The expansion of India's power grid infrastructure is now more pronounced following several major developments aimed at bolstering renewable energy projects across the country. Recently, Adyant Enersol and UPC Renewables announced successful bids for constructing 600 MW inter-state transmission system (ISTS)-connected wind power projects under SJVN’s build-own-operate model. Adyant Enersol will develop 70 MW at a competitive tariff of Rs 3.98 per kilowatt-hour, and UPC Renewables will work on 100 MW at Rs 3.99 per kilowatt-hour, showcasing significant interest from private developers in the wind sector.
This tender issuance occurred back in March 2024, facilitating the growth of renewable energy generation capacity integral to India's energy strategy. The auction allowed bidders to submit proposals ranging from 50 MW to 300 MW, focusing on this sustainable energy source.
Simultaneously, another significant project is set to take shape as Bridge and Roof Company, operating under India's Ministry of Heavy Industries, has secured the engineering, procurement, and construction contract for establishing a 100 MW solar power project located in Rajasthan’s Didwana-Kuchaman district. Valued at approximately Rs 3.5 billion, this project, whose tender was issued in April 2024, is anticipated to play a central role in enhancing solar energy contributions within the national grid.
Both the wind and solar developments coincide with the National Highway Authority of India’s (NHAI) innovative strides toward enhancing road construction projects. Recently, NHAI has integrated artificial intelligence and drone technology to detect encroachments along four national highways covering approximately 360 kilometers. This ambitious initiative aims to tackle hurdles arising from unauthorized encroachments, which typically delay project completions. By utilizing high-frequency drones for detailed aerial imaging and employing AI algorithms to analyze these images, NHAI hopes to reset the pace of highway construction across the country.
Addressing the structural management of India’s power grid is also pivotal at this juncture. The appointment of Samir Chandra Saxena as the new Chairman and Managing Director of Grid Controller of India Limited (Grid-India) brings seasoned leadership to this key role. With over 27 years of experience spanning across various realms, including power market operations and system forecasting, Mr. Saxena's expertise is seen as invaluable. His educational background includes a Bachelor's Degree from Aligarh Muslim University and an MBA from the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, supplemented by advanced instruction from the Florence School of Regulation, Italy, focusing on regulatory frameworks for power sectors.
Prior to taking on this role at Grid-India, Saxena played a significant role at the National Load Despatch Center (NLDC), exhibiting comprehensive insight necessary for optimizing operations. Under his direction, Grid-India aims to implement reforms and develop ancillary services, thereby enhancing both the Real Time Market (RTM) and Integrated Day Ahead Market features to align with India’s ambitious energy integration goals.
The industry anticipates Saxena's leadership will be fundamental to facilitating the integration of renewable resources within this ever-evolving grid infrastructure. His collaborative initiatives are likely to drive not only the strategic deployment of renewable energy but also the aesthetic enhancement of ancillary services aimed at delivering improved reliability and efficiency across India’s power systems.
Overall, these initiatives—rooted in substantial contracts for both wind and solar projects, the application of modern technology for highway management, and strategic appointments at Grid-India—illustrate India's commitment to transitioning its energy paradigm. The combination of these efforts aims not only to meet the increasing demand for energy but also to significantly reduce the nation’s carbon footprint as it strides toward sustainable energy solutions.