AI-driven strategies helping to enhance grid reliability

Godrej is a key ‘transmission player’ in integrating renewable energy sources through its power evacuation projects. Currently, the company is executing projects in RE-rich States like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka and Maharashtra for power evacuation. Let us know how the company is progressing in enhancing power infrastructure reliability from Raghavendra Mirji, Executive Vice President and Business Head of Electricals & Electronics business of Godrej & Boyce, a part of Godrej Enterprises Group.

What role does Godrej E&E play in integrating renewable energy sources into the national grid, and what challenges do the company face in this integration?

We offer diversified services in the power infrastructure space, including executing large-scale projects in transmission and power substations on a turnkey basis. We have also entered the renewable energy space and offer end–to–end solutions for both rooftop and ground-mounted solar projects. We are more focused on large, complex EHV transmission (up to 765 kV) and MW-scale solar projects.

Godrej is a key ‘Transmission player’ in integrating renewable energy sources through its power evacuation projects. Currently, the company is executing projects in RE-rich States like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka and Maharashtra for power evacuation.

There are many benefits of Integrating renewable energy sources into the national grid, such as reducing carbon emissions, improving cost efficiency, and improving the reliability and security of critical infrastructure.

Several challenges exist, including intermittent energy generation. The uncertainty and variability of wind and solar generation can pose challenges for grid operators. Variability in generation sources can require additional actions to balance the system. Greater flexibility in the system may be needed to accommodate supply-side variability and its relationship to generation levels and loads. Green energy sources depend on the weather, while standard power plants can be changed to meet demand.

Moreover, inadequate grid infrastructure poses one challenge. Green energy sources are spread out, so the current grid infrastructure doesn’t work well with them because it was designed for centralised power systems. Hence, handling the different amounts of energy from green energy sites spread using the old lines is difficult.

Also, due to uncertainty in the RE sources, there is a lack of coordination among state-level transmission planners and central planning agencies such as the Central Transmission Utility of India. A unified planning model across the country is the need of the hour.

How can your company’s advancements in technologies such as IoT and AI enhance the efficiency and reliability of power infrastructure?

Our grid is becoming more complex due to the integration of fossil and non-fossil generation, all with different requirements and behaviours. As we move towards a smart grid mission, integrating some of the new technologies will help maintain grid stability.

Smart meters can provide the consumer with detailed insights, which can lead to more responsible energy consumption. AI’s role in predicting and preparing the grid for energy shortages and surges is very useful. With AI, we can pull out large amounts of data, analyse it, and provide useful insights to operators.

Moreover, AI algorithms analyse real-time and historical data, including advanced sensors, communication technologies, weather patterns, and consumption trends. This optimisation includes enhanced energy demand forecasting and predictive maintenance systems anticipating equipment failures. In this scenario, AI-driven strategies can help balance energy supply and demand, reduce waste, and enhance grid reliability.

The AI-driven cybersecurity measures adapt to emerging threats, offering a robust line of defence. Additionally, AI supports grid restoration by providing real-time insights for efficient recovery strategies.

Regarding Godrej E&E, what specific advancements are being applied to expedite project execution?

At Godrej E&E, we always strive to adapt and apply new advancements to speed up project execution. Civil works take a lot of time in power substation projects due to a lack of technological advancement and labour-dependent work. However, at Godrej, we have initiated many new methods and technologies to speed up civil work. We emphasise innovative construction techniques, including pre-cast concrete, pre-engineered buildings, and advanced tools like spray plaster and cranes for faster installation. Structural steel replaces RCC staircases, while cable ducts substitute trays. Aluminium Composite Panel (ACP) cladding and pre-assembled towers enhance efficiency, reducing labour dependency and expediting project timelines. For electrical installation and commissioning work, drones are becoming popular in transmission projects, and we have also implemented 3D scanning to get dimensional information of energised GIS for the extension of existing facilities.