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Abstract: MicroSources and Renewable Energy sources refers to Distributed energy resources(DERs) and MicroGrids refers to a distribution network for electrical energy,starting from electricity generation to its transmission and storage with the ability to respond to dynamic changes on energy supply through co-generation and demand adjustment.Utilising potential of available distributed energy sources, MicroGrids can provide improved electric service reliability and better power quality to end users of electricity at conservative approach which might not be with the MicroGrids (centralized power grids). A worldwide research is going on MicroGrids, its application and control to overcome the weaknesses of the centralized power grids. In India due to power crisis a heavy load shedding has been carried out since last five years as load demand increasing day by day. Presently the concept of MicroGrids has been utilizing in rural areas of countries namely Canada, US, UK, Kenya etc. India is also having rich potential for Distributed energy resources (DERs). In this paper, potential of Distributed energy resources (DERs) in rural areas of Maharashtra state India has been predicted and suggested how application of Microgrids can reduce energy losses, improve power quality, deliver sustained power by Zero Load Shedding Model. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Soil physico-chemical properties, microbial biomass, and functional microbial diversity were investigated in two adjacent fields located in a semi-arid dryland farming region of Maharashtra state, India. In organically cultivated field (OCF) large annual inputs of composted cow manure, no tillage and no removal of crop residues is being practiced for the past 14 years. The neighboring plot which was not cultivated for the same period remained as fallow grassland (FGL) served as check for comparison. Soil samples collected from OCF had higher pH, moisture, total organic carbon and nitrogen, microbial biomass, C and N, and enzymatic activities compared to FGL soil. Microbial community structure in the two soils was assessed, using Biolog Eco and GN2 plates. OCF soil showed significant (P =0.01) increase of microbial diversity and evenness, suggesting an improvement of functional microbial diversity. Principal component analysis (PCA) separates the two soil samples based on 10 most discriminating carbon sources for each with the maximum positive and negative scores. To the best of our knowledge this is the first study on soil quality and microbial functional diversity of soil in a semi-arid region indicating that conversion from FGL to OCF led to significant soil quality improvement due to the enhanced microbial functional diversity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Sugarcane is a valuable raw material for bioenergy and bioproduct production. The environmental performance of sugarcane-derived bioenergy and bioproducts vary with sugarcane cultivation practices and energy conversion technologies. A farm to factory gate life cycle assessment (LCA) is conducted to assess the energy and environmental performance of sugar production and bagasse electricity cogeneration in Maharashtra, India under different scenarios. Altogether 20 scenarios were developed taking four sugarcane seasons (adsali, ratoon, preseasonal and suru) and four cogeneration boilers (low pressure, medium pressure, high pressure and very high pressure). The functional units are the production of 1 tonne of sugar and 1 MWh of surplus electricity. The ReCiPe 2016 midpoint (H) method is used for impact assessment. System expansion is applied to assess the alternative uses of sugarcane by-products (trash, press mud and bagasse ash). The global warming potential (GWP) of bagasse cogenerated electricity and sugar range from 90 to 142 kg CO 2 -eq MWh-1 and 324–834 kg CO 2 -eq t-1 among the scenarios. The water consumption potential (WCP) varies from 209 to 354 m3 MWh-1 for electricity and 768–2097 m3 t-1 for sugar. The Cumulative Energy Demand (CED) for electricity and sugar ranges from 0.8 to 1.2 MJ kWh-1 and 3–8 MJ kg-1. The Energy Return On Investment (EROI) differs from 2.7 to 4.5 for electricity and 2.1 to 5.3 for sugar. The alternative uses of sugarcane by-products contribute to negative emission and lower the overall GWP by 13–15%. Scenarios producing only sugar have a much higher environmental impact than scenarios producing both sugar and surplus electricity. The combination of adsali sugarcane and very high pressure cogeneration boiler provides the highest environmental benefits among all scenarios. The findings can help enhance cleaner production initiatives in the Indian sugarcane sector. • Scenario-wise LCA of sugar and bagasse electricity production in India. • GWP of electricity 90–142 kg CO 2 -eq MWh−1 and sugar 324–834 kg CO 2 -eq t−1. • Alternative uses of sugarcane by-products lower the GWP by 13–15%. • Water consumption for electricity 209–354 m3 MWh−1 and sugar 768–2097 m3 t−1. • Energy Return On Investment of electricity 2.7–4.5 and sugar 2.1–5.3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]