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This paper investigates the relationship between financial development and access to electricity for rural and urban India by incorporating economic growth, trade, and foreign direct investment in energy production function. In doing so, we have applied autoregressive distributed lag bounds testing to examine long run cointegration between the variables by accommodating structural break(s) stemming in the series. Our empirical results indicate the presence of cointegration association between access to electricity and its determinants. We note that financial development enhances access to electricity in rural India but declines it in urban India. Economic growth has positive effect on access to electricity. Trade openness and foreign direct investment lower access to electricity in rural India. In urban India, trade openness and foreign direct investment increase access to electricity. The association between financial development and access to electricity is inverted-U shaped for rural and urban India. This paper would present new policy direction for Indian government to enhance access to electricity by using financial development as an economic tool. • Financial development and access to electricity have a strong linkage. • In India financial development enhances access to electricity in rural area but has adverse effect in urban area. • Rise in economic growth of India has increased the access to electricity. • Growth of Trade Openness and Foreign Direct investment increase access to electricity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing countries constantly face the challenge of reliably matching electricity supply to increasing consumer demand. The traditional policy decisions of increasing supply and reducing demand centrally, by building new power plants and/or load shedding, have been insufficient. Locally installed microgrids along with consumer demand response can be suitable decentralized options to augment the centralized grid based systems and plug the demand–supply gap. The objectives of this paper are to: (1) develop a framework to identify the appropriate decentralized energy options for demand–supply matching within a community, and, (2) determine which of these options can suitably plug the existing demand–supply gap at varying levels of grid unavailability. A scenario analysis framework is developed to identify and assess the impact of different decentralized energy options at a community level and demonstrated for a typical urban residential community – Vijayanagar, Bangalore in India. A combination of LPG based CHP microgrid and proactive demand response by the community is the appropriate option that enables the Vijayanagar community to meet its energy needs 24/7 in a reliable, cost-effective manner. The paper concludes with an enumeration of the barriers and feasible strategies for the implementation of community microgrids in India based on stakeholder inputs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The location selection for thermal power plant (TPP) is a strategic decision, which has significant impact on economic operation of the plant and sustainable development of the region. Further, ranking of the alternative locations, and selection of the most suitable and efficient locations for TPPs is an important multi-criteria decision making problem. This paper proposes an STEEP-fuzzy AHP-TOPSIS based framework for evaluation and selection of optimal locations for TPPs. Potential feasible locations are identified based on social, technical, economical, environmental, and political (STEEP) considerations. The fuzzy AHP, a multi-criteria decision making method, has been applied to determine the weights of qualitative and quantitative criteria impacting location selection process. The fuzzy AHP is adapted to model the linguistic vagueness, ambiguity, and incomplete knowledge. Furthermore, Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), a ranking multi-criteria decision making method, has been applied to rank the alternative locations based on their overall performance. The applicability of proposed method is demonstrated by a case study of TPPs location selection in India. The paper brings out a more accurate, effective, and systematic decision support tool for decision makers to conduct the evaluation process and to select optimal locations for TPPs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Poor cost recovery rates and large subsidization of the agriculture and households by industrial and commercial users are two of the characteristics of the power sector in India. The paper applies a variety of linear and nonlinear unit root tests and a Kalman filter approach which can host time varying elasticities, to estimate the effects of various macroeconomic factors on the price elasticity for electricity in India during 1975–2013. The estimated price elasticity is −0.21 and the income elasticity is 0.41. The study finds that the electricity demand is affected by macroeconomic parameters such as trade and foreign direct investment. The findings of the study have implications to the policy makers and private investors who wish to invest in electricity supply utilities and infrastructure. The value of the estimated elasticity in the study is relatively smaller as compared to the previous studies reflecting, among other things, the fact that electricity demand is supply driven in India. • The Kalman filter approach hosts time varying elasticities. • The estimated price elasticity is -0.21. • The estimated income elasticity is 0.41. • Electricity demand is affected by trade and foreign direct investment. • Electricity demand is supply driven in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: India’s aspiration for economic growth has consequences for energy growth and CO2 emissions. This paper examines India’s need for energy with 20 year perspectives. From an earlier paper by K. Parikh et al. (2009), demand scenario are examined from the supply perspectives ranging from coal, hydrocarbon, nuclear, hydrogen, hydro and other renewable etc. None of these are substantial and India will have to rely on imports. The need for energy has to be reduced by a drive for energy efficiency and renewable energy. Government programmes for the above are also commented upon. Though India’s CO2 emissions are unlikely to grow very much due to energy scarcity and energy mix the article examines the potential to reduce CO2 emissions and the associated costs involved in various options. It finds that 30% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030 is feasible but would involve additional costs. The most promising option is to reduce energy demand by various measures to increase energy use efficiency in production and consumption. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A majority of the Indian population does not have access to convenient energy services (LPG, electricity). Though India has made significant progress in renewable energy, the share of modern renewables in the energy mix is marginal. This paper reviews the status and potential of different renewables (except biomass) in India. This paper documents the trends in the growth of renewables in India and establishes diffusion model as a basis for setting targets. The diffusion model is fitted tot the past trends for wind, small hydro and solar water heating and is used to establish future targets. The economic viability and green house gas (GHG) saving potential is estimated for each option. Several renewables have high growth rates, for example wind, Photovoltaic (PV) module manufacture and solar water heaters. New technologies like Tidal, OTEC, Solar thermal power plants and geothermal power plants are at the demonstration stage and future dissemination will depend on the experience of these projects. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

India is rapidly growing in the economy and population leading to a continuous increase in electricity demand. The wind is a better energy source because of its negligible greenhouse gas emissions, cost competitiveness, price stability, and energy security. This paper presents Geospatial Information System (GIS) based methodology to characterise the offshore wind power potential in the western and the eastern coast of India with technical, economical, and marine ecosystem consideration. Spatial distribution of levelized production cost (LPC) and cost-supply curves was developed under different ocean conditions (human impact on marine ecosystem). The influence of project lifetime, discount rate, and assumptions about investment cost, annual energy production, and availability is presented using sensitivity analysis. Results show that total potential available along the shallow waters (50 m water depth) of Indian coast is approximately equal to 12.8% and 42% respectively of the existing renewable power and wind power capacity. In terms of wind resources and economic costs, the shallow waters of Gujarat and Tamil Nadu states are the best suitable regions for offshore wind power development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Demand Side Management, an integral feature of smart grid, exhibits high potential in load balancing and load shifting for efficient management of the power grids. Strategically designed DSM mechanisms can help mitigate load shedding and facilitate peak load management of grids. In India, only flat rate and inclining block rate tariff mechanism exist for residential customers. With the onset of 14 smart grid pilot projects in India, there is a need to address the realization of potential underlying various features of a smart grid. As India is a price sensitive market, time of use tariffs and other demand response programs are expected to potentially affect the consumer behavior in power consumption. In this paper, the usage pattern of residential customers, collected from a pilot project in India is analyzed for scaling the potential of DSM strategies. Simulations have been carried out for a price based mechanism as well as an incentive based mechanism to evaluate the underlying potential of DSM exclusively for residential consumers. The results of the simulation indicate that there is a definite scope for load balancing as well as financial savings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Indian power sector is experiencing a lot of pressure to supply sustainable electricity at affordable cost due to heavy demand especially in the summer peak season. Most of India's electricity is produced by fossil fueled power plants, which are the source of CO 2 emissions. In this case, renewable energy sources play a vital role in securing sustainable energy without environmental emissions. This paper examines the effects of renewable energy use in electricity supply systems and estimates the CO 2 emissions by developing various scenarios under the least cost approach. The LEAP energy model is used to develop these scenarios. The results show that in a ARET (accelerated renewable energy technology) scenario, 23% of electricity is generated by renewables only, and 74% of CO 2 reduction is possible by 2050. If the maximum energy savings potential is combined with the ARET scenario, the renewables share in electricity supply rises to 36% as compared to the reference scenario, while the CO 2 emission reduction in this case remains at 74%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid growth of air conditioners (ACs) in developing regions exacerbates some of the issues present in their electricity systems. Direct Load Control strategies can manage peak loads for optimizing energy usage for users and utilities. When applied to air conditioning, these strategies can be used for Demand Side Management which has not been fully explored for developing regions. In this paper a novel Direct Load Control mechanism is proposed, wherein control is based on technical constraints (generation capacity). To determine the effects of the proposed mechanism, a case study of the Indian State of Karnataka is carried out. The results indicate 0.88% energy savings and a reduction of almost 2% in regional peak loads in a state where only around 5% of all households have AC units. The case study shows that an AC Direct Load Control can have significant economic and environmental impacts, and can help improve current energy, water and climate issues. Continuous improvements in both energy access and economic conditions of developing regions are leading to a larger number of AC's installed, meaning that a mechanism that enables sustainable AC consumption could be of great use for all the stakeholders in the developing countries' electricity sectors. • A novel Direct Load Control for residential air conditioning is proposed. • The control can be implemented in developing regions without price-based markets. • A case study of the novel control shows a summer demand reduction of 0.88%. • The reduction of the demand leads to environmental and economic benefits. • The proposed control reduces negative impacts of growing air conditioning demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wood plays a key role in meeting energy demand in India, particularly in rural areas; its share in total energy consumption of the country is estimated to be about 18%. Traditionally wood is mostly used as fuel in household cooking; small quantities are also used in other applications such as restaurants, brick and tile manufacturing and agro-processing. The energy crisis of 1973 triggered interest in use of wood in modern applications, initially in gasifiers for pumping water and small-scale electricity generation in rural areas and later in power generation using steam turbines. Although installed capacity of biopower generation has been growing at an annual average rate of about 16% since December 2005, the sector appears to be facing uncertain future because of rising cost and lack of reliable supplies of wood. This paper presents a review of different aspects of wood energy in India and an assessment of wood energy potential in 2050 based on availability and productivity of different types of land for wood production; the potential of biopower capacity based on surplus wood after meeting demands for timber and fuelwood is estimated to be 180–260 GW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the role of state level institutional differences in attracting FDI (foreign direct investment) in wind energy in India. The role of institutional differences is measured by means of constructing a policy index using five key policies in wind energy: feed-in-tariff, open access transmission, third party sale, banking, and wheeling charges. Panel data techniques are then employed to investigate the impact of the policy differences on FDI inflow in wind energy for eight Indian states that have significant resource potential over the seven year period (2004–05 to 2010–11) after controlling for several state-specific factors. The results indicate that state-specific policy index for wind energy is significant in attracting FDI in a state irrespective of whether control variables are included or not. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we evaluate opportunities to mitigate CO 2 emission from the power and industry sectors of India by carbon capture and storage. Results show that the total CO 2 emission from 630 power and industrial plants is 1.7 Gtpa. Of this, 0.9 Gtpa comes from power plants and 0.8 Gtpa from industry plants. There is 416.2 Gt of CO 2 storage capacity (mid case scenario) in India, enough to store 237 years of emission. Of this, 412.7 Gt (99%) comes from saline aquifers in 22 sedimentary basins, 1.9 Gt (0.44%) from six major gas fields, and 1.7 Gt (0.41%) from 37 major oil fields. The total mid CO 2 -enhanced oil recovery potential in India is 500 × 106 m3 with the biggest potential found in the following oil fields: Mumbai High (231 × 106 m3), Gandhar (13 × 106 m3), Mangala (17 × 106 m3) and Nahorkatiya (24 × 106 m3) in the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Assam, respectively. Results of a CO 2 source-sink mapping exercise show that in most cases, CO 2 source-sink distance is less than 500 km, and many cases less than 100 km. • India's CO 2 emission is 1.7 Gtpa from the power and industry sectors. • There is 416.2 Gt of subsurface CO 2 storage capacity in India. • There is a total of CO 2 -enhanced oil recovery potential of 5.01 × 108 m3. • A CO 2 -EOR pilot is recommended for the offshore Mumbai High oil field. • Most CO 2 sources can be stored in sinks within a 500 km distance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: For India, sustainable strategy means one that is economically, environmentally and socially sustainable. This calls for rapid economic growth to deal with poverty and human development. However, the relatively meagre energy resources of the country pose a huge challenge. At the same time concern for climate change has raised the bar on the use of the one energy resource that India has in some abundance, namely coal. India''s strategy for sustainable development has to explore all options of reducing energy needs, enhancing efficiency of use of conventional energy resources and develop new and renewable sources. The paper identifies various technical options, their potential roles and alternative policy measures to realize them in a cost effective manner. Even for the same objectives different policy instruments are available and how one chooses a particular instrument is often critical for the success. Self-implementing incentive compatible policy that does not create vested interests that would get entrenched should be preferred. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Due to the growing energy needs along with increasing concerns towards control of greenhouse gas emissions, most developing countries are under pressure to find alternative methods for energy conversion and policies to make these technologies economically viable. Most of the energy is produced from fossil fuel in India which is not a sustainable source of energy. In this paper Indian power sector has been examined by using MARKAL model for introduction of clean coal and advanced nuclear technologies with implementation of energy conservation potential. The result shows that application of clean technologies gives energy security but not significant reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. When clean technologies apply with energy conservation a huge amount of CO2 can be reduced and also economically viable. Three scenarios including base case scenario have been developed to estimate the resource allocations and CO2 mitigation. The clean technologies with maximum savings potential shows 70% CO2 reduction in the year 2045. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Energy policy has to have a long-term perspective. To formulate it one needs to know the contours of energy requirements and options. Different approaches have been followed in literature, each with their own problems. A top down econometric approach provides little guidance on policies, while a bottom up approval requires too much knowledge and too many assumptions. Using top-down econometric approach for aggregate overall benchmarking and a detailed activity analysis model, Integrated Energy System Model, for a few large sectors, provides a unique combination for easing the difficulties of policy formulation. The model is described in this paper. Eleven alternate scenarios are built, designed to map out extreme points of feasible options. Results show that even after employing all domestic energy resource to their full potential, there will be a continued rise of fossil fuel use, continued importance of coal, and continued rise of import dependence. Energy efficiency emerges as a major option with a potential to reduce energy requirement by as much as 17%. Scenario results point towards pushing for development of alternative sources. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]