DOI: https://doi.org/10.14710/ijred.8.3.231-241

Microgrids for rural schools: An energy-education accord to curb societal challenges for sustainable rural developments

1Sustainable Energy Systems, School of Engineering and Computer Science , Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, 6140, New Zealand

2Department of Industrial Engineering, and the Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Energy Studies, Stellenbosch University, 7600, South Africa

3International Energy Research Centre (IERC), Tyndall National Institute, Cork, Ireland

Received: 1 May 2019; Revised: 26 Aug 2019; Accepted: 3 Sep 2019; Available online: 30 Oct 2019; Published: 27 Oct 2019.
Editor(s): H Hadiyanto

Citation Format:
Cover Image
Abstract

Quality education and schools have a key role to play in the sustainable development of society. Unfortunately, many remote communities in developing countries fail to enjoy access to quality education due to a lack of electricity, thereby interrupting regular school services in the villages. The main objective of the paper contributes to understanding the importance of the energy-education accord, and aims to curb the social challenges prevailing in the villages. Specifically, the paper suggests a technical intervention by designing a hybrid renewable energy system for such schools. The approach is demonstrated through a case study with a load demand of approximately 4 kWh/d, comprising a class size of 40 students. A techno-economic evaluation of the energy system reveals the levelized cost of energy of the system at USD 0.22 per kWh, which may be affordable considering number of other aspects, outlined in this paper, to enable a larger uptake of such systems in developing countries. ©2019. CBIORE-IJRED. All rights reserved

Fulltext View|Download
Keywords: microgrids; rural electrification; rural school and education; techno-economic analysis; sustainable development goals

Article Metrics:

Article Info
Section: Original Research Article
Language : EN
Recent articles
Integration of 5G Technologies in Smart Grid Communication-A Short Survey Microgrids for rural schools: An energy-education accord to curb societal challenges for sustainable rural developments Agro-residues and weed biomass as a source bioenergy: Implications for sustainable management and valorization of low-value biowastes More recent articles
Most cited articles
On the Eddy Current Losses in Metallic Towers Microbial Fuel Cells for Simultaneous Electricity Generation and Organic Degradation from Slaughterhouse Wastewater Optimal Operation of Micro-grids Considering the Uncertainties of Demand and Renewable Energy Resources Generation Techno-economic Analysis of a Wind-Diesel Hybrid Power System in the South Algeria The characteristic changes of betung bamboo (Dendrocalamus asper) pretreated by fungal pretreatment More cited articles
  1. Aggarwal, V., Fahey, A., Freymiller, H. S., Huang, C. C., Li, S., Moilanen, S., … Scheetz Freymiller, H. (2014). Rural Energy Alternatives in India: Opportunities in Financing and Community Engagement for Renewable Energy Microgrid Projects The villagers of Darewadi and their microgrid. Retrieved from http://wws.princeton.edu/sites/default/files/content/591f Rural Energy Alternatives in India.pdf
  2. Aklin, M., Bayer, P., Harish, S. P., & Urpelainen, J. (2017). Does basic energy access generate socioeconomic benefits? A field experiment with off-grid solar power in India. Science Advances, 3(5), e1602153. https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.1602153
  3. Arto, I., Capellán-Pérez, I., Lago, R., Bueno, G., & Bermejo, R. (2016). The energy requirements of a developed world. Energy for Sustainable Development, 33, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.ESD.2016.04.001
  4. Ayyub, A. (2018). The Effect of Midday Meal (MDMS) on Nutrition, Registration and Primary School Students in Madhya Pradesh: Case Study. Journal of Management Science, Operations & Strategies (e ISSN 2456-9305), 1(3), 45–50. Retrieved from http://management.nrjp.co.in/index.php/JMSOS/article/view/140
  5. Barman, M., Mahapatra, S., Palit, D., & Chaudhury, M. K. (2017). Performance and impact evaluation of solar home lighting systems on the rural livelihood in Assam, India. Energy for Sustainable Development, 38, 10–20. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.ESD.2017.02.004
  6. Bensch, G., Peters, J., & Sievert, M. (2017). The lighting transition in rural Africa — From kerosene to battery-powered LED and the emerging disposal problem. Energy for Sustainable Development, 39, 13–20. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.ESD.2017.03.004
  7. Bhakta, S., Mukherjee, V., & Shaw, B. (2015). Techno-economic analysis of standalone photovoltaic/wind hybrid system for application in isolated hamlets of North-East India. Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy, 7(2), 023126. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4918792
  8. Burke, M. J., & Stephens, J. C. (2017). Energy democracy: Goals and policy instruments for sociotechnical transitions. Energy Research and Social Science, 33, 35–48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2017.09.024
  9. Chakraborty, T., & Jayaraman, R. (2019). School feeding and learning achievement: Evidence from India’s midday meal program. Journal of Development Economics. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.JDEVECO.2018.10.011
  10. Chatterjee, A., Brent, A., & Rayudu, R. (2018). Distributed Generation for Electrification of Rural Primary School and Health Centre: An Indian Perspective. In 2018 IEEE Innovative Smart Grid Technologies - Asia (ISGT Asia) (pp. 162–166). IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/ISGT-Asia.2018.8467764
  11. Chatterjee, A., Burmester, D., Brent, A., & Rayudu, R. (2018). Defining a remote village typology to improve the technical standard for off-grid electrification system design(in press)
  12. Chatterjee, A., & Rayudu, R. (2017). Techno-economic analysis of hybrid renewable energy system for rural electrification in India. In 2017 IEEE Innovative Smart Grid Technologies - Asia (ISGT-Asia) (pp. 1–5). IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/ISGT-Asia.2017.8378470
  13. Chu, Z., Wang, Z., Xiao, J. J., & Zhang, W. (2017). Financial Literacy, Portfolio Choice and Financial Well-Being. Social Indicators Research, 132(2), 799–820. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-016-1309-2
  14. Datta Gupta, N., Dubey, A., & Simonsen, M. (2018). Rising school attendance in rural India: an evaluation of the effects of major educational reforms. Education Economics, 26(2), 109–128. https://doi.org/10.1080/09645292.2017.1387887
  15. Diab, F., & Ali, S. (2016). An economic and environment friendly solution for the rural households’ energy crisis in Egypt. Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy, 8(4), 045904. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4955112
  16. Diniz, A. S. A. C., França, E. D., Câmara, C. F., Morais, P. M. R., & Vilhena, L. (2007). The important contribution of photovoltaics in a rural school electrification program. Conference Record of the 2006 IEEE 4th World Conference on Photovoltaic Energy Conversion, WCPEC-4, 2, 2528–2531. https://doi.org/10.1109/WCPEC.2006.279760
  17. EIA. (2016). International Energy Outlook 2016. International Energy Outlook 2016 (Vol. 0484(2016)). https://doi.org/www.eia.gov/forecasts/ieo/pdf/0484(2016).pdf
  18. Energy Information Administration, U. (2040). International Energy Outlook 2016. Retrieved from www.eia.gov
  19. GNESD. (2014). Renewable energy-based rural electrification: The mini-grid experience from India
  20. Herington, M. J., van de Fliert, E., Smart, S., Greig, C., & Lant, P. A. (2017). Rural energy planning remains out-of-step with contemporary paradigms of energy access and development. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 67, 1412–1419. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.RSER.2016.09.103
  21. Hiremath, R. B., Kumar, B., Balachandra, P., Ravindranath, N. H., & Raghunandan, B. N. (2009). Decentralised renewable energy: Scope, relevance and applications in the Indian context. Energy for Sustainable Development, 13(1), 4–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.ESD.2008.12.001
  22. IEA webstore. WEO-2017 Special Report: Energy Access Outlook. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://webstore.iea.org/weo-2017-special-report-energy-access-outlook
  23. International Energy Agency (IEA). (2017). Energy Access Outlook 2017
  24. Jahangiri, M., Nematollahi, O., Sedaghat, A., & Saghafian, M. (2015). Techno-economical assessment of renewable energies integrated with fuel cell for off grid electrification: A case study for developing countries. Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy, 7(2), 023123. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4918592
  25. Jha, P., Kesler, M. A., Kumar, R., Ram, F., Ram, U., Aleksandrowicz, L., … Banthia, J. K. (2011). Trends in selective abortions of girls in India: analysis of nationally representative birth histories from 1990 to 2005 and census data from 1991 to 2011. The Lancet, 377(9781), 1921–1928. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(11)60649-1
  26. Karakurum-Ozdemir, K., Kokkizil, M., & Uysal, G. (2018). Financial Literacy in Developing Countries. Social Indicators Research, 1–29. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-018-1952-x
  27. Kararach, G., Nhamo, G., Mubila, M., Nhamo, S., Nhemachena, C., & Babu, S. (2018). Reflections on the Green Growth Index for developing countries: A focus of selected African countries. Development Policy Review, 36, O432–O454. https://doi.org/10.1111/dpr.12265
  28. Khandker, S. R., Barnes, D. F., & Samad, H. A. (2012). The Welfare Impacts of Rural Electrification in Bangladesh. Source: The Energy Journal The Energy Journal, 33(1), 187–206. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/41323350
  29. Kumar, A. (2008). EDUCATION OF TRIBAL CHILDREN IN JHARKHAND : A SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS. Jharkhand Journal of Development and Management Studies XISS (Vol. 6). Retrieved from http://ssrn.com/abstract=1369125
  30. Kumar, T. (2018). An Evaluation of Mid-Day Meal Scheme in Chatra District of Jharkhand. SSRN Electronic Journal. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3245873
  31. Lee, H.-S., Low, K.-L.-T., Chong, S.-C., & Sia, B.-K. (2018). Influence of Secondary and Tertiary Literacy on Life Insurance Consumption: Case of Selected ASEAN Countries. The Geneva Papers on Risk and Insurance - Issues and Practice, 43(1), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41288-017-0050-7
  32. Li, J., Mattes, E., Stanley, F., McMurray, A., & Hertzman, C. (2009). Social determinants of child health and well-being. Health Sociology Review, 18(1), 3–11. https://doi.org/10.5172/hesr.18.1.3
  33. Louie, H. (2016). Operational analysis of hybrid solar/wind microgrids using measured data. Energy for Sustainable Development, 31, 108–117. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.ESD.2016.01.003
  34. Louie, H. (2018). Other Considerations. In Off-Grid Electrical Systems in Developing Countries (pp. 461–467). Cham: Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-91890-7_14
  35. Mandelli, S., Barbieri, J., Mereu, R., & Colombo, E. (2016). Off-grid systems for rural electrification in developing countries: Definitions, classification and a comprehensive literature review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 58, 1621–1646. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.RSER.2015.12.338
  36. Mentis, D., Welsch, M., Fuso Nerini, F., Broad, O., Howells, M., Bazilian, M., & Rogner, H. (2015). A GIS-based approach for electrification planning—A case study on Nigeria. Energy for Sustainable Development, 29, 142–150. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.ESD.2015.09.007
  37. Mir, M. H. (2018). Research Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences. Research Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences (Vol. 9). Athena Information Solutions Pvt. Ltd. Retrieved from http://www.indianjournals.com/ijor.aspx?target=ijor:rjhss&volume=9&issue=4&article=018
  38. Mirzaei, M., & Vahidi, B. (2015). Feasibility analysis and optimal planning of renewable energy systems for industrial loads of a dairy factory in Tehran, Iran. Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy, 7(6), 063114. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4936591
  39. Mohamed, M. A., Eltamaly, A. M., & Alolah, A. I. (2015). Sizing and techno-economic analysis of stand-alone hybrid photovoltaic/wind/diesel/battery power generation systems. Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy, 7(6), 063128. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4938154
  40. Nahar, A., Hasib, A., George, G., & Mukherjee, M. (2018). Energy Efficiency Measures Across Key Sectors in India—An Approach Towards Climate Change (pp. 29–34). Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-7122-5_4
  41. Palit, D., & Chaurey, A. (2011). Off-grid rural electrification experiences from South Asia: Status and best practices. Energy for Sustainable Development, 15(3), 266–276. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.ESD.2011.07.004
  42. Power, S. C., Michalik, M. J., Couture-Nowak, S., Kent, B. A., & Mistlberger, R. E. (2018). Midday meals do not impair mouse memory. Scientific Reports, 8(1), 17013. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-35427-y
  43. Pradhan, P., Costa, L., Rybski, D., Lucht, W., & Kropp, J. P. (2017). Earth’s Future A Systematic Study of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Interactions. https://doi.org/10.1002/2017EF000632
  44. Ranjan, A. (2018). Adult and extension education for rural people: a life long learning more than formal education. Retrieved from http://censusindia.gov.in/
  45. Renewable energy-based rural electrification: the mini-grid experience from India - India Environment Portal | News, reports, documents, blogs, data, analysis on environment & development | India, South Asia. (n.d.). Retrieved February 1, 2019, from http://www.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/content/400813/renewable-energy-based-rural-electrification-the-mini-grid-experience-from-india/
  46. Riva, F., Ahlborg, H., Hartvigsson, E., Pachauri, S., & Colombo, E. (2018). Electricity access and rural development: Review of complex socio-economic dynamics and causal diagrams for more appropriate energy modelling. Energy for Sustainable Development, 43, 203–223. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.ESD.2018.02.003
  47. Rojas-Zerpa, J. C., & Yusta, J. M. (2014). Methodologies, technologies and applications for electric supply planning in rural remote areas. Energy for Sustainable Development, 20, 66–76. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.ESD.2014.03.003
  48. Roy, T. K., & Chattopadhyay, A. (2012). DAUGHTER DISCRIMINATION AND FUTURE SEX RATIO AT BIRTH IN INDIA. Asian Population Studies, 8(3), 281–299. https://doi.org/10.1080/17441730.2012.714669
  49. Saebi, J., & Seyyed Mahdavi, S. (2018). Optimal design of hybrid energy system based on persuasive policies for renewable resources in Iran (case study: University of Bojnord). Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy, 10(4), 045906. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.5031079
  50. Saini, V., & Sangwan, S. (2018, January 18). Awareness on Gender Empowerment and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Through Intervention. Retrieved from https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3116715
  51. Sandwell, P., Chambon, C., Saraogi, A., Chabenat, A., Mazur, M., Ekins-Daukes, N., & Nelson, J. (2016). Analysis of energy access and impact of modern energy sources in unelectrified villages in Uttar Pradesh. Energy for Sustainable Development, 35, 67–79. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.ESD.2016.09.002
  52. Sengupta, M., Habte, A., Kurtz, S., Dobos, A., Wilbert, S., Lorenz, E., … Perez, R. (2015). Best Practices Handbook for the Collection and Use of Solar Resource Data for Solar Energy Applications. Retrieved from www.nrel.gov/publications
  53. Sharma, A., & Bairwa, B. L. (2018). An assessment of facilities available to children with special needs (cwsn) in government schools under sarva shiksha abhiyan. International Journal of Social and Allied Research (IJSAR), 6(2), 43–46. Retrieved from http://journals.foundationspeak.com/index.php/ijsar/article/view/502
  54. Sharma, K. (2019). Hunger In Jharkhand: Dimensions Of Poverty And Food Security In Palamu District. South Asia Research, 39(1), 43–60. https://doi.org/10.1177/0262728018816407
  55. Shiroudi, A., Rashidi, R., Gharehpetian, G. B., Mousavifar, S. A., & Akbari Foroud, A. (2012). Case study: Simulation and optimization of photovoltaic-wind-battery hybrid energy system in Taleghan-Iran using homer software. Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy, 4(5), 053111. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4754440
  56. Taseska-Gjorgievska, V., Dedinec, A., Markovska, N., Kanevce, G., Goldstein, G., & Pye, S. (2013). Assessment of the impact of renewable energy and energy efficiency policies on the Macedonian energy sector development. Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy, 5(4), 041814. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4813401
  57. Tijani, H. O., Wei Tan, C., & Bashir, N. (2014). Techno-economic analysis of hybrid photovoltaic/diesel/battery off-grid system in northern Nigeria. Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy, 6(3), 033103. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4873122
  58. van Gevelt, T., Canales Holzeis, C., Fennell, S., Heap, B., Holmes, J., Hurley Depret, M., … Safdar, M. T. (2018). Achieving universal energy access and rural development through smart villages. Energy for Sustainable Development, 43, 139–142. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.ESD.2018.01.005
  59. Verma, R., Dhaka, R., & Agrawal, G. (2018). Beti bachao, beti padhao programme: a right initiative to save the girl child. International Journal Of Community Medicine And Public Health, 5(6), 2153. https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20182139
  60. Walia, H. S. (2018). The Naxal Quagmire in Bihar & Jharkhand – Genesis & Sustenance. LEARNING COMMUNITY: AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EDUCATION AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.30954/2231-458X.01.2018.7
  61. WEO 2018. (n.d.). Retrieved February 1, 2019, from https://www.iea.org/weo2018/
  62. World Bank, & Bank, W. (2008). of Rural Electrification : A Reassessment of the Costs and Benefits. International Finance. https://doi.org/978-0-8213-7368-2
  63. Yadav, S. K., Sharma, R. S., & Birua, M. (2018). Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan: Achievements, Problems and Future Prospects: A Comparative Analysis of Some Indian States. In Reflecting on India’s Development (pp. 175–201). Singapore: Springer Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-1414-8_9

Last update:

  1. Modeling and Simulation of Standalone WECS-PMSG for Water Pumping System

    Hana' A. Rabab'ah, Yaser N. Anagreh. 2021 IEEE PES/IAS PowerAfrica, 2021. doi: 10.1109/PowerAfrica52236.2021.9543189

  2. Reported Behavioural Patterns of Electricity Use among Low-Income Households in Makhanda, South Africa

    Uzziah Mutumbi, Gladman Thondhlana, Sheunesu Ruwanza. Sustainability, 13 (13), 2021. doi: 10.3390/su13137271

Last update: 2024-11-21 18:53:30

  1. Energy democracy as a process, an outcome and a goal: A conceptual review

    Szulecki K.. Energy Research and Social Science, 69 , 2020. doi: 10.1016/j.erss.2020.101768