Abstract:
Sustainable electrification planning for remote locations especially in developing countries is
very complex in nature while considering different traits such as social, economic, technical, and environmental.
To address these issues related to current energy needs depending upon the end user requirements,
a coherent, translucent, efficient, and rational energy planning framework has to be identified. This paper
presents a comprehensive generalized methodological framework based on the synergies of decision analysis
and optimization models for the design of a reliable, robust, and economic microgrid system based on
locally available resources for rural communities in developing nations. The framework consists of three
different stages. First, decision analysis considering various criterions (technical, social, economic, and
environmental) for the selection of suitable energy alternative for designing the microgrid considering
multiple scenarios are carried out. Second, the optimal sizing of the various energy resources in different
microgrid structures is illustrated. Third, hybrid decision analysis methods are used for selection of the
best sustainable microgrid energy system. Finally, the framework presented is then utilized for the design
of a sustainable rural microgrid for a remote community located in the Himalayas in India to illustrate
its effectiveness. The results obtained show that decision analysis tools provide a real-time solution for
rural electri cation by binding the synergy between various criteria considering different scenarios. The
feasibility analysis using proposed multiyear scalable approach shows its competence not only in determining
the suitable size of the microgrid, but also by reducing the net present cost and the cost of electricity
signi cantly.
