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 <strong>low</strong> 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 f<strong>low</strong> 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 structu<strong>res</strong> are implemented, due to economies of scale. Furthermore, the initial investment need not be for the <strong>final</strong> 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 featu<strong>res</strong> 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 <strong>low</strong>est 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 <strong>res</strong>ulting 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. 12 MEDIA MANUAL | Micro-grid in Dharnai
Even today, 82% of Bihar’s population lacks access to electricity ©SUBRATA BISWAS/greenpeace MEDIA MANUAL | Micro-grid in Dharnai 13
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