Analysis of energy access and impact of modern energy sources in unelectrified villages in Uttar Pradesh

- Surveys of households were conducted in unelectrified villages in Uttar Pradesh.
- Access to and usage of modern and traditional energy sources are analysed.
- The costs and greenhouse gas emissions of energy use are quantified and assessed.
- A Monte Carlo simulation is used to simulate the village electricity requirements.

Bringing access to modern energy sources to the poorest in society is a key goal of many policymakers, businesses and charities, but in order to be a success projects and schemes must be founded on accurate data. We undertook a survey of energy demand and usage patterns in households in unelectrified villages in Uttar Pradesh, India to assess access to and utilisation of energy sources for lighting and cooking. The times of usage were recorded and analysed and the effect on usage patterns of transitioning from traditional to modern energy sources is assessed. We quantify the cost and greenhouse gas emissions of current energy use in order to provide a benchmark of potential mitigation through the use of renewable energy technologies: a typical household with kerosene lamps only for lighting spends INR 3243 (US$50.67) and emits 381 kgCO2eq per year; households with modern cooking energy spend 17% more through increased usage, but emit 28% less greenhouse gases compared to those with traditional stoves only. Cell phone ownership was found to be 50% amongst adults. We use demographic and utilisation data to construct an hourly demand profile of basic electricity demand extrapolated to each month of the year, and present an example of aspirational demand assess the impact of desirable appliances. A Monte Carlo simulation is used to highlight the daily and seasonal variation in total energy and power demand. A hybrid system, with solar power and battery storage meeting daytime demand and higher-capacity diesel- or biomass-powered generation meeting the remainder during evening peaks and winter months, would satisfy demand most effectively.