Sterlite Power Inks Exclusive Pact with Smart Wires to Bring New Technology for Grid Mgmt

With an aim to bring new innovative technology for the Indian electricity market for resourceful grid management, global power transmission assets developer Sterlite Power has entered into an exclusive agreement with California-based Smart Wires.

The deal enables the power transmission assets developer to offer Indian utilities with modular power flow control solutions that make transmission grid efficient and flexible.

It is an exclusive deal between the two companies to market this cutting-edge technology in India.

Moreover, this technology is an intelligent ‘valve’ called ‘SmartValve’, that will allow utilities to optimally utilise its existing transmission capacity and enhance grid flexibility.

Speaking on this technology deal, Pratik Agarwal, Managing Director of Sterlite Power, said “an environmentally sustainable electricity system is the anchor for a modern society. We are growing at an incredible pace and need to look for innovative solutions for rising grid outages due to climate change, lack of land to build new lines and integration of renewable energy.”

Agarwal further added that “modernising the grid to make it ‘smarter’ through the use of cutting edge technology is going to disrupt the landscape and technology is going to be the game changer in this field.”

On the back of exponential rise in demand for power and rapid urbanisation, power networks in India have been facing severe transmission congestion challenges. Congestion is often seen in sub-transmission lines where it is a challenge to connect renewable power. In this context, alleviating congestion and enhancing grid flexibility becomes critical.

“We are passionate proponents of disruptive technologies that can help our customers meet their energy delivery needs and address the coinciding challenges of time, space and capital. This technology will enable better power flow, grid stability and enhanced power transfer capacity in existing infrastructure without the need for investment in new lines,” commented Manish Agarwal, CEO of Solutions Business of Sterlite Power.

On the relevance of Smart Wires’ solutions in the Indian market, Gregg Rotenberg, CEO of Smart Wires, said “given the pace and scale of renewable energy growth in India, our solutions can provide immense value to the market. We are thrilled to work with Sterlite because we knew we needed a collaborator who understood the nuances of this market and who could match our passion to transform how electric grids are planned and operated.”

SmartValve increases power transfer capability by making better use of an existing network. It is quick to install and easy to scale or redeploy, providing valuable flexibility given today’s rapidly changing electric system.