Energetica India Magazine - November 2025

At present, the limited capacity of evacuation systems and transmission lines is one of the biggest constraints for the RE sector. We intend to expand our portfolio to include substa- tions and transmission lines, which will help strengthen In - dia’s renewable energy ecosystem. In the near to medium term, integrating Fixed and Dispatch - able Renewable Energy (FDRE) is imperative for the grid sta - bility and reliability. Apraava remains committed to partner- ing with India to achieve its renewable energy and net-zero goals and to contribute to nation building by delivering reli - able, sustainable, and affordable energy solutions. Q How do you think smart metering and digital grids are changing the way India manages and consumes electric- ity? Naveen Munjal: Smart metering and digital grid technologies are playing a crucial role in modernising India’s electricity distribution sector. Today, the electricity grid is expected to do far more than supply power. With the rapid growth of elec- tric vehicles and rooftop solar, grids must now interact with homes, buildings and vehicles in new and innovative ways. The adoption of smart meters in India has gained strong momentum and represents a major opportunity to enhance energy security, improve power reliability and drive digital transformation across the sector. Under the government’s Re- vamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) and Smart Me- ter National Programme (SMNP), India aims to replace 25 crore (250 million) traditional electricity meters with smart meters over the next couple of years. This initiative seeks to reduce commercial losses, improve billing accuracy and en - hance energy efficiency by enabling real-time data monitor- ing and prepaid billing for consumers, while also supporting renewable energy integration and the broader modernisation of the country’s power infrastructure. Digital grids, supported by Distribution Management Sys- tems (DMS), act as central hubs that integrate smart meter- ing, energy management, renewable energy, storage and EV charging. As the grid begins interacting with more homes, buildings and electric vehicles, these technologies enable re - al-time loss detection, strengthen the benefits of net meter- ing and help consumers become “prosumers” through rooftop solar adoption. Future advancements in blockchain, IoT and microgrids will further enhance these capabilities by enabling peer-to-peer energy trading and smarter, more resilient grid management. Q How important are greenfield transmission projects in making sure renewable energy reaches the people who need it? Naveen Munjal: Greenfield transmission projects form an in- tegral part of India’s energy transition journey. As renewable energy generation expands rapidly, the ability to move this power efficiently from resource-rich regions to demand cen- tres becomes crucial. The Government’s National Electricity Plan (2023–2032) sets out the need for rapid expansion of Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) and intra-state networks to meet a projected peak demand of 458 GW by 2032. With renewable capaci- ty now surpassing 230 GW, upgraded transmission corridors such as High-voltage direct current (HVDC) lines are en- abling power generated in remote regions like Rajasthan and Gujarat to reach major urban demand centres. To build an efficient and reliable transmission system, the deployment of advanced technologies such as Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) devices, synchronous con- densers and smart-grid solutions like real-time monitoring, AI-based predictive maintenance and weather-linked optimi- sation will be key. Q How are technologies like energy storage, digital twins, or predictive maintenance making operations more efficient and reliable in real-world projects? Naveen Munjal: Energy storage is vital for enhancing grid reliability, particularly as renewable energy sources like so - lar and wind become more integrated into the power system. With the rapid addition of solar capacity, the grid experiences surplus energy during the day and a sharp deficit in the eve- ning, when solar generation drops and demand rises. Energy energetica INDIA- November_2025 17 INTERVIEW