Tata Power and Enel Group have joined forces to undertake two pilot projects focused on smart metering, digitalisation, and automation in India’s distribution network. Under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Tata Power, one of India’s largest integrated power companies, will work with Enel Group’s affiliate Gridspertise to implement these pilots. Tata Power’s distribution arm, Tata Power Delhi Distribution Ltd. (TPDDL), which serves 1.9 million customers in North Delhi, will collaborate closely with Gridspertise on project implementation.
The first pilot project aims to accelerate the digitalisation and automation of secondary substations. Tata Power will participate in Gridspertise’s international co-creation program, QEd – Quantum Edge Device. This program seeks to virtualise grid functionalities, enabling functions such as protection and control, automation, real-time fault detection, and service restoration of the network.
The second project focuses on deploying Gridspertise’s metering technology on a pilot basis within the Delhi power distribution network. The objective is to test and evaluate a new hybrid smart metering technology incorporating a dual communication channel using hybrid Power Line Communication (PLC) and Radio Frequency (RF). This technology offers a robust and secure communication channel by automatically switching between PLC and RF channels based on real-time field conditions.
Dr Praveer Sinha, CEO and Managing Director of Tata Power expressed the company’s commitment to transforming the Indian power distribution landscape through innovation and advanced solutions. He emphasised that the collaboration with Enel Group will accelerate the digitalisation and automation of the distribution grid, including implementing the hybrid meter technology. Sinha believes that these technological advancements will pave the way for India’s sustainable and future-ready distribution companies (discoms).
Tata Power manages a distribution network spanning over 0.4 million CKT km and serves 12 million customers across India through its discoms. The company has also achieved a significant milestone by installing 0.5 million smart meters.
Antonio Cammisecra, head of Enel Grids, highlighted that the agreements resulting from the collaboration between Enel Group and leading Indian power sector organisations demonstrate the close partnership developed over the years. He expressed Enel Grids’ pride in supporting India’s ambitious plans for smart metering and digitalisation, aiming to modernise existing distribution grids, enhance performance and quality, and seize the grid development opportunities presented by the country’s demographic and economic growth driving electrification.
Robert Denda, CEO of Gridspertise, expressed pride in strengthening the collaboration with Tata Power Delhi Distribution, particularly in crucial areas such as smart metering and substation automation. He emphasised the utilisation of Gridspertise’s state-of-the-art proprietary edge computing technology. Gridspertise recently established offices in India to enhance their partnership further.
The MoU partnership was officially signed by Dr Robert Ronald Denda and Dr Praveer Sinha in New Delhi in the presence of senior officials from both companies. The signing occurred during the visit of Giorgia Meloni, the President of the Council of Ministers of Italy.
This collaboration between Tata Power and Enel Group represents a significant step toward modernising India’s power distribution network and realising the country’s vision for a technologically advanced and efficient grid. By embracing smart metering and digitalisation, the partnership aims to enhance operational performance, improve customer service, and contribute to India’s ongoing efforts to achieve sustainable and future-ready power infrastructure.
