Union power secy flags grid stability as solar mix rises

Jaipur: Union power secretary Pankaj Agarwal Saturday directed power utilities to accelerate projects based on a diversified energy mix to meet the long-term electricity requirements.He emphasised that bundling renewable and non-renewable energy sources would enable better management of the rising demand for power.Chairing a review meeting at Vidyut Bhawan, Agarwal took feedback from senior officials of the state's energy department and power corporations on key issues. He noted that Rajasthan has made significant progress in promoting decentralised solar energy projects under the PM-KUSUM scheme.However, Agarwal cautioned that the rapid development of decentralised solar projects has also created challenges in integrating solar power into the grid.He urged distribution companies to strengthen their preparedness to ensure grid stability. Stressing the need for uninterrupted power supply during peak hours, he called for the timely development of battery energy storage systems and other supporting infrastructure.The meeting also reviewed key aspects such as daytime power supply to the agriculture sector across 24 districts, reduction of transmission and distribution losses, progress of smart metering under the RDSS scheme and resource adequacy planning.Updates were also sought on the expansion of transmission projects and renewable energy connectivity to the State Transmission Utility network.