Question : SMART SUPERGRID FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY

(a) whether Smart Supergrid technology has the potential to alleviate the problems associated with renewable energy, particularly its intermittent nature, diversity of sources, low predictability, unsuitability for very large scale electricity generation decentralized application, etc.

(b) if so, whether the Government has initiated specific in country Research and Development (R&D) programme and put policy incentives in place for rapid development and deployment of Smart Supergrid technology for renewable energy;

(c) if so, the details thereof; and

(d) if not, the time by which the Government proposes to launch such R&D programme and put policy incentive for Smart Supergrid in place.

THE MINISTER OF NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY (DR. FAROOQ ABDULLAH)

(a): Yes Madam. This technology is applicable mainly for conventional power sector but will help in efficient integration of renewable power into the grid by alleviating the cited problems.

(b),(c)&(d): A pilot project is under implementation at Solar Energy Centre for deployment of an experimental mini-smart grid based on distribution generation technologies in collaboration with TERI and CSIRO Australia. Further, Government has set up a Smart Grid Task Force under the Chairmanship of Shri Sam Pitroda, Advisor to Hon’ble Prime Minister, under the aegis of Ministry of Power. The issues regarding technology deployment could be considered based on the recommendations of the Task Force.