India’s CSIR develops solar-biodiesel hybrid mini-grid for rural areas

In India, the Tribune newspaper reports the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research is working to expand distributed energy access through the development of a 50kW prototype solar-biodiesel hybrid mini-grid system. Most power is provided by coal-fired power plants that require extensive investment in power transmission infrastructure, making the mini-grid system an attractive alternative for rural areas with limited access to power. Wind and biogas are also seen as optional add ons to the mini-grid.