Study of renewable energy communities in Germany: learning of best practices, policy instruments and the challenges for India
Student name: Ms Megha Anukampa Singh
Guide: Dr Subir Sen
Year of completion: 2013
Host Organisation: Freie Universitat, Berlin
Supervisor (Host Organisation): Dr Kirsten Jorgensen
Abstract: A great fraction of the Indian population resides in rural areas and lacks access to modern
energy sources. Off grid decentralized installation for renewable energy use can facilitate the
absorption of modern energy use even in remote locations. Involving the local population in this
drive will not only empower them but also ease the process. While individual installations can
amount to enormous costs, the option of a collaborative installation that meets the needs of the
entire community can be thought to be a much viable and all encompassing strategy. It is crucial
to understand the various dimensions of a community renewable energy project before planning
the application of such an endeavour. Germany, being a world leader in deployment of localized
renewable energy community projects offers several examples to learn from..The success of such
a program in Germany can be largely attributed to an enabling environment created through
policy measures bundled with supporting financial schemes. With vast potential of employing
renewable energy to contribute in addressing the challenge, of energy access the Government of
India can strengthen its support for off grid and decentralized renewable energy installations in
India. The present study is an attempt to build an understanding of the concept of Community
Renewable Energy and derive the learning of best practices and policies for India.
