Decentralized Grid-connected Power Generation Potential in India: From Perspective of Energy Efficient Buildings

Abstract

One of the major barriers to the sustainable growth of India is the energy crisis. Despite of continuous efforts and investment of Government in the energy sector, in 2011, 300 million of Indian population was deprived of electricity. The segment of population which has access to electricity faces the problem of intermittent and unreliable power supply. This is because India faces transmission losses of more than 32% (in 2010) as compared to global average of 15% because of inefficient transmission network and location of power generation sites at very far distances from the end use sites. Also, the rapidly growing building sector is responsible for at least 30-40% of energy usage and this demand is growing annually at 11-12%, which is almost twice global average of 5-6%.These are serious matters of concern for India and calls for a viable solution [1].One of the most promising solutions to this situation is energy efficient buildings (EEBs) with grid-connected on-site energy generation using renewable energy sources i.e. Decentralized energy generation (DE). Various building components suit as power generation sites through more than one renewable energy sources. With buildings growing in India at very high rate, and India being rich in renewable energy sources, this is the most viable option for mitigating energy crisis.The environmental, social and economic benefits of EEBs with grid connected DE include but are not limited to reduction in carbon emission around 30-40% which is caused due the present coal-based energy generation system, economical since the cost of setting up grid connected DE will clearly be less than setting up high-voltage transmission networks. Also, due to grid connected DE, the surplus energy producers will receive Feed-in tariff which can in turn decrease the pay-back period and also will not isolate them from grid supply. It will develop a feeling of unconventionality and social responsibility in the community and will lead to an attitude change towards energy usage thus reducing carbon footprints. It will be a revolution for people deprived of basic energy services.The presented work identifies barriers to the proposed model in India. It reviews EEB standards followed in different countries, administrative policies and reforms implemented, financial mechanisms, incentives and feed-in tariff offered and the technical and environmental consequences of the model. As an outcome of the study, the paper proposes a way forward to successfully implement EEB grid connected DE in India.