Gurgaon is all set to become the first city in India to get full-scale smart grid for the distribution of electricity. This will help the city get rid of the regular blackouts.
It will also end pollution caused by diesel generators and will help consumers save on electricity bills.
Picture for representation only. Source: Flickr
A smart grid is an electrical grid that includes a variety of operational and energy measures like smart meters, smart appliances, and renewable energy resources. The new system will integrate different power sources like solar and wind with the traditional sources. The smart grid allows interoperability of consumers between the power sources. Consumers with solar/wind systems can supply the surplus, unused power into the grid. The system adjusts according to the total consumption from the mains and the consumers pay for the balance or get paid for the excess supply. All the cabling will be moved underground.
The Centre has committed Rs. 273 crore for the first phase of the project. The state government will add the same amount and the remaining amount will come from the Power System Development Fund. The city has planned the expansion of the distribution network to meet the rising demand.
“Gurgaon’s smart grid project will be a first of its kind in India, and serve as an example for projects elsewhere,” said Union Power Minister Piyush Goyal. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2017. Power Grid Corporation of India Limited has floated the tender and the bids will be opened on July 22. The first phase will cover Sector 1-57, crossing regions like DLF, Sohna Road, South City, Maruti, IDC, Qadipur and New Colony. Phase two will include sectors 58-115 and the third phase will cover IMT Manesar.
Adding to the list of firsts, the government is also set to begin work on India’s first pod taxi service in Gurgaon by the end of this month.
The Centre government has approved the project with the view towards reducing congestion on roads. Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari had earlier announced that the state should begin work on the Rs. 4,000 crore Metrino pod taxi service project by July this year. It will introduce driverless pods suspended on a ropeway in the city. The first phase will include a pilot project covering the 13 km stretch from Gurgaon-Delhi border to Badshapur Mod with 16 stations. The ropeway-like system will run on electricity and the capital cost of Metrino is Rs. 50 crore per km.
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