Can India’s Power Infrastructure Keep Up with Its Digital Ambitions?

India’s data center industry is experiencing an unprecedented growth trajectory, driven by rapid digitalization, the rollout of 5G networks, AI adoption, and increasing cloud demand. Industry forecasts estimate that the country’s data center capacity will rise from around 1.4 gigawatts today to over 9 gigawatts by 2030. This surge translates into data centers potentially consuming roughly 3% of India’s total electricity by that year, up from less than 1% currently. Expanding hyperscale and colocation facilities in metros like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Delhi, alongside rising secondary hubs in tier 2 and 3 cities, underline the vast scale and geographic diversification of this growth.

Power Infrastructure Challenges Unique to the Digital Era

Vikas Srivastava, Director-Product Management, Product Development/Engineering, Vertiv

Data centers require uninterrupted, high-quality power that traditional grids, especially beyond metropolitan areas, often struggle to provide. Frequent outages, voltage instability, and limited grid capacity plague many emerging digital hubs in smaller cities and rural areas. Moreover, the scale of power demand from mega data centers rivals that of large industrial operations, placing additional strain on local utilities and transmission infrastructures. Maintaining uptime for critical digital services requires a fundamental rethink of power supply, distribution, and resilience strategies tailored to these demanding environments.

Decentralized, Intelligent Power Ecosystems as the Future

To address these challenges, the industry should pivot toward self-sustained power ecosystems. This entails integrating microgrids, hybrid energy sources including renewables augmented by battery energy storage systems, and real-time power optimization technologies. Decentralized power distribution architectures reduce dependency on unstable grids, enabling edge locations such as rural data nodes, telecom towers, and smart factories to operate autonomously with high reliability. Intelligent infrastructure monitoring and AI-driven energy management can further optimize load distribution, predictive maintenance, and increase energy efficiency across interconnected digital sites.

Sustainability and Policy Enablement

India’s ambitious renewable energy targets aim for 500 gigawatts of renewable capacity by 2030, and government incentives such as data center policies and production-linked incentives are catalyzing the integration of green power into digital infrastructure. Operators are increasingly leveraging rooftop solar, wind power, and advanced cooling technologies to reduce carbon footprints. Notably, energy storage initiatives backed by viability gap funding have accelerated battery storage adoption, crucial for bridging supply-demand gaps and mitigating renewables’ intermittency.

Strategic Enterprise Investment and Advanced Solutions

While policy frameworks set the stage, private sector leadership is paramount. Investors and operators are scaling infrastructure with modular, scalable power units capable of operating in extreme ambient conditions prevalent across India. Technologies such as high-efficiency uninterruptible power supplies, AI-based monitoring platforms, and hybrid grid-storage combinations ensure consistent power quality and resilience. These advancements also embrace operational flexibility, allowing data centers to dynamically adjust to fluctuations in demand and supply, reducing total cost of ownership and sustainability risk.

The symbiotic growth of India’s digital economy and power infrastructure faces complex challenges requiring innovative, integrated approaches. Developing decentralized, intelligent, and green power systems tailored to the evolving needs of data centers, supported by proactive investment and enabling policies, will be critical. Successfully navigating these challenges will ensure India’s digital ecosystems remain robust and adaptive, securing its place as a global technology powerhouse in the decade ahead.

Reference Links:

• https://www.jll.com/en-in/insights/market-dynamics/india-data-centers
• https://ieefa.org/resources/indias-power-hungry-data-centre-sector-crossroads
• https://www.jll.com/en-in/newsroom/indias-data-centre-capacity-to-reach-18-gw-by-2027

Adani Power to Invest $3 Billion in Bihar Thermal Plant After Securing 2,274 MW Contract

Adani Power Ltd. has clinched a major infrastructure deal to construct a $3 billion ultra-supercritical thermal power plant in Bihar, following its successful bid to supply 2,274 MW of electricity to the state’s distribution companies. The project marks one of the largest private-sector power investments in eastern India and is expected to significantly bolster Bihar’s energy capacity and industrial growth.

Project Details

The proposed plant will be located in Pirpainti village, Bhagalpur district, and will feature three units of 800 MW each, totaling 2,400 MW in capacity. Adani Power emerged as the lowest bidder in a competitive auction, offering a tariff of ₹6.075 per kWh under the Design, Build, Finance, Own, and Operate (DBFOO) model.

The plant will utilize ultra-supercritical technology, known for its higher thermal efficiency and reduced carbon emissions compared to conventional coal-fired systems. Fuel supply will be secured through coal linkages under the Government of India’s SHAKTI policy, ensuring long-term viability.

Timeline & Execution

According to bid terms:

• The first unit is expected to be commissioned within 48 months of the appointed date.
• The entire plant is slated for completion within 60 months.

Adani Power will sign a Power Supply Agreement (PSA) with Bihar’s North and South distribution companies — NBPDCL and SBPDCL — following the issuance of the Letter of Award (LoA).

Economic Impact

The project is anticipated to generate:

• 10,000–12,000 jobs during the construction phase
• 3,000 permanent jobs during operations

Local industries are expected to benefit from improved energy reliability, potentially attracting further investment into Bihar’s manufacturing and services sectors.

Strategic Significance

This development aligns with India’s broader energy goals of expanding capacity while transitioning to more efficient technologies. For Bihar, which has faced persistent power shortages, the project represents a leap toward energy security and industrial competitiveness.

India's First Micro Substation Switches On: Compact, Clean, and Ready to Scale

In a breakthrough that could transform how electricity reaches homes in crowded cities and remote villages, Tata Power Delhi Distribution Ltd (Tata Power-DDL), in collaboration with Japan’s Nissin Electric, has launched India’s first micro substation in Rohini, Delhi.

Traditionally, power travels through large substations that occupy a lot of space and require complex infrastructure. But this new micro substation is different. It's compact, efficient, and smart—small enough to fit into tight urban spaces yet powerful enough to deliver electricity directly from high-voltage transmission lines to regular households.

At the heart of this setup is something called a Power Voltage Transformer (PVT). It steps down electricity from very high voltages (like 66,000 volts) straight to the low voltage we use at home (around 240 volts), without needing the usual multi-tiered infrastructure. Think of it as a shortcut that saves land, cuts costs, and speeds up power delivery.

This pilot project—supported by Japan’s energy research body, NEDO—is currently lighting up around 20 to 30 homes, but each unit can serve 50 to 60 families. It’s especially promising for areas where building traditional substations is difficult or too expensive.

The micro substation is considered plug-and-play as it dramatically simplifies the traditional power infrastructure setup.Instead of building a full-scale substation with multiple transformers and switchyards, this unit taps directly into high-voltage lines and steps down the power to household levels in one go.

 

India's first Micro-Substation equipped with a Power Voltage Transformer (PVT) launched by Tata Power-DDL and Nissin Electric Co. Ltd, at Tata's Rohini plant in New Delhi on Monday. (Image - ANI /Economic Times) 

The Power Voltage Transformer (PVT), switchgear, protection systems, and distribution board come as a single, modular unit. That means fewer moving parts, faster deployment, and easier maintenance. Thus, it doesn’t require large plots or complex construction. The unit is compact and pre-engineered, so it can be installed quickly—even in tight urban spaces or remote terrains.

Beyond just saving space, these micro substations also reduce carbon emissions by nearly 45% compared to diesel generators, making them a cleaner alternative for backup or primary power needs.

To sum it up: plug-and-play power is here, and it could be a game-changer for India's “24x7 Power for All” dream. Whether you're a tech expert tracking smart grid innovations or a local resident tired of power cuts, this tiny transformer box packs a big punch.

Besides, the micro substations like the one developed by Tata Power-DDL and Nissin Electric are also well-suited for powering EV charging stations in space-constrained urban areas. PVTs used in these setups can be configured to support three-phase power, which is essential for fast EV charging.

And, by decentralizing power delivery, these micro substations reduce stress on the main grid—especially useful when multiple EVs charge simultaneously.

In 2023, Google and Microsoft Each Consumed More Power Than 100 Countries

In 2023, both tech giants Google and Microsoft consumed a staggering 24 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity, surpassing the energy usage of over 100 countries, a new researcher has claimed. This revelation underscores the scale of their energy consumption, comparable to entire nations.

Analysis by a journalist specializing in global warming, Michael Thomas, shared on X, that both Google and Microsoft consumed the same amount of energy as Azerbaijan, which has about 10.14 million inhabitants and an estimated GDP of $78.7 billion. Google’s 2023 revenue stood at $307.4 billion, and Microsoft’s at $211.9 billion.

Michael Thomas further claims that 24 TWh, is the equivalent of the needs of’ Azerbaijan, and much higher than that of many small countries that have consumed 19 TWh such as Iceland, The Ghana, Dominican Republic and Tunisia, among others.

However it is to be noted that the per capita consumption of’electricity varies according to the countries' level of development. Some countries that less populated than those mentioned above consume more power. For example, Ireland, populated by only 5 million’ inhabitants, consumes about 31 TWh each.

While Google & Microsoft's massive energy usage has environmental implications, it's worth noting that these tech giants also generate more revenue than many countries. For instance, Google's economic impact exceeded $739 billion, while Microsoft's products likely contribute trillions of dollars to the global economy. These figures highlight the significant financial scale of these companies relative to their substantial electricity consumption.

The massive energy usage underscores the substantial environmental impact of these mammoth companies. But it also serves as a reminder of their sheer scale, and the positive impact they could have an leading more sustainable initiatives.

Michael Thomas's comparison between entire countries and two single companies highlights the massive energy needs of GAFAMs — Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon, and Microsoft, with Google and Microsoft's data centers being insatiable. Lately, the race for AI has further multiplied the uses of technological giants. For example, ChatGPT consumes 17,000 times more electricity every day than an average household.

Huawei Unveils IDS, An Intelligent Solution for Electric Power Industry's Most Pressing Challenges

The IDS is designed to optimize power distribution, enhance grid reliability, and facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources.

Huawei has unveiled its Intelligent Distribution Solution (IDS), which was presented at the 26th World Energy Congress in Rotterdam. The IDS is designed to address some of the electric power industry's most pressing challenges, such as high line loss, unreliable service, and the complexities of managing new energy loads.

The solution aims to transform the power distribution network, often referred to as the 'last mile', which is crucial for delivering electric power directly to consumers' homes, businesses, and industries. Huawei's IDS leverages advanced technologies to optimize power distribution, enhance grid reliability, and facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources.

Key features of Huawei's Intelligent Distribution Solution include:

• High Power Line Carrier Communication (HPLC) with 99.9% reliability, ensuring fast and reliable access for transformer district devices.
• A combination of fiber and wireless backhaul networks to provide full coverage in distribution network scenarios.
• An all-in-one edge computing unit (ECU) for lean management.
• An on-premise private cloud as the digital foundation, supporting IT and OT data integration across all departments.
• Reduced Line Loss: The IDS helps in managing line loss more effectively, which can lead to significant energy savings.
• Improved Power Supply Reliability: With advanced fault locating capabilities, the system reduces outage times and improves the overall reliability of the power supply.
• Seamless Integration of Renewable Energy: The solution supports the connection and management of distributed photovoltaic sites, enabling a higher consumption rate of clean energy.
• Enhanced Operational Efficiency: IDS enables remote automatic inspection and proactive work order management, improving the efficiency of operations and maintenance.
• Agile Development of New Services: The system allows for quick deployment of new services, reducing rollout time from months to weeks.

The IDS architecture, built on a unique "cloud-pipe-edge-device" framework, includes an on-premise private cloud, wired and wireless solutions for the backhaul network, an all-in-one edge computing unit (ECU), and next-generation high-speed power line carrier communication (HPLC) on the low-voltage side. This comprehensive approach has already shown its effectiveness with successful implementations in several provinces in China.

This comprehensive approach allows for real-time measurable observations that empower utility providers to optimize their operations, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction by identifying and repairing faults before power outages occur. The IDS has already shown its effectiveness with successful implementations in several provinces in China.

How does the IDS handle fault detection and management?

Huawei's Intelligent Distribution Solution (IDS) handles fault detection and management through a combination of advanced technologies and methodologies. Besides the fact that the IDS continuously monitors the power distribution network in real-time, using sensors and smart devices to collect data on the network's performance, below are key features that IDS has to handle fault detection:

• Predictive Analytics: By leveraging big data analytics and machine learning algorithms, the system can predict potential faults before they occur, allowing for preventive measures to be taken.
• Automated Fault Location: When a fault does occur, the system can quickly pinpoint its location. This is facilitated by the High-Speed Power Line Carrier Communication (HPLC) technology, which provides fast and reliable communication across the network.
• Once a fault is detected and located, the IDS can automatically reroute power or instruct maintenance crews to address the issue, minimizing downtime and service interruptions.
• Self-Healing Capabilities: The IDS is designed to have self-healing capabilities, where it can isolate the faulted section and reconfigure the network to restore power to unaffected areas.
• Comprehensive Reporting: The system generates detailed reports on faults, their causes, and the responses taken. This information is crucial for continuous improvement and learning.

These features ensure that the IDS not only detects and manages faults efficiently but also enhances the overall reliability and stability of the power distribution network. The goal is to reduce the frequency and impact of power outages, thereby improving customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Tata Power Lights up 27,000 Homes with Green Power in Mumbai; Resulting in 270 MUs of Green Power Consumption Equivalent to Offsetting 200 Kiloton of CO2 Annually

• Sets a new norm in sustainable celebrations with 6,274 consumers adopting Green Power during the festive season
• Tata Power installs 1.25 lakh smart meters in the city to encourage energy efficiency and conscious consumption of electricity; aims to cover all its 7.5 lakh consumers by FY25

Tata Power, the first power utility in Maharashtra to offer a green power tariff, inspired over 27,000 Mumbai consumers to switch to renewable energy.

A special initiative for Green Power adoption was launched this festive season encouraging consumers to opt for clean and green power to illuminate their homes. The initiative was a resounding success with 6,274 new consumers opting to become green champions.

The Green Power movement led to ~270 MUs of green power consumption which is equivalent to offsetting 200 kilotons of carbon emissions annually. Our 3,576 consumers belonging to the 0-100 unit's category, are leading this energy transition with delight and setting the perfect example for consumers in other categories to adopt Green Power for the future.

At a marginal cost over and above the existing tariff, consumers are empowered to choose the proportion of renewable energy in their consumption, ranging from 25% to 100%. Tata Power is committed to sourcing green power for its consumers from its wind and solar plants across the country.

"Tata Power is a leader in the Distribution domain, with approximately 13 million consumers across the country. We have launched several sustainable initiatives like Green Tariff, ESCO services, Smart Metering, DSM programs et al to encourage consumers to opt for energy efficiency and conservation. Our Mumbai consumers are a shining example of how green practices can be made mainstream. Their collective commitment towards Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) will encourage others to follow suit." Said Mr Sanjay Banga, President, T&D, Tata Power.

With its consumers, Tata Power is co-creating a legacy of sustainability and innovation and transforming the power distribution landscape in the country with its green energy solutions and services.

"We are thankful to our Mumbai consumers for always being our partners in our green initiatives. With 27,000 and growing green consumers and 1.25 lakh smart meters installed, we are well-poised to becoming a leader in green power supply and smart metering in the city. " said Mr. Nilesh Kane, Chief- Mumbai Distribution, Tata Power.

Tata Power aims to install smart meters for all its 7.5 lakh consumers in Mumbai by FY25. The smart meters enable energy efficiency leading to cost savings for its users. The consumers can access real-time data of power consumption and analytics through a web portal and a mobile application. They can also opt for either prepaid or post-paid metering without any additional charges.

It is worth noting that Tata Power was the first utility in Maharashtra to offer a green power tariff to its consumers, as approved by the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) in its order dated April 2021. Tata Power Mumbai Distribution is committed to providing reliable, affordable, and sustainable power to its consumers and stakeholders.

Cyber Attack on Madhya Pradesh Power Management Co.'s Servers

The power management company in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh has been stalled for the last several days. The IT cell of the power management company has filed a complaint in Gorakhpur police station of Jabalpur, considering this problem as a cyber attack.

Cyber attack occurred on the server of MP Power Management Company, which caused the internet to go down in the company's office that made PMC unable to function. The company's account is also threatened. Apart from this, information about buying and selling electricity is also expected to be leaked.

For last 4 days, the company's IT cell has been involved in locating the cyber attack, but has no any firm information on its hand.

Ironically, in September last year Madhya Pradesh become the first state of the country to implement cyber crisis management plan developed by M.P. state load dispatch centre Jabalpur. Notably, Cyber Crisis Management Plan was developed in-house without taking the help of expert consultants and implemented after approval by Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-India), a government organization that responds to computer security incidents and promotes IT security practices and functions under the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology

MP Power Management Company is the most important company in Madhya Pradesh's power system, and it takes care of when, where and how much electricity the state needs and where it will be completed.

With electricity, there is a big drawback that it cannot be stored, so electricity has to be supplied at the same time when it is produced. The information on the availability of electricity at different power generation plants across the country are being tracked on the computers of the power management companies, through the Internet. The power management company buys electricity from companies with which it has power agreements.

Earlier officials of the power management company did the investigation, but the internet system was not able to improve. It was then understood that this is not a general technical flaw, but something else has damaged the MP Power Management Company's system. Although no virus or message like previous cyber attacks is displayed to the computer of a power management company, it has been considered a cyber attack.

Madhya Pradesh has a capacity to generate about 6000 MW of electricity and many a times some electricity remain unused by the state so it is then sold to other states. This entire process of buying & selling electricity is done on computer through internet and this buy-sale transactions are worth billions of rupees, But the computer system that has been installed for such an important and extremely important business.

Reportedly, the MP power management company did not take care of security of computer systems and using cyber security solutions like domestic computers. When when the internet stopped providing services, the PMC authorities did not consider it a cyber-attack. The PMC personnels however are not at fault because they are not trained enough in the field of Cybersecurity.

According to an PMC official, the company's servers are unable to do any work due to disturbances. All work from human resources is being affected. Only the IT department can provide information about technical malfunction in the server.

How Technological Advancements are Reforming Power Transmission in India

This content has been authored by Shalin Sheth, Founder & Managing Director at Advait Infratech Limited

India has been experiencing rapid economic growth over the last few years, leading to a corresponding increase in energy demand. The country's power sector is essential to support this growth but it is still affected by significant challenges such as power shortages, grid instability, and outdated technology. Technological advancements in power transmission are crucial to overcoming these challenges, and India has been embracing these advancements at length. This article explores how technological advances are transforming power transmission in India and the impact of these innovations on the country's power sector.

Shalin Sheth, Founder & MD at Advait Infratech Ltd

Role of technology in power transmission

The power sector in India has been overgrowing in recent years. However, the demand for electricity in India still exceeds the supply, which has resulted in significant challenges for power transmission. One of the main challenges in power transmission in India is the loss of energy during transmission. Another challenge is the inability to transmit power over long distances without significant losses. Additionally, demand-side management is a challenge due to a lack of awareness of energy conservation among the public. 

However, to combat these challenges technology is playing an essential role in revolutionising power transmission in India. Advancements in technology have led to better transmission efficiency, reduced transmission losses, and more reliable power transmission. Significant technological advances in power transmission include high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission, flexible AC transmission systems (FACTS), and synchrophasors. These technologies have improved voltage regulation, reduced transmission losses, increased system stability, and increased the capacity of the transmission lines.

Smart grid technology and its impact in India

A smart grid is an advanced electricity network that uses digital technology to automate and optimise electricity distribution. Smart grids offer several benefits, such as improved reliability of power supply, reduced transmission losses, and lower carbon emissions. Several smart grid projects have been implemented in India to address the challenges in power transmission. For instance, the National Smart Grid Mission was launched to implement smart grid technology nationwide. Implementing smart grids is expected to improve grid efficiency, reduce transmission losses, and enable the integration of renewable energy sources.

Renewable energy and its integration into power transmission

India has a vast potential for renewable energy. Renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydro are abundant in India. The integration of renewable energy into power transmission has been made possible by implementing technologies such as HVDC transmission and smart grids. Renewable energy sources are often located in remote areas, which makes integration into the grid a challenge. With smart grids and HVDC transmission, renewable energy can be transmitted efficiently over long distances. Integrating renewable energy into power transmission is expected to reduce carbon emissions and improve the reliability of the power supply.

Challenges and solutions in implementing technological advancements in power transmission

With the rapid pace of technological advancements, the power sector in India is also transforming. However, there are several challenges in implementing these advancements in power transmission.

The technical challenges include upgrading the existing power infrastructure to accommodate new technologies, integrating renewable energy sources with the existing grid, and ensuring the seamless operation of the transmission network. Financial challenges include upgrading the infrastructure, the need for skilled resources to manage and maintain the new technologies, and the high cost of renewable energy storage systems. But, the solutions to these challenges are within reach. The government and private sector can work together to develop innovative financing models and invest in research and development to enable the adoption of new technologies and overcome technical barriers.

The Indian government has already taken steps to promote technological advancements in power transmission through several initiatives and policies. These include the Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY) scheme, the National Smart Grid Mission, and the Green Energy Corridors project. These initiatives aim to improve the financial health of distribution companies, encourage the adoption of smart grids to improve efficiency and reliability and facilitate the integration of renewable energy into the grid.

Future trends in power transmission technology in India

» Upcoming innovations in power transmissions:

The future of power transmission in India will be dominated by new technologies such as direct high-voltage current (HVDC) transmission, flexible AC transmission systems (FACTS), and energy storage systems. HVDC transmission is a more efficient way of transmitting power over long distances, while FACTS devices can help to control the flow of electricity, increasing grid stability. Energy storage systems, such as batteries and pumped hydro storage, will also play a crucial role in integrating renewable energy sources into the grid.

» Impact on the power sector in India

The adoption of these new technologies will have a significant impact on the power sector in India. It will improve the efficiency and reliability of power transmission, reduce transmission losses, enhance grid stability, and enable the integration of renewable energy sources, resulting in a more sustainable and cleaner energy system. Further, adopting these advancements will create new job opportunities in the power sector, and local businesses can benefit from the growth of the power sector. It will also reduce the country's dependence on non-renewable energy sources, promoting energy security and self-sufficiency.

In conclusion, technological advancements are revolutionising the power transmission sector in India. The integration of smart grid technology, renewable energy sources, and other innovations is transforming the way electricity is transmitted and distributed. The government's initiatives and policies are also playing a crucial role in facilitating the implementation of these advancements. As India continues to grow and develop, the power sector's modernisation will be essential to support the country's energy demands and achieve its sustainable development goals.

SEforALL and Google to Launch New Compact to Decarbonize Electricity Globally

With support from UN-Energy, SEforALL and Google plan to build a global coalition of companies, governments and others interested in fully decarbonizing their energy consumption, starting with the launch of the 24/7 Carbon-free Energy Compact.

VIENNA, Aug. 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- A carbon-free electricity sector is the foundation for reaching a net-zero global economy. Electricity generates 25% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions, and is key to decarbonizing other sectors of the economy, including buildings, transport, and industry. To achieve net-zero emissions across the global economy by 2050, electricity must become the core of the energy system and be decarbonized even faster, while expanding to meet the increasing demands of millions who lack adequate access to electricity today.

Google is building on its three-decades long commitment to sustainability for people and planet by aiming to operate on carbon-free energy - every hour of every day, at all of its data centers and office campuses around the world, by 2030. This more ambitious commitment will be captured in an Energy Compact, an innovation introduced by SEforALL and backed by UN-Energy as a key outcome of the upcoming UN High-level Dialogue on Energy in September, The Energy Compacts are public and trackable commitments, with specific actions, made by governments, companies and others to achieve energy transition goals by 2030 – including universal access to affordable and clean energy.

Google and SEforALL will leverage Google's experience to build a global Compact for 24/7 Carbon-free Energy (CFE). Google and SEforAll are calling on companies, governments and other stakeholders who commit to the principles of 24/7 CFE to join the Compact and work together to enact the policies critical to fully decarbonize the world's electricity systems.

"We are eager to work with Sustainable Energy for All and the world's governments and corporations to fully decarbonize grids and support a carbon-free economy. With this global Compact, we have a unique opportunity to transform energy policies, technologies, and procurement practices- but only if we work together." said Kate Brandt, Chief Sustainability Officer of Google.

"This partnership with Google sends a powerful signal that none of us alone can achieve the scale necessary to tackle the double crisis of climate and energy poverty. The only hope we have to heal our planet and to provide opportunities for billions is together through partnerships like this that can pave the way for others to follow." said Damilola Ogunbiyi, CEO and Special Representative to the UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All.

Google and SEforALL recognize the need for urgent action now. This is punctuated by the troubling new IPCC report on climate change showing that we must dramatically transform our energy systems to operate on carbon-free energy to avoid warming the planet beyond the global target of 1.5 degrees Celsius. Getting there will require a rapid acceleration in the pace of clean energy deployment, the development of advanced carbon-free energy technologies, and significant policy changes. All stakeholders - from energy consumers to energy providers to policymakers and civil society - must work to advance the decarbonization of the world's electricity systems in a just and fair way. This is why a global coalition is needed now, more than ever.

To drive action on this urgent issue, Google and SEforALL are co-hosting a workshop on 24/7 Carbon-Free Energy as the Path to Net-Zero on Tuesday 24 August at 11:00 EST, to demonstrate the concept and how energy consumers everywhere can support electricity decarbonization, which means that every kilowatt-hour of electricity demand is served by carbon-free electricity sources, every hour of every day, everywhere. The workshop will also provide an overview of Energy Compacts and show how participants can themselves create and commit to one.

You can register for the virtual workshop on 24/7 Carbon-Free Energy as the Path to Net-Zero taking place on Tuesday 24 August at 11:00 EST here.

Contact:

For further details on the reports or any interview requests, please contact: Sherry Kennedy, Sustainable Energy for All: Sherry.Kennedy@SEforALL.org / Media@SEforALL.org | +43 676 846 727 237

About Sustainable Energy for All
Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) is an international organization that works in partnership with the United Nations and leaders in government, the private sector, financial institutions, civil society and philanthropies to drive faster action towards the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7) – access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all by 2030 – in line with the Paris Agreement on climate. SEforALL works to ensure a clean energy transition that leaves no one behind and brings new opportunities for everyone to fulfill their potential.

SEforALL is led by Damilola Ogunbiyi, CEO and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All and Co-Chair of UN-Energy. Follow her on Twitter @DamilolaSDG7. For more information, follow @SEforALLorg.

Genus Power Makes History, Supplies 1.5 Million Smart Meters to EESL

Genus Power Infrastructures Ltd (Genus Power), the country’s  largest electricity metering solutions provider, becomes the first company in Asia Pacific to achieve the milestone of supplying 1.5M Smart Meters to EESL (Energy Efficiency Services Ltd), bearing a testimony of the manufacturing capability of an Indian company for such an advance meter amid global competition.

Genus Power is the largest supplier of Smart Meters in India and is currently executing a big contract for EESL. EESL plays a vital role in implementing India’s ambitious plan of rolling out 240 million Smart Meters in next 3 years as planned by the Ministry of Power, Government of India.

Excited with this achievement, Jitendra K Agarwal, Jt Managing Director, Genus Power said, “As a leader in the Smart Metering industry, we are proud to be the first in India to achieve this figure. The Smart Meters commissioned in various states have played an important role during the COVID 19 pandemic. The nationwide lockdown and social distancing prohibited DISCOMs from physically taking the monthly meter readings. All states where Genus Power Smart Meters were installed have been able to take readings remotely that resulted in bill generation & collection, helping DISCOMs to sustain their operations.”  

Mr Saurabh Kumar, Managing Director, EESL said, “Smart Meters offer numerous benefits to DISCOMs as well as consumers. They also have the potential to make the power sector increasingly resilient, transparent, digitized, and accountable. A seamless and consumer-focused energy ecosystem is the way forward and thus we must encourage the adoption of smart meters across the country.”

Riding on its large installed base of more than 60 million electricity meters and domain expertise, Genus Power has embarked on an ambitious programme on Smart Metering in line with the Smart Grid vision of the Government of India. The company is currently exporting its products to Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific regions.

After E-Mobility, India's Next Target is Cooking by Electricity - Power Minister

Power Minister R K Singh on Monday said India will eventually be an electricity-based economy, as the nation is embarking on power usage for running vehicles and cooking food.

"The entire power sector is going through change and this change will continue. We want to electrify our whole economy. The energy would be through electricity rather than through petroleum products or other forms of energy," Singh said at a function to mark 10 years of state-run Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL) here.

The minister said, "Besides mobility, the next target would be cooking by electricity. So, we will electrify the economy and make electricity green (generation through renewable). Those are our long-term goals."

EESL, a joint venture of public sector undertakings under the power ministry, has completed 10 years of scaling up energy efficiency programmes in India and globally.

Established in 2009 to unlock the potential of energy efficiency, initiatives implemented by EESL have cumulatively led to energy savings of over 58 billion kWh (units) and a reduction of over 46 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions across the globe.

In its 10 years, EESL has had an exponential growth, with offices spread across India, the UK, Middle East, South Asia and Southeast Asia.

EESL's revenue has grown at a compound annual growth rate of 114.96 per cent from Rs 26 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 2,565 crore in 2018-19. With its rapid growth, EESL now aims to become a Rs 10,000-crore company in the next three years.

Lauding the business models provided by EESL to promote energy efficiency on the occasion, Singh said, "Business model, that is what works. You can have subsidy models. I have found through experience that the subsidy model does not work as well as a business model. That is what EESL brought in energy efficiency. The business model made it possible to replace agriculture (water) pumps with energy-efficient pumps."

The minister announced successful installation of 10 lakh smart meters across India, under the government's Smart Meter National Programme (SMNP). These smart meters, operational in Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana and Bihar, aim to bring efficiency in the distribution system leading to better service delivery.

He also announced commissioning of 100-megawatt (MW) cumulative capacity decentralised solar power plants connected to agriculture feeders.

The capacity of these solar power plants, in each substation, ranges from 0.5 MW to 10 MW. The decentralised solar plants cater to the requirements of farmers connected to the respective agriculture feeder daily, by means of reliable day-time electricity.

The minister also launched the dashboards of SMNP, National Electric Mobility Programme (NEMP) and solar initiatives to transparently monitor the real-time progress of the programmes and its impact.

He also launched an integrated mobile application, EK EESL, where all the dashboards of all the programmes being implemented by EESL will be accessible and anyone can monitor their real-time progress.

In the context of the NEMP, he highlighted that the electric vehicles deployed by EESL have completed 2 crore cumulative kilometers.

EESL and the Provincial Energy Authority, Ministry of Interior, Royal Thai Government, signed a pact during the event for long-term cooperation and collaboration to advance the implementation and deployment of energy efficiency measures at small and medium enterprises in Thailand.

Energy Efficiency Services Ltd spearheaded and implemented the zero-subsidy Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All (UJALA) programme by distributing over 36.16 crore LED bulbs and Street Lighting National Programme (SLNP) by retrofitting over 1.06 crore street lights with LEDs.

Under the Buildings Energy Efficiency Programme, EESL has completed projects in 10,344 buildings, including railway stations and airports.

Implementing the Agriculture Demand-Side Management (AgDSM), EESL has installed over 73,800 pumps in Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

Under the NEMP, till date, 1,510 e-cars have been deployed or under registration. For charging e-cars, 300 AC and 170 DC captive chargers have also been commissioned and 68 public charging points are currently operational in Delhi-NCR.

US can Supply Energy to India as Much as it Wants - White House official

The US can supply energy to India as much as it wants as there is a much greater potential between the two countries in the key sector, a top White House official has said ahead of President Donald Trump's maiden visit to the country.

Talks are going on between India and the US on a trade deal, Larry Kudlow, economic advisor to President Donald Trump, told reporters at the White House on Thursday when asked about the progress on a trade deal ahead of the presidential visit.

Trump will pay a state visit to India on February 24 and 25 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who on Wednesday said the US President's visit will be a "very special one" and it will go a long way in further cementing India-USA friendship.

Ahead of his visit, the two countries are eyeing to finalise a raft of mega defence deals including procurement of a batch of military helicopters by Indian Navy from American defence major Lockheed Martin at a cost of USD 2.6 billion.

Responding to a question on the increase in export of energy to India, Kudlow said there is a much greater potential.

"Could be, hope so. Let's remove all the barriers. They (Indians) need energy. We have the energy.

"When we had our bilateral meetings with the Prime Minister Modi, I said, you give me a number (to export energy from the US to India) and I'll meet it," Kudlow said.

In the last few years, America's export of energy to India increased from zero to USD 8 billion last year and this year it is expected to increase to USD 10 billion.

"Our energy trade touched close to USD 8 billion last year. Mind you, this was zero, a few years ago," India's new ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu said in his remarks at a reception hosted in his honour by the US India Business Council.

"In fact in 2013, I testified before the House Energy Committee advocating US energy exports to India. In 2017, our leadership decided to elevate our energy partnership to a strategic energy partnership," Sandhu said.

According to the US State Department, US energy exports are an important area of growth in the trade relationship. In 2018, India purchased 48.2 million barrels of US crude oil, a significant increase from 9.6 million in 2017.

India and the US have established a Strategic Energy Partnership (SEP) replacing the erstwhile Energy Dialogue. This was done during the last meeting held in New Delhi on April 17, 2018 between Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan and US Secretary for Energy Rick Perry.

The SEP has four primary pillars of cooperation -- Oil and Gas; Power and Energy Efficiency; Renewable Energy and Sustainable Growth; and Coal.

As a first step, they also announced the establishment of US-India Natural Gas Task Force to support India's vision for natural gas. The two sides also reaffirmed their strong commitment to early and full implementation of the civil nuclear energy partnership, including the Westinghouse civil nuclear project in Kovvada.

As India prepares to receive Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, US defence major Boeing indicated that it was considering to offer its F-15EX Eagle fighter jets to Indian Air Force.

The company has already sought a licence from the US authorities for its possible export to India, eyeing a USD 18 billion contract by the IAF to procure 114 fighter jets.

Government and industry sources said the two sides are likely to finalise the USD 2.6 billion deal under which the US will supply 24 multi-role MH-60R Seahawk maritime helicopters to India. PTI LKJ

Renewable Energy Sources to Contribute 21% of Electricity Demand in India in 2021-22: Minister

Renewable energy sources are expected to account for around 21 per cent of electricity demand in 2021-22, Power Minister R K Singh said on Thursday.

"As per Central Electricity Authority's National Electricity Plan, contribution of renewable energy sources is estimated to be around 21 per cent of the total electricity demand of the country in the year 2021-22 and 24 per cent by 2026-27," Singh was quoted as saying in a statement issued by the power ministry

The major steps being taken by the government to meet the targets of renewable energy in the country include permitting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) up to 100 per cent under the automatic route, strengthening of Power Purchase Agreements(PPAs) and mandating requirement of Letter of Credit(LC) as payment security mechanism by distribution licensees for ensuring timely payments to renewable energy generators.

As part of Intended Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Accord on Climate Change, India has made a pledge that by 2030, 40 per cent of its installed power generation capacity shall be from non-fossil fuel sources and will reduce its carbon emission intensity of GDP by 33-35 per cent considering 2005 level.

The government has set a target to install 175 GW of renewable energy capacity in the country by the year 2022. This includes 100 GW from solar, 60 GW from wind, 10 GW from biomass and 5 GW from small hydro power.

To Ensure Safety Against Hazards of Electricity Havells India and TATA Power - DDL Come Together

To ensure safety of users against hazards of electric leakage, Havells India Ltd. and TATA Power-DDL today signed an MoU to strengthen the distribution of electrical protection devices in North and North-Western parts of Delhi.

• The partnership shall ensure that Havells circuit protection devices, electrical leakage circuit breaker (ELCB) will be made available across all Tata Power-DDL Customer Care Centers at subsidized price from Oct. 1, 2019 onwards


• ELCBs are a must now as no new connection will be energized in Delhi unless a suitable earth leakage protection device has been installed at consumer premise

To ensure safety of users against hazards of electric leakage, Havells India Ltd. and TATA Power-DDL today signed an MoU to strengthen the distribution of electrical protection devices in North and North-Western parts of Delhi. Along with that, both companies have also planned an extensive awareness and training program to encourage adoption of proper installation of circuit protection devices – ELCB and MCB. The MoU signing ceremony saw the presence of Mr. Sanjay Banga, CEO, Tata Power Delhi Distribution Ltd. and Mr. Saurabh Goel, President, Havells India Ltd.

The synergy between prominent electrical distribution company and leading electrical brand in the country shall ensure safety from electricity hazards.

Welcoming the association, Sanjay Banga, CEO, TPDDL, said, “Tata Power-DDL is committed to consumer safety and has joined hands with Havells to drastically reduce the electricity related accidents which result in loss of life and property. I urge all consumers to install a suitable device for earth leakage protection at their homes/ premises. To further reinforce the need of electricity safety, we will also be sensitizing consumers and arranging for trainings of local electricians on the importance and implementation of safe technology.” 

ELCBs are extremely critical in ensuring human safety as they protect us from current leakage. Today, we are surrounded by electrical devices and most of us are not aware about the hazards that come along, due to lack of proper protection devices not being used. Delhi has recorded maximum electrical related fatalities over the last decade. Deploying Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCB) is the most common practice that is followed to ensure protection of electrical devices from short circuit and overload. However, MCB does not ensure safety of the users when it comes to current leakage. As per the Regulatory Guidelines (DERC) ELCB are a must, as no new connection will be energized in Delhi unless a suitable earth leakage protection device has been installed at consumer premises.

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Saurabh Goel, President, Havells India Ltd said, “We are extremely delighted to partner with Tata Power Delhi Distribution Ltd for distribution of electrical protection devices in their distribution region. Havells being a responsible company always prioritizes user safety and hence is the only company which provides a 6-year warranty on Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCB) and Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker (ELCB/RCCB) if used along with Havells Distribution Board. The association will help us sensitize consumers on the need to incorporate best in class protection devices in their homes and together we shall ensure that consumers are aware of the use of Earth-Leakage Circuit Breaker (ELCB) through TATA Power-DDL Customer Care Centers.”

Havells plans to reach out to the 6000 consumers applying for new connections every month on an average along with 17 lakhs residential and industrial users of Tata Power-DDL. The primary focus of Havells lies on human safety devices which includes Residual Current Circuit Breaker (ELCB/RCCB), Socket Residual-Current Device (RCD) and Portable Residual Current Device (PRCD).

Being a power distribution company for North and North-West Delhi, Tata Power-DDL works closely with electricians, Resident Welfare Associations and Industrial Welfare Associations to spread awareness about various good practices for installation and usage. Generally electrical problems are caused due to short circuits, overload, current leakage and voltage fluctuations. Necessary precautions such as ELCB/RCCB of 30mA sensitivity must be taken so that human life is not harmed from any such threats. The electrical leakage circuit breaker (ELCB) will be made available across all 12 Tata Power-DDL Customer Care Centers at subsidized price from Oct. 1 2019 onwards.
About TATA Power-DDL

TATA Power Delhi Distribution Limited (Tata Power-DDL) is a joint venture between Tata Power and the Government of NCT of Delhi. Tata Power-DDL distributes electricity in North Delhi and serves a populace of 7 million spread over 510 sq.km. The company has successfully met record peak power demand of 2074 MW in 2019. TATA Power-DDL has been the frontrunner in implementing power distribution reforms and is acknowledged for its consumer-friendly practices. Since privatization, the Aggregate Technical & Commercial (AT&C) losses in TATA Power-DDL areas have shown a record decline. Today, AT&C losses stand at sub 8% which is an unprecedented reduction of over 85% from an opening loss level of 53% in July 2002.

About Havells

Havells India Ltd is a leading FMEG company (fast moving electrical goods) with presence across India. Its product range includes Industrial & Domestic Circuit Protection Switchgear, Cables& Wires, Motors, Fans, Power Capacitors, Luminaires for Domestic, Commercial & Industrial applications, Modular Switches, Water Heaters and Domestic Appliances covering the entire gamut of household, commercial and industrial electrical needs. Havells owns prestigious brands like Havells, Crabtree and Standard. With 43 branch offices and over 4000 professionals Havells has achieved rapid success in the past few years. Its 13 state-of-the-art manufacturing units in India located at Haridwar, Baddi, Sahibabad, Faridabad, Alwar, Ghiloth, Guwahati and Neemrana are manufacturing globally acclaimed products, synonymous with excellence and precision in the electrical industry. Havells India Limited recently also became the first Indian Electrical Company to be included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index Emerging Markets along with 12 other Indian companies to be included in the index.

Blockchain is the Missing Link to Transform Electric Power Industry

The highly regulated electric power industry is in need of enablers to move away from traditional business models with complex operating structures. Blockchain technology is one such to create a paradigm shift in the industry towards a more decentralized and transactional environment, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

The key challenges that the electric utilities broadly face today are high operating costs, aging grids, security, regulatory compliance and personalized customer service. Due to blockchain’s potential in addressing many of these pain points, business leaders are increasingly interested in experimenting with the technology.

Archi Dasgupta, Disruptive Tech Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Blockchain could be the leading enabler of decentralization, democratization, and liberalization in the power industry. Using smart contracts, the technology can empower bilateral settlements in real-time by eliminating midpoint delays steering to a significant reduction in the operational costs of utilities.”

An analysis of GlobalData’s Disruptor Tech Database reveals interesting real-world use cases of blockchain in the power domain and select startups and electricity companies working on them.

Decentralization of power through blockchain has been giving rise to trading platforms like that implemented in the Brooklyn microgrid by LO3 Energy where power can be purchased or and sold directly within a peer-to-peer (P2P) network, eliminating the need for intermediaries. This will not only lower costs of both utilities and consumers but also present network transparency.

Australia’s crypto startup Power Ledger known for developing decentralized energy trading platforms on blockchain launched its first commercial deployment in the US. Its distributed P2P blockchain network allows consumers and businesses to sell their surplus solar power in their neighbourhood without a middle man.

Thanks to its intrinsic characteristic of traceability, blockchain can improve the tracking of power grid failures, which has never been a simple task. The technology can be used to stabilize and modernize the grid in many ways.

European transmission system operator TenneT’s pilot with Sonnen using blockchain based on IBM’s Hyperledger framework can enable energy storage systems within the network to absorb or discharge excess power within seconds and minimize transmission gridlocks.

Smart meters made quite a buzz in the yesteryears of power for their benefits to consumers. In a centralized network, however, they have not offered desired results, leaving them eager to experiment with their data on a decentralized network like blockchain. Lithuanian startup, WePower, has been working around the same in partnership with Estonia’s transmission system operator Elering.

WePower managed to upload 26,000 hours and 24TWh of energy production and consumption data from the smart meters of Estonia on to the Ethereum blockchain, which led to the creation of 39 billion smart energy tokens that are tradable.

Capitalizing on blockchain’s potential, P2P energy networks are able to create a decentralized marketplace connecting electric vehicle (EV) drivers and charging station owners for mutual benefits. German startup Motionwerk has launched a blockchain-based P2P energy sharing project Share&Charge, which enables users to share their private electric charging stations for money.

Other startup examples piloting with blockchain to disrupt the electric power include Drift, Electron, FlexiDAO, Grid+ and Riddle&Code.

Dasgupta concludes: “Although blockchain technology started scaling from its incumbent phase in the power industry, it is still largely dominated by proof-of-concept projects and small-scale production deployments. Its mass-scale commercial adoption is still three to five years away as there are several challenges to be addressed including deployment costs, the requirement of power to run the setup, and more importantly, the need to develop common standards and regulations. Electric utilities are similar to banks in the way they are centralized and highly regulated, hence it is crucial to creating an ideal set up for the implementation of transformative technologies such as blockchain."

This New Technology Could Light The World Using Gravitation

Gravity is the miracle that keeps us grounded on this very planet Earth, but years pass by that we even acknowledge its presence. But, did you know this marvelous downward force also has the potential of lighting the whole wide world?

According to current statistics, till the year 2015, about 1.1 billion people all around the world were still living without access to energy. A majority of these people are surviving by depending on kerosene lamps, which a number of studies have claimed is immensely harmful to their health. In fact, inhaling the toxic fumes coming from these kerosene lamps is almost equivalent to smoking 170 cigarettes a year. This unintentional ingestion of kerosene is currently the leading cause of child poisoning in developing countries all around the world.

In addition to the respiratory issues, these kerosene lamps also pose a number of other problems. For example, in the Indian subcontinent alone, about a million people suffer moderate to severe burns by overturned kerosene lamps every year.

The GravityLight Foundation is focused at bringing a safe and bright future to all those areas of the world with limited or no electricity access through its innovative GravityLight lamps, which make use of the power of gravity. The Foundation is a UK Registered Charity that is working towards alleviating poverty and protecting environment through innovative designs.



Developed by designers Jim Reeves and Martin Riddiford, GravityLight is a simple, low-cost gear-train and generator that makes use of a descending weight to power a perpetual light source. The lamps give people who are currently living in a dark after the sun goes down a possibility to add new possibilities and dimensions to their lives.

By exploring the potential that the simple but infinite force of gravity has to offer, the GravityLight Foundation has been successfully able to substantially reduce a number of issues related to energy inaccessibility and risks to public health, and thus making way for a brighter and safer future for those who currently need it the most.

So, how does the GravityLight lamps work?

When gravity is doing its natural thing and pulling the rocks to planet Earth, the force ends up pulling a strap, which in turn spins gears, driving an electric generator to power an LED. Though it is a chain reaction, but it ends up working successfully. Each of such journeys to the ground ends up creating enough energy to keep the light running continuously for 20 minutes. The device can easily reduce the crucial issue of energy expense in the developing countries of the world as after the initial purchase of a GravityLight lamp, there are no operating costs, and the lamps last for several years.

After having its second successful crowdfunding campaign, The GravityLight Foundation is currently on a 50 Night Tour across 50 villages of Kenya. The tour aims to introduce the kerosene lamps using people of the Kenyan population the wonders of a GravityLight lamp.