Common consensus seems to indicate about 350 private sector mini-grids (above 10 kW capacity) operating in the country. Mini grids would be a further subset of this. That perhaps explains why even as global DRE (decentralized renewable energy systems, as most mini or micro grids come under) systems have experienced a three-fold increase from under 2 GW in 2008 to over 6.5 GW in 2017, the cumulative achievement of off-grid solar systems under government programmes in India accounted to just 762 MW, out of this, 104 MWp capacity of off-grid solar PV systems was added in 2017-18. The logic being that central grid power is cheaper for end consumers, making a case for equal access as a right. The official viewpoint remains connecting everyone to the central grid. They provide much more dependable power than the central grid in areas they serve, their T&D (Transmission and distribution) losses are way lower, and of course, they generate some much needed employment in these far flung areas.”Īs always, for supplying something as essential as energy, the mini-grids are up against the government. Three recurring points made by multiple MGO’s (Mini Grid operators) stood out. Be it on the impact of connectivity, the buying ability of consumers and willingness to pay for quality energy access, besides dependable power to village level enterprises, the companies that have worked in this space need to be heard too. Working in terrain that is almost invariably inhospitable, in conditions that can be extreme, and serving relatively small markets, the mini grid case for India offers some great learnings. Serving areas that usually had no grid or very poor central grid access, these are the areas that have been a playground for mini and micro grids. Yes, Mini Grids and even micro grids, in the limited opportunities they have had in the country, have made a strong case for themselves. Even as the solar story develops in India, there is a part of the sector that has quietly been working and making an impact in its own way.
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