SCADA – Enhancing Efficiency in Renewable Energy

As of 31st December 2024, India’s renewable energy installed capacity has reached 203 GW. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), global renewable energy capacity in 2024 achieved an all-time high of 3,803 GW, marking an increase of 473 GW from 2022, the largest yearly growth on record.

India, as the world’s third-largest renewable energy producer, has achieved this milestone through a diverse mix of renewable resources:

• Solar Power: Leading with 92 GW, solar energy plays a pivotal role in harnessing India’s abundant sunlight.
• Wind Power: With 48 GW, wind energy capitalizes on the potential of India’s coastal and inland wind corridors.
• Hydropower: Large hydro projects contribute 47 GW, while small hydro adds another 5 GW, utilizing river systems efficiently.
• Biopower: Biomass and biogas energy add 11 GW, ensuring the effective use of agricultural waste and organic materials.

This diverse mix highlights India’s progress in decreasing dependence on fossil fuels and advancing toward a sustainable energy future.

One of the most transformative advancements in renewable energy is the implementation of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems. These systems enable real-time monitoring and control of renewable plants, ensuring efficient operation and maintenance.

SCADA – A Game Changer

Advanced SCADA systems have revolutionized plant operations by integrating the following capabilities:

• Predictive Maintenance: Reduces downtime by forecasting equipment failures.
• Data Analytics: Enhances decision-making through actionable insights derived from large datasets.
• Remote Monitoring: Ensures real-time control and diagnostics from centralized locations.
• Energy Optimization: Improves energy output by analyzing weather patterns and equipment efficiency.

For example, India’s solar parks in Gujarat’s Dholera Special Investment Region utilize SCADA to achieve over 98% operational efficiency, minimizing losses.

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) emphasized the importance of SCADA systems during its committee meeting (July 2024), highlighting their critical role in renewable plant monitoring and grid management. The report detailed SCADA’s potential to enhance efficiency by optimizing real-time data acquisition, thus reducing energy wastage and improving operational decisions. For instance, advanced SCADA integration is estimated to save 20% in maintenance costs while boosting overall energy output efficiency by 15%-18%, particularly in large-scale solar and wind installations.

Accelerating Growth Beyond Current Trends

To bridge this gap, India needs to:

• Enhance Grid Infrastructure
• Encourage Private Investment
• Promote Hybrid Systems

At Adaptive Engineering Pvt. Ltd. (AEPL), we contribute to India’s renewable energy ambitions through innovative SCADA solutions:

• Customized Monitoring Systems
• Analytics-Driven Insights
• Digital Reports Library
• Scalable Hybrid Solutions

Conclusion

At Adaptive Engineering Pvt. Ltd., we are at the forefront of India’s renewable energy revolution. Through the implementation of cutting-edge SCADA systems and innovative solutions, we are not just meeting but exceeding expectations in the energy sector. Our expertise in optimizing renewable energy management systems ensures enhanced efficiency, reliability, and scalability. With a clear vision and commitment to sustainable development, we are powering a greener, more energy-efficient tomorrow. Join us in shaping India’s renewable energy future.

References

• https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2073038#:~:text=India’s%20total%20renewable%20energy%20installed,to%20186.46%20GW%20in%202023
• https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/fall-in-japans-power-demand-sees-india-as-third-largest-producer-of-solar-power-in-2023/article68154117.ece
• https://qery.no/renewable-energy-capacity-tracker/#:~:text=Global%20Overview,largest%20yearly%20growth%20on%20record