Energy conservation is critical to resolving India’s power crisis. Millions of people have no access to power, with 40% households (about 400 million) going without power. Initiatives like Smart City and Digital India depend on power supply. The concept of a smart city is based on consistent power supply.
“An important attribute of smart cities should be self-sufficiency. Energy efficiency and producing power from clean technologies like roof top solar by using space optimally should be an integral part of the city. Energy conservation is key to all modern planning,” said Nandikesh Sivalingam, senior campaigner, Greenpeace India.
Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data, and Analytics can reduce India’s power loss. Smart Grids, integrated controls, and connected sensors can result in efficient power transmission and energy conservation. It would also reduce dependency on non-renewable sources. Smart metering, cloud computing, and sensors are a must for efficient energy management.
40–48% electricity wasted in India
Transmission losses in India stand at 40–48% compared to world standard of 8%. If losses can be controlled, power shortage could be managed. According to the World Resources Institute, power transmission losses in India are around 27%—highest in the world. Millions of tons of coal and other non-renewable resources, at a tremendously high price for the environment, had been used to generate that electricity.
“Smart cities also mean that everyone in the city has clean air to breath. High dependency on fossil fuels for transportation and power generation seriously threaten the air quality of cities. Air does not have boundaries, hence emissions from hundreds of kilometers away impact the air quality within a city. So, it is important to move away from fossil fuels and adopt renewable energy,” added Sivalingam.
For a cleaner and safer environment, measures would have to be in place to drastically reduce electricity losses and conserve energy.
Smart grids ideal for reducing India’s electricity losses
Smart Grids are equipped with automation tools, integrated controls, and connected sensors for efficient power transmission, reduced operation and management expenses, as well as integration of energy systems for optimal utilization. Saving energy would reduce pollution and our dependency on non-renewable sources of energy, particularly fossil fuels.
“Utilizing the Internet of Things, information and communication technologies, and Cloud computing would lead to greater power grid automation and more efficient management of energy. It would lead to better services and products for the common consumer as well as better optimization of the entire power supply chain and the available natural resources that are depleting fast,” said Shashank Dixit, CEO, Deskera, a global leader in cloud-based business software.
About the blogger:
Muqbil Ahmar is a technology evangelist, avid blogger and enthusiast, a storyteller at heart. With over a decade of experience in journalism, he has worked across print, broadcast and digital medium. You can connect with him on social media @muqbil_ahmar