Issue proposals - good examples

Christian Yudhistira - NTU

Main issue:​ Is it realistic for remote areas in Indonesia to depend on local electricity generation using
solar cells?

Context​:
Indonesia consist of over 17,500 islands, out of which more than 6,000 is inhabited. In most remote
areas, the inhabitants depend on diesel-powered generator. The diesel is regularly transported in small
quantity using small boats, increasing electricity generation cost.

Sub issue 1​: is the locally-produced energy sufficient to meet the energy demand in the area served?
Hypothesis: Yes
Analysis: analysis of electricity demand in remote islands; analysis of current use of solar cells in
Indonesia; estimation of solar cells generation and battery-holding capacity

Sub issue 2​: are there enough supports from relevant stakeholders?
Hypothesis: Yes
Analysis: analysis of relevant government programs and policies; analysis of relevant industry players

Sub issue 3​: is the implementation and maintenance economically feasible?

Hypothesis: No
Analysis: analysis of implementation cost: procurement, distribution, installation, and maintenance;
analysis of past government initiatives: budget, progress, and drawbacks; benchmarking study against
current electricity generation diesel
 Atharva D Ghadge - IIT Roorkee

Main Issue​: Are distributed Grid connected Wind-Solar Hybrid systems the future of sustainable energy
in India?
Key: WSHS stands for Wind-Solar Hybrid Systems

Sub Issue 1​: Is it feasible to harness Wind and Solar energy in a complementary manner in India?
Hypothesis: Yes
Analysis:
Study of the Solar irradiance and wind speed data in various Indian states
Feasibility of integrating solar and wind to give single output

Sub Issue 2​: Would connecting WSHS to the grid be beneficial?

Hypothesis: Yes
Analysis:
Incentives as both a producer and consumer of sustainable energy explored
Comparison of cost effectiveness of grid connectivity over using batteries

Sub Issue 3​: Do any technological challenges pose a threat to WSHS becoming the major source of
Energy?
Hypothesis: Yes
Analysis:
Requirement of a proper forecasting system to ensure uninterrupted supply of energy
Technology required for long distance energy transmission and short term local storage
 Kartikayan Sharma - IIT Delhi

Main Issue​: Should there be a major push towards the electric vehicle industry from the traditional
fuel-based vehicle industry in India?

Context​:
A study conducted on non-smokers in 2013 showed that Indians have 30% lower lung function compared
to Europeans. The major reason behind such a problem is the pollution caused by the large population of
traditional fossil fuel-based vehicles used in the country. India being a growing economy has its large
metropolitans like Delhi covered by smog due to the harmful fumes emitted by the internal combustion
engines from the millions of vehicles plying on the roads daily. This is not only affecting the environment,
but also is decreasing the quality of life of the people living in these cities.
Another problem is, the large oil demand of this industry leaves India strategically vulnerable.

The government is trying different measures to solve these problems, the replacement of conventional
fuel-based vehicles with eco-friendly and economically accessible electric vehicles is being considered as
the most viable option at the time.

Sub Issue 1​: Is such a transformation economically feasible for the country?
Hypothesis: No
Analysis: Phasing out the current vehicles,subsidies for electric vehicles and technology development will
require a lot of capital making this a huge economical burden for the country.

Sub Issue 2​: Is it feasible policy wise?

Hypothesis: Yes
Analysis: Such a transformation will empower the Make in India and Digital India campaign in the country
by attracting foreign investments. These companies will be interested to invest in a growing market.
This move will also have a positive impact on the environment, something the current government has a
positive view towards.

Sub Issue 3​: Will it be possible to achieve such a technological advancement in such short time?
Hypothesis: Yes
Analysis: Such a policy change will accelerate the growth of this market in our country. The FDI expected
and tough international competition is expected to increase the pace at which technological advancement
takes place.

Sub Issue 4​: Will the market accept such a change?

Hypothesis: Yes
Analysis: With deteriorating air quality in the country the market is evolving and betting heavily on the
electric vehicles to bring about a change in the current situation. Resistance is expected but in a longer
run the market is expected to accept the transformation positively.