Human Environmental Aspects of SIRES

Energy availability is a severe problem in majority of the remote rural areas of the world. Rural electrification was the first major effort undertaken globally. Utilization of renewable energy is gaining momentum as it is an environmentally friendly option. Smart Integrated Renewable Energy Systems (SIRES) is proposed as a means to harness renewable energy in a cost effective and viable manner. Economic, social and environmental aspects of the viability of SIRES for sustainable development are reviewed and compared with microgrid. Social aspects are evaluated in terms of Human Development Index (HDI) and Job Creation Factor (JCF) whereas environmental aspects are evaluated in terms of lifecycle emissions.