Cost and environmental impact assessment of household and village energy systems in rural India

Abstract

In this paper, several household and village energy systems were modelled and assessed for their land use, cost, and environmental impact in rural India. Household systems include improved lighting and cooking facilities, while village systems provide electricity and process energy for small industries. Switching from grid electricity to village energy systems had high environmental impact mitigation potential and their additional income generating services significantly reduced electricity cost.However, using Jatropha oil for electricity generation necessitated the availability of large amounts of wasteland. Improved cooking systems had the highest benefit to cost ratios.