AI integration and emerging technologies redefining Indian power infra

Digital substations are being adopted, reducing reliance on traditional copper wiring with advanced fibre communication protocols like IEC 61850.

Speaking of IndiGrid, established in 2017, it has grown into a significant player in the energy sector in India, with a low-risk, semi-regulated investment model and a market capitalisation of ₹1.5 billion. Operating across 20 states and two Union Territories, it manages 41 projects, including 49 transmission lines (132 KV to 765 KV), 15 substations, and a solar portfolio exceeding 1 GW DC across 19 projects. IndiGrid’s assets boast an average residual contract life of 26 years for transmission and 19.5 years for solar. The company leverages advanced technologies like thyristor-controlled series capacitors, GIS-IS hybrid substations, and PMU-based Wide Area Monitoring Systems to enhance grid efficiency and stability. Innovations include an 800KV HVDC system, BESS exceeding 2,000 MWh, and pumped hydro storage. Remote access systems centralise real-time data, streamlining fault mitigation. IndiGrid’s focus on optimising energy transmission and storage aligns with growing energy demands in India, delivering reliability and efficiency across its operations.

Emerging technologies in power systems are transforming how we monitor, manage, and maintain critical infrastructure. Integrating IoT devices with transformers, reactors, circuit breakers, SCADA systems, and relay systems enables real-time health assessment of equipment. Devices like online temperature monitoring, thermovision scanning, and dissolved gas analysis offer actionable insights to preempt faults and mitigate emergencies efficiently. Centralised data management through cloud technologies is revolutionising control room operations. For example, a centralised control room in Noida manages substations remotely, leveraging cloud-based data storage for seamless access, analysis, and regulatory reporting. This eliminates the need for extensive on-site hardware, enhances decision-making, and facilitates predictive analytics.

Digital substations are being adopted, reducing reliance on traditional copper wiring with advanced fibre communication protocols like IEC 61850. This transition minimises data loss, ensures high-speed communication, and enables precise system monitoring. Advanced communication systems support centralised operations, where remote operation centres control multiple substations, enhancing grid reliability and reducing on-site workforce requirements.

AI technologies are pivotal in optimising transmission and distribution. AI-powered predictive maintenance systems use aerial drone patrolling and image analytics to detect potential faults in transmission lines, classify their severity, and suggest corrective measures. Additionally, asset health indexing platforms leverage historical maintenance data and algorithms to prioritise interventions, ensuring equipment longevity. Real-time fault detection systems integrated with relay automation provide precise fault locations, reducing response time and system downtime. Emerging AI-based systems support automatic fault identification, enabling ground teams to act swiftly with optimal resources.

Efforts are underway to reduce environmental impact by replacing SF6 gas in gas-insulated substations (GIS) with eco-friendly alternatives like CO2-blended fluoronitrile-based technologies. Similarly, satellite imagery is being explored for vegetation management and transmission line monitoring. However, challenges persist. Substation equipment manufacturers face long lead times, impacting contingency planning. Climate change, including increased lightning strikes, poses risks to infrastructure. Additionally, there is a need to develop India-specific guidelines and performance standards tailored to the country’s unique geographical and climatic conditions, moving beyond reliance on international norms.

Hence, adopting IoT, AI, and advanced communication systems modernises power systems, enhances reliability, and drives sustainable practices. Addressing sourcing issues, climate impacts, and localising standards will further strengthen power infrastructure in India.