Evaluating alternative technologies to diesel generation in India using multi-criteria decision analysis

Diesel generators (DGs) are widely used in India by business and domestic consumers to provide resilience against unreliable power supplies, but have serious adverse environmental and health impacts. Low carbon alternatives to DGs are becoming more widely available and affordable, though technical and non-technical barriers remain to their widespread adoption. Targeted policy and financial interventions would help accelerate the deployment of these alternatives, where such interventions should be based on local needs. To this end, we use a Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) approach to identify appropriate technology alternatives for DGs in residential, industrial and agricultural applications in India. Within this study, the MCDA framework facilitates evidence-based decision-making through structured discussions with local stakeholders and for evaluating the most suitable option from a variety of available alternatives. Overall, our analysis concluded that a hybrid system combining solar PV and battery storage system are considered most suitable for residential, agricultural as well as industrial applications. This study sets out a pragmatic approach for decision makers considering how to minimise the adverse impacts of DGs while recognising the intricacies of requirements of different applications at a local level. Additionally, our approach showcases how co-creation of potential solutions, and ‘transparency’ in the process, can be accomplished in policy-making, which is critical for wider acceptance of interventions.