Virtual Smart Grid Knowledge Center and Innovation Park

Context

The Union Minister for Power has launched the Virtual Smart Grid Knowledge 

Center (Virtual SGKC) and Innovation Park.

• The Virtual SGKC enables a digital footprint of the physical setup of SGKC, the need for which was felt during COVID-19 pandemic.
• The platform presently hosts more than 50 solutions from over 30 technology partners across 8 thematic areas spanning across new and advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, IOT, etc.

What is Virtual Smart Grid Knowledge Center (Virtual SGKC)?

• SKGC has been established by PowerGrid with support from the Ministry of Power and National Smart Grid Mission (NSGM) and technical assistance from United States Agency for International Development(USAID).
• The Purpose of the Center is to become a global leader in fostering innovation, entrepreneurship and research in smart grid technologies and create capacities in the power distribution sector.
• The centre is located within the POWERGRID.
• The Virtual SGKC enables a digital footprint of the physical setup of SGKC, the need for which was felt during COVID-19 pandemic.
• The platform presently hosts more than 50 solutions from over 30 technology partners across 8 thematic areas spanning across new and advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, IOT, etc.

What is the National Smart Grid Mission?

• The mission Launched by the Ministry of Power in 2015.
• The Objective of the mission is to address key issues of Smart Grid Initiatives on a large scale in the country and to make the Indian Power infrastructure cost-effective, responsive and reliable. 

What is a Smart Grid?

• A smart grid is an electricity network based on digital technology that is used to supply electricity to consumers via two-way digital communication.
• Smart Grid is an Electrical Grid with Automation, Communication and IT systems that can monitor power flows from points of generation to points of consumption and control the power flow or curtail the load to match generation in real-time or near real-time. 
• Some smart grids include various energy measures such as smart meters, smart appliances, renewable energy resources, and energy-efficient resources.
• These measures can contribute to a reduction of T&D losses, Peak-load management, improved quality of Service, increased reliability, better asset management, renewable integration, better accessibility to electricity and also lead to self-healing grids.
• Smart grid allows for monitoring, analysis, control and communication within the supply chain to help improve efficiency, reduce energy consumption and cost, and maximize the transparency and reliability of the energy supply chain.
• The main objective behind the introduction of smart grid is to overcome the weaknesses of conventional electrical grids by using smart net meters.