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Enabling Mini-Grid Development in Rural India

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  • Comello, Stephen D.
  • Reichelstein, Stefan J.
  • Sahoo, Anshuman
  • Schmidt, Tobias S.

Abstract

Rural electrification rates in India lag behind government goals, in part due to the inability of distribution companies (discoms) to fund central grid expansion. In the absence of central grid electrification, mini-grids offer significant potential for an immediate pathway toward rural electrification and the attendant gains in economic growth and productivity. Yet private investment in mini-grids has been virtually absent in India. Using a comprehensive life-cycle cost analysis, we find that mini-grids based on solar PV power and storage are more economical than incumbent energy services available to households without central grid connection.

Suggested Citation

  • Comello, Stephen D. & Reichelstein, Stefan J. & Sahoo, Anshuman & Schmidt, Tobias S., 2017. "Enabling Mini-Grid Development in Rural India," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 93(C), pages 94-107.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:wdevel:v:93:y:2017:i:c:p:94-107
    DOI: 10.1016/j.worlddev.2016.12.029
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    5. Ansari, Dawud & Holz, Franziska, 2020. "Between stranded assets and green transformation: Fossil-fuel-producing developing countries towards 2055," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, vol. 130, pages 1-1.
    6. Bhattacharyya, Subhes C. & Palit, Debajit & Sarangi, Gopal K. & Srivastava, Vivek & Sharma, Prerna, 2019. "Solar PV mini-grids versus large-scale embedded PV generation: A case study of Uttar Pradesh (India)," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 128(C), pages 36-44.
    7. Duthie, Mike & Ankel-Peters, Jörg & Mphasa, Carly & Bhat, Rashmi, 2023. "The elusive quest for sustainable off-grid electrification: New evidence from Indonesia," Ruhr Economic Papers 1049, RWI - Leibniz-Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung, Ruhr-University Bochum, TU Dortmund University, University of Duisburg-Essen.
    8. Come Zebra, Emília Inês & van der Windt, Henny J. & Nhumaio, Geraldo & Faaij, André P.C., 2021. "A review of hybrid renewable energy systems in mini-grids for off-grid electrification in developing countries," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 144(C).
    9. World Bank Group, "undated". "Africa's Pulse, No. 17, April 2018," World Bank Publications - Reports 29667, The World Bank Group.
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