Clean energy and digital systems converge to shape the future of smart cities

The convergence of clean energy technologies, advanced digital systems, and innovative management approaches is shaping the future of smart cities. Energy, the lifeline of cities and communities, is transitioning to clean and renewable sources. India’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2070 and its intermediate target of generating 500 gigawatts of non-fossil fuel-based energy by 2030 underscore the urgency of integrating green energy into urban infrastructures.

Clean energy systems like rooftop solar installations are pivotal in decentralising power generation. Large complexes, residential buildings, and urban spaces adopt solar rooftops and renewable energy imports. However, the intermittency of renewable sources like solar energy demands a smarter, more flexible grid. Advanced energy management systems, such as SCADA, and technologies like High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission ensure efficient power delivery. HVDC systems, designed for long-distance and undersea power transmission, are essential for urban centres like Mumbai, which plan to operationalise an HVDC in-feed by 2026 to enhance reliability and control.

Energy storage systems and electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure transform cities further. Bidirectional energy flow from grid to vehicle and vehicle to grid enables EVs to act as mobile energy storage units, turning consumers into ‘prosumers’ capable of contributing power back to the grid. Microgrids enhance energy resilience, supporting standalone operations or integration with the central grid in residential, commercial, and industrial complexes. Advanced distribution management systems and digital substations streamline energy delivery, asset management, and system performance.

Communication infrastructure plays a critical role in real-time energy management. As energy systems operate on millisecond cycles, technologies like wireless mesh networks, self-healing communication systems, and 5G ensure robust data exchange. AI and machine learning (AI/ML) algorithms process vast amounts of data, enabling predictive analytics and automation to optimise performance. Digital twins, AR/VR applications, and advanced monitoring tools improve asset health, operational efficiency, and decision-making.

Future energy systems integrate diverse energy sectors, including oil, gas, and emerging solutions like green hydrogen. Hydrogen serves as an alternative to diesel for backup systems and as fuel for vehicles, contributing to decarbonisation. Sector coupling, combining electrical energy with hydrogen, ammonia, and traditional fuels, enhances urban energy efficiency and sustainability.

An integrated command and control centre forms the backbone of smart cities. By merging systems like Energy Management Systems (EMS), SCADA, and substation automation, cities centralise operations, monitor demand, and adapt to real-time changes. These systems incorporate data from sensors, weather forecasts, market demands, and citizen requirements, ensuring responsiveness and optimisation. AI ML applications can potentially enhance predictive capabilities, improving asset performance and city operations across energy, water, and other essential services.

Cybersecurity remains paramount in protecting interconnected systems from vulnerabilities. Automation and digitalisation prioritise security to safeguard the energy infrastructure and ensure reliable operations. Simultaneously, adopting smart grid technologies promotes energy efficiency, quality, and sustainability while reducing environmental impact.

The convergence of distributed energy resources, digital technologies, and automation defines the energy future of smart cities. Empowering individuals as prosumers, leveraging advanced communication systems, and integrating diverse energy sectors create resilient, efficient, and sustainable urban environments.

These innovations present significant potential and opportunities to enhance productivity, reliability, and energy equity, contributing to a better quality of life for citizens while advancing global climate goals.