Grids & Integration

A new report by ICRA says that the thermal power sector in India is witnessing a revived investment emphasis, even as the renewable capacity continue to surge. Thermal power acts as a reliable base-load supply, aiding grid stability amid expectations of power demand growth.

The intelligent integration of solar and storage is no longer optional. Data-driven approaches are essential to ensure compliance, efficiency, and long-term reliability. Building systems with insight not only prevents costly mistakes but also creates an energy ecosystem that is not just larger, but smarter, more resilient, and adaptable to future demands.

Renewable energy is abundant but intermittent. Demand is growing but uneven. Infrastructure exists but is often misaligned with where and when power is needed. In this environment, the grid has become more than a passive network; it is an active balancing system. Its resilience will determine whether the energy transition delivers stability or introduces volatility.

India’s renewable energy push is inherently decentralized. Solar parks in Rajasthan, wind farms in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, and hybrid projects across states are often located far from consumption centers. Bridging these geographical gaps requires robust, resilient, and future ready transmission network. Without it, even the most ambitious generation targets risk underutilization.

The move toward decentralized energy resources offers resilience and flexibility in power generation, but it also introduces new complexities that demand proactive security measures.

By applying advanced machine learning and data analytics, AI can improve energy efficiency, strengthen grid resilience, and enable more intelligent and effective resource utilisation. Strategies for energy efficiency and innovations in smart grids powered by AI could generate up to $1.3 trillion in economic value by 2030.

Godrej Enterprises Group has reported a project pipeline of INR 2,600 crore for its Energy Solutions business at the close of FY26, spanning transmission infrastructure, railway electrification and renewable energy projects. Supported by rising investments in power infrastructure and clean energy, the business expects to grow by around 15% by FY27.

A rapid increase in capacity addition of renewable energy, especially solar, has heightened the risk of evacuation for surplus power, especially during daytime. This is driving curtailment for projects especially with temporary general network access (TGNA), which faced 80% of the total curtailment in India between April and December 2025.

The AI revolution has given us the ability to create predictive analyses, autonomy, and resilience in our energy systems. This will allow for the transformation of decentralized and disconnected energy systems into a single integrated network providing flexible, adaptive solutions.

Ultra high voltage transmission corridors, including 765kV networks, are increasingly becoming the backbone of this energy transition. These corridors enable bulk power transfer across long distances while maintaining system availability. By consolidating large volumes of electricity onto fewer transmission lines, they also reduce the need for extensive land acquisition and infrastructure duplication, which are often major constraints in transmission expansion.