Off-Grid Prospects of Biofuel-Based Rural Electrification in India | Bentham Science

摘要

Tapping non-conventional renewable energy resources for generation of electricity is theneed of the hour, particularly in the developing countries. Renewable energy from photovoltaic, windturbines and small hydroelectricity plants is eco-friendly and highly desirable for all countries. But,for the developing countries, such as, Sub-Sahara Africa where hardly 14.2% of rural electrificationis available, these resources may prove a lifeline. Biofuels may be used as another safe resource foran off-grid electricity generation that covers about 60% of the requirement in Brazil. It may be achoice area for this purpose on small scales akin to the mini-grid system, particularly in the remoterural belts. It has been observed that Jatropha-derived fatty acid (de-esterified oil) is quite suitable foroff-grid rural electrification in India. Bio-methanation of press cake (from Jatropha and other oilseeds)is another suitable material for harnessing off-grid electricity at a reduced level of environmentalpollution. Several studies, Government reports, NGO projects and field studies show that theobjective of rural electrification stands a bright prospect. It was found that there is a major gap in theavailable literature on the rural electrification through Jatropha cultivation. There is a lack ofknowledge of how to make the best possible use of Jatropha for energy generation in India. This endeavorevaluates an Indian perspective of how biofuel-based off-grid electrification may brighten energyscenario, primarily in the rural habitats that comprise over 75% here. It has been also found thatthe costing of biodiesel is much cheaper than the petroleum-based diesel in near future.