Experts representing the length and breadth of the power sector came together at the ETEnergyworld Smart Electricity Conclave today to lay a roadmap for the digital transformation of India’s energy system, setting the stage for a complete makeover of the generation, transmission and distribution segments. The conclave, a unique virtual initiative of ETEnergyworld and supported by Hitachi ABB Power Grids and Resonia (erstwhile Sterlite Power) as partners, was launched today to act as a platform for energy industry experts and decision makers to share best practices, chalk out a digital roadmap and debate on a blueprint for Industry 4.0.

 The event began with a thought-provoking speech by the Chief Guest, Amitabh Kant, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Niti Aayog. In his address, Kant shared a vision for an overhaul of the electricity sector to make it more resilient in the wake of the mega energy transition currently underway. “The current business models in the energy sector are going to be disrupted. Out of the churn of business models, the Sagar manthan, will emerge the amrut of ample affordable, clean and high quality power for all,” said Kant, calling for the industry to leverage technology.

This was followed by a presentation by Venu Nuguri, MD – India and Head of South Asia Region, Hitachi ABB Power Grids, on the topic “Carbon-neutral Future is Electric” and three exclusive sessions focusing on generation, transmission and distribution sectors.

The session on generation included a speech by Praveer Sinha, Managing Director & CEO of Tata Power, and an engaging panel discussion on “The Power Plant of the Future” with participation from industry leaders including M K Srivastava (ED – IT, NTPC Ltd), M Prasanna Kumar (MD, Gujarat State Electricity Corporation), and Bhaskar Bhattacharjee (SVP, CLP India).

 The transmission segment hosted a panel on “Smart Grid Technologies and Management” featuring leaders such as Manish Agarwal (CEO – Solutions Business, Sterlite Power), Rajan P (Director, Kerala State Electricity Board), Bhadresh Mehta (Director, Odisha Power Transmission Corporation), and Somesh Kumar (Partner, EY).

The concluding session on power distribution saw Rajat Sud, MD of Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL), discuss how stakeholders in the distribution segment can prepare for the adoption of the latest technologies. The session also included a panel on “Smart Distribution Utility” with industry representatives including Sanjeev Sinha (President – IT & Digitalization, India Power Corporation), P K Goyal (VP, Noida Power Company), and Anjuli Chandra (Member, Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission).

 Read more: ET Energy world