In the era of rapid technological advancement, the Indian power sector is undergoing a significant transformation, adopting smart grid technologies to improve its reliability and efficiency. The Union Minister for Power has launched an initiative that will play a crucial role in this transformation – the Virtual Smart Grid Knowledge Center (Virtual SGKC). This article discusses the Indian initiatives that are shaping the energy transition, the significance of these initiatives, and the benefits of smart grids.
The Virtual Smart Grid Knowledge Center (Virtual SGKG)
Innovation is at the heart of this transformation in India’s power sector. The recent launch of the Virtual Smart Grid Knowledge Center (Virtual SGKC) demonstrates this commitment to innovation. Established by POWERGRID with support from the Union Ministry of Power, the Virtual SGKC is situated at the powergrid center in Manesar, Haryana. It aims to further the development of cutting-edge smart grid technologies with technical assistance from the US Agency for International Development’s (USAID).
The Virtual SGKC is one of the leading Centers of Excellence globally. It aims to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and research in power distribution technologies. A key goal of the Center is to create a digital footprint of its physical setup, something that became particularly important during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Understanding Smart Grids
A smart grid represents a paradigm shift in power management. It uses automation, communication, and IT systems to monitor and control power flows from generation points to consumption points (even down to appliances level) in real time or near real time. This system allows for efficient transmission & distribution, better system operations, consumer integration, and renewable integration.
The vision for India is to transform the Indian power sector into a secure, adaptive, sustainable, and digitally enabled ecosystem. This system will provide reliable and quality energy to all, with the active participation of stakeholders.
Benefits of Smart Grid Deployments
The benefits of smart grid deployments are manifold. These include reduction of transmission and distribution (T&D) losses, peak load management, improved quality of service and reliability, and a reduction in power purchase cost. Smart grids also offer better asset management, increased grid visibility, self-healing grids, and renewable integration. Customer satisfaction is another crucial benefit, as is the financial stability offered to utilities.
Related Initiatives and Progress
Several initiatives supplement India’s smart grid vision. The Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (SAUBHAGYA) aims to empower rural and urban households with access to reliable and affordable electricity. The Green Energy Corridor (GEC) focuses on synchronizing grid-connected renewable energy with India’s national transmission network. Two other essential programs, the National Smart Grid Mission (NSGM) and the Smart Meter National Programme (SMNP), focus on modernizing India’s power sector into a secure, adaptive, sustainable, and digitally enabled ecosystem.
These ambitious initiatives reflect India’s commitment to harnessing technology for greater efficiency and sustainability in its power sector. They form part of a broader transition towards smarter, cleaner, and more inclusive energy systems.
