PANAJI
Through the Central Power Research Institute (CPRI), Ministry of Power, has launched R&D schemes for power sector to promote research and development in the areas of power generation, transmission, and distribution, stated Shripad Naik, Union Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy. Naik was replying to a unstarred question in Lok Sabha.
“These schemes encourage need-based, applied research in collaboration with academic institutions, industries, and utilities, aimed to address real-world challenges in the power sector. Under these schemes, a wide range of projects have been undertaken, including those aimed at renewable energy integration into the national grid, development of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, and enhancement of power quality through advanced monitoring and control systems”, Naik stated.
While replying to another unstarred question Naik informed the Lok Sabha that, the government of India actively promotes collaboration with private industry and startups to drive technological innovation in the power sector. Under the National Perspective Plan (NPP) component of the R&D scheme, joint research projects with industry and startups are encouraged. This collaborative approach aims to foster the development of cutting-edge technologies and advance them to higher Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs), paving the way for their practical deployment in real-world applications.
Further, the ‘Powerthon’ initiative has been launched to identify, nurture, and scale technology-driven solutions by engaging Technology Solution Providers (TSPs), including individual innovators, startups, entrepreneurs, MSMEs, etc, to address critical challenges faced by Distribution Companies (DISCOMs), Naik informed.
“The Government is providing budgetary support for cost of Enabling Infrastructure which are, i) construction of roads and bridges (ii) transmission line from power house to the nearest pooling point including upgradation of pooling substation of State /Central Transmission Utility (iii) ropeways (iv) railway siding, and (v) communication infrastructure. The strengthening of existing roads/bridges leading to the project are also eligible for central assistance under this scheme. Total outlay of the scheme is Rs 12,461 crore for the period from FY 2024-25 to FY 2031-32”, Naik said.
