Energy transition, changing paradigm, and our digital readiness

This article walks us through some key aspects of digital transition and sustainability. It also emphasises on the need to adapt digital technologies for a better energy future.

Energy transition is crucial for humanity, since it is at the heart of the sustainability vow. We are currently living in a period of profound transformation, fuelled by most governments’ commitments to sustainability. This denotes a pressing need to fulfil the sustainability goal.

Energy transition 

Clean energy and renewable energy are progressing at various rates in different places of the world. And, when it comes to India, there have been some great announcements in terms of generating. Solar panels are used to generate sustainable energy. In terms of renewable energy output, we’ve set fairly aggressive expectations for 2030. Moreover, a significant amount of private investment has been made in the generation sector, with a particular focus on hydrogen-based technologies in fields such as renewable, wind, solar and hydro.

Noting the same, Manish Kumar, Director – Digital Sales, GE Digital, highlights that modular nuclear generators, and smaller nuclear generators are receiving a lot of attention and investment. Despite the fact that it is clean energy, we do not consider it to be renewable. As a result, clean and renewable energy is prioritised.

When we talk about grid, it can be said that in the last 100-125 odd years, the grid has not changed much, though there has been significant technological advancement. However, the industry is expecting some insightful changes in the next 5 years, and digitalisation will be at the core of this particular chain. Hence, in terms of energy transition, we are convinced that digital technologies are at the heart of it.

The latest digital interventions

The history of digital technologies is recognised as a critical factor in the transmission and distribution sector as well. T&D are at the heart of the RDSS programme, especially the distribution, as evidenced by the government’s declaration. Smart metering, SCADA, and DMS deployment, as well as infrastructure strengthening, are three of the pillars that distribution is attempting to focus on. The third is the previous event.

So, where do we believe that a comprehensive approach would be required intervention? At the moment, all distribution sectors are focusing on lowering AT&C losses, yet this is one of the most essential business outcomes. The truth is that some states are losing 60 percent of their agencies. And this is the weakest link in the energy transition right now, as well as an obstacle. It is possible to develop renewable energy, but it will not reach consumers until it is delivered in the appropriate manner, including economic viability and socially acceptable renewable energy.

At the moment, the SCADA DMS component of the RDSS scheme that has been announced needs to be increased much more so that renewable energy can be readily integrated into the grid.

The distribution sector is at the heart of everything, but it is experiencing financial difficulties. There’s also the issue of operational efficiency to consider. We don’t want that RDSS plan to become part of another APDRP scheme, in which a large sum of money is invested with no visible result.