SHILLONG, May 7: In these power-starved times, renewable energy comes as a welcome relief, especially in rural areas, and sharing the energy to light up distant places is an additional bonus.
Hygge Energy has successfully showcased the first-of-its-kind peer-to-peer (P2P) energy-sharing model in the remote village of Sohrarim in the East Khasi Hills district. P2P energy sharing means sharing excess renewable energy with the local communities.
Recently, using the patented P2P trading mechanism of the renewable power and carbon trading system installed at the Smart Village Community Learning Centre in Sohrarim, Hygge transferred solar energy from the learning centre to Tirot Singh Syiem School about half a kilometre away.
The school was experiencing regular long-term power outages and load-shedding issues, particularly during the monsoon season, adversely impacting its students and their learning.
In August 2021, Hygge installed a renewable power and carbon trading system, which included a solar microgrid, at the community learning centre. This initiative was led by the Smart Village Movement and its education partners – Sauramandala Foundation, Project DEFY, Salesforce, Curiosity Gym, and Open Door Project.
Of the total renewable energy produced, 40% was sufficient to power the learning centre, leaving 60% available for other purposes. Smart Village Movement and Hygge Energy collaborated to share one-third of this surplus energy with a nearby school, allowing it to have a consistent and dependable energy supply and operate without interruptions.
Principal of Tirot Singh Syiem School, Sumarlin Syiemlieh said, “During the rainy season, there are frequent power cuts, and we had difficulty taking classes. We have had fewer electrical problems since getting solar energy from Hygge, and it will be incredibly useful for our school, especially around examinations. If we can link solar electricity to the village community hall too, it will be very useful for meetings, training, and other community programmes.”
This innovative concept is a collaboration between the Smart Village Movement initiative of the Government of Meghalaya and Hygge Energy. Hygge’s platform utilises blockchain technology to enable P2P solar energy sharing.
The approach provides communities with increased energy reliability by reducing strain on the central power grid during peak demand periods, which results in fewer power outages and more stability in the energy system.
This decreases reliance on traditional energy sources and lowers the cost of energy consumption. Hygge’s system is reliable, easy to maintain, and emits zero carbon, making the learning centre sustainable and self-sufficient while increasing productivity.
“I am glad to witness the success of the pioneering P2P energy-sharing model in Sohrarim. This commendable collaborative effort between the Smart Village Movement of the government of Meghalaya, Hygge Energy, and other partners has showcased and galvanised the adoption of sustainable and clean energy practices,” said Ramkumar S., the nodal officer of SVM Meghalaya.
The founder and CEO of Hygge Energy, Prateek Saxena said, “Through the peer-to-peer operations of our renewable power and carbon trading system at the Smart Village Community Learning Centre in Sohrarim, we endeavour to not only create a sizeable social and economic impact in such remotely situated villages via continuous access to affordable energy but also promote sustainable and clean energy as the preferred choice for these communities. Additionally, Hygge’s system facilitates the aggregation and monetisation of carbon credits to add another revenue source, making it profitable for our partners and customers.”
In Sohrarim, known for heavy showers, Hygge Energy’s algorithms kept the community learning centre operating during the heaviest rains. The centre had reliable access to electricity, allowing students to continue learning and villagers to charge their devices. Hygge Energy’s sustainable energy solutions provide uninterrupted power for the entire community.
