India Powers Up: 11 REMCs Mark a Renewable Revolution!

Union Power Minister RK Singh is poised to mark a significant advancement in the renewable energy sector by inaugurating eleven cutting-edge 'Renewable Energy Management Centres' (REMC) on Friday. This development represents a pivotal moment for the industry, as the ₹409 crore investment in these REMCs is expected to play a vital role in enhancing the integration of renewable energy, with a specific focus on wind sources. The absence of these centers could hinder the seamless assimilation of substantial amounts of intermittent electricity generated by wind and solar plants.

The Power Grid Corporation of India, a leading public sector entity, is overseeing the establishment of these REMCs on behalf of the Ministry of Power. Among the eleven centers, one REMC will be located in the National Load Dispatch Centre, three in Regional Load Dispatch Centres, and seven in State Load Dispatch Centres across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Rajasthan.

Load dispatch centers serve as control hubs for managing the flow and distribution of electricity. Within these centers, REMCs will specifically monitor renewable energy plants, focusing on forecasting renewable energy output, scheduling distribution to customers, and tracking generation from renewable energy sources.

The intermittent nature of wind and solar energy poses a challenge, with electricity production fluctuating based on changes in wind speed or cloud cover. Effectively managing this variability is crucial for grid managers to ensure a consistent and reliable electricity supply to consumers.

Described as a "hub for all information regarding renewable energy power generation," REMCs will house dedicated teams responsible for managing forecasted renewable energy generation, dispatching energy to consumers, and conducting real-time monitoring to ensure the safe, secure, and optimal operation of the grid. These details are outlined in a document from the German government's international cooperation arm, GIZ.

The concept of REMCs originated in 2014 when India's renewable energy capacity was around 30 GW. With the country now boasting 71,643 MW of wind and solar capacity, the inauguration of REMCs becomes increasingly critical for effectively managing the growing contribution of renewable energy to the grid.

News by Rahul Yelligetti