Indian Electricity System Transition and Its Challenges: A Review

Abstract

Climate change concerns, resource constraints on conventional energy sources, ever-increasing electricity demand with new loads on the consumer side, improving electricity access, and the new challenge of matching dynamic energy resources with dynamic demand have forced the transitions in electricity systems worldwide. The Indian electricity system is undergoing significant transitions concerning all segments, viz., electricity generation, transmission & distribution, and demand-side to manage such challenges. These transitions throw numerous challenges in technical, economic, social, and policy dimensions. This paper tries to elucidate these transitions and associated challenges in the Indian electricity system. The overall goal of the paper is to present such an understanding of these transitions to introduce appropriate interventions for the effective operation of future electricity systems. The electricity sector has a cardinal role in reducing global greenhouse gas emissions. Only a sustainable electricity system can cater to the needs of the people. It can be concluded that the electricity sector's transition is inevitable, and it is eternal.