Publication

Abstract : The UN Millennium Development Goals have in recent years understood and emphasized the critical connection between rural poverty and health issues, and lack of any or proper electrification. Although Indian village electrification has been a priority for the government for a number of years, it is a huge task given the millions of households residing in rural areas. Further, not all claims of village electrification reflect actual access to the grid nor consistent quality of access, when available. This paper addresses an assessment of electrification challenges in villages, as well as potential renewable resource availability. In response to electrification concerns expressed by villagers in the state of Jharkhand, a functional assessment of the existing grid was conducted, as well as an assessment of personal, business, and community electrification needs expressed by villagers. Multiple problems were discovered and are reported here. With village participation, alternative sustainable energy sources were explored, and the most feasible alternative sources to meet village needs for sustainable, reliable energy supplementing the current grid were identified. This paper also presents a detailed needs-assessment of villagers which will influence the potential sustainable energy solution.