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What is a micro-grid?
Micro-grids are distribution grids that can be developed using a
bottom-up approach, just like home energy systems and off-grid
systems, and using locally available renewable energy sources to
meet local energy demand. However, unlike other island systems,
power supply is more flexible and reliable because there is the option
to source it from local or centralized generation, according to its
availability and price. In this way, cheap power can be accessed
from the grid during low demand periods, while local supply can be
activated to power local demand during blackouts in the main grid.
Furthermore, micro-grids can control the
balance between local supply and demand;
therefore manipulate the power flow at the
point of common coupling with the grid. This
enables the micro-grid to support the larger
grid in managing power quality as well as
supply security, by injecting or consuming
active or reactive power when required, and
aiding in black-start situations. xxv
If it is such a great tool then why aren’t
micro-grids being used already?
There are a few reasons for this, but the main issues are design
simplicity, system cost and the lack of awareness of its benefits. For
application in rural electrification, the system design is somewhat
more complicated than a simple off-grid distribution system because
of the additional capability of being able to switch between gridconnected
and island operation modes. The associated system costs
are also higher because of the additional control structure that is
required. However, if these systems can be designed using standard
components in such a way that they are replicable, the costs will
eventually come down as more micro-grid structures are implemented,
due to economies of scale.
Furthermore, the initial investment need
not be for the final full micro-grid solution
because micro-grids can begin from
standalone energy home systems and offgrid
distribution systems. Therefore, it gives
flexibility in the timing of financial investment,
starting with a simpler system and adding
features as time goes by until it is fully
integrated with the central grid system. xxvi
Why are you setting up a micro-grid in Bihar?
Bihar is amongst the top growing states in India. However the
served districts. To date, rural electrification
biggest challenge to Bihar’s growth trajectory is the lack of access to and energy access has been tackled by
sustainable electricity. It is also a state with the lowest per capita succeeding governments through centralised
energy consumption in India, with a mere 122.11 units, compared infrastructure delivery systems. Greenpeace
to the national average of around 778.71 units. Even today, 82% believes that distributed micro-grids that
of the state lacks access to electricity. While a lot of advancements use locally abundant fuel sources is a more
have been made over the last few years, the lack of energy still effective, cheap and sustainable way to
remains a crucial issue.
provide access to energy in Bihar.
The state of Bihar faces chronic electricity supply shortages resulting
from inadequate investments in generation and distribution capacity.
High poverty paired with the population’s geographic concentration in
remote, rural areas form barriers that limit the logistical and financial
viability of extending centralised electricity infrastructure to under-
Greenpeace has been campaigning to bring
about a shift in India’s energy pathway from
dirty fossil fuel to clean energy. We feel that
renewables is the key to energy access issues
in India and a solution to climate change.
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MEDIA MANUAL | Micro-grid in Dharnai