Review of experience
Policy recommendations
Framework development
OASYS Project cycle
Scaling-up and replication analysis
Case studies
Demonstration projects
OASYS South Asia project started in October 2009 as a collaborative research work funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (UK) and the Department of International Development (UK). Three UK universities, namely De Montfort University (Leicester), Edinburgh Napier University and University of Manchester worked together with two Indian partners, namely the Energy and Resources Institute, New Delhi (India) and TERI University for more than 5 years to investigate business models for off-grid electrifications in South Asia considering four dimensions (namely, techno-economics , governance mechanisms, socio-political dimension and environmental aspects). It focused on two research issues: 1) Cost effective local level solutions
The project has undertaken an extensive review of experiences around the world, with a special attention on South Asia and found that the efforts were limited to individual off-grid solutions (like solar lamps and solar home systems) which did not try to establish any linkage with the livelihood opportunities. Accordingly, the project undertook a detailed analysis of collective options and investigated the case of mini/ micro-grids. Specific features of our work are indicated below: Technology neutral
Solar PV
Hydro
Biomass gasification
AC and DC supply
Smart design
Load estimation
Load balancing
Grid readiness
Demand management
Load separation
Load limiters Multiple delivery options
Village Committees
NGOs
Private sector
Co-operatives
Income generating opportunities
Commercial activities
value added livelihood opportunities
Our research shows that - mini/micro-grid based off-grid electrification can offer a viable alternative to grid extension; - renewable energy-based off-grid electricity solutions can compete with fossil-fuel based electricity supply; - alternative delivery options exist for providing decentralised local gridbased solutions; - careful system design and maintenance plays a key role; - electrification generates significant economic, social and environmental benefits; - local capacity is a constraint and capacity building remains a key issue; - regulatory uncertainty hinders private sector involvement; - mainstreaming of decentralised mini/ micro grid options require some standardisation, organisation learning and end-user finance arrangements.
The action oriented research was implemented through the demonstration component of the project where alternative delivery models were implemented in collaboration with NGOs, private sector partners and government departments. The Rural Electrification Corporation of India provided additional financial support for this component. For further information, please visit: http://www.dmu.ac.uk/research/research-faculties-andinstitutes/institute-of-energy-and-sustainable-development/research-projects/oasys/index.aspx You can also visit http://dmu.academia.edu/OASYSSouthAsiaResearchProject
Or Contact: Prof. Subhes Bhattacharyya, De Montfort University, Leicester LE1 9BH, United Kingdom (email:
[email protected])
