Smart and sustainable energy systems for developing countries: An Indian perspective

India is a highly diverse country with regard to its electrification status, covering all from well developed cities to rural areas without access to electricity. It has identified renewable energy sources as the long-term solution for future energy and progressing in the direction of electrifying the unreachable pockets. In this context, paper accumulates the prospects of sustainable energy and off-grid options, rural electrification, SmartGrids and various policy and regulatory affairs of India. The role of existing technologies, automation, and communication for sustainable development is explained. A roadmap to fulfil the urban and rural needs for sustainable future is presented.