Energy & Wetlands Research Group, Center for Ecological Sciences [CES],
Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560 012, India
Web: http://ces.iisc.ernet.in/energy, http://ces.iisc.ernet.in/foss
E Mail: cestvr@ces.iisc.ernet.in; ganesh@ces.iisc.ernet.in
Corresponding Author: T.V. Ramachandra

Conclusion

GHG emissions of fossil fuel based centralized large-scale power plants (thermal, etc.) have resulted in serious environmental contamination apart from increasing carbon footprint. Decentralized generation (DG) using locally available RE resources with micro-grid are viable options to reduce the T and D losses and meet the regional electricity demand. It also optimizes locally available RE sources, stabilizes the voltage, improves power quality, remote area electrification, reduces pollution and hybridization of RE sources would promise a reliable supply of electricity. Taluks in the Western Ghats region receive higher solar insolation (> 5.5 kWh/m2/d) and also wind (2- 3 m/s) suitable for decentralized applications. Electricity harvesting by exploiting available renewable energy potential could also help the preservation of biodiversity of the region. A small fraction of available wasteland (1-3%) in each state is sufficient to meet the present electricity demand using SPV installation. Available wind power density shows that, peak demand deficiency can be met with wind power potential of the region. Study analyses the variability of wind and solar energy resources which also maps the taluk wise available potential of WG region. Decentralised electricity generation using renewable energy resources is the sustainable option to meet the future demand in an environmental friendly way.