Current power infra need upgrades to manage intermittent renewable energy

As India rapidly increases its renewable energy capacity, power substations are critical in integrating these sources into the national grid. They transform low-voltage renewable energy into higher voltages for efficient transmission over long distances, ensuring grid stability despite the intermittent nature of solar and wind power. However, substations face challenges like outdated infrastructure, regulatory delays, and land acquisition issues. Technological advancements such as IoT and AI are revolutionising substation operations, enabling real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and energy distribution optimisation. Collaborations between government and private sectors can further expedite the modernisation of substations, ensuring a more reliable, efficient, and resilient grid that can accommodate growing renewable energy demands in India. Let us know more from Arun Sharma, CEO, Global Infra Business, Sterlite Power.

What role do power substations play in integrating renewable energy sources into the national grid, and what challenges do they face in this integration?

Power substations are essential for seamlessly integrating renewable energy into India’s national grid, particularly with the increasing pace of solar and wind power generation. Substations manage key tasks like transforming low-voltage renewable power to higher voltages for long-distance transmission. This transformation ensures that electricity is delivered efficiently to consumption areas while maintaining grid stability, especially with fluctuations in renewable generation. They also house advanced control equipment that regulates power flow, isolates faults, and ensures the grid’s resilience.

Despite their importance, substations need help integrating renewables. The intermittency of renewable sources—solar power during cloudy weather and wind power when conditions are calm—requires substations to have sophisticated control systems and real-time data monitoring capabilities. Current infrastructure, built around conventional power sources, requires major upgrades to handle the variable nature of renewable energy. Moreover, regulatory delays, land acquisition issues, and environmental concerns further complicate the rapid expansion of substations.

How can your company’s advancements in technologies such as IoT and AI enhance the efficiency and reliability of power substations within the framework of the National Smart Grid Mission?

We are leveraging advancements in IoT and AI to enhance the operational efficiency and reliability of substations within the National Smart Grid Mission framework. By deploying IoT sensors in substations, real-time voltage, temperature, and current data can be continuously monitored, enabling immediate detection of abnormalities. This data serves as a foundation for AI algorithms, which analyse patterns and predict potential failures. Forecasting equipment malfunctions before they occur allows for proactive maintenance, such as minimising unplanned downtime and costly repairs.

Furthermore, these technologies optimise energy distribution by analysing load patterns and adjusting energy flow accordingly. In the Indian grid, where renewable energy penetration is increasing, IoT and AI help balance supply and demand, particularly during peak renewable generation times when energy storage is critical. Integrating these smart technologies aligns with the National Smart Grid Mission’s objectives of enhancing grid stability, reducing transmission losses, and facilitating a more reliable, efficient, and resilient national grid, which is pivotal for integrating higher volumes of renewable energy.

We can automate the escalation process at the Tehsil and District levels to enhance efficiency and transparency in addressing Right of Way (ROW) issues. By establishing a standardised IT-enabled process, we aim to streamline the reporting and resolution of ROW issues, enabling faster tracking and timely intervention by concerned authorities.

Speaking of your company, what specific advancements are being applied to expedite project execution?

Sterlite Power is applying several cutting-edge technologies and strategies to accelerate the execution of critical power transmission projects, essential for meeting India’s renewable energy integration goals. Notably, the company’s use of high-voltage transmission lines (400kV and 765kV) has been crucial in overcoming logistical challenges in renewable energy transportation. For example, the Fatehgarh III Beawar and Neemrana II Kotputli transmission lines are central to Rajasthan’s renewable energy evacuation strategy. We are reducing the time and cost typically associated with traditional construction methods by utilising advanced techniques such as drone surveys, helicopter lifting for line installations, and automated construction systems like we did in Goa.

The Mumbai Urja Marg project, which connects Gujarat’s renewable power to Mumbai’s grid, highlights Sterlite Power’s innovative approach to addressing coordination challenges. Despite land acquisition hurdles, the project is on track, with the first two packages already completed. The Lakadia-Vadodara Transmission Project, another major initiative, exemplifies Sterlite’s focus on linking green energy hubs across multiple states, helping reduce coal dependency and CO2 emissions.

How can collaboration between the government and private sector stakeholders improve the financing and implementation of upgrades to existing power substations?

A robust collaboration between the government and private sector is vital for upgrading existing substations to handle the increasing share of renewable energy in the grid. The government can facilitate the process by providing financial incentives, such as subsidies or low-interest loans, to encourage private investment.

Additionally, easing land acquisition processes, including simplifying compliance with the Land Ceiling Act and expediting land conversion under the Land Conversion Act, can accelerate the implementation of these upgrades. Offering tax incentives can also play a crucial role in supporting these initiatives.

Private sector stakeholders bring in the much-needed capital and expertise to deploy advanced technologies like loT, Al, and automation, which are critical to modernising substations. For example, public-private partnerships (PPPs), like those in Delhi and Odisha, have shown how combining public policy support with private-sector innovation can enhance grid reliability and reduce costs. By leveraging government-backed initiatives such as the Pragati Portal for faster approvals and private-sector efficiency, the substations can be upgraded to meet the growing energy demand while ensuring the integration of renewable sources.

Our state-level projects have received strong reviews, and to further propel their success, we have conducted sensitisation programmes for district and tehsil-level officers. These initiatives aim to facilitate a smoother implementation of the infrastructure projects. Additionally, we have streamlined the process for RoW compensation payments, introducing process mechanisms that enable faster disbursements. Notably, we have established a separate desk to address land compensation issues related to the TL Projects, ensuring timely resolution and paving the way for the uninterrupted progress of projects.