Application of multi-criteria decision analysis tool for design of a sustainable microgrid for a remote village in the Himalayas

Abstract

Decision analysis tool is utilised for the design and analysis of a microgrid with a perspective of sustainable development for a remote location in the hilly terrain of Himalayas. The microgrid design is based on the locally available energy resources, such as solar, wind, running water streams to meet the electrical load demand. The village selected has no access to electricity till date. A door-to-door survey is conducted to project the current and future load demand of the community. The complexity in designing sustainable energy system due to the inclusion of multiple criteria with multiple objectives and scenarios has increased to a great extent. Involvement of multiple stakeholders with differing views and various factors such as social, technical, environmental, economic and political/institutional, makes the process more tedious. For a successful design of the microgrid for such locations, a synergy needs to exist between differing viewpoints of stakeholder when multiple criteria with various scenarios are considered. Multiple criteria decision analysis tools are best suitable for such scenarios especially for energy planning based on renewable energy technologies. The process outlined in this paper will be helpful for successful design of sustainable microgrids for unelectrified and rural location in developing nations.