Drones and helicranes improve project execution and grid reliability

A prime example of their modernised T&D infrastructure is the recently commissioned 123 km long Nangalbibra—Bongaigaon transmission line (400kV D/C). This line facilitates the seamless transfer of over 1000 MW of electricity, improving power reliability in Assam and Meghalaya.

Resonia is revolutionising the Indian transmission and distribution (T&D) infrastructure by deploying advanced technologies to reduce technical losses and enhance grid reliability. Arun Sharma speaks with EPR to discuss Resonia’s role in modernising the Indian power infrastructure.

What role does Resonia play in modernising the T&D infrastructure to reduce technical losses and enhance reliability?

Resonia plays a crucial role in modernising T&D infrastructure, focusing on reducing technical losses and improving the reliability of electricity distribution. As the country transitions to a renewable-predominant grid, an efficient transmission becomes imperative for maintaining stability and ensuring uninterrupted power supply. Major initiatives implemented by Resonia for reduced technical losses and enhancing the reliability of electricity distribution include using high-performance power conductors (HPC), constructing modern GIS technology-based substations and adopting pioneering drone and helicrane-based project execution methodologies. These technologies help reduce line losses and significantly improve transmission efficiency with grid reliability.

High-voltage transmission lines (400kV and 765kV) are at the core of this modernisation effort, enabling long-distance power transfer with reduced technical losses. A prime example of modernised T&D infrastructure is the recently commissioned 123 km long Nangalbibra—Bongaigaon transmission line (400kV D/C) by Resonia, which strengthens the power infrastructure in extremely difficult and inaccessible terrains of Northeast India. This line facilitates the seamless transfer of over 1000 MW of electricity, improving power reliability in Assam and Meghalaya.

Further laying of modern high-capacity transmission corridors like Fatehgarh to Beawar and Neemrana to Kotputli being laid across Rajasthan and Haryana with a carrying capacity of nearly 12-15GV of power facilitate the evacuation of renewable energy. Similarly, green energy corridors Mumbai Urja Marg transmission line and Lakadia-Vadodara line completed transmission lines play a key role in integrating green energy across multiple states while reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

However, modernising infrastructure requires overcoming land acquisition delays and regulatory bottlenecks. Resonia has implemented IT-enabled escalation mechanisms to address these issues at both tehsil and district levels, ensuring a faster resolution of Right of Way (RoW) issues.

Technology-driven solutions are also central to reducing AT&C losses and improving reliability. By deploying IoT sensors and AI-driven analytics in substations, real-time voltage, current, and temperature monitoring is enabled, allowing predictive maintenance and fault prevention. This ensures optimal power flow management, balancing demand and supply in a grid increasingly reliant on variable renewable energy sources. Through these initiatives, Resonia is strengthening the backbone of India’s electricity network, making it more efficient, resilient and fully enabled for the clean energy transition.

What incentives or regulatory measures can be introduced to encourage private players to invest in T&D grid expansion?

The government can introduce a range of incentives and regulatory measures to drive private investment in the expansion of transmission and distribution (T&D) grids, particularly in regions with infrastructure gaps.

As per the recent plans, India aims to invest ₹9.16 trillion through 2032 to build more transmission lines, with 30 percent of this expenditure to be borne by the states. This investment is vital to integrate renewable energy and meet growing power demand. With a target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel renewable energy capacity by 2030 and the projected peak power demand of 366.4 GW by 2031-32, these efforts are crucial.

Monetising brownfield assets is considered a less risky and more attractive option for attracting private capital. Models like InvITs and AOMT (Acquire-Operate-Maintain-Transfer) have shown promise, ensuring transparency and providing certainty to investors. Key concerns like credit quality, timely payments, and revenue predictability need to be addressed to increase private sector confidence in T&D projects.

Public-private partnerships (PPPs) could further incentivise private investment by sharing project risks. The government’s involvement, alongside private expertise and capital, can facilitate the rapid execution of infrastructure upgrades. By implementing these measures, the government can stimulate private sector investment, improve grid reliability, and support a smooth transition to renewable energy sources.

How do Transmission and Distribution (T&D) companies in India implement and benefit from feeder separation?

Feeder separation in the Indian T&D sector involves dividing the electrical network into distinct parts to isolate faults and improve operational efficiency. Key implementations include classifying feeders, installing protection systems, using automation (SCADA), and enhancing communication networks. The benefits include improved reliability, reduced downtime, better load management, minimised technical losses and enhanced power quality. This method also supports the integration of renewable energy and allows for more efficient maintenance. A common application is the separation of agricultural feeders to prevent interference with residential and industrial loads.

Feeder separation also helps to reduce technical losses in the system by managing the load distribution more effectively, reducing the chances of overloading and voltage drops, thereby enhancing efficiency. Its integration with renewable energy has helped to manage fluctuations in renewable energy inputs (like solar and wind), which ultimately helps stabilise the grid and ensures that renewable sources do not destabilise the entire distribution network.