Smartgrids/Microgrids in India: A Review on Relevance, Initiatives, Policies, Projects and Challenges

Microgrid and smartgrids are quickly moving from laboratories/demonstration benches to being deployed in increasing number across wide range of applications along with integration of renewable energy sources. This paper attempts to (i) Explain the concept of renewable energy-based microgrid/smartgrids and their relevance in solving India's energy needs in a smart and sustainable way. (ii) Describes the various initiatives taken by Govt. to achieve the smartgrid vision of India along with brief on acts/policies enabling Renewable Energy Integration. (iii) Tracks the present status on smartgrid/microgrid activities across various parts of the country and does a comparative study on features of those projects. (iv) Analyzes the key benefits, opportunities as well the challenges faced during implementation of such smart and sustainable projects. (iv) Lastly, the author proposes a brief framework for deployment of new projects concerning microgrids/smartgrids.