G A
UEST RTICLE
Mr. Ramesh Shivanna
Director
Sadbahvana Ventures Pvt. Ltd.
India stands at a critical juncture in
its energy journey. With an ambi-
tious target to achieve Net Zero
emissions by 2070, the transition
from conventional fossil-fuel-based
energy
systems
to
renewable,
sustainable, and decentralized alter-
natives is both a necessity and an
opportunity. Central to this transi-
tion are utilities the backbone of the
power sector which must be strate-
gically empowered to lead and
sustain this transformation. The
success of India’s energy transition
hinges on capacity building in
utilities a multifaceted and urgent
challenge that demands immediate
attention.
The Changing Role of Utilities in
the Energy Landscape
Traditionally, utilities in India were
designed to generate, transmit, and
distribute
electricity
through
centralized grids powered largely
by coal and hydro. However, the
advent of solar, wind, battery
energy storage systems (BESS), and
electric vehicles (EVs) is reshaping
this landscape. The role of utilities
is evolving from being passive
transmitters of electricity to active
energy managers, responsible for
ensuring grid stability, integrating
variable
renewable
sources,
enabling
decentralized
energy
models, and engaging more directly
with
prosumers
(producers
+
consumers).
This transition requires not just
technical upgrades, but also a
comprehensive overhaul in mindset,
skills, systems, and governance.
Why Capacity Building Is Crucial
1. Grid Modernization & Smart
Grids
The
integration
of
distributed
energy resources (DERs) such as
rooftop solar, wind farms, and
storage
systems
necessitates
real-time
grid
monitoring
and
control. Utilities must be equipped
with advanced tools like SCADA,
smart meters, and AI-based analyt-
ics to ensure reliability and resil-
ience.
2. Workforce Skill Development
India's energy workforce especially
in state-run DISCOMs is often
under-trained in modern renewable
technologies and energy manage-
ment.
Continuous
professional
development programs, collabora-
tions with academia, and hands-on
training must become standard
practice.
EMPOWER UTILITIES TO
EMPOWER INDIA
64 | June 2025 | www.industrialoutlook.in