RE INTEGRATION AND SMART GRIDS

Implementing smart grids from generation to consumer appliances is crucial for a sustainable energy future. This transition is urgent to reduce environmental impact, optimise operations, enhance reliability, cut costs, and improve efficiency.

New strategies for grid management incorporating smart technologies are required. Technological developments lessen the negative effects of gird on the environment, improve market operations, boost dependability, cut expenses, and boost general efficiency. We must employ smart networks at every stage, from consumer appliances to electricity generation, to shift to sustainable energy.

As renewable energy becomes more important, cities face challenges integrating it into their power grids. Smart grid technologies solve these challenges by improving energy management and ensuring a stable electricity supply.

Challenges of integrating into urban grids

Integrating renewable energy into urban grids presents several challenges, particularly with the unpredictable nature of renewable sources like solar and wind. The dense population in metropolitan areas like Delhi, with a peak demand of almost 8000 MW, creates a significant stress on network distribution and transformer substations. A strategic approach is needed to manage these challenges, considering demand-side measures to create an optimal demand curve that renewable and other sources can meet.

Pramod Kumar Singh, Senior Director of Research and Programmes, AEEE, shares an example where he mentions how residential air conditioning is expected to constitute 65-70 per cent of demand by 2030. Smart grid technologies can help mitigate these challenges by using advanced forecasting methods to predict renewable energy generation and demand better, managing demand more effectively, and utilising energy storage systems to store and release excess renewable energy when needed.

Smart grids use advanced control systems to manage and stabilise the grid, ensuring a reliable power supply even with the variability of renewable energy. Encouraging distributed renewable energy sources, such as rooftop solar panels, can reduce the load on central grids and improve energy resilience.