Understanding the India’s progress towards Rural Electrification
The government of India launched the ‘Saubhagya’ scheme in 2017 intending to supply electricity to all houses in rural areas and poor families in urban sections. It intends to expedite rural electrification, using both technology and dissemination of information, with a scope of ‘providing last-mile connectivity and electricity connection to all households that do not have power connections in rural localities. Along with the Saubhagya scheme, the power sector can take the lead to ensure quality power supply apart from assuring ‘electricity to all.’
The government in the budget of 2018 and 2019 allocated Rs 16,000 crore for Saubhagya, emphasizing its outreach and the increasing importance of renewable energy.
Further, in 2020, Rural Electrification Corporation’s (REC) board members approved the creation of seven Special purpose vehicles (SPV), that will be used to evacuate (transmit) renewable energy from states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.
Trends and limitation witnessed towards Rural Electrification
India is moving aggressively towards solar power solutions and has opened up opportunities for energy reliance and power for all. With 60% of India’s population in rural areas, it is essential that for the success of solar energy penetration, the government moves ahead with the entire nation in transformation rather than just metropolitans. The government is playing its role by introducing various policies and measures to help the reach of power extended across the country. To support this cause different trends are shaping up to enhance the rural electrification infrastructure: –
- Solar Microgrid
A solar micro-grid has an array of photovoltaic (PV) cells that generates power, which is then transferred to a central controller called the Power Conditioning Unit (PCU). The PCU then transfers electricity directly to locations like homes, shops, offices, street lights, etc. During the daytime the surplus energy generated, the PCU directs it to the energy storage devices that can be utilized later after sunsets. - Energy Storage
A recent report stated that moreover, 80% of mini-grid users in India are satisfied with their connections. The report gave an insight that more than three-fourth of mini-grid users consider it adequate and reliable. For commercial mini-grid ventures, one of the major supporting factors is energy storage system technology. Until now, there has been the use of basic, ill-suited, cheap energy storage. With reduced cost of more advanced systems and market growth, mini-grid are exploring new options and poised to be the first energy provider to adopt energy storage solutions.
But some challenges need to be addressed for rural electrification to have a smooth future. There are majorly three problems that are being witnessed when we talk about the microgrid, which are prohibitive battery technologies, dependence on polluting diesel generators (DGs), and cost to consumers. Besides, factors like subsidies on kerosene, the initial cost of installing solar power plants, lack of availability, and sales of solar lanterns and lack of awareness are restricting solar energy penetration in rural India.
How Delta is partnering with India’s focus towards rural electrification?
We firmly believe that everyone should have access to power. Thus in our endeavor to support the vision of clean energy, we are frequently using our global expertise and engineering prowess to introduce solutions that are sustainable in nature to support the industry ecosystem.
For rural India, renewable energy solutions can deliver significant benefits in bringing basic energy access and reduce the carbon footprint. As a renewable solutions provider, Delta integrates energy generation, conversion, management, and storage to optimize customers’ energy use by switching grid power, renewable energy, and battery power. We also provide energy storage devices such as cells, modules (24V, 48V), cabinets (indoor and outdoor), and containers for residential, commercial, industrial, and utility applications.
Being a world leader in power conversion technology, Delta offers a complete product range of solar inverters, accessories, and services that are compatible for both crystalline and thin-film panels. Delta’s state-of-the-art high-frequency topology and MPPT equipped portfolio includes the Grid-tied range of RPI series from 3KW to 125KW and DelCEN Series 1 MW to 3 MW which. Delta’s solar inverters are multifaceted and can be used in every system size as well as are compatible with all commercially available solar modules and system components
Another major aspect that is gaining traction in strengthening rural electrification infrastructure is Energy Storage System Solutions. With state-of-the-art power conversion and energy storage technologies, Delta offers high-efficiency power conditioning capabilities for demand management, power dispatch, renewable energy smoothing, etc.
At Delta, we are also developing technology and solutions supporting the various demands of the rural part of the nation. When it comes within automation and the solar business, we offer a complete solution in the solar pump controller. Delta Industrial Automation is among the leading companies in providing solar pump controller solutions to deliver drinking water as well as water for livestock or irrigation purposes by using renewable energy and power, which helps in reducing the over stressed load on grid supply.
Further, for India, irrigation is one of the prime focus where the major part of the population is still dependent on farming. The government has been consistent in introducing schemes to encourage renewable energy-based applications and solutions to provide financial and water security to farmers in strengthening the agriculture sector. Partnering with government’s vision, Delta is successfully contributing to solar pump controller solutions that have been developed to enhance the agricultural ecosystem.
Thus as we proceed towards the vision of clean, abundant and affordable electricity to all, at Delta, we continue our endeavor to provide innovative, clean and energy-efficient solutions for a better tomorrow,
Industry Statistics (Source: Media Reports)
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