• DISTRIBUTED POWER GENERATION IN REMOTE VILLAGES – AN IDEAL HYBRID MODEL PROPOSED TO BE REALIZED WITH THE OPTIMUM MIX OF ADVANCED AND APPROPRIATE RENEWABLE TECHNOLOGIES

Abstract

An ideal hybrid power supply model for meeting the minimum energy needs  of remote rural villages is proposed to be based on the inputs locally available in plenty, efficient conversion route, selection of cost effective devices using appropriate and efficient  technology, less GHG emissions, high efficacy lighting lamps, appropriate equipments capable of expansion to meet increasing energy demands of the society and the village in a phased manner. The system should use minimum or zero quantity of fossil fuels. It should have provision for better and efficient use of waste land to accommodate petro crops, aquatic crops and fodder cultivation so that animals, plants and micro-organisms could also become part of the power system. As time passes away the system should gradually attain sustainability and green power producing status. As far as possible it should not only follow bio-methanation route to produce biogas for power production but also produce good bio- manure to meet agricultural demand of bio-fertilizer along with reduction in use of chemical fertilizers. If oil seeds and other components of Jatropha Curcus excluding wood are directly converted to biogas the overall energy yield is more than the total yield of energy from biodiesel and biogas from de-oiled cake combined to gather energy option. This system when clubbed with solar photovoltaic and animate power plants would form an ideal hybrid power supply model to meet the power demand of the remote villages in energy efficient, economical and eco-friendly manner.