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What is the USP of this micro-grid? How is it unique?
A first-of-its-kind…
The USP of the micro-grid is its model – from darkness to light
in three months. For 30 years, the village was deprived of a vital
resource like energy. This lifeline has been made available to them
in just three months.
The micro-grid empowers the people of Dharnai to not only meet their
basic needs but also their aspirations. It gives the young opportunity
to dream of not just a comfortable earning but hold the ambition of
joining the world in its race to growth. Small-time businessmen who
want to make it big by selling more. Farmers who want to innovate to
get the best harvest.
It provides electricity round the clock
to a village that would otherwise never
be electrified under the centralised grid
paradigm. It provides electricity that not just
gives residents the basic fan and light but the
power to fire their ambition.
For the governments, it’s a model that can
fulfil their governance goals, and for the
financers it’s an investment opportunity.
It is also lighting up one/two bulbs and one point.
How is it different from other DRES?
It is lighting up a bulb and a charging point for mobiles round-theclock.
Most DRES systems provide electricity only for about 6-7
hours. In addition, the micro-grid can be scaled-up so as to meet the
aspirations of the residents. So later if people
buy televisions and other equipment, the
micro-grid’s capacity can be increased.
If people are not willing to buy electricity how will
it be safe and secure? What will ensure the safety of
the hardware (panels, wires, poles)?
First, the village electrification committees comprising of residents
of Dharnai will be in charge of the security of the micro-grid. Already
more than half the households in the village have registered for buying
electricity from the micro-grid. That in itself is a social protector.
The society and the community that is using it will be the physical
guarantee for the micro-grid. It is in their
interest that the micro-grid continues to run.
Especially, since they have struggled without
electricity for the last 30 years.
How is it an expandable model?
The micro-grid is based on Greenpeace’s E[r] cluster approach, which
we had recommended to the state government. Considering the cost
and infrastructure involved, time taken for installation, catering to
electricity requirement of a population of more than 3,000, it takes very
minimum time, minimum investment and minimum infrastructure. Most
importantly, it runs on minimum maintenance cost as compared to
centralised grid-based electricity system.
It is a social development-based energy business model. It is under
community ownership, which addresses not
only the lighting needs of the village, but also
includes irrigation, empowers women and
BPL families, improves education, takes care
of poverty alleviation and addresses other
issues.
There are numerous funds under various
government departments like panchayati
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MEDIA MANUAL | Micro-grid in Dharnai