India strengthening transmission and distribution sector with advanced tech

The integration of renewable energy marked a significant milestone in our power infrastructure development, making us part of a larger, more efficient family of grid operations.

India prioritises renewable energy and modernises the transmission and distribution (T&D) sector. The country has developed a robust and expansive power network spanning various states and connecting islands to the main grids. Today, we have a unified national grid catering to the population’s demand. Previously, we operated with segregated microgrids, each functioning independently in four to five regions. However, we unified these microgrids three years ago into a single, cohesive grid system. This integration marked a significant milestone in our power infrastructure development, making us part of a larger, more efficient family of grid operations.

Over the past few decades, our power grid has seen substantial advancements. We continually incorporate smart technologies to reduce harmonics and enhance grid stability. These technologies meet industry standards and have proven effective in supporting and strengthening the grid. As our electricity demand rises daily, we increasingly rely on renewable energy sources, particularly solar power. The low cost of solar energy, ranging from ₹2 to ₹4 per unit in different states, has significantly impacted electricity pricing, making it more affordable.

In the near future, we anticipate adding several hydro and other renewable energy projects to our grid. These projects are expected to enhance the grid’s robustness, as hydro and thermal sources are particularly effective in maintaining grid stability and reducing harmonics. Integrating these energy sources will make our power supply more reliable and sustainable.

Industry experts share their views on the ongoing modernisation of the transmission and distribution sector, which will ultimately lead to grid resilience.

Expectations in the renewable energy sector

Aligning with the government’s policy of prioritising renewable energy and modernising the transmission and distribution (T&D) sector, experts shared their high expectations for the upcoming budget. The government’s encouragement of renewable energy developers has been a positive step, and further incentives are anticipated. Shailesh Modi from ERDA, an expert in the field, emphasised the significance of the upcoming budget in providing additional support for renewable energy generation. According to Modi, this encouragement is crucial for meeting the ambitious renewable energy targets of the country. “The budget is expected to provide even more incentives for renewable energy generation,” he noted, highlighting the government’s commitment to expanding its renewable energy capacity.

Another industry leader, H.C. Sharma from Tata Power DDL, echoed this sentiment by pointing out that the government’s focus on renewable power indicates the future direction of the energy sector. “Renewable energy is not just the present but the future. Tata Power is committed to being carbon-neutral by 2045, and we expect the government to continue emphasising green energy,” Sharma stated. This focus is expected to translate into more robust policies and financial support for renewable energy projects.

Himanshu Mittal from Power Grid Corporation of India added that provisions for emerging technologies such as green hydrogen and ammonia are also anticipated. “We have seen significant projects in hydrogen recently, and we hope the budget will include dedicated support for green hydrogen initiatives,” he said. These technologies are crucial for the next phase of renewable energy expansion, providing cleaner and more efficient energy solutions.

Public-private partnerships (PPP) and transmission infrastructure

Public-private partnerships (PPP) and the transmission infrastructure are necessary for integrating renewable energy into the grid. H.C Sharma emphasised the need for a resilient system that aligns generation, transmission, and distribution. “We need a robust transmission system to deliver energy efficiently from renewable sources to consumers,” he stated. Highlighting the successful implementation of private participation in the transmission sector, Sharma expressed optimism about its continued growth. “There have been very successful implementations of private participation in the transmission system. Many good projects are coming, and they are in the pipeline,” he added.

Himanshu Mittal elaborated on the role of tariff-based competitive bidding (TCB) in encouraging private investment in transmission. “TBCB has opened up opportunities for private sector entities to bid for government tenders, leading to improved specifications and efficiency in transmission projects,” he explained. According to Mittal, around 90% of transmission projects are now awarded through TBCB, with private sector entities securing about 50%. “This shift has created opportunities for private companies and ended the monopoly of public sector utilities, fostering a more competitive and efficient market,” he said.

Shailesh Modi added to this by addressing the technical advancements needed to enhance transmission infrastructure. “We are upgrading voltage levels and using advanced conductors like HTLS to increase transmission capacity. Technologies like FACTS devices are also essential for optimising power flow and reducing losses,” he said. These advancements are critical for meeting the future demand for power and integrating renewable energy into the grid more effectively.

Curbing the transmission loses

Integrating renewable energy (RE) into the distribution grid presents unique challenges and opportunities. H.C Sharma highlighted the complexities of managing distributed renewable energy sources, such as rooftop solar panels. “The grid is becoming more complex with distributed RE, requiring advanced grid management solutions to handle variability and uncertainty,” he said. Despite these challenges, Sharma emphasised the benefits of reduced transmission losses and enhanced grid efficiency. “The integration of distributed renewable energy reduces transmission losses, which is a significant advantage,” he noted.

Shailesh Modi agrees with the point and noted that reducing transmission losses is critical as renewable generation increases. “Technologies like HTLS conductors and compensating devices can significantly reduce losses. Accurate estimation of renewable power generation is also crucial for planning and managing the grid effectively,” he explained. These technologies help manage the variability and uncertainty associated with renewable energy sources, ensuring a stable and reliable power supply.

Himanshu Mittal pointed out the role of smart technologies in reducing losses and improving grid management. “Smart grids and meters have helped reduce losses and theft. Schemes like RDSS systems and solar pumps are making the grid more efficient and resilient,” he said. He also noted that smart technologies are integral to handling the increased demand and integrating more renewable sources into the grid. “Smart grid technologies have significantly reduced losses and improved grid management,” Mittal added.

Additionally, H.C Sharma emphasised that the intersection of technology and power grid management presents challenges and opportunities. Technological advancements enhance system resilience and ensure a reliable customer power supply. Striking a balance between investments in resilience and reliability and the tangible improvements they bring is essential. “Automation plays a pivotal role in making grids more reliable and robust. Initially, we focused on data collection; over time, we have integrated control mechanisms and delved deeper into equipment monitoring. Predictive and preventive site monitoring has emerged as a key component,” Sharma said.

Our commitment to adopting cutting-edge technologies continues to drive grid efficiency and performance improvements. We enhance grid resilience and capacity to meet growing demands by implementing proven solutions and adhering to industry standards. Our strategic focus on renewable energy, including solar and hydro projects, positions us well for a sustainable energy future. The continuous evolution of these processes will further enhance grid reliability and resilience. As technology advances, our ability to predict, prevent, and rapidly respond to issues will improve, ultimately benefiting our customers. This ongoing journey highlights the significant role of technology and automation in transforming power grid management.

Our progress in developing a unified national grid and incorporating advanced technologies has brought significant benefits. The cost-effective generation of solar energy has made electricity more accessible, while the planned integration of hydro projects promises to strengthen our transmission and distribution system further. We remain dedicated to mitigating challenges and advancing our power infrastructure to meet India’s evolving energy needs.

H.C Sharma, Chief of Technical Services- Tata Power DDL

“We need a robust transmission system to deliver energy efficiently from renewable sources to consumers.”

Himanshu Mittal, Procurement Manager- Power Grid Corporation of India Limited

“TBCB has opened up opportunities for private sector entities to bid for government tenders, leading to improved specifications and efficiency in transmission projects.”

Shailesh B. Modi, Senior Manager & Group Head- ERDA

“Technologies like HTLS conductors and compensating devices can significantly reduce losses. Accurate estimation of renewable power generation is also crucial for planning and managing the grid effectively.”