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Proceedings of the Workshop on Mini-grid development for livelihood generation

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OASYS SOUTH ASIA Workshop

January 3, 2014

Proceedings of the

Workshop on Mini-Grid Development for Livelihood Generation

Opportunities

Venue: Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar

Organised by TERI


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Produced by:

The Energy and Resources Institute

New Delhi

Published on August 25, 2014


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Acknowledgement

The activities reported in this report are funded by an EPSRC/ DfID research grant

(EP/G063826/2) from the RCUK Energy Programme. The Energy Programme is a RCUK

cross-council initiative led by EPSRC and contributed to by ESRC, NERC, BBSRC and

STFC.

Disclaimer

The views expressed in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily

represent the views of the institutions they are affiliated to or the funding agencies


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Table of Contents

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ............................................................................................................... III

DISCLAIMER ................................................................................................................................. III

. ......................................................................................................................................................... 1

1.0 BACKGROUND ......................................................................................................................... 1

2.0 OBJECTIVE OF THE WORKSHOP ........................................................................................ 2

2.1 Speakers .................................................................................................................................... 2

2.2 Participants .............................................................................................................................. 2

3.0 SUMMARY OF SESSIONS ....................................................................................................... 3

3.1 Inaugural Session .................................................................................................................... 3

3.2 Session I: Experiences & Lessons from Green Mini-grids.................................................... 4

3.3 Session II: Breakaway Working Group discussion: .............................................................. 6

3.4 Session III: Scaling up green mini-grid projects in India ...................................................... 8

3.5 Concluding Remarks ................................................................................................................ 9

ANNEXURE I: PROGRAM SCHEDULE ..................................................................................... 11

ANNEXURE II: LIST OF PARTICIPANTS ................................................................................. 12

ANNEXURE III: PRESENTATIONS ........................................................................................... 15


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1.0 Background

In developing South Asian countries such as India, off-grid electricity access systems are of great

interest. Apart from the capacity to provide reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity access

to remote villages as well as semi-urban areas that lack appropriate access to centralized grid

electricity, off-grid electricity also has the potential ability to support local development, create

local employment, and contribute to climate change mitigation. Despite growing popularity,

commercial viability, operational issues, social issues, local governance issues as well as

institutional challenges remain primary concerns for the sustainability of such decentralized

energy systems. Developing a techno-economically viable and replicable business model for

every region should be a priority for the efficient implementation of a successful off-grid access

system.

As part of the research project on Off-grid Electricity Access System in South Asia (OASYS), a

Regional Practitioners Workshop was organized on 2nd and 3rd of January 2014 at XIM

Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. This workshop brought together a myriad of stakeholders from

India consisting of off-grid energy sector researchers and professionals, numerous organizations,

government representatives, consultants and developmental practitioners from various NGO and

CBOs.


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2.0 Objective of the workshop

The workshop was scheduled for the 2nd and 3rd of January, 2014 as an initiative of the OASYS

South Asia (Off-grid Access System in South Asia) Project and aimed to bring together experts

and stakeholders to share successful models of providing electricity access and discuss issues and

challenges of providing electricity access at affordable prices for livelihood development.

The OASYS South Asia Project is an on-going interdisciplinary research task targeting off-grid

delivery options, specifically those titled "Decentralized off-grid electricity generation in

developing countries: business models for off-grid electricity supply”. This research was initiated

in October 2009 and seeks completion by September 2014. De Montfort University in Scotland is

leading the project in partnership with TERI, Edinburgh Napier University, TERI University, and

The University of Manchester as consortium partners. The project aims to find appropriate local

solutions, which are techno-economically viable, institutionally feasible, socio-politically

acceptable and environmentally sound, for sustainable electricity supply to off-grid areas. [For

further details on the OASYS project, please visit http://www.oasyssouthasia.dmu.ac.in]

2.1 Speakers

Senior officials from the Government of India, multilateral organizations, academia, NGOs,

private organizations, consultants and reputable think tanks highlighted some of the key concerns

in the field of governance, regulatory aspects, institutional model, livelihood aspects, and

sustainability of off-grid electrification sector. There was an informed and educated discussion

about solution for resolving the challenges faced by this industry. The programme schedule and a

list of speakers are appended in Annexure I.

2.2 Participants

The participants of the workshop consisted of policy makers and regulators, business developers,

NGOs, consultants, people from grass root levels, consumer groups, scholars, representatives

from various think tanks, and several other stakeholders. Participants from the different NGOs

gathered together to debate and deliberate over the identified theme, discuss case studies, and

suggest ways to mainstream a regulatory regime for augmenting livelihood through renewable

energy in rural areas. The complete list of participants is also provided in Annexure II.

http://www.oasyssouthasia.dmu.ac.in/


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3.0 Summary of Sessions

The workshop on January 3rd, 2014 comprised of 4 sessions which included the Inaugural speech,

2 presentations and Panel discussion along with breakout sessions as well. The following section

highlights the summary of each session.

3.1 Inaugural Session

Mr. Debajit Palit, Associate Director at TERI welcomed the participants and speakers present. He

advocated the importance of such workshops, where appropriate regulatory framework and

instruments are discussed for the betterment of the renewable energy sector in India. He stated

that although there is potential for the off-grid sector to drive developing economies in the

sustainable development trajectory, electricity regulators in the region have dealt with the off-grid

sector in a cautious manner. This introductory note was followed by a thematic presentation by

the Principal Investigator of the project, Dr. Subhes C Bhattacharyya from De Montfort

University.

The presentation described the aims and objectives of the projects achievements so far, and

proposed future activities and timelines for execution. The second part of the presentation

highlighted the need and the role of energy access in livelihood generation for rural

electrification. Dr. Bhattacharyya discussed the important role of energy in any sector in the

context of electricity and cooking; different energy access challenges and some possible

solutions; linkages of energy with livelihood generation; and enabling factors that can lead us to a

proper solution of energy access to all. Dr. Bhattacharyya concluded that integrating energy

access and livelihood generation together; with relevant market linkages and by replicating the

integrated approach rapidly to reach the billions without energy access is a very important aspect

and needs more focus than any other potential solutions.

Mr B C Jena, Chairman from the Central Electricity Supply Utility (CESU) of Odisha delivered

the inaugural address. He mentioned that different regulatory committees have identified both

centralized and decentralized solutions for the purpose of rural electrification. In 2010, the

International Energy Agency (IEA) estimated that in order to achieve universal access to

electricity, 70% of the rural areas would require electrification through either off grid or mini grid

systems. However, the centralized solution in rural areas is not possible for a number of reasons,

including that of high infrastructure cost vis-à-vis its low demand, and the quality of service and

reliability is not accounted for.

Mr. Jena added that mini grids play an important role here as they can be initially sized and

scaled up later according to demand; they are an independent and reliable source of electricity

and are resource specific. Once a grid system come into an area, the mini-grid is able to feed the

grid electricity supply and a net metering system can be implemented. The integration of smart

grid technologies and load management are slowly transforming the mini-grid system into a more

viable option. The mini grid does not require a license for its start-up but requires abiding by the

safety standards. The Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vikas Yojana (RGGVY) states that every household

in India should have access to electricity, may it be through a conventional or non-conventional

source that is economical and feasible. The Decentralised Distributed Generation (DDG) also

focuses only on the reduction of carbon footprints that can be achieved by decentralized

electrification itself.


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3.2 Session I: Experiences & Lessons from Green Mini-grids

Chaired by Dr. Subhes C Bhattacharyya

3.2.1 Presentation by Mr K Rahul Sharma, Research Associate, TERI

Mr. K Rahul Sharma described TERI’s role in Odisha and the NFA project. Some of the overall

objectives of the project include the understanding of energy and the way it becomes a focal point

for development activities in an area and to integrate energy interventions with existing

initiatives; and how these findings and challenges can help aid the JNNSM projects in the future.

He also explained some specific objectives which included the following; 1) To use clean energy

as a facilitator for livelihood generation in rural areas; 2) Implement systems in four Indian States

and to ensure their technological, financial and institutional sustainability even after the project is

officially completed on TERI’s end; 3) In order to achieve the above, create customised

technology packages, and frameworks for demand assessment, livelihoods assessment, socio-

economic indicators and baselines, capacity building and innovative business models and

institutions; 4) To assess and compare performance of the above, across technological

configurations, climatic zones, institutional and business models; and ultimately 5) Test

technologies for smart renewable energy applications in the lab.

He also described the Solar Multi Utility (SMU), a centrally located clean energy system that is

used to power a variety of appliances such as grinders/mixers, water purifiers, information and

communication technologies such as laptops and mobile phones, fruit pulp-extracting machines,

and so on. An entrepreneur-driven solar DC micro grid model is implemented; it includes the

design customization for distributed solar electricity projects for improved reliability, efficiency

and flexibility. A breadth of interdisciplinary is needed for such an intervention to take place; for

example, specific knowledge on livelihood assessment, technology, capacity building efforts,

institutions in the area, market linkages that best fit with the field site area, and the overall

impacts of clean energy are needed for any livelihood generation to be successfully implemented.

Mentioning some of the features of TERI’s work, he described how the usage of a smart inverter

reduces the dependency on, and size of the battery. It is important to have an energy efficient

system and intelligent load management so the optimum battery size reduces replacement cost.

By monitoring PV performance, useful long term data on performance can be obtained and thus,

a need based design can be implemented.

On the financial side, it is vital to have a variable grant to implement such projects – the equity

ratio should be based on system size and not performance; a dedicated bank account for revenue

collection also aids the management process. Moreover, creating institutional linkages with other

similar developmental projects and increasing the potential for local capacities to manage the

entire system helps sell products as well as aid in management, and thus the sustainability of such

projects.

A “mini-grid” is a low-voltage distribution grid, providing electricity to a community –

typically a village or very small town - and derives electricity from a diverse range of

small local generators using renewable energy technologies with or without its own

storage.


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He cited a few examples of SMU in specific villages in Odisha and some DC micro-grid in

villages in Uttar Pradesh. He further described the Smart Controller Laboratory that’s located at

the TERI Retreat in Gual Pahari (Gurgaon, Haryana), where all necessary testing of solar

modules, inverters and battery is conducted. When dealing with livelihood generation, training

and capacity building of local operators and entrepreneurs, SMU operators, users, self-help

groups and all other stakeholders is fundamental. It is vital to impart skills on the operations of

machinery, maintaining and managing small faults and repairs, recordkeeping and revenue

collection, customer relations and entrepreneurship, use of appliances and production processes,

marketing and branding, etc. In addition to specific target groups being briefed about the entire

process, technical manuals and posters are also developed for both the SMUs and SMGs.

3.2.2 Presentation by Colonel Vijay Bhaskar, Country Director, Mlinda Foundation.

The second presentation addressed the convergences between energy provisioning and livelihood

enhancement. His presentation covered a number of points, but they all concluded with their

connection to Mlinda’s three goals: 1) Reverse environmental degradation, 2) Reduce green

house gas emissions, and 3) Sustainable consumption and production. Though some of their

products include electric vehicles as public transport system in the Sundarbans, they also focus on

Solar Electrification for schools, households, and marketplaces. Colonel Bhaskar gave the

specific example of their project in Sundarbans and Purulia in West Bengal.

Some of the main issues faced by rural mini grids include the pilferage of electricity and

overloading, non-payment of dues and lack of ownership, maintenance and servicing of products,

etc. Mlinda has opted to install a community owned AC mini grid where access to light and

mobile charging for household and institutions can be stretched to individual facilities. Col.

Bhaskar described in detail the Community owned model in contrast to the Entrepreneur owned

model, where both are linked to a rural bank with no collaterals required, and the community or

entrepreneur repays the EMI over one or four years respectively. Mlinda provides a supportive

framework in the form of assistance with loans, access to MNRE subsidies, equipment test hub,

enforcing warranties, providing alternative livelihoods, creating market linkages and building

capacities of local CBOs, EPC and community members.

By mapping the energy needs of livelihood; identifying livelihood options for intervention and

clean energy options in consultation with a technology team; developing business models for

implementation and sustainability, and finally reporting analysis from any baseline and periodic

impact assessments of the interventions, clean energy interventions for livelihood advancement

can be acquired. Col. Bhaskar emphasized Mlinda’s presence in villages so far and their future

aspirations so their three goals can be met. They have saved over 25,000 tons of greenhouse gas

emissions already and aim to maximize this number through their full potential.

3.2.3 Presentation by Mr. Nikhil Jaisinghani, Director, Mera Gao Power

Mr. Jaisinghani made a brief note on the issue of unsubsidized power in rural areas in Uttar

Pradesh, mentioning that expensive DG sets were prominently in use. Even with upcoming mini-

grid systems, the costs of providing reliable power are still high. Mera Gao Power has already

effected 16,000 households in over 800 villages by providing two light points along and a mobile

charging facility that may be used for up to seven hours at a stretch.

Mr. Jaisinghani emphasized on Mera Gao Power’s (MGP) salient features and goals of increasing

productivity. He clarified that productivity has little to do with what is typically seen as


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‘productive power’. This is because this power is used to operate machines that are already being

powered through diesel, and hence expensive solar energy would contribute more to a reduction

in the use of diesel, rather than enhance productivity. Therefore, productivity should be measured

by the extended hours users achieve through the renewable energy system. Everyone who does

any kind of productive work, such as weavers, welders, labourers, mechanics etc., are able to

work for longer hours under the solar light provided by MGP. Additionally, MGP believes that

the best outcome of their project is that students are studying for longer hours. Although they are

still trying to estimate the level of bulb brightness that is most effective and efficient for all

customers, they believe with renewable energy systems that provide solar lighting services affect

the end user the most. They aim to light up over 5,000 households, affecting more than 25,000

individuals as part of the OASYS Project.

3.2.4 Presentation by Mr Manik M Jolly, Founder & CEO, Grassroots and Rural Innovative

Development

Mr. Jolly started his presentation by stating the benefits achieved from smart mini grids in rural

areas; the key points included:

• Optimization of load management,

• Separate and organised irrigation and domestic lines,

• Possibility of including off-grid solutions into a network and power management

through PPAs/ IPP models,

• Improved power quality for urban as well as industrial areas.

He emphasized that productive loads and scaling up are an important step that needs to be taken

at the planning stage itself. He categorized the productive load into irrigation, commercial and

industrial load. Mr. Jolly’s emphasis was on enhancing the participation of the private sector and

bringing about clarity in the regulations and guidelines for mini-grid implementation, which is

currently hindering the rapid scaling up of private sector initiatives. Such a scaling up process, he

mentioned, would also require better linkages with financial institutions and government

programmes, which could provide a constant source of demand for the finished products from

small-scale enterprises established using electricity from mini-grids.

3.3 Session II: Breakaway Working Group discussion:

During the post lunch session, participants took part in two breakaway group discussions on

Energizing Livelihoods: challenges and opportunities and, institutional and operational

challenges in implementation of decentralized electricity solutions. The pointers for discussion

were as follows:

1. Do the Electricity Act 2003, the National Electricity Policy and the Rural Electrification

Policy have been successful in encouraging the development of mini-grids in the rural

areas?

2. What are the policies and regulatory frameworks that are required to support

commercially viable mini-grids, in particular renewable generation based mini-grids?

3. What could be the policy and regulatory thrusts required at sub-national/provincial

levels?

4. Is there a need to shift focus of rural energy delivery from providing access to energy to a

more service-oriented indicator like availability of electricity at the rural household level?


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5. What are the main structural barriers, which are limiting the investment by the private

sector into India's rural mini-grid sector?

6. Could franchisee based or PPP based models be considered as intermediate approach

towards greater private sector participation and engagement in the long run?

7. Is there a need for developing a hybrid subsidy delivery mechanism that is part capital

subsidy and part generation based incentive for ensuring viability of mini-grids?

8. How important is to develop livelihood opportunities along with energy service delivery

through mini-grid, given the fact that any additional capacity enhances the capital cost of

the system and thus the payback and possibly tariff or subsidy.

9. What may be the challenges and solutions for effective linkages of electricity access and

livelihood opportunities in the rural areas?

10. What are the key operational and management challenges in successfully operating a

mini-grid in rural areas? How they can be overcome?

11. How important is the role of institutions in the success and sustainable operation of mini-

grids? Will the utility model be more appropriate than the current NGO driven model?

Why?

12. What could be the role of local institutions like banks in sensitizing and promoting private

entrepreneur led or franchisee based models?

The following sections tried to answer some of the above questions.

3.3.1 Energizing livelihoods: Challenges and opportunities (led by Parimita Mohanty, TERI

University).

The discussion during this Breakout session focused on the need for income generating activities

that aim to enhance the livelihood and lifestyle of all users affected by it, be it entrepreneurs or

the end users. However, the quality of life aspect was skipped because it is a very broad and

different parameter.

All participants agreed that the ABC model is a viable implementation, so an anchored load is

applied for a steady and assured income while creating market linkages. But the unavailability of

energy products in the area prevents practitioners from executing such a model. The

establishment of a complete supply chain is very important for the sustainability and profitability

of the project in the long run.

There was an agreement that subsidy should not be used for hardware purposes, but instead for

viability gap funding, capacity building, revival of livelihood activity and enforce an established

supply chain. But, linkages with government programmes for the promotion and development for

local livelihoods are missing. Commercial financing and capacity building support can aid the

expansion of a market if local government programs, development banks & government

departments act as a catalyzer.

ABC Model (Anchor Business Community Model): There are two parts to this model. An assured

load is treated as the Anchor load which acts as a constant source of demand for the power plant,

such as telecom towers. This ensures steady revenue for the entrepreneur. As the majority of the

revenue is earned from this anchor load, which sustains the operation of the power plant, the same

power plant is also used to provide basic electricity services to nearby households (from which


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revenue may be lesser or not assured).

3.3.2 Institutional & operational challenges in implementation of decentralized electricity

solutions (led by Mr. Debajit Palit, TERI)

The discussion focused on the rural mini grid sector, and how structural, organizational,

operational and management challenges may be resolved. Additionally, the role of institutions in

the success and sustainable operation of the mini grid was also reviewed. The role of a structured

utility model was compared to the NGO model. Due to the variation in geographical terrains of

the different field sites, the way electrification is approached in various areas also varies. Some

factors may be more prevalent in one area as compared to another with different geography. For

example, the social parameters, different income generating activities, consumer payments, and

the demand for such systems varies significantly. Therefore, when such a project is implemented,

initial handholding and training is important.

The Divided Ownership Model is a viable option where installation and operation are done by the

Project Implementing Agency and an NGO is responsible for building and maintaining trust with

its community. The NGO can also setup and install part of the plant but do it in a commercial

manner, so as to achieve institutional, financial and operational sustainability. The ownership of

such important services safeguards the system and also helps them to understand the sensitive

nature of these services.

In case of a community based model or private sector based model, the subsidy and other

incentives are very useful in taking electricity to the remote parts. However, the model should be

performance based franchise model for providing financial support. Unfortunately, most such

projects are struggling to find financial stability because all the investments are coming from an

outside source. This lets the villagers take advantage of the ‘free’ service to them. It is essential

that villagers understand the importance of such a system and hence a subsidy or tariff funding

should be implemented, where only a part of the total operational and maintenance cost is

covered by a third party. A performance based franchisee model thus focuses on low capital cost,

creating trained manpower and having a robust supply chain, is essential. The participants felt

that there is a need for an organisation that can efficiently manage Risk financing. While IREDA

is such an organisation, it has not been able to fulfill that role yet. Hence, any model that aims to

succeed has to have social inclusion. Alternatively, target funding can also ensure the same,

where one part of the operations and maintenance is paid for. This funding may target the training

of the entrepreneurs or end users, creating market linkages, provision of infrastructure, etc.

3.4 Session III: Scaling up green mini-grid projects in India

The workshop ended with a panel discussion on Scaling up green mini-grid projects in India,

moderated by Mr Amit Kumar, Director, TERI. Mr. Amit Kumar reiterated the focus on

infrastructure creation and providing connections as cited earlier by Mr. Jena. The subsidy could

be restructured in the form of micro-subsidy finance instead of providing capital directly.

Entrepreneur creation is vital to the chain of livelihood generation. There was also a need for

socio-economic evaluation that requires support of the government. The panel discussion

included a special address by Shri. B K Mishra, Member (Technical), Odisha Electricity


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Regulatory Commission. Mr. BK Mishra provided insight regarding the situation prior to the

electrification of households in rural areas and connected it to the RGGVY project. There is a

need for an innovative model so for power supply. Some of the current barriers include poor

voltage profile, issues with revenue collection due to irregularity of power supply, policy issues

like forest clearance, non-existence of grid up to 15 km for decentralised generation, net

metering, tariff regulations, and cross subsidy. Mr Mishra in his address also stressed on the need

for tariff parity for grid and off-grid projects and some possible ways to achieve the same.

Other panellist who also forwarded their views included Mr Ashok Choudhary, Deputy Director,

Orissa Renewable Energy Development Agency; Prof. (Dr) Haribandhu Panda, Pro Vice

Chancellor, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Mr Chris Neidl, Country

Manager, Arc Finance and Mr Piyush Jaju, Director, Punam Energy Pvt. Ltd.

Mr. Ashok Chaudhary emphasized the need for clean drinking water, facilities for irrigation and

health, lighting requirements, option of scaling up in the near future, etc. Mr. Chaudhary

concluded that the plant should be led by a community and should be subsidy driven.

Mr. Piyush Jaju had a view that energy efficient appliances will be very helpful in making the

project successful. Thus, a small TV could also be accommodated in anchor load for improving

their lifestyle. Along with this, he felt the need of a computer centre, telecom tower, and

irrigation facilities to help the community develop in an all-round manner.

Mr. Chris Neidl agreed to most of the points mentioned by Mr. B. K. Mishra and Mr. Piyush Jaju.

Along with this, he stressed on subsidy availability and the need for social changes to make the

project successful from both sides i.e. PIA and the consumer.

Dr. Haribandhu Panda felt that the institutional model needs to be developed further; strengthen

the community, market linkages, and supply chain. Dr. Panda also said that there is a need for

new innovation like using fossil fuel as a source of power in a mini-grid system.

3.5 Concluding Remarks

Dr. Subhes Bhattacharyya of De Montfort University summarized the panel discussion and

thanked all the participants and speakers for their valuable contribution to the day’s discussion

and deliberation. Dr. Subhes Bhattacharyya suggested, based on day proceedings, two viable

solutions for scaling up the plant. Firstly, small micro-grids could be set up in a cluster and then

all the micro-grids could be interconnected to form a bigger structure. The second solution could

be setting up a micro-grid and then increasing its capacity and area with time. The diversity of

themes in the presentations and the in-depth discussions that followed brought about several key

points that could help the project in its subsequent activities. He indicated that the community

should be involved at a very early stage. This will help design the project in a better way and

ensure that their requirements are addressed properly.


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Annexure I: Program Schedule

09.30 – 10.00 Registration of participants

10.00 – 10.05 Welcome address: Mr. Amit Kumar, Director, TERI

10.05 – 10.20 The OASYS Project – Research Experiences and Key Lessons

Dr. Subhes Bhattacharyya, Principal Investigator, OASYS South Asia

Project, De Montfort University, UK

10.20 – 10.40 Inaugural Address

Mr B C Jena, Chairman, Central Electricity Supply Utility of Orissa,

Bhubaneswar

10.40 – 11.00 Tea/coffee Break

11.00 – 13.00 Experiences & Lessons from Green Mini-grids (Chair: Dr. Subhes

Bhattacharyya)

1. Mr K Rahul Sharma, Research Associate, TERI

2. Col Vijay Bhaskar, Country Director, Mlinda Foundation

3. Mr Nikhil Jaisinghani, Director, Mera Gao Power

4. Mr Manik M Jolly, Founder & CEO, Grassroots and Rural Innovative

Development

13.00 – 1400 Lunch

14.00 – 15.30 Breakaway Working Group discussion:

Energizing livelihoods: Challenges and opportunities (led Dr Arabinda

Mishra, TERI University)

Institutional & operational challenges in implementation of decentralized

electricity solutions (led Mr. Debajit Palit, TERI)

15.30 – 15.50 Tea/Coffee Break

1550 – 16.10 Presentation by Group Coordinator(s) of Breakaway Group Discussion

16.10 – 17.20 Panel Discussion: Scaling up green mini-grid projects in India

Moderator: Mr Amit Kumar, Director, TERI

Special Address : Mr B K Mishra, Member, Odisha Electricity Regulatory

Commission

Panelists:

1. Mr. Ashok Chaudhuary Dy. Director, OREDA

2. Dr. Subhes Bhattacharyya, Professor, De Montfort University

3. Dr. Haribandhu Panda, Vice Chancellor, Centurion Institute of Technology &

Management

4. Mr. Piyush Jaju, Director, Onergy

5. Mr. Chris Neidl, Country Manager, Arc Finance

17.20 – 17.30 Concluding Remarks – Dr. Subhes Bhattacharyya, Principal Investigator,

OASYS South Asia Project, De Montfort University, UK


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Annexure II: List of Participants

Sl N First Name Last Name Company Name

1 Mr. Swayam Prakash Baral Crux Power

2 Col.Vijay Bhaskar Mlindia

3 Mr. Ashok Chaudhury OREDA

4 Mr. Nachiketa Das IRADA

5 Mr. Vijay Deshpande Independent Consultant

6 Ms. Priya Jadhav IITB

7 Mr. Nikhil Jaisinghani Mera Gao Power

8 Mr. Piyush Jaju Onergy

9 Mr. B C Jena CESU

10 Mr. Manik M Jolly MEMC

11 Mr. Pramod K. Mishra Kalinga Solar

12 Mr. Biswajit Mohanty Wild Life Society of Orissa

13 Ms. Sudheshna Mukherjee Mlindia

14 Mr. Chris Neidl Arc Finance

15 Prof. Haribandu Panda Centurion University of Technology

and Management

16 Mr. Prashanta Panigrahi Gayatri Solar

17 Mr. Debi Patnaik Forum for Integrated Development

and Research

18 Mr. Shyam Patra Naturetech

19 Mr. Rabin Roy Sun Craft Energy

20 Dr. Naresh Chandra Sahu IITBS

21 Mr. Vernie Sannoo Barefootpower

22 Mr. Subro Sen WWF India

23 Mr. Jarnail Singh The Climate Group (TCG)


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24 Ms. Smita Rakesh Sambodhi Research and

Communications Pvt. Ltd.

25 Ms. Shikha Srivastava Practical Action

26 Mr. Benudhar Sutar Desi Technology Solutions

27 Mr. Bibhu Prasad Tripathy CEE India

28 Mr. Nirupam Banerjee Orissa Post

29 Ms. Sreevidya Gowda Mlinda Foundation

30 Ms. Bony Tarafder Mlinda Foundation

31 Ms. Sudeshna Bera Mlinda Foundation

32 Mr. J. P. Mahapatra Vibrant Odisha

33 Mr. Prashant K. Swain TERI

34 Mr. Rakesh Singh Schneider Electric India Pvt. Ltd.

35 Mr. Chandrashekhar Mishra Canyon Consultancy Pvt. Ltd.

36 Mr. Mrinmoy Chattaraj Green Peace

37 Ms. Suchismita Ghosh Mlinda

38 Ms. Tania Ghosh Mlinda

39 Mr. Krishnapada Sasmal RID

40 Mr. Sechindra Vallury Teri University

41 Mr. S. Pradhan REC

42 Mr. R. K. Sahoo OPMDC

43 Mr. M. Shan Baligu Mahashakti Foundation


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Annexure III: Presentations


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OASYS South Asia project

The Off-grid Access Systems for South Asia (or OASYS South Asia) is a research project funded

by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council of UK and the Department for

International Development, UK. This research is investigating off-grid electrification in South

Asia from a multi-dimensional perspective, considering techno-economic, governance, socio-

political and environmental dimensions. A consortium of universities and research institutes led

by De Montfort University (originally by University of Dundee until end of August 2012) is

carrying out this research. The partner teams include Edinburgh Napier University, University of

Manchester, the Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and TERI University (India).

The project has carried out a detailed review of status of off-grid electrification in the region and

around the world. It has also considered the financial challenges, participatory models and

governance issues. Based on these, an edited book titled “Rural Electrification through

Decentralised Off-grid Systems in Developing Countries” was published in 2013 (Springer-

Verlag, UK). As opposed to individual systems for off-grid electrification, such as solar home

systems, the research under this project is focusing on enabling income generating activities

through electrification and accordingly, investing decentralised mini-grids as a solution. Various

local level solutions for the region have been looked into, including husk-based power, micro-

hydro, solar PV-based mini-grids and hybrid systems. The project is also carrying out

demonstration projects using alternative business models (community-based, private led and local

government led) and technologies to develop a better understanding of the challenges. It is also

looking at replication and scale-up challenges and options and will provide policy

recommendations based on the research.

More details about the project and its outputs can be obtained from

www.oasyssouthasia.dmu.ac.uk or by contacting the principal investigator Prof. Subhes

Bhattacharyya ([email protected]).

OASYS South Asia Project

Institute of Energy and Sustainable Development,

De Montfort University,

The Gateway, Leicester LE1 9BH, UK

Tel: 44(0) 116 257 7975

http://www.oasyssouthasia.dmu.ac.uk/

mailto:[email protected]

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