Technological innovations addressing renewable energy intermittency

Innovation in the energy sector is essential for achieving energy security goals in India. Among the ongoing innovations, large pumped hydroelectric storage plants are identified as promising technologies, especially with the development of new efficient hydro turbines and control systems. At the same time, solutions like nuclear-based power generation using small modular reactors (SMR) have been studied. This technology is fast reaching commercialisation. Let us know more from Shirish Garud.

How can advanced storage technologies enhance India’s renewable energy grid stability?

India currently has a grid-connected RE capacity of 201.46 GW, which has reached 44.5 percent of the total installed capacity of 452.69 GW. The share of dispatchable RE (large hydro) is about 10.37 percent (46.92 GW); the balance of 34.14 percent is mostly intermittent RE (solar and wind), with a small share of bioenergy and RE with integrated storage plants. 

Improved and advanced energy storage technologies are of utmost importance for the larger integration of renewables without sacrificing grid stability and quality. Major technologies in battery storage, such as sodium batteries, redox batteries, and other innovative solutions like gravity storage systems, which are on the verge of commercialisation, are expected to address the renewable energy intermittency issue in the future effectively. Large pumped hydroelectric storage plants have also been identified as promising technologies, especially with the development of new efficient hydroturbine and control technologies. At the same time, solutions like nuclear-based power generation using small modular reactors (SMR) have also been studied. This technology is fast reaching commercialisation. The third and most important aspect is the promotion of carbon capture, storage, and utilisation technologies, which would help in availing services of coal power plants that can use abundantly available local coal and address the energy security challenge without compromising commitment to carbon emission reduction. 

The development of smart and intelligent transmission grids with adequate measurement, control, and supervision technologies is needed every hour, especially when new transmission grids are being developed for renewables. 

How are policies enabling easier green power access for Indian consumers?

The power sector in India is highly regulated. Therefore, Policies and regulations play an important role in the sector’s development. The government has made major decisions to move towards net zero emissions and reduce the carbon emission intensity of the power sector, which is responsible for more than 25 percent of India’s emissions. Opening the sector to private investments, new technologies, and the introduction of stringent grid quality standards are some of the important steps the government takes in this regard. Opening green access to small industries and establishments with a connected capacity of more than 100 kW is a great move to promote green power utilisation.

Further, green power can now be available through trading the route on Power Exchanges. Consumers can now demand green power through DISCOMs at special rates approved by the regulator. Thus, policies and regulations have helped willing consumers access green power easily. 

How can microgrids enhance power reliability and economic growth in remote areas?

In remote areas, it is advisable to exploit the local sources of renewable power, such as wind, hydro, biomass, or solar, to generate and consume power within a geographically small area. This improved control over power availability and reliability of power availability. Microgrids are an effective mechanism for achieving this. There are ample examples of the effectiveness of mini- or microgrids in improving the economy of remote areas and, more importantly, access to power even during natural calamities.