Sustainability in the Indian power sector is fundamentally driven by technology, according to experts at Siemens Limited. India’s power sector stands at a pivotal moment, driven by rapid demand growth, ambitious renewable energy targets and the urgent need for climate action. As the nation accelerates its energy transition, innovative technologies are reshaping how electricity is generated, distributed and consumed. From smart grids and digital twins to advanced energy storage and green hydrogen, these solutions are enabling a smarter, cleaner and more resilient power ecosystem.
Sustainability in the Indian power sector is fundamentally driven by technology. The energy transition relies on digitalisation, automation and advanced analytics to integrate renewables, modernise grids and decarbonise operations. Technologies like smart grids, digital twins and AI-driven asset management are not just enablers – they are the backbone of a future-ready, sustainable energy landscape.
Energy storage: Maximising renewable benefits
A critical focus area is the deployment of technologies for managing energy storage solutions. Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), pumped hydro and other storage technologies are essential for storing energy when renewables such as solar and wind are abundant, and discharging it when needed. This maximises the benefits of renewables, ensures grid stability and supports peak load management.
Demand-side management, energy efficiency and asset management
Equally relevant are demand-side management, energy efficiency and asset management. Smart metering, demand response programmes and building energy management systems empower consumers and utilities to optimise consumption, reduce peak loads and enhance overall efficiency. Internet-of-things (IoT)-enabled asset monitoring and AI/ML for predictive maintenance further extend asset life and reduce downtime.
Electrification of transportation
The electrification of transportation is transforming India’s mobility landscape. Intelligent, scalable EV charging infrastructure and dynamic load management are crucial for integrating EV without overburdening the grid. This shift reduces emissions and also creates new opportunities for grid flexibility and renewable integration.
Addressing use-phase emissions and life cycle assessment
To achieve true sustainability, it is vital to address use-phase emissions, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated during the operational lifetime of products and assets. Life cycle assessment provides a systematic method to evaluate environmental impacts across all stages, from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal or recycling. Adoption of SF6-free switchgear and clean air technologies reduces operational GHG emissions, while circularity and digital twins in product and system design enable better resource efficiency and lower lifecycle impacts.
Sustainability by design
Sustainability by design is the principle of embedding environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations into the design phase of products, systems and IT architectures. Since up to 80 per cent of a product’s environmental impact is determined at the design stage, early decisions on materials, energy efficiency, modularity and recyclability are critical for reducing lifecycle emissions and enabling circularity. Examples include modular switchgear, recyclable components and the use of digital twins to simulate product performance and costs during the design stage.
Digital twins
Digital twins are virtual replicas of physical assets that can simulate performance, predict maintenance needs, and optimise operations throughout the product’s life. They enable utilities to monitor and optimize grid assets in real time, improving reliability and reducing costs. Digital twins also support sustainability by providing insights into energy usage, emissions and system performance, enabling continuous improvement.
Digital technologies for transparency and optimisation
Digital technologies play a vital role in providing transparency and real-time system optimisation. Advanced Distribution Management Systems, big data analytics and IoT platforms enable real-time monitoring, fault detection and data-driven decision-making. These tools help utilities and industries optimise operations, integrate renewables and ensure grid resilience.
Cyberthreat beyond the realm of IT
The convergence of operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT), powered by AI-driven threat detection and zero-trust architectures, is transforming cybersecurity in the energy sector from reactive defense to proactive resilience. Indian utilities are increasingly adopting integrated IT-OT solutions across generation, transmission, distribution and renewables, enabling real-time monitoring and protection of decentralised assets such as Distributed Energy Resources. Specifically, the power sector is deploying AI/ML for anomaly detection, predictive analytics and automated incident response. Cybersecurity is now seen as essential for business continuity, investor confidence and national security. The Indian energy sector should emphasise OT cybersecurity measures to be implemented through domain expertise and secure their assets.
Technologies’ importance for India
- Rapid demand growth: India’s energy demand is projected to rise sharply, requiring smarter, more resilient grids.
- Renewable integration: Ambitious targets for solar and wind require advanced grid and storage solutions.
- Urbanisation and electrification: Growing cities and transport electrification need robust and scalable infrastructure.
- Climate commitments: Achieving net-zero and sustainable development goals demands a holistic and technology-driven approach.