I discussed with several high profiled researchers about using microgrids and distributed energy resources with an economic model. Most of them just neglect it.
This is an interesting question. I have no special insight into Bangladesh or the applicability of microgrids there; however, as an economist that will not prevent me from offering some hypotheses. Hopefully, this will spark other answers.
Sometimes lack of understanding is disguised as a lack of interest. Some people are afraid of of being embarrassed. Similarly, some are not eager to appear to endorse new technologies or delivery systems in case they have hidden pitfalls.
Although some may question the commercial viability of micro grids, especially since they have not taken off in the US. Even if microgrids have the potential to be more reliable, issues of connecting them with the sprawling US grid system are a concern.
Fear can be embedded in an outward appearance of a lack of interest. Even if a better system is mixed with an existing one, does not assure the combination of these is superior. I am not sure this applies in Bangladesh as much.
I could go on with others; however, let me end with one of the strongest (i.e., self-interest). When someone has a vested interest in the status quo, lack of interest may be a blocking mechanism.
The links are reference that may add some understanding. I hope this helps and encourages other answers.
http://galvinpower.org/sites/default/files/Intel_Open_Energy_Initiative_for_Panel_v2_5_19_10.pdf
http://galvinpower.org/sites/default/files/Pareto_HouseSelectCommittee.pdf
http://galvinpower.org/sites/default/files/John_Kelly_Microgrid_Briefing_52010.pdf
Microgrids are not the familiar model that people are used to. So, people tend to think it cannot be good.
Never change a winning team!
I would argue that Bangladesh home of the most successful solar home system (SHS) program in the world had less of a need to transform/ innovate its decentralized energy sector, as for a long time they were going really well with the SHS model. So only now, after 3.2+ systems have already been installed with theonly few innovations such as increasing share of LED technology over time, the sector facing drastically declining payback rates, has to questions its approach and is looking more and more for prepaid meters, DC nanogrids and bigger AC minigrids. By now, IDCOL has already announced its target of 50 solar mini-grid projects by 2017 (http://idcol.org/home/solar_min), and so far IDCOl has always surpasssed its goal. Microgrids are coming up in BD.
If you are interested, pls ping me, I wrote a couple of papers on microgrids in Bangladesh!
Microgrids are on the verge in BD. See examples of Solar IC and ME SOLshare (both links attached).
Best, Sebastian
http://www.solar-ic.com/newsite/
http://www.me-solshare.com/
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Physical Sciences
- Energy
- Energy Resources