Unlocking the power of automation in power sector

According to Vineet Jain of WAGO India, the year 2020 has shown why automation in power sector is an utmost priority. He said, “As future-ready solution provider, WAGO has developed new applications for Cloud services, smart grid, and ADMS among others to always remain relevant to the sector in delivering solutions to current and possible future challenges.”

Recent performance of power sector in India
Power sector in India has improved its performance over the years. Projects such as Automatic Meter Reading (AMR), RT-DAS, ADMS etc. are done by distribution companies to keep track of power demand, consumption and infrastructure requirements. Subsequently, transmission companies are also doing similar projects at substation level for meter data acquisition over DLMS, feeder monitoring, transmission line monitoring via FPI. Similarly, generation side also initiated monitoring of equipment i.e. asset management, generation and grid connectivity projects.

While the pandemic has drastically lowered the demand and put subsequent pressure of handling operational fluctuations, the industry has come-out well with flying colours. I am sure the power sector also utilised this lean time by identifying improvement opportunities and preparing a future roadmap of modernization.

Indian power sector in 2021
So far this sector has made slow but steady progress in all areas of operations, however, still a long way to achieve smart energy generation, transmission and distribution. In 2021, the focus would be on asset monitoring, equipment connected to the Cloud server and above all cyber security measure. The scale of operations in India’s power segment is huge and complex. It will take few more years with focused approach to reach a decent level of automation.

Breakthrough policy decision that will drive electrical equipment industry growth
Power Ministry recently passed a breakthrough policy decision to provide cyber security norms which is to be considered during the automation or central monitoring system and data acquisition. These aspects have to upgrade specification and standard of the equipment to be used in power industry, giving opportunities to electrical equipment industry to innovate and remain ahead of the curve.

Growth drivers of WAGO’s business beyond 2020
2020 has shown us why automation in power sector is an utmost priority. As future-ready solution provider, WAGO has developed new applications for Cloud services, Smart Grid, and Automatic Demand Management System (ADMS) among others to always remain relevant to the sector in delivering solutions to current and possible future challenges.

At the component level, our company has upgraded its range of Open & Easy Automation products with multiple Ethernet port with fibre & copper, higher clock speed of processors and larger memories. New interface product range for this sector including energy meters, multi-function transducer etc. WAGO covers all major product range for data acquisition, monitoring and controls of the power sector.

In 2021, the focus would be on asset monitoring, equipment connected to the Cloud server and above all cyber security measure.
Vineet Jain, AGM – Telecontrol, WAGO India