Achieving Universal Electrification in India: A Roadmap for Rural Solar Mini-Grids

Access to electricity has been an essential force in India’s recent growth and progress. If India is to become a true leader on the global stage, such progress needs to continue, particularly for low-income rural communities. Unlike in decades past, however, India can no longer provide electricity to its citizens purely from conventional sources like coal, gas and large hydroelectric dams. It is time to turn the page, and to embrace the new generation of clean technologies.

The sheer number of Indian citizens without reliable electricity underscores the magnitude of the challenge. At the same time, the scale of the Indian market presents a tremendous opportunity for innovative solutions. Solar power has made inroads into the Indian market, and can soon become cost competitive with conventional sources. However, a number of technological and business innovations are needed to make it affordable, especially for India’s rural poor. This report analyses the underlying challenges in making solar power a reality in rural

This report analyses the underlying challenges in making solar power a reality in rural India and identifies what actions can be taken to overcome them. In doing so, it lays a strong foundation for helping India achieve universal electrification. It also introduces a roadmap for helping India become a true global leader in clean energy, not just for itself, but also for the rest of the developing world. Read More…