‘Inflexible electricity grids are causing dangerous situations’, Pg10

Key Highlights:

• CEA Chairperson Ghanshyam Prasad warned of "dangerous" situations arising from the Indian electric grid's inflexibility in switching between coal and renewable energy sources in 2025.
• An oscillation originating in Rajasthan was felt as far as Kudankulam, Tamil Nadu, highlighting the integrated grid's vulnerability.
• In 2025, India added 48 GW of renewable energy capacity, nearly doubling the previous year's additions.
• Non-fossil fuel sources constitute 52% of India’s installed power capacity (264 gigawatts), while coal accounts for 75% of actual electricity generation.

Detailed Insights:

• Grid oscillations, caused by fluctuations in transmission voltage, can damage power transmission equipment and lead to blackouts.
• The Indian electric grid's inability to promptly switch between energy sources and inadequate battery storage contribute to grid oscillations.
• Despite significant renewable energy capacity additions, the grid's dependence on coal for on-demand power creates challenges in managing variability.
• Integrating renewable energy sources requires a smarter grid and enhanced energy storage solutions to ensure grid stability and reliability.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Grid Oscillation: Fluctuations in transmission voltage that can harm power transmission equipment.
• Renewable Energy: Energy derived from natural processes that are replenished at a higher rate than they are consumed.
• Central Electricity Authority (CEA): India's apex power-planning body responsible for technical coordination and supervision of the power sector.