Renewable Energy Empowering Remote Communities Through Microgrids: Control and management strategies to provide sustainable and cost-effective electricity

This paper describes the development of characteristic microgrids, two in India and two in Europe, for the electrification 4 remote communities in the context of the EU-Indian collaboration RE-EMPOWERED project. These installations are complementary in terms of size, primary resources and technical maturity. In all cases, sustainable and effective electricity supply has been achieved through the use of ecoTools, a suite of appropriate control and management tools of the installed renewable resources and demand. Active engagement of the residents in all phases of the project and especially in ensuring efficient operation, maintenance and long-term sustainability of the installations has been an important factor of the project's success. Initial results from the operation of the 4 microgrids reveal cost savings, reduced RES curtailment and reduced environmental effects, as well as significant rise of the standards of living, resilience and income generation in the Indian communities.