [kW] to larger utility-scale generation.Previously, under Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY), launched in 2005, the government level mini-grid policies and regulations attempted to fill supply gaps persisting in by extending grid infrastructure except for those remote areas where grid extension was deemed economically infeasible. These areas were designated as off-grid, and solutions such as mini-grids was first encouraged via the Decentralised Distributed Generation (DDG) Scheme, which was later revised in2013, providing more clarity and transparency in the system. Undoubtedly, the mini- grid infrastructure has evolved, with the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY) for extending the legacy grid. Evidently, with several important developments at the national and state level, the conversations amongst the central and state government has considerably advanced, that has brought mini-grids to a more significant role in the national conversation, regarding rural electrification.India's proclamation on the world stage, back in December 2015 Paris Conference (COP 21), of achieving 40 percent cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel based energy resources by 2030 - earmarked a new dawn, the path of clean energy and sustainability. Given that coal-fired electricity generation capacity, around 113 GW of new capacity is already under construction with another 205GW of existing capacity, is expected to remain the dominant fuel in the country's quest for providing power to all. Moreover, India's per capita consumption being just about 1,000 kWh/year; competitive as well as distributed format of generation would be critical to the success of the Indian power sector, in addition to traditional thermal generation. Notably, sustainable development requires a welldeveloped infrastructure and a substantial number of highvalueadded industries. Thus, emphasis on ICTs should be regarded as an enabler and catalyst for implementation of DG. At present, the diffusion of ICTs infrastructure would help in addressing the conspicuous urban -rural divide. Enablers like rapid technology cost reductions, increasing economies of scale and more competitive supply chains are expected to make such energy options more competitive. For this, data collection, database development and analysis would help increase interest in rural distributed generation entrepreneurship. There is a growing interest in developing technology customizable to the needs of the community ­ additionally, service providers seeking ways to develop technology with the feedback from local communities. Technology can also pivotal in breaking challenges of lack of awareness as well as willingness of rural consumer to pay; improving the potential consumers base for distributed generation. Furthermore, elimination of middle men as well as extending banking and credit facilities, would be another encouraging factor.In terms of social development, the availability of clean distributed electricity not only helps households avoid the health risks associated with conventional forms of distributed energy, by doing away with kerosene, charcoal, and disposable batteries, but also helps reduce cost of grid infrastructure development. Traditionally, industry has opted for captive fossil-fuel based power generation to ensure reliability. However, options as bagasse (waste from sugar industry) co-generation are one of the finest examples of successful implementation of co-generation technology wherein the waste of the industry is used in powering the industry. Technology can also pivotal in breaking challenges of lack of awareness as well as willingness of rural consumer to pay; improving the potential consumers base for distributed generation
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