Planning to Mainstream Distributed Electricity Generation from Renewables

Abstract

Decentralised renewables in India have evolved over the years, from solar lanterns to solar home lighting systems and further from multi-purpose power packs to mini and micro grids powered by various renewables to the modern-day smart grids to optimise the integration of DER. Does DER (distributed electricity generation from renewables) have a future in a scenario with 100% grid connectivity? What niche applications of DER can provide substantial developmental benefits? How will the roles of various models of DER evolve and how may these be integrated sustainably? These are some of the questions that this chapter addresses with a view to essaying a plan to sustainably integrate DER as a reliable mode of electricity service provision/expansion in grid-connected and/or stand-alone modes employing renewable forms of energy. The focus is on ways to tap the strengths and address the limitations of various forms of distributed electricity generation. The chapter explores hybridisation, grid connectivity, smart metering and load planning and management as important technical elements of the way forward.