IBM partners with Bureau of Energy Efficiency for Smart Grid project in India

After Bangalore utility, BESCOM, and West-Bengal, another Smart Grid project has been announced in India, this time its an IBM. IBM, which is aggressively pushing itself in smart technologies and is engaged in various Smart Grid project across the globe, is going to partner with Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)  for Smart Grid project in India. Under the National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency (NMEEE), BEE and IBM are collaborating to develop cost-benefit analysis for smart grid activities in India. 

Smart grid, which is combination of many advanced technology, and provides two-way communication between utilities and consumer in real-time, will help improve the whole energy distribution chain. As part of this project, IBM will generate business case for Smart grid and provide relevant tools for measuring Return on Investment (ROI) on smaller projects that are being carried out in the country. IBM will assess smart grid technologies alignment with India's policy and regulatory framework and make each project a viable solution. 

IBM director for communication, India and South Asia, Avinash Joshi commented “There is a huge demand for power grids that are energy efficient, intelligent and secure. Through this collaboration with BEE, our aim is to help overcome inefficiencies in the existing grid and move towards more sustainable energy networks."  Such assessment tool will be very useful in making appropriate decision about Smart Grid projects implementation, as the inviable projects will be identified in advanced and thus save time, money and efforts.

Smart Grid projects in India - Part 1

With Smart Grid buzz gaining momentum across the world, every country is rolling out pilot projects to test the combination of technologies that may best suite their unique needs . Similarly, In India, private companies, utilities,distribution companies, and startups in close collaboration with government, are engaged in various smart grid projects.

BESCOM Smart Grid Pilot: The Bangalore utility company, Bangalore Electricity Supply Company(BESCOM), is pursuing Smart Grid Pilot, which may potentially become India's first Smart Grid pilot. The project is supported by Ministry of Power,Government of India and the United States Agency for International Assistance (USAID). Central Power Research Institute (CPRI), which has been appointed as consultant for the project will carry out the feasibility study along with the International Partner. The U.S.Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) has been appointed to select International consultant, which, according to the RFP available at the USTDA website, will be an American organization. The Electronic City, a 332 acre industrial complex housing 100 plus IT companies and educational institutions, located outside Bangalore is chosen as the site for the study. The study will be implemented using following steps for which the time-frame is 12 months.

(1) Feasibility study of the project

(2) Site selection 

(3) A request for information to gather the most current information on Smart Grid technologies, services, and    pricing 

(4) Preparation of a detailed project report and outreach to customers

(5) Project implementation including advanced metering infrastructure test, smart pricing and load control, and integration of renewable

(6) Post-implementation assessment of pilot project data

West Bengal Smart Grid Pilot : The West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (WBSEDCL), a wholly-owned state government enterprise, recently announced a first of its kind Smart Grid pilot in India that will pin-point power theft or unauthorized consumption in real-time basis. According to state secretary, Malay De, Singapore Power  Ltd will be appointed as "super-consultant" for the project, which will be completed in next 2-3 years. To start with, The WBSEDCL will enter in agreement with US technology provider, which will supply technology and run the project. The pilot will be executed in south Kolkata locality Garia that has 50,000 customer consuming 45 MW power. The project, which is estimated to cost Rs. 300-350 crores is going to  be first such large-scale pilot project in India. According to Secretary, Malay De, it will probably be the first such project in the world where entire power generation, transmission, and distribution will be brought under single roof of control.