Evaluation of carbon credits earned by energy security in India

Abstract

This paper presents an analysis of carbon credit earned by each district for supplying minimum subsistence electricity to each family (energy security) in India. The minimum subsistence electricity has been defined as electricity required for running one fan and one light. Average insolation per annum available for 10 h a day (when insolation is .150 W/m2) is the basis for numerical computation. Number of Stand alone Photo Voltaic (SAPV) panels with battery backup has been optimized. On the basis of annual performance and carbon credit earned, the life cycle cost analysis of SAPV panels have been performed. The computation of the carbon credit earned by SAPV panels as per the norms of the Kyoto Protocol under climate condition of the corresponding district has also been carried out. Estimation of carbon credits, which will accrue to the nation, has also been done. Return on the investment analysis on the basis of the life cycle cost analysis has also been carried out. It is found that the cost of power generated (€0.102/kWh, €0.0916 and €0.0847 for life cycle of 30, 40 and 50 years respectively), carbon credit earned and return on capital by the SAPV system for Indian climatic condition will be cheaper than the cost of power generated by conventional systems. © The Author 2009. Published by Oxford University Press.