Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure and its Grid Integration in India: Status Quo, Critical Analysis and Way Forward

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In the third report published under the purview of the endeavour to help accelerate the growth of EVs and the adjoining infrastructure in India, under the initiative of NDC-TIA India Component, the researchers at the Grid Integration Laboratory conducted surveys on the EV charging infrastructure, focussing on the EV charging infrastructure and its grid integration in Indian EV ecosystem.

Titled ‘Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure and its Grid Integration in India: Status Quo, Critical Analysis and Way Forward’, the report analyses the current status of EV charging technology, standards and protocols, grid integration status, stakeholders in the EV ecosystem, and policy and regulatory matters related to the charging infrastructure in the Indian context.

The report can be accessed from the link shared below.

PDF

Launch event of two reports and an Executive Summary on a study 'Implementation of Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) in India'

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Grid Integration Laboratory, Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, in cooperation with Central Electricity Authority (CEA), ministry of Power, organized a launch event of two reports and an Executive Summary on a study ‘Implementation of Vehicle-to-Everything in India’ on 11th December 2023. Grid Integration Laboratory, Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, in cooperation with Central Electricity Authority (CEA), ministry of Power, organized a launch event of two reports and an Executive Summary on a study ‘Implementation of Vehicle-to-Everything in India’ on 11th December 2023. As a first-of-its-kind in India, the study primarily focused on a detailed technical analysis and recommendations for V2X adaptation in India. Besides presentations and the V2X technology overview by Mr. Bjoern Christensen and a detailed presentation on the V2X study outcome by Prof. Zakir Rather, a panel discussion on V2G technology and its adoption was conducted with international and national experts on the panel.

We would like to thank the esteemed speakers, Shri Ashok Kumar Rajput (CEA, Ministry of Power), Prof. Suneet Singh (IIT Bombay), Mr. Ramkrishna Singh (Tata Power), Mr. Bjoern Christensen (Next-Dimension), Prof. Mattia Marinelli (DTU Denmark), and Prof. Zakir Rather (IIT Bombay), for gracing the launch event with their presence and sharing valuable insights on this important and emerging topic. We also extend our thanks to all the stakeholders involved in preparing the report. The launched reports on the study can be accessed from here

Training workshop on "Modelling and Simulation of Power System Components" along with Grid Controller of India Limited

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At the Grid Integration Lab, IIT Bombay, we are pleased to have organized the training workshop on "Modelling and Simulation of Power System Components" along with Grid Controller of India Limited. The learnings from this interactive workshop where several experts from Grid Controller of India Limited and Central Transmission Utility of India Limited participated is expected to play a key role in developing a thorough understanding of the impacts in integrating renewables in the grid and devising proficient technological and regulatory frameworks to mitigate the associated challenges.

Distinguished Speaker at India Smart Utility Week 2024

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Prof. Zakir Hussain Rather from Grid Integration Lab, IIT Bombay, participated in the Indian Smart Utility Week (ISUW) 2024, organized by the India Smart Grid Forum (ISGF), an International Conference and Exhibition, from 12-16 March 2024 at Hotel Lalit, New Delhi, as a distinguished speaker. He gave an overview of the ongoing work under the SUSTENANCE H2020 project at the Indian demonstration sites, during the session on ‘Emerging Technologies for Future’ at the event.

The session highlighted the effective interfacing of distributed energy resources and microgrids, leading to electrification of underserved communities, which is also a core goal of the SUSTENANCE project. The session was attended by several dignitaries in the global power and energy sector.

The commencement ceremony for our MTech and PhD students at Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay

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After years of hard work, dedication, and relentless pursuit of knowledge, our Grid Integration Lab, IIT Bombay M.Tech graduates, Rashmi Keche, Rifqah I. and Sai Keerthi and PhD graduates Deepika Chhetija and Manorath Prasad are ready to embark on the next chapter of their professional journey. This momentous occasion not only marks the culmination of their academic endeavours but also symbolizes the beginning of exciting opportunities and impactful contributions to the tech industry.

To the graduates, we extend our heartfelt congratulations! Your perseverance, resilience, and unwavering commitment to excellence have brought you to this momentous milestone. Embrace the journey ahead with confidence, curiosity, and a relentless drive to make a difference. As we celebrate the accomplishments of our GIL graduates, let us also look forward to the incredible impact they will undoubtedly make in the years to come.

Participation of GIL at Workshop of RE Plants in New Delhi

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We are pleased to share that Prof. Zakir H. Rather from the Grid Integration Lab, IIT Bombay, conducted two insightful sessions on 'Renewable Energy Modelling' in a Stakeholder Consultation & Workshop on "Modelling of Solar/Wind Power Plants and Forecasting of VRE Generation" organised by Grid Controller of India Limited, on May 21-22, 2024, at SCOPE Convention Centre, New Delhi.

In his presentation, Prof. Zakir delved into the intricacies of effective modelling procedures for solar and wind power plants, highlighting the various standards, modelling guidelines, and industry practices involved. Additionally, several engaging discussions with representatives from multiple RE developers and operators in India provided a valuable understanding of the topics. These discussions are anticipated to play a crucial role in enhancing the knowledge of the impacts and requirements associated with an increasing share of renewables into the grid and in developing effective technological and regulatory frameworks to mitigate the challenges.

Field Visit to Renewable Energy Power Plants in Rajasthan

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On May 23-24, 2024, a team from Grid Integration Lab, IIT Bombay, led by Prof. Zakir H. Rather, along with several members from Grid Controller of India Limited, had the exceptional opportunity to embark on a field trip to visit some of the solar and solar-wind hybrid plants in Rajasthan, connected to the inter-state transmission network in the Fatehgarh and Bhadla regions. It was an insightful experience where the members delved into the intricacies of the detailed architecture and day-to-day operation of these utility-scale RE plants and witnessed first-hand the remarkable technology and processes that go behind building and running these enormous projects.

Multiple discussions were conducted with the stakeholders of these projects to understand the operational procedures and different challenges encountered in complying with the grid connectivity standards. Guided by the plant engineers and technicians, the team proactively visited the different sections of the plants to gain a deeper understanding of the projects and operational strategies that go behind running such expansive projects. We would like to extend our gratitude to Grid Controller of India Limited and the stakeholders of the respective plants for planning and executing the visit, for their hospitality and for sharing their expertise with us.

Participation in SUSTENANCE H2020 Project Partners Gathering in Denmark

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We are pleased to share that Prof. Zakir H. Rather from Grid Integration Lab, IIT Bombay, has participated in a SUSTENANCE H2020 Project partners gathering in Denmark on June 26-27, 2024. The joint meeting included both Consortium and General Assembly Meetings, complemented by insightful field visits. The key highlights of the event included a fascinating lab tour at Aalborg University and an informative site visit to the Danish demonstration site in Voerladegård, Skanderborg Kommune.

This event provided a valuable platform for the partners to discuss the key outcomes of the project and future directions. We extend our gratitude to the Danish partners in the project for the excellent organization of the event.

Visit to the Rajasthan State Load Dispatch Centre, Jaipur

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On 27-28th May 2024, Pijush Kanti Dhara and Ravi Trivedi, from Grid Integration Lab, IIT Bombay, along with members from Grid Controller of India Limited, had the opportunity to visit the State Load Dispatch Centre, Rajasthan and interact with the executives responsible for optimal planning, monitoring and control of the Rajasthan electricity grid. It was an enlightening experience as the lab members explored the complexities of planning and managing a state-wide power system, gaining firsthand insight into the operational procedures that ensure its security and stability. They engaged in multiple discussions with executives from SLDC and the state Renewable Energy Management Centre (REMC) to understand the operational intricacies of renewable energy plants (wind and solar) connected to the intra-state grid and the challenges of ensuring their compliance with grid code regulations.

We would like to extend our gratitude to Grid Controller of India Limited, Rajasthan SLDC executives, and Prof. Zakir H. Rather from the lab for planning and supporting the visit, for their hospitality, and for sharing their expertise with us.

A Week of Innovation and International Collaboration

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What a phenomenal 5 days at the joint summer school organized by Grid Integration Lab, IIT Bombay and Newcastle University at Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay! Here's a quick recap:

Day 1: Charging Infrastructure and Grid Integration: We kicked off with a deep dive into EV charging and grid integration, featuring insights from Mr. Ramkrishna Singh, Dr. Sanchari Deb, Dr Julie Waldron , and Dr. Anurag Sharma.

Day 2: Power Electronics and Drivetrain: Highlights included visit to India's first V2G demo by GIL Lab at Team SHUNYA, IIT Bombay, talks by Prof. Sandeep Anand, Prof. Amarendra Edpuganti, and Prof. Siddavatam Ravi Prakash Reddy and further insights from Dr Sandeep Madishetti, PhD, SMIEEE

Day 3: Battery Technologies: A lab visit to the C1973 EV POWER TRAIN LAB, IIT Bombay at IIT Bombay preceded engaging discussions with Mr. Amit Dixit, Prof. Sudarshan Narayanan, Prof. Venkat Ramadesigan, and Mr. Suraj Vallamkonda.

Day 4: Policy and Regulatory Frameworks: We explored EV adoption policies with talks from Ms. Payal Dahiwale, Dr. Indradip Mitra, Prof Colin Herron CBE, and Mr. Sharad Mohindru, along with a visit to Grid Integration Lab, IIT Bombay.

Day 5: Cybersecurity in EV Charging and Panel Discussion: The final day featured talks by Prof. Zakir H. Rather and Dr. Trinadh Pamulapati, culminating in a panel discussion with Dr. G Ganesh Das, Dr. Dhivya Sampath Kumar, Dr SANDEEP GARG, and Dr. Tapas Roy, moderated by Prof. Zakir.

A heartfelt thank you to all our speakers, mentors, and participants for making this event truly exceptional. Here's to continuing the conversation and forging global connections!

Teacher's Day Celebration in GIL

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In keeping with the annual tradition, the members of the Grid Integration Lab, IIT Bombay, celebrated Teacher's Day by honouring Prof. Zakir H. Rather, Prof. Suryanarayana Doolla, Prof. D Venkatramanan, and Prof. Siddavatam Ravi Prakash Reddy for their unwavering guidance and support.

Additionally, Prof. Zakir engaged in an informal discussion with lab members, addressing topics related to one's academic journey, the different aspects of teaching and work-life, and some of the challenges students encounter.

Training Program for Security-Constrained Economic Dispatch (SCED) in Maharashtra SLDC

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As a part of the broader goal of optimising grid operation at pan India level, particularly at the state level, Grid Integration Lab, IIT Bombay led by Prof. Zakir Rather is supporting the Maharashtra State Load Dispatch Center (MSLDC) in its initiative towards implementing SCED at the state level. As a part of this initiative, GIL Lab, IIT Bombay, organized a two-day workshop focused on “Security-Constrained Economic Dispatch (SCED) using GAMS”. The workshop was specifically tailored for the MSLDC and took place on 2-3 September at the MSLDC premises in Airoli, Navi Mumbai. This workshop brought together a diverse group of experts and stakeholders, including representatives from MSLDC, NLDC, and WRLDC. Their active participation, coupled with the insightful discussions led by distinguished speakers, particularly Mr. Soonee Sushil Kumar and Mr. Debasis De, made this event truly impactful.

GIL is pleased to be part of the effort that MSLDC has initiated towards SCED implementation. Under the leadership of Mr. Shashank Jewalikar, MSLDC is the first of the SLDCs that has initiated activities to further optimise the grid operation in Maharashtra. GIL is glad about the advancements this collaboration is expected to bring and looks forward to continuing our work toward a more efficient and secure electricity grid.

Event Recap: Short-Term Course on Electric Vehicles Charging Infrastructure and Grid Integration

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Grid Integration Lab, IIT Bombay conducted a two-day short-term course at IIT Bombay on September 16-17, focused on advancing knowledge in EV charging infrastructure and its grid integration under Continuing Education Programme IIT Bombay. The event attracted a diverse group of participants eager to deepen their understanding of this rapidly evolving field. Throughout the course, attendees engaged in in-depth discussions and hands-on activities, fostering a collaborative environment that facilitated networking with peers and industry leaders.

Course Highlights:

Day 1 Morning Session: Explored the fundamentals of electric vehicles, charging technologies, and the impacts of EV integration.

Day 1 Afternoon Session: Provided hands-on experience with AC/DC charger connectors and charging technology, dumb charging for two-wheeler EVs, an engaging demonstration of V2H2G, and load test on the chassis frame of an EV.

Day 2 Morning Session: Focused on electric buses, smart charging, and V2X applications, encouraging in-depth discussions.

Day 2 Afternoon Session: Featured demonstrations on V2G, demonstration of battery degradation modelling, frequency regulation using EV charging stations, and power factor correction with EVs.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of this initiative. Your commitment to learning and innovation is vital for advancing our EV ecosystem. We look forward to hosting more impactful events in the future. Together, let’s continue to push the boundaries of knowledge and expertise!

Short Term training Course on Grid Integration of Renewable Energy

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Grid Integration Lab, IIT Bombay at Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, conducted a three-day specialized short-term training course on “Grid Integration of Renewable Energy” tailored primarily for Industry professionals under Continuing Education Programme IIT Bombay from September 19-21, 2024. The event attracted a diverse mix of professionals from industry, governmental authorities, and academia, eager to enhance their understanding of this rapidly advancing field, given the global and domestic transition towards sustainable energy and the challenges posed by integrating large-scale renewable energy (RE) sources into the electricity grid. The training program saw more than 95% participation from Industry and Government authorities.

Course Highlights:

Day 1: Participants were introduced to the different aspects of wind and solar power generation, focusing on the variability of these resources and their impacts on power system operations. An exclusive session on modeling renewable energy power plants was also conducted.

Day 2: The second day involved a focussed discussion on power system stability and control under high RE penetration, alongside an comprehensive discussion on compliance regulations for RE plants. An exclusive session on modelling wind power plants was also featured.

Day 3: The final day included discussions on integrating RE plants into the Indian grid, supplemented by international case studies. This was followed by a session on grid support services from RE plants and a lab demonstration showcasing a power-hardware-in-the-loop setup for Grid-Following and Grid-Forming IBRS.

Thanks to all the participants for making the event more interactive and engaging. Your dedication to learning and innovation plays a vital role in the growth of our RE ecosystem. Looking forward, we are eager to organize more impactful events. Together, let’s keep exploring new avenues of knowledge and expertise.

Repowering of Wind Power Plants Projects in Maharashtra

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As a part of our collaborative study with Government of Maharashtra (GoM) on strengthening repowering of wind power plants in Maharashtra State, Grid Integration Lab, IIT Bombay team (led by Prof. Zakir) along with Dr. Suud Hasen, Ph.D. recently visited Satara wind power park site in the first week of September.

The primary objective of this initiative is to bring in constructive policy intervention for repowering wind power plant in Maharashtra state. This visit was aimed to collect essential data and engage in comprehensive stakeholder discussions regarding the challenges associated with repowering existing wind energy facilities. The overall goal is to advocate for policy intervention that will facilitate repowering of wind power plants.

We extend our gratitude to all partners and stakeholders for their commitment and collaboration in this important endeavour. GIL lab is pleased to contribute in this pilot repowering project and policy intervention.

Proud Achievement for GIL

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We are pleased to share that Dr. Deepika Chhetija, PhD, our most recent PhD scholar to graduate from the Grid Integration Lab, IIT Bombay, has embarked on a promising career as an R&D Assistant Staff at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee, United States.We extend our best wishes to her as she utilizes her academic diligence and expertise to work on real-world challenges in electric power system operation with innovation and dedication. Heartiest congratulations to Deepika on her remarkable achievement.

Release of Proceedings on National Workshop on Integrated Local Energy Systems

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National Workshop on Integrated Local Energy Systems was held on October 10th in Vishakhapatnam. This important event brought together leading researchers and experts from India-EU collaborative projects, SUSTENANCE H2020 project and RE-EMPOWERED EU-India Project, both jointly funded by the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India (DST) India, and European Commission. Day long presentations covered different research and technology development activities undertaken under the two projects. Various distinguished expert members and officers/scientists from DST were also present at the event, contributing valuable insights to the discussions. One of the key highlights of the event was the release of proceedings booklet by keynote speaker Dr. Anita Gupta, Advisor and Head CEST, DST (Government of India) along with Dr. JBV Reddy, Mission Director, National Quantum Mission, CEST, and various Experts.

Prof. Zakir from Grid Integration Lab, IIT Bombay highlighted the research and development activities under SUSTENANCE projects. The research findings from the ongoing V2G/V2H field demonstration at GIL Lab were presented by Ms. Ruchi Kushwaha.

Congratulations to Satya from GIL on receiving Director’s Gold Model and Senate Award

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We are pleased to announce that Satya Vikram Pratap singh, a PhD scholar at Grid Integration Lab, IIT Bombay, was awarded the prestigious Director's Gold Medal and the Senate Award for MTech programme during IIT Bhilai's convocation ceremony on October 26, 2024. Satya receiving the Director's Gold Medal signifies his all-around performance among all MTech graduates at the institute in 2023. The Senate Award is given for securing the highest CGPA among all graduating students in the MTech program in Electrical Engineering for the year 2023.

Join us in celebrating this well-deserved recognition!!

GIL to start a new Project on Development of Machine Learning based EMT and Dynamic Models of IBRs and IBR Dominated Grid (India-Denmark Collaborative Project)

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Grid Integration Lab, IIT Bombay, is embarking on a new study to exploit the potential of AI/ML techniques to address challenges of developing robust and high accuracy models of IBR and power systems that address limitations of black box Industry WTG/Inverter models that are difficult to interpret and adopt in a system level study, and generic models that are generally too simplistic to capture detailed and accurate response of an IBR. The resulting simulation needs are conflicting. High-fidelity models are required to capture faster dynamics and incorporate electromagnetic-transient (EMT) studies, leading to computationally expensive simulations. The uncertainty from renewable generation and the shift from central control towards decentralized agents require simulating even more scenarios for contingency screenings and stability studies. Hence, fast simulation tools that accurately capture the dynamic interactions of all system components and permit various scenario assessments are vital to safeguard the operation of future power systems.

This project, led by Prof. Zakir H. Rather from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay and Prof. Johanna Vorwerk & Prof. Spyros Chatzivasileiadis from DTU - Technical University of Denmark, is aimed to address these issues and come up with AI/ML-powered models that will inherit both high accuracy and computational efficiency together.

Prof. Zakir's Insightful Talk on Renewable Energy Integration

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A two day symposium on “Renewable Generations and Integration Aspects for Sustainable Energy Mission” was organised by Department of Applied Physics, University of Calcutta on 26th October,2024. The event brought together experts in the field of renewable energy to discuss critical issues surrounding its integration and sustainable adoption.

In this symposium, Prof. Zakir from Grid Integration Lab, IIT Bombay had presented a talk on “Renewable Energy Technology, National and International Experience of RE Integration”. In this session, Prof. Zakir provided deep insights into the evolving landscape of renewable energy integration, with a focus on both national and international experiences in managing grid stability while integrating variable renewable energy sources like solar and wind.

Release of the Report on SCED implementation in Maharashtra-Optimizing Power Dispatch

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Grid Integration Lab, IIT Bombay is pleased to be part of a first-of-its-kind study in India on Security Constraint Economic Dispatch (SCED) implementation at the State level. A detailed report titled, ”Optimizing Power Dispatch: An Initiative Towards SCED Implementation in Maharashtra" was developed through a collaborative effort between Grid Integration Lab, IIT Bombay and Maharashtra State Load Despatch Centre (MSLDC) with advisory inputs from Mr. Soonee Sushil Kumar, Mr. Debasis De, Dr Deb Chattopadhyay, and expert inputs from NLDC and WRLDC. The report was released by Ms. Abha Shukla, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary (Energy), Maharashtra, and Mr. Sanjeev Kumar, IAS, CMD of Maharashtra State Electricity Transmission Company (MSETCL) on 8th November, 2024. The launch event was also attended by other higher management dignitaries, including Mr. Satish Chavan (Director, Operations, MSETCL), Mr. Yogesh Madhukar Gadkari (Director, Commercial, Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL)) among others.

This study delves into the critical interventions needed to enhance economic and technical efficiency of Maharashtra's state grid, highlighting how SCED can ensure reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable power delivery—critical for meeting the state's rising energy demands in a secure and economic way.

This study has been made possible with unwavering support from Mr. Shashank Jewalikar, Executive Director, MSLDC, and the core teams from both Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay and MSLDC. In addition to offering valuable guidance throughout the study, Mr. Soonee Sushil Kumar and Mr. Debasis De have been a constant source of motivation. GIL look forward to continuing its involvement in such impactful studies that shape the future of India's energy landscape.

Experience from the V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) Pilot demonstration

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At the recent Distribution Utility Meet (DUM) 2024 in Lucknow, Prof. Zakir Rather from the Grid Integration Lab, IIT Bombay presented an insightful talk on “Experience from the V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) Pilot demonstration”. His presentation highlighted the findings from India’s first V2G demonstration focusing on how electric vehicles can provide various grid and other support services for secure and reliable grid operation and facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources, with economic benefit to different stakeholders.

The session, chaired and moderated by Ravi Seethapathy (Advisor, India Smart Grid Forum (ISGF)), was part of a broader conversation on Renewable Energy, Electric Vehicles, and Grid Stability. It featured expert presentations and discussions from, Kuldeep Sharma, Head - RE & DISCOMs, GIZ India, Anupam Shukla, Managing Director, UPNEDA, Murali Mohan Baggu, Program Director - Grid Integration, National Renewable Energy Laboratory (USA), Reena Suri, Executive Director, ISGF, Eckehard Tröster, CEO, Energynautics GmbH. Key discussants included Samuel Paul N (MD, KESCO), Rajendra Vala (Chief Engineer - Distribution, PGVCL), Shivram Bikkina (TATA Power), B B Mehta (Director, SLDC Odisha), and Dhananjay R Aundekar (MSEDCL Maharashtra), among others.

The event catered a robust discussion on the future of smart grids, energy storage, and the integration of EVs and renewables into India's energy system. We look forward to be a part of such engaging events in future.

Shaping India’s Energy future: key Moments from the National Workshop on RE Integration

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We are thrilled to share the successful conclusion of the “2-Day National Workshop on RE Integration Challenges: key Learnings and Way Forward for the Indian Power Sector” at Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay. Organized by Grid Integration Lab, IIT Bombay, on 7-8th January 2025, the workshop brought together leading experts, researchers, and industry professionals to engage in transformative discussions on renewable energy integration, grid dynamics, and emerging technologies shaping the future of energy systems.

The sessions featured impactful dialogues on regulatory frameworks, renewable energy connectivity, operational challenges, and cutting-edge advancements in RE technologies. From thought-provoking presentations to dynamic panel discussions, every moment was a step closer to addressing the challenges of a sustainable energy future.

We thank our esteemed speakers, panellists, moderators, and participants for their valuable contributions. The shared insights and collaborative spirit have inspired us to drive meaningful advancements in renewable energy systems.

GIL, IIT Bombay, at RT24 India Conference

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Grid Integration Lab, IIT Bombay, was invited to present at RT24 India Conference, organized by OPAL-RT TECHNOLOGIES India Pvt. Ltd. held in Bengaluru, India, on December 17-18, 2024. We presented some of our Power-Hardware-in-the-Loop (PHIL) based studies conducted at GIL, IIT Bombay, at the conference.

The highlights of the presentation include Contingency Frequency Control in Converter-only Renewable Energy-Integrated Power Systems, Evaluation of Frequency Droop Response in Grid-Following Converters, Black Start Capability of Grid-Forming PV-battery Energy Storage Systems in RE-Dominated Power Systems, Electric Vehicles Addressing Overvoltage Challenges in Distribution Networks and Their Role in Frequency Regulation Services.

We are grateful to OPAL-RT TECHNOLOGIES and OPAL-RT TECHNOLOGIES India Pvt. Ltd. for the invitation and the opportunity to showcase our work at the RT24 India Conference. A special shoutout to Aaqib Manzoor and Pratosh Patankar for representing GIL at the conference.

Capacity Building Workshop on Inertia Estimation for GRID INDIA

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Grid Integration Lab, IIT Bombay conducted a three day Capacity Building Workshop on Inertia Estimation from February 6-8, 2025, at the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay. This workshop provided professionals from Grid Controller of India Limited with in-depth training on:

The critical role of inertia estimation in renewable energy-dominated power systems

Methods to estimate available and minimum inertia in the Indian grid

Implementation of inertia estimation techniques for grid stability and planning

Through various interactive sessions and hands-on training, participants gained practical insights into inertia estimation and its significance in grid stability and planning. Thank you to all the participants for their enthusiasm and active engagement! We look forward to organising more knowledge-sharing sessions to advance grid integration and ensure stable operations under high renewable energy penetration.

IOCL: Nav-Urja Niman-Building a future in Renewable Energy

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We are pleased to announce the successful completion of Phase 1 of the Nav-Urja Niman training program, held from February 24 to March 1, 2025 at Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay. This marks the beginning of a 20-day intensive training initiative that will run until June 16, 2025, focusing on upskilling Indian Oil Corp Limited executives in Renewable Energy Sector.

Prof. Zakir Rather, Grid Integration Lab, IIT Bombay, course coordinator conducted various sessions on renewable energy generation, RE integration challenges, regulatory aspects and provided hands-on exposure to the challenges and solutions in grid-connected renewable energy systems. Participants engaged in practical demonstrations, system simulations, and lab visits, gaining in-depth insights into:

Grid operation with high renewable penetration

Renewable forecasting & variability challenges

Storage integration & grid compliance requirements

Challenges with RE integration & international case studies

Through interactive lab sessions, system simulations and field visits, participants explored the technical and operational intricacies of integrating solar and wind energy into the power grid. These technical insights are critical for developing scalable, efficient and reliable clean energy solutions. Various industry experts delivered sessions on field experiences and financial/economic aspects of RE power plant development. This training programme is organised under IIT Bombay Research Hub for Green Energy and Sustainability (GESH IITB) through Educational Outreach, IIT Bombay.

Thank you to all the participants for their enthusiasm and engagement.

Grid Integration Lab represents India at IEA Task 53 Workshop on Bidirectional Charging Interoperability

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We are pleased to share that Grid Integration Lab, IIT Bombay from Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay was invited to deliberate in Task 53 - Interoperability of Bidirectional Charging (INBID) Workshop on the “Interoperability of Bidirectional Charging” at the Joint research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission in Ispra, Italy, from March 3-5, 2025. This was an invitation-only event, and we were honoured to be the only participants from South Asia, representing India on this global stage.

Our team was represented by Angshu Plavan Nath (in person) and Prof. Zakir Hussain rather (virtually), joining international experts in Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology. The workshop focused on enabling interoperable bidirectional charging solutions based on international standards, ensuring compliance with grid codes by 2027.

Representing India in such an international platform/critical dialogue underscores our commitment to advancing grid-integrated EV solutions and contributing to the global clean energy transition. This workshop was a unique opportunity to engage with leading experts, exchange knowledge, and position India as a key player in the future of bidirectional charging.

We look forward to further collaboration and implementing these insights in India and South Asia’s evolving energy landscape!

Grid Integration Lab, IIT Bombay at ENERGY DAY 2025

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We had an amazing experience at Energy Day, IIT Bombay 2025, hosted by the Department of Energy Science & Engineering, IIT Bombay! Our lab was thrilled to be part of this dynamic platform for innovation and collaboration in the energy space. Here are some highlights from our team’s participation:

Payal Dahiwale presented her impactful work on Smart Opportunity Charging Strategy for Electric Buses.

Angshu Plavan Nath explored the role of EV Charging Stations as Power Factor Correction Resources for Industrial Plants.

Dhiraj Khadka shared a machine learning-based approach to Inertia Estimation in Renewable-Integrated Power Systems, contributing to grid stability research.

Akhilesh Panwar presented on the Application of AI for Resource Adequacy for Grid Stability, showcasing an AI-enhanced day-ahead planning framework.

Soudipan Maity showcased a poster on Estimating Maximum Available Power from Solar PV Plants.

Thank you to the organizers, volunteers, and all the attendees who made EnergyDay2025 a truly energizing experience!

Indo-Danish Joint Project on Stability of Power Converter Dominated System and Associated Grid Support Requirements

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Grid Integration Lab, IIT Bombay has embarked on an exciting Indo-Danish collaborative research project aimed at exploring the grid stability of inverter-based resources (IBR)-dominated systems and assessing the grid support services requirements in renewable energy (RE)-dominated grids. This vital study addresses the pressing challenges posed by IBR systems and their integration with the grid to ensure stability in the face of growing renewable energy penetration.

The project is being supported by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, and is a joint initiative involving the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, and the National Institute of Technology Calicut from India, in collaboration with DTU - Technical University of Denmark, Denmark.

Leading the project are Prof. Zakir Hussain rather (IIT Bombay) on the Indian side and Prof. Nicolaos A. Cutululis (DTU, Denmark) on the Danish side, alongside key investigators Prof. Suryanarayana Doolla (IIT Bombay), Dr. KUMARAVEL SUNDARAMOORTHY, Ph.D. (NIT Calicut), and Prof. Poul Sørensen (DTU, Denmark).

Through this initiative, GIL is contributing to shaping the future of grid stability and RE integration, ensuring that future power systems remain reliable and resilient.

The Renewable Energy Paradox: Experts at IIT Bombay Discuss Overlooked Environmental Costs of Clean Energy Transition

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Are we ignoring the environmental cost while striving for high renewable energy integration?

What are the hidden environmental impacts of renewable energy?

And more importantly—how can we address them while still accelerating towards a clean energy future?

Leading the project are Prof. Zakir Hussain rather (IIT Bombay) on the Indian side and Prof. Nicolaos A. Cutululis (DTU, Denmark) on the Danish side, alongside key investigators Prof. Suryanarayana Doolla (IIT Bombay), Dr. KUMARAVEL SUNDARAMOORTHY, Ph.D. (NIT Calicut), and Prof. Poul Sørensen (DTU, Denmark).

And more importantly—how can we address them while still accelerating towards a clean energy future?

These critical questions were at the heart of an insightful panel discussion titled “The Renewable Energy Paradox: Are We Ignoring the Environmental Cost?” held during EnergyDay2025, organized by the Department of Energy Science & Engineering, IIT Bombay. The discussion was moderated by Prof. Zakir Hussain Rather, Grid Integration Lab, IIT Bombay, and featured Prof. Shireesh Kedare, Director, IIT Bombay, Mr. Indu Shekhar Chaturvedi, Former Secretary, MNRE, Govt of India, Mr. Rajiv Ganju, Sr. Vice President, Luminous Power Technologies (P) Ltd, Ms. Nishtha Gupta, Group Head – Sustainability & ESG, Suzlon Group, and Lt Col Monish Ahuja, Chairman & MD, PRESPL—bringing together a diverse panel from academia, government, and industry with valuable perspectives.

Such dialogues are critical for fostering a comprehensive understanding of sustainability, ensuring that the integration of renewable energy accounts for lifecycle impacts and avoids unintended environmental trade-offs.