Accelerating energy efficiency  

India’s fast-paced green energy evolution relies on innovative solutions like HVDC, battery storage, IoT, and public-private partnerships to ensure grid stability and efficiency.

India is moving quickly, addressing efficiency challenges that are leading towards ambitious green energy goals. In this transition journey, there are innovative solutions for integrating renewable sources into the power grid. Industry experts delve into the energy efficiency scenario, identifying grid stability and intermittency issues. Also, digital transformation is the need of the hour. Technologies like HVDC systems, battery storage, and IoT are essential in the energy efficiency landscape. Additionally, the importance of public-private partnerships in enhancing energy efficiency must be addressed. As the country navigates its transition to a sustainable energy future, these insights pave the way for a more resilient and efficient energy landscape.

Addressing challenges of renewable energy integration

The industry experts identify several critical challenges and propose potential solutions. As solar energy becomes the country’s predominant source of power generation, issues related to grid stability and energy management have emerged as key concerns. Pramod Singh from AEEE emphasises the significant reduction of system inertia due to the growing share of solar energy in the grid. He says, “Traditionally, the Indian power system relied on thermal, hydroelectric, and gas-based sources, which provided a rotating mass that helped stabilise the grid during disturbances. However, with the increase in solar energy, the absence of this inertia poses a challenge for balancing load and generation, particularly during sudden fluctuations. He further highlights that while solar energy is inherently intermittent—affected by factors such as cloud cover and nighttime—solutions exist to mitigate these challenges. “High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) technology is one of the viable options to enhance the controllability of power flow over long distances, allowing for better integration of renewable sources. Power electronic solutions are capable of creating virtual inertia, which can help maintain frequency and voltage stability in the grid,” he adds.

The unpredictability of renewable energy sources like wind and solar exacerbates the issue of intermittency. Pankaj Sethi from Wago India comments, “Battery energy storage systems are to be incorporated to compensate for periods when renewable generation falls short of demand, thereby ensuring a consistent power supply.” At the same time, it highlights the challenges posed by harmonics—unwanted frequencies generated by the increased use of power electronics in the grid. Harshal Malewar an Energy Expert states that harmonics could disrupt the quality of power delivery and therefore the implementation of filters and other technologies is essential to mitigate these effects. He comments, “Collaboration among all stakeholders, including the government, is essential for addressing these challenges effectively.”

The insights shared by industry leaders underscore the importance of proactive measures to integrate renewables while maintaining grid integrity, ultimately paving the way for a sustainable energy future in the country.

Enhancing operational efficiency through digital tools

Integrating advanced technologies is pivotal as India strives for energy security and sustainability. The industry experts highlight the transformative role of digital technologies in enhancing operational efficiency within the energy sector. High-tech tools like smart grids, IoT, and cloud computing can address utilities’ longstanding challenges. Commenting on using digital tools Pankaj Sethi from Wago India illustrates the critical need for real-time monitoring in energy distribution, particularly in rural areas where utility companies often struggle with delayed fault detection. Using the example of Tata Power’s operations in Orissa, he emphasises the challenges posed by a lack of automation. “In rural areas, utilities remain unaware of faults until complaints are filed, which can take days. By integrating IoT and geotagging technologies, energy assets can communicate issues directly to maintenance teams, allowing for rapid response and fault localisation. This proactive approach not only reduces downtime but significantly enhances operational efficiency,” he notes.

Akilur Rahman from Hitachi Energy India explains further and emphasises the importance of real-time data accessibility for operational and maintenance (O&M) teams. “With IoT-enabled systems, critical asset performance can be monitored continuously, providing predictive alerts about potential malfunctions. Knowing the status of transformers or switchgear in real-time allows us to anticipate issues before they escalate,” he says. He says this shift from reactive to predictive maintenance leverages historical data and machine learning algorithms to ensure optimal asset management. Adding to the issue, Pramod Singh from AEEE highlights the significance of digitalisation in demand response initiatives. He states, “By making the customer side more interactive, we can enhance the overall efficiency of the energy system and facilitate better integration of renewable sources.” Digital platforms allow consumers to adjust their energy consumption based on grid demands, further stabilising the system.

These insights illustrate a future where digital tools empower energy utilities to operate more efficiently and responsively. There is a growing consensus that embracing digitalisation will address current challenges and pave the way for a more resilient and efficient energy landscape.

Public-private partnerships are poised to scale up energy efficiency.

Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are crucial in overcoming challenges and accelerating the adoption of energy-efficient solutions in India. With the increasing demand for sustainable energy practices, the need for innovative approaches to energy efficiency has never been more pressing. Sharing his views Pramod Singh from AEEE opines that one of the significant hurdles identified is the decentralised nature of energy efficiency projects. He points out the success of the Ujjala programme implemented by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), which effectively aggregated demand for energy-efficient lighting solutions. By leveraging bulk procurement, EESL was able to drive down prices, illustrating how PPPs can address the critical challenge of aggregation in the energy sector. Pramod states, “Investment barriers remain a key challenge for energy efficiency initiatives. However, the Energy Service Company (ESCO) model offers a viable solution, allowing customers to access energy-efficient technologies without upfront costs. Through this servitisation approach, service providers retain equipment ownership, providing modernised infrastructure and maintenance services, ensuring long-term efficiency.” Pramod further states that India currently has around 135 ESCOs empanelled with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), creating a solid foundation for public sector entities to adopt energy service contracts. Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) success stands as a blueprint for organisations looking to scale energy efficiency efforts.

Further elaborating on the PPP mode Harshal Malewar emphasises that the Transmission Power Control Protocol (TPCP) has proven to be a very successful model in the transmission sector. He comments, “The ESCO model, which Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) is implementing with various governmental bodies, is also showing promise. While some perceive the BPA (Build Procure and Auction) model as a step toward privatisation in the public sector, it has yielded positive results in transmission and could benefit the economy. However, the impact of these models in the distribution and energy services sectors remains to be seen.”

Public-private partnerships can facilitate better contracting, standardisation, and dispute resolution. By enhancing efficiency across the board, these partnerships can significantly mitigate risks associated with energy efficiency projects. By harnessing the strengths of public-private partnerships and innovative financing models like ESCOs, stakeholders are poised to accelerate the transition toward a more energy-efficient and sustainable future. The collaboration between government and private entities promises to enhance energy efficiency and contribute to broader economic growth and environmental sustainability.

The trade-off between energy production and efficiency

There is a need for a holistic approach that considers the demands of the nation, the state grid, and individual industries. Enhancing energy production and improving energy efficiency must go hand in hand. As India seeks to bolster its energy security and meet growing demand, integrating both strategies is crucial for achieving a sustainable and prosperous energy future. The industry should commit to navigating the challenges of energy transition collaboratively. Speaking on the trade-off Akilur Rahman from Hitachi Energy India emphasises that energy production and efficiency are interlinked rather than opposing forces. “As demands continue to rise, viewing energy production and efficiency in tandem is imperative. Proactively enhancing our transmission capabilities while simultaneously ramping up renewable energy production is essential for a sustainable energy future,” he states.

Moreover, Pramod Singh from AEEE reinforces that energy efficiency should be considered the “first fuel.” He asserted that we could significantly reduce concerns surrounding generation, transmission, and distribution by adopting energy efficiency measures. “Efficiency is not just an environmental necessity but an economic opportunity. Transitioning to more energy-efficient practices can lead to job creation, particularly in the demand-side sector,” he explains. Speaking of the implications of a just transition for workers in traditional energy sectors, such as mining and generation, he pointed out that focusing on energy efficiency does not diminish economic growth but contributes to it. “Evidence shows that prioritising demand-side measures can create numerous job opportunities, dispelling the myth that efficiency will harm the economy,” he adds.

Additionally, Pankaj Sethi from Wago India has a different take on the trade-off. He comments, “There is no inherent trade-off between production and efficiency. The real balance lies between losses and efficiency. It is about minimising energy losses while maintaining optimal output, rather than compromising production for efficiency.”

Energy efficiency can be optimised through collaborative stakeholder efforts. The growing integration of renewables, like solar, challenges grid stability due to the lack of traditional power source inertia. There is a solution to this such as HVDC technology. Virtual inertia via power electronics and battery energy storage systems helps mitigate grid stability issues. Also, as the energy sector is growing, public-private partnerships, particularly through ESCO models, have become necessary. Government and private individuals are heading towards the energy efficient environment of the country, and we can hope for better overall efficiency results. 

Pramod Kumar Singh, Senior Director- Research & Programmes, AEEE

“High-voltage direct Current (HVDC) technology is one of the viable options to enhance the controllability of power flow over long distances… Power electronic solutions can create virtual inertia, which can help maintain frequency and voltage stability in the grid.”

Akilur Rahman, Chief Technology Officer (CTO)- Hitachi Energy India

“With IoT-enabled systems, critical asset performance can be monitored continuously, providing predictive alerts about potential malfunctions. Knowing the status of transformers or switchgear in real-time allows us to anticipate issues before they escalate.”

Pankaj Sethi, Business Segment Manager – Automation, Wago India

“There is no inherent trade-off between production and efficiency. The real balance lies between losses and efficiency. It is about minimising energy losses while maintaining optimal output, rather than compromising production for efficiency.”

Harshal Malewar, ChA artered Engineer and Energy Expert

“The ESCO model, which Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) is implementing with various governmental bodies, is also showing promise. While some perceive the BPA (Build Procure and Auction) model as a step toward privatisation in the public sector, it has yielded positive results in transmission and could benefit the economy.”