PATH , 2023

Implementing partners: Department of Health and Family Welfare Services, Government of Karnataka, Solluz Energies, and Elgi Equipments.

Published In: COP28 Prospectus of Climate-Health Solutions, 2023

Promoting the solarization of oxygen generator plants in India to ensure stable supply of life saving therapies in the context of energy insecurity and global infectious disease pandemics.

 

Context

Reliable and functioning Oxygen Generator Plants (OGP) are critical for the continuous operation of healthcare facilities. Some areas in India, however, face frequent power cuts and unstable power supply, leading to patients losing their lives due to a lack of oxygen. Diesel generators are an expensive, polluting and unsustainable alternative for powering oxygen plants.  

OGPs require significant amounts of energy to function, and electricity constitutes 70-80% of the operational cost of these plants. Innovation is necessary to ensure uninterrupted electricity to oxygen plants. Despite India having plenty of sunlight, there was previously limited evidence that using solar energy to power oxygen plants was feasible. 

Approach

PATH recognizes solar power as a sustainable choice for powering OGPs, cutting greenhouse gas emissions, and ensuring a steady power source. On top of environmental benefits, the solarization of OGP promotes resource conservation, resilience during emergencies, and cost reduction for the hospital while ensuring reliable oxygen production. 

We demonstrated a proof of concept model for reducing operational costs of OGPs through solarization, promoting sustainable energy solutions for medical equipment, and disseminating knowledge on solarization. In this context, PATH collaborated with the Public Health Department of Karnataka, and the Hospital authorities of General Hospital Gundlupet to pilot this approach at an oxygen generation plant, with the aim of conserving oxygen resources in healthcare facilities.

Imagine 1. Solar panels installed on the rooftops

Impact and next steps

The pilot project assessed solarization’s technical, financial, and operational aspects (performance, energy consumption, solar power generation) in a government hospital between November 2022 and April 2023. 

There were several important enablers for this project:

  • Hybrid solar power system complemented by a hybrid battery inverter to store excess power ensuring the continuity of life saving procedures in critical care areas such as the Intensive Care Unit and Operating Theatre.
Image 2. Hybrid inverter battery
  • Integration of the hospital into the grid, combined with the utilization of solar power, to generate cost savings and ensure continuous electricity supply.
  • Uninterrupted, local medical grade oxygen production, reducing dependence on external sources and strengthening the hospital’s capacity to provide consistent oxygen support.
  • Stakeholder engagement, local coordination and support, effective project planning and execution, complemented by supportive government promoting renewable energy adoption in healthcare.

PATH conducted the pilot (primarily funded by Google.org), and other organizations joined to implement it. These include the Department of Health and Family Welfare Services, Solluz Energies, Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), and Elgi Equipments.

The most significant portion of the installation costs for the pilot project was used for equipment (including solar panels, inverters, mounting systems) at $217,988. Labour costs for site preparation and installation amounted to $6,402, and operation and maintenance costs amounted to $30,183.

Image 3. Joint inspection by State Team

Impact and next steps

An assessment study measured the benefits, cost effectiveness, and sustainability of implementing solar power in oxygen generation plants in government hospitals. Solar OGP demonstrated a positive cost effectiveness ratio and yielded substantial cost savings. The solar plant’s Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE), at just $0.04 per unit, showcases its efficiency in generating energy over its 25 year lifespan. In addition, the environmental impact is estimated to be a reduction of approximately 4,900 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions over the power plant’s lifespan. 

The project succeeded even when faced with challenges such as designing and installing a high capacity solar plant, coordination with multiple stakeholders, evolving requirements, and regulatory approval delays. Government support, donor assistance to address cost increases, consultation with technical experts, and oversight by higher authorities were instrumental in ensuring the project’s successful implementation.  

The solution can be easily scaled to other hospitals to meet their increasing energy demands. Its modular and easy to implement design offers flexibility in adding more solar panels and batteries. It strengthens respiratory care management, benefiting patients and the community while also contributing to greenhouse gas emission reduction and improving healthcare accessibility in areas with limited electricity access, promoting health equity.