Opportunities and problems of smart grids with large penetration of renewable energy - Indian perspective

Abstract

With steady and gradual development of renewable energy sources (RES), mainly, wind power and solar-based, India is envisaged to have on this account its share of about 35% and 21% in terms of capacity and energy respectively by 2030 while more than 50% and 33% by 2050 similarly of the total generation of electricity. With such phenomenal harnessing of potential, mass-scale connectivity of RES to the grid, as already started in the last decade, will continue to grow with much rapid pace. On the other hand reliability associated with such type of uncertain and intermittent generation being linked to weather condition against varying as well as growing demand poses a great challenge. Demand side management through technical and commercial mechanism, storage of electricity and other new means being developed can make the overall system sustainable. It will enable balancing of supply and demand in the smart grid to deliver quantitatively electricity as demanded from time to time maintaining quality in terms voltage, frequency, and harmonic-free nature.