Innovative substation solutions making India power-ready

With the rise of solar, wind, and other green sources and the establishment of Renewable Energy Management Centers (REMCs), utilities must now consider hybrid substations that can handle both AC and DC systems.

- Anil Yadav Management Consulting Principal Accenture Strategy & Consulting

The Indian power sector is at a critical inflection point. According to the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), substation capacity increased significantly by 17.7 percent in FY 2024-25, a clear indication of the country's commitment to strengthening its transmission and distribution backbone. But it is not just about scaling; it is about integrating technology and innovation to meet new challenges and opportunities.

The realities we face are to be mentioned. India is highly vulnerable to urban flooding with cities like Mumbai, Chennai and regions in the Northeast frequently impacted during monsoon seasons. In such situations, traditional substations become liabilities—they are shut down due to operational risks, cutting off power when needed most. This is where 'submersible substations' come into play. These are engineered to operate even in submerged conditions and should be strategically planned alongside urban infrastructure. Their ability to provide uninterrupted power during floods makes them essential for emergency services like hospitals, telecommunications and water supply systems. Moreover, it drastically reduces outage costs for utilities in flood-prone areas, turning risk into resilience.