Greentech Lead India: Aimed at improving efficiency in
the power sector, the Power Ministry in India is assessing proposals worth Rs
400 crore for smart grid projects, which would be finalized early next fiscal.
India is expected to add over 80,000 MW capacity during
2012-17, according to a report in Asian Age.
These projects would be carried out jointly by the
Ministry and state governments. Of the Rs 400 crore, the Ministry will provide
Rs 200 crore and the rest is likely to come from state governments. Each pilot
project would take about 12 to 18 months for completion.
These initiatives will focus on integration of renewable
energy sources with the grid and lowering of AT&C (Aggregate Technical
& Commercial) losses. AT&C losses estimated to be 30 percent.
The government has formed an inter-ministerial group,
working to promote activities related to smart grid technologies. The India
Smart Grid Task Force is chaired by Sam Pitroda, who is the adviser to the
Prime Minister on Public Information Infrastructure and Innovation.
The panel has set up five working groups, including for
Trials/Pilot on new technologies and Loss reduction and theft, data gathering
and analysis.
The Ministry of Power recently announced that it is
finalizing eight smart grid pilots worth Rs 500 crore with a focus on building
a distribution business that is smart grid compatible and connects the proposed
smart grid to the end consumer through smart metering and related technological
interventions.