Category: Power Systems

With the rise of global warming, many countries are adopting renewable energy solutions. India is one of them. The country’s development is expected to embrace distributed energy systems to build a sustainable and resilient energy infrastructure. It is becoming an important cog in India’s energy machinery by allowing decentralized, efficient, and sustainable power generation. With its innovative national policies and targeted government schemes, India is making major strides towards the transparent integration of distributed energy into the national energy ecosystem. 

This blog explores how India is advancing its energy sector and the growing adoption of distributed energy system in India. 

What Is Distributed Energy and Why Is It Important for India? 

Electricity is produced locally by small-scale sources in a distributed energy system. Consider energy sources like solar, wind, and biomass that can operate independently or in conjunction with the main electrical grid. These solutions increase grid resilience, reduce transmission losses, and improve energy efficiency. 

With rapid economic growth and rising demand for electricity, conventional power systems are proving unable to keep up. Hence, it is the distributed energy system in India that comes into play. They provide flexibility, reducing dependence on fossil fuels, and helping the country achieve its sustainable goals. 

Key National Policies Supporting Distributed Energy 

Several policies are paving the way for the growth of the distributed energy system in India. 

1. PM-KUSUM Scheme: Empowering Rural Areas 

The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme represents one of India’s largest initiatives to promote distributed energy systems. 

Key benefits of the PM-KUSUM scheme include: 

• Providing solar energy options to farmers.  

• Lowering irrigation’s reliance on fossil fuels.  

• Improving the distribution of electricity in isolated locations through the decentralization of energy production. 

2. Rooftop Solar Program: Bringing Energy to Homes and Businesses 

The Rooftop Solar Program is another cornerstone of India’s strategy to promote distributed energy. Advantages of the Rooftop Solar Program include: 

• Enabling companies and residences to produce their electricity. 

• Reducing the pressure on centralized grids. 

• Promoting the use of clean, renewable energy in urban areas. 

With a goal to achieve 40 GW of rooftop solar capacity, this program is pivotal in increasing the share of energy in distributed energy system in India. 

3. Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPO): Encouraging Utility Investments 

The Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) is a regulatory framework that mandates electricity distribution companies to procure a certain percentage of their power from renewable sources. This policy plays a vital role in: 

• Driving the adoption of distributed energy across India’s electricity grid. 

• Encouraging utilities to invest in small-scale, decentralized energy projects. 

• Integrating more renewable energy into the national grid to support sustainability. 

Technological Innovation in Grid Distribution Systems 

The successful integration of distributed energy systems into India’s existing power grid requires advanced technology. 

Benefits of Smart Grids: 

• Smart grids provide real-time data, enabling utilities to monitor energy consumption and supply. 

• They allow for better integration by managing the intermittent nature of renewable energy generation. 

• These grids improve electric power distribution, ensuring a reliable and efficient energy supply. 

Financing and Investment in Distributed Energy Systems 

The Indian government, alongside private sector players and international investors, has committed to funding distributed energy projects across the country. 

• The government offers subsidies for rooftop solar installations and small-scale solar power projects. 

• Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are being increasingly leveraged to fund large-scale renewable energy projects. 

• International investors, such as the World Bank and Asian Development Bank (ADB), are funding renewable energy initiatives in India. 

Hartek Group: Transforming Distributed Energy in India 

As one of India’s leading Engineering, Procurement and Construction companies in the energy sector, Hartek Group plays a vital role in driving the adoption of distributed energy systems. 

Key Contributions: 

• Solar Solutions: Hartek has installed over 120 MW of solar rooftop capacity throughout India, empowering businesses and households with clean energy.  

• Grid Modernization: The company isupgrading India’s grid distribution system with state-of-the-art substations, ensuring grid stability and supporting renewable energy integration.  

• Smart Cities: Hartek actively supports India’s smart city initiatives by integrating renewable energy into urban power grids. 

Commitment to Sustainability: 

• Hartek Group focuses on delivering end-to-end solutions, from project design to execution, ensuring efficiency and reliability. 

• Their expertise in renewable energy substations ensures seamless integration with India’s expanding renewable capacity. 

With such contributions, Hartek is not just a company; it’s a driving force for change in India’s energy landscape. 

Conclusion 

India’s commitment to a clean, decentralized energy future is evident in the national policies that are driving the widespread adoption of distributed energy systems. Programs like PM-KUSUM, Rooftop Solar Yojana, and RPO are not just encouraging the adoption of renewable energy but are also fostering innovation in grid distribution and power management. 

With continued policy support and technological advancements, companies like HARTEK ensure that the distribution energy system in India is set to lead the way, setting an example for the rest of the world to follow. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What is distributed energy, and why is it important for India?
   Distributed energy refers to locally produced power from sources like solar and wind. It improves grid resilience, reduces transmission losses, and supports sustainability.

2. How does the PM-KUSUM scheme promote distributed energy?
   PM-KUSUM supports farmers with solar power solutions, reduces fossil fuel dependency for irrigation, and decentralizes electricity distribution in rural areas.

3. What role does the Rooftop Solar Program play in India’s energy sector?
   The program allows homes and businesses to generate their own electricity, easing the load on centralized grids and increasing India’s renewable energy share.

4. How do smart grids support this energy systems?
   Smart grids enable real-time energy monitoring, improve power distribution efficiency, and help integrate decentralized renewable energy into the main grid.

5. How is Hartek Group contributing to India’s energy growth?
   Hartek Group develops solar solutions, modernizes grid distribution, and integrates renewable energy into India’s smart cities, ensuring a sustainable energy future.

Why 765 kV Substations are Key to Future-Proofing India’s Power Grid

Do You Know? 765 kV substations contribute approximately 23% of India’s total transformation capacity, bringing it to 12,53,040 MVA. This substantial capacity ensures a reliable power supply to the nation.

India’s economy, which is expanding quickly, requires a strong electricity infrastructure. The introduction of high-voltage substations, especially those with a capacity of 765 kV, is completely changing the nation’s electrical system. These substations are crucial to fulfilling the increasing demand for electricity in different locations, increasing transmission capacity, and improving power system reliability. 

Let’s go through the importance of 765 kV substations and the vital role that Hartek Group – an EPC contractor in India is playing.

The Importance of 765 kV Substations

High-voltage substations are the backbone of an efficient power transmission network. Here’s why 765 kv transmission line are important:

1. Enhanced Transmission Capacity: 765 kV substations can transmit large amounts of electricity over long distances with minimal losses. This is crucial for connecting power generation hubs to consumption centers, especially in power-deficit regions.
2. Improved Grid Reliability: With higher voltage levels, these substations can handle greater loads and provide stability to the grid. They minimize the risk of outages and enhance the overall reliability of the power system.
3. Support for Renewable Energy: India is rapidly expanding its renewable energy capacity. High-voltage substations are essential for integrating renewable energy sources into the national grid, ensuring smooth and efficient power distribution.
4. Future-Proofing the Grid: As India continues to grow, the demand for electricity will only increase. 765 kV substations are designed to accommodate future power requirements, making them a long-term solution for the country’s power needs.

Hartek Group’s Role in 765 kV Projects

Hartek Group, a leading EPC company, has secured multiple 765 kV projects from the Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd. (PGCIL). These projects include the supply and commissioning of high-voltage transmission systems at Indore and Kurnool, aligning with India’s vision of a reliable and robust power infrastructure.

Project Highlights

1. Indore and Kurnool Projects: Hartek Group’s involvement in these projects is a testament to its expertise and commitment to strengthening the national grid. These projects are expected to enhance power transmission capacity and ensure a stable supply to power-deficit regions.
2. Strategic Importance: The 765 kV projects are crucial for the transmission and renewable energy sectors. They facilitate efficient power transmission across regions, meeting the growing electricity demand and managing the national grid effectively.

Leadership Insight

Mr. Sanjeev Gupta, Director – Technical of Hartek Group, stated, “We are proud to be a trusted partner of PGCIL in strengthening the National Grid. Hartek will continue to serve our customers with high voltage substations and power transmission solutions, establishing our presence in the 765 kV segment.” He added, “Our endeavor is to become a strong partner in building these high-capacity power corridors, the future of Indian power transmission infrastructure.”

Growth of the nation with 765Kv projects

1. Enhanced Power Transmission: 765kV projects significantly improve the capacity and efficiency of power transmission across vast distances. This ensures a more reliable and consistent power supply to remote and urban areas, helping to meet the growing energy demands of the nation.
2. Economic Growth: Reliable and efficient power infrastructure supports industrial growth by reducing power outages and increasing productivity. This is crucial for sectors like manufacturing, IT, and services, contributing to overall economic development.
3. Rural Electrification: These high-capacity projects play a key role in extending electricity to rural and underserved regions, fostering development and improving the quality of life in these areas.
4. Support for Renewable Energy: 765kV transmission lines enable the integration of renewable energy sources like solar and wind into the national grid. This helps India to achieve its renewable energy targets and promotes sustainable growth.
5. Job Creation: The development, construction, and maintenance of 765kV projects generate employment opportunities, contributing to skill development and boosting local economies.
6. Energy Security: By strengthening the national grid, 765kV projects enhance energy security, reducing dependency on regional power sources and mitigating the risk of blackouts.

Hartek Group: A Leader in Power Infrastructure

Hartek Group, founded in 1991, has grown to become one of the most admired names in the power and infrastructure space in India. The group operates through six strategic business units:

1. Power Systems: Hartek Group’s expertise in power systems includes the design, construction, and commissioning of high-voltage substations and transmission lines.
2. Solar Solutions: The group provides comprehensive solar solutions, from rooftop installations to large-scale solar farms, supporting India’s renewable energy ambitions.
3. Power Distribution Products: Hartek Group manufactures and supplies a wide range of power distribution products, ensuring the efficient distribution of electricity.
4. Smart Cities/Smart Grids: The group is involved in developing smart city and smart grid solutions, enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of urban infrastructure.
5. Fuel Services: Hartek Group’s fuel services division provides reliable and efficient fuel solutions, supporting various industrial and commercial activities.
6. Value Added Services: The group offers a range of value-added services, including maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) services, ensuring the optimal performance of power infrastructure.

Conclusion

The future of India’s power grid lies in the development and deployment of high-voltage substations, particularly 765 kV substations in India. These substations are critical for enhancing transmission capacity, improving grid reliability, and supporting the integration of renewable energy sources. Hartek Group’s leadership and expertise in executing these projects position it as a key player in India’s power infrastructure landscape.

As India continues to grow, the demand for electricity will rise. The strategic deployment of 765 kV substations will ensure that the country’s power grid is future-proof, capable of meeting the needs of a rapidly developing economy. Hartek Group’s commitment to quality, efficiency, and innovation makes it a trusted partner in this journey towards a reliable and sustainable power future.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why are 765 kV substations important for India’s power grid?
   They enhance transmission capacity, improve grid reliability, and support renewable energy integration, ensuring a stable and efficient power supply.

2. How do 765 kV substations support renewable energy?
   These substations help integrate solar and wind energy into the national grid, enabling efficient transmission and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

3. What role does Hartek Group play in 765 kV projects?
   Hartek Group is a key EPC contractor working on high-voltage transmission projects, including 765 kV substations, strengthening India’s power infrastructure.

4. How do 765 kV projects contribute to economic growth?
   They support industrial expansion, improve power reliability, create jobs, and facilitate rural electrification, boosting India’s economic development.

5. How do 765 kV substations ensure energy security?
   By reducing transmission losses and improving grid stability, they help prevent power outages and enhance India’s energy security for future demands.

Climate change is posing a critical threat to the Indian economy, and the signs of it are already visible. Some of these include heat stress, reduced freshwater supply, intense tropical cyclones, soil drying, rising sea levels, and more. However, this alarming situation caused by global warming across India is also creating an opportunity to scale up the economy. This is possible through the emergence of new industries and technologies aimed at decarbonisation, development, deployment, and large-scale manufacturing.

In this article, you will gain a clear understanding of state-level electricity grid decarbonisation initiatives across India. So, read on till the end!

Policy Decisions and Implementations by India for Deep Decarbonisation

India is working towards achieving a low-carbon economy and is currently implementing three key state-level strategies for this purpose:

• Providing employment in low-carbon sectors

• Supporting low-carbon economic growth

• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions without hindering development goals

Creating jobs in the green sector is one of the most effective strategies among these. India has introduced policies in several states to encourage the transition of workers from coal mining to energy sectors, green jobs, or lighter industries.

Through these efforts, India has achieved more competitive electricity rates by increasing the use of renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions. While this has helped in supporting low-carbon economic growth to some extent, several outdated policies still need to be eliminated at both state and national levels to accelerate the pace of decarbonisation.

As per available data, there are more than 150 national-level policies that, instead of discouraging, actually encourage greenhouse gas emissions. Stringent policy changes are necessary to curb carbon emissions at a faster rate in India.

Modifications to Existing Policies

India’s efforts towards electricity grid decarbonisation can be strengthened through several approaches. However, certain changes in existing policies are essential. The country needs to implement a well-structured sequence of diverse climate policies to restore economic stability, which would help achieve:

• Strong economic growth

• Job creation

• Significant reduction in emissions

Once these policy changes are implemented, emissions will be controlled, beginning at the state level. Over time, it is estimated that India will generate tens of millions of employment opportunities while simultaneously boosting economic growth. If the right policies are enforced, greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced by at least two-thirds before mid-century (2050).

India’s State-Level Electricity Grid Decarbonisation Plans

Implementing state-level policies for decarbonising electricity grids presents several challenges, primarily due to limitations in state-wise authority. States must coordinate with multiple overlapping institutions and agencies to execute these plans effectively.

New policies are being introduced to replace outdated ones, with the aim of developing innovative strategies to prioritise electricity grid decarbonisation. These strategies include:

1. Retiring Coal Plants

Power providers are being encouraged to systematically retire coal plants while investing in distribution and transmission infrastructure to enhance demand response. Additionally, storage capacity needs to be doubled from Business-As-Usual (BAU) projections to 450 GW by 2050.

These measures will make India’s electricity grids more flexible and better prepared to run on renewable energy in the future.

2. Generating Carbon-Free Electricity

A carbon-free electricity standard must be implemented to ensure that 90% of the country’s electricity is sourced from non-fossil fuel sources by 2050. This target is 20% higher than the current trajectory, which aims for 70% renewable energy usage under BAU projections.

3. Subsidising Expensive Technologies

Another important strategy is to provide subsidies for expensive technologies that support decarbonisation. However, as these technologies become cost-competitive in the long run, subsidies should be gradually reduced.

Conclusion

This article provides a clear understanding of how India and its states are implementing policies to accelerate electricity grid decarbonisation. Additionally, the country is taking significant steps to transform the transport and industrial sectors, contributing towards achieving the overall decarbonisation goal by 2050.

All modern infrastructure, private households, industry, and other facilities of the 21st century demand the use of immense electrical energy. And this rising demand for complex power transmission is attended by high-voltage substations. They play a major role in meeting this demand reliably and safely. 

An electrical substation is destined to be installed in order to set up appropriate levels of voltage for the production, conversion, regulation, and distribution of electricity. When they are adopted to execute high-voltage applications, they take charge of assisting the world in attaining impeccable benefits. 

In this post, you will get a deep insight into the importance of high-voltage substations in the modern world. 

How do the Substations Work?

A high-voltage substation or electric system infrastructure is meant to switch equipment, circuits, and generators in/out of the system. It is also required for changing the Alternating Current voltages from one specified level to another and changing the AC to DC or vice versa. 

The major role of the substations is to convert electricity into diverse voltages. It is essential to make sure that the electricity can be potentially transmitted all across the country, specifically into buildings, businesses, and homes. 

The substations, technically the high-voltage utility hubs, consist of specialist equipment that allows the electricity voltage to undergo transformation. As per the demands and supply, the voltage will either be stepped up or stepped down with the use of transformers. 

The transformers are accountable as the powerhouse for substations, as they handle the transfer of electrical energy with the use of magnetic field changes. They have wire coils, probably two or more. Thus, the difference in the count of coil wraps around the core of the transformer is what would affect the voltage change. 

Thus, this is what allows the voltage to either rise or drop, depending on the needs. The high-voltage substation transformers follow the same working approach but deal with escalated voltage on priority. Considering that, these substations can fulfil diverse purposes with the rate of voltage conversions. 

Why are high-voltage substations important?

Some of the benefits that express the importance of high-voltage substations in a more proficient manner are:

1. Reduction in the Power Loss Rate

All the power obtained from traditional sources, such as coal-fired facilities, is produced in locations that are far away from the main cities. Such power plants are constructed in areas that are highly rich in specific resources for creating the required power. But that comes up with the need for transporting this power across long distances before being utilised. 

The use of high-voltage substations for transmitting power eradicates this problem. It is because, as the voltage is high, the amount of power loss during the transmission will be reduced. You must know that wires of all sizes come with specific levels of resistance, especially aluminium or copper wires. 

Over great distances, when these wires come to use, the level of resistance multiplies exponentially, and the power loss rate increases. Therefore, setting high-voltage substations for transmitting power is one of the efficient ways to reduce the rate of losses. Scaling the voltage of electricity implies that you can reduce the current, and the equal rate of power can then be transmitted with fewer losses. 

2. Lowered Infrastructure Expenses

As you know, the size of transmission cables used in power production facilities is directly proportional to the rate of current intended to pass through them. In such cases, when the power is intended to be transmitted at escalated currents, bigger-sized wires are required. But, with the setup of high-voltage substations, the size of the cables required for transmitting will be smaller, as low currents are intended to pass through them. 

When the power is being transmitted across farther distances, somewhere around 100 or 1000 km, the cabling costs gradually increase, which adds up to the overall cost of transformers for substations. So, the required size of the cabling matters a lot when you tend to look out for ways to minimise the overall infrastructure expenses.

Setting up high-voltage substations and making use of thinner wire gauges will turn out to be more reasonable for all the infrastructure suppliers and power producers. Not only that, but the end-consumers who intend to avail themselves of affordable electricity will also find it an ideal decision. 

Conclusion

This is a clear depiction of how high-voltage substations have helped energy providers improve their supply of power and electricity to the modern world. HARTEK is one of the top service providers that can help you install 350+ HV & EHV substations to attend to your power distribution projects all across your respective country. 

Connect with us today to know more about how we blend in technology, platform, and process together to deliver you an astounding high-voltage substation. 

Driven by favorable factors like falling module prices, stable exchange rate, and lower cost of capital aided by a likely cut in interest rates, the per MW cost for solar is likely to drop by 10-12% this year, but matching timely execution with optimum quality will be a challenge for developers if these factors do not come into play.

Impact of Falling Solar Tariffs

Falling solar tariffs have certainly buoyed the Indian solar industry, and solar installations are expected to grow at a rapid pace this year. The recent bid of Rs 2.97/KWh for the Rewa mega project has created a new benchmark for the solar sector.

Growth and Future Projections

We have already crossed 10 GW in terms of cumulative installed solar capacity, and another 8-10 GW is likely to be added this year alone. To achieve the ambitious target of 100 GW by 2022, 15-20GW needs to be added every year.

Key Factors Affecting Solar Costs

Most of the tenders have an execution period of 12-18 months, so the current tariffs are based on the upcoming installed cost of solar, which in turn depends on three major factors—module prices, cost of capital, and exchange rate.

Challenges in Execution and Pricing Pressure

In this scenario, the per MW cost for solar is projected to drop by 10-12% this year. This is a welcome sign for industry players, but it may also put tremendous pressure on them if these factors do not come into play.

Rising Demand and Industry Trends

We expect a lot more tenders for solar power, both in CAPEX and RESCO models, and an increase in demand from the industry. But this rising demand will be accompanied by a strain to reduce prices.

Struggles of Indian Solar Manufacturers

Indian solar module manufacturers, especially the smaller players, are finding it hard to compete. Moving forward, it is going to be very difficult for them to reduce prices as much as their Chinese counterparts.

Market Consolidation and Competitive Landscape

Cashing in on the fast-growing solar market, many small and medium players have forayed into this sector as developers or EPC companies in the last few years. Small developers unable to compete due to falling tariffs are being slowly phased out by larger companies.

Impact on EPC Companies

When it comes to large projects, EPC companies are also likely to face a similar scenario. On the other hand, the number of small projects (1MW or less) is expected to go up as the demand from the industry picks up, giving smaller companies a chance to be more competitive.

Importance of Cost, Time, and Quality in EPC Success

The expectations of reduced costs are rising with falling tariffs. Other than module prices, a reduction in Balance of System (BoS) costs is also expected due to better design of inverters, MMS, foundation, etc.

Challenges in Procurement and Project Management

Timely delivery of projects is another challenge for smaller EPC players. Issues in project management and logistics can result in delay, and developers pass on the heavy penalty to EPC players.

Quality and Skilled Workforce Constraints

Quality is an integral factor when it comes to operating solar power plants for 25 long years, efficiently, economically, and reliably. EPC players are under constant pressure to reduce costs and yet deliver optimum quality.

Increasing Energy Generation and Market Competition

With falling solar tariffs, developers will try to generate more energy to increase the Internal Rate of Return (IRR) and reduce the level of risk on the investment.

Benefits for Indian Consumers

But this is a great time for Indian consumers—industrial, institutional, and residential—to install solar power plants. For industrial consumers, grid parity was achieved in most of the state’s last year, and residential consumers are also likely to achieve it soon.

Financial Benefits and Payback Period

The levelized cost of solar electricity for an industrial consumer is now 25% less than the cost of grid power in most states. The savings from solar, combined with accelerated depreciation benefits, have reduced the payback period to less than four years.

Unrealistic Expectations from Falling Tariffs

One of the drawbacks of falling tariffs for consumers is the unrealistic expectations they create about the cost of solar installations. The tariff of Rs 2.97/KWh in Rewa is for a 250-MW project.

Growing Interest and Future Prospects

Nevertheless, we are witnessing a heightened interest from our industrial customers. We are also working on a special product specifically for residential consumers as we anticipate a spike in demand from the residential category as well.