Green Panchayat – the Way Forward towards Achieving the Target of Net-Zero Emissions and Sustainable Rural Electrification

Abstract

Green Panchayat means powering the rural Indian households by harnessing the renewable sources of energy. India has set target of achieving Net-Zero emission by 2070 and the set target cannot be achieved without the inclusion of the rural households as more than half of our country population lives in rural areas. Rural electrification is considered the backbone of the rural economy but it has come up with many challenges such as availability of 24x7 power supply, power wastages due to subsidized electricity and losses to State Discoms. The paper illustrates the case study of energy consumption pattern of villages Amro, Kochwa and Budgada and it proposes a solution to provide reliable power using PV-micro-grid and solar roof top installation on public buildings.Further, detail sizing (battery, inverter, panels) of the proposed PV system to meet the energy demand (1196.91 kWh/day) of the considered villages is also determined. The economic analysis is also shown in terms of payback period to reflect the project feasibility. The paper also illustrates the energy conservation measures to be taken up in the rural households to achieve the energy savings by use of energy-efficient appliances. In a nutshell, this paper will be helpful to the power system planners and decision makers for possible implementation of Rural Electrification project which has a vital role in achieving Net-Zero emissions and sustainable development.