Power Grid from present to the future

Advanced sensors and automation technology allow smart grids to identify (in cases pre-empt) and respond to problems such as outages and voltage fluctuations. 

In general, our power infrastructure is ageing, inefficient and overall, is unsustainable. It is prone to brownouts and blackouts, has high transmission losses, poor power quality, inadequate transmission capacity. We are short of addressing our energy demands, which will only grow in quantum and gap unless we mitigate through a completely new paradigm approach with adoption of initiatives like the Smart Grid. Udit Garg, Chairman and Managing Director of Kundan Green Energy shares insights into the power grid sector.

The Smart Grid proposition offers clear benefits, it fosters greater efficiency through real time monitoring and control of electricity usage. This translates to reduction in energy waste and enables utilities to optimise the distribution network while minimising transmission losses reducing the need for new power generation sources or additional infrastructure investment. Smart Grids also mean greater reliability – advanced sensors and automation technology allow smart grids to identify (in cases pre-empt) and respond to problems such as outages and voltage fluctuations. This leads to reduced frequency and duration of power outages and greater reliability. Smart Grids also mean facilitation of integrated renewable energy and distributed energy resources (DER) into the grid via solar, wind, hydro energy. Advanced cybersecurity means that Smart Grids are better shielded from cyber-attacks. In communicating with utility customers, a Smart Grid gives customers greater access to manage energy usage and resultant costs.

Having said that, Smart Grids are expensive to install and they have not yet fully matured. Apart from Smart Grids, I believe that to meet unaddressed energy demand, effective planning is necessary for the discipline i.e., increase in efficiency of existing resources and upgradation of infrastructure of the existing utility grid. In tandem with this, we know that emission from conventional sources are degrading the environment and the world is at tipping point. Our existing grid does not allow for seamless integration of distributed and renewable energy sources. It is vital that the grid be re-cast to seamlessly integrate renewable energy and move towards efficient energy utilisation. In my understanding, conservation of energy, mitigation of emissions, sustainable advancement, clean energy, security, loss minimisation, optimal utilisation of assets have become prime considerations.

The ageing, inefficiency and non-reliability of the present utility grid has a corollary in smart devices, information and communication techniques. The Indian power sector has undergone a remarkable transformation to emerge as a beacon of progress in renewable energy and electricity access.  As the country strives to meet ambitious targets for clean energy and infrastructure development, it is essential to assess achievements, challenges and future opportunities within this dynamic sector.

India’s power grid, one of the largest unified grids globally, has become a single integrated market. The Government is committed to expanding the non-fossil fuel based installed electricity generation to 500 GW by 2030 and has initiated several ambitious reforms to overcome distribution challenges like the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) to enhance operational efficiency and the introduction of the Late Payment Surcharge Rules and Electricity Amendment Rules (2023) to improve fiscal discipline among discoms. These, and the Green Energy Corridor must be reinforced as we accelerate power grid modernisation.