Sterlite Power strikes technology agreement with U.S. based Smart Wires to bring SmartValve to Indian utilities

New Delhi, Jan  2020:

Sterlite Power has inked an exclusive agreement with U.S. based Smart Wires to introduce a revolutionary technology to the Indian electric markets that will enable resourceful grid management. This cutting-edge technology is an intelligent ‘valve’, that will allow utilities to optimally utilise existing transmission capacity and enhance grid flexibility.

Speaking on the Technology Agreement, Pratik Agarwal, Group CEO, Sterlite Power Transmission Ltd. said “ Lack of land to build new lines, integration of renewable energy, rising Grid outages due to climate change, will be some of the biggest problems that power sector will face in the future. The only way to transcend these challenges is through the use of disruptive technology that can help capture more value from existing grid.”  

Power networks in India have been facing major transmission congestion challenges due to urbanisation and exponential growth in demand for power. Congestion is often seen in sub-transmission lines, where it is a challenge to connect renewable power. In this context, alleviating congestion and enhancing grid flexibility becomes critical.

Manish Agarwal, CEO, Solutions, Sterlite Power, said, “We are passionate proponents of disruptive technologies that can help our customers meet their energy delivery needs and address the coinciding challenges of time, space and capital. This technology will enable better power flow, grid stability and enhanced power transfer capacity in existing infrastructure, without the need for investment in new lines.”

Smart Wires CEO, Gregg Rotenberg, said, “Given the pace and scale of renewable energy growth in India, our solutions can provide immense value to the market. We are thrilled to work with Sterlite because we knew we needed a collaborator who understood the nuances of this market and who could match our passion to transform how electric grids are planned and operated.”

Smart Wires a world leader in modular power flow control, has successfully deployed this state-of-the-art technology globally, across the U.S., Europe and Australia. SmartValve increases power transfer capability by making better use of an existing network. As generation and demand changes, circuits can become unequally loaded. Some lines reach their maximum capacity while others are well below their limits. SmartValve technology can unlock this system capacity by more evenly balancing power flows and therefore provides a quicker-to-install and lower-impact alternative to building new lines. Smart Wires technology is quick to install and easy to scale or redeploy, providing valuable flexibility given today’s rapidly changing electric system. Based in California, with offices in Ireland and Australia and a global workforce, Smart Wires works with utilities around the world to address the unique challenges they face.

About Sterlite Power

Sterlite Power is a leading global developer of power transmission infrastructure with projects of over 13,315 circuit kms and 23,885 MVA in India and Brazil. With an industry-leading portfolio of power conductors, EHV cables and OPGW, Sterlite Power also offers solutions for upgrading, uprating and strengthening existing networks. The Company has set new benchmarks in the industry by use of cutting-edge technologies and innovative financing. Sterlite Power is also the sponsor of IndiGrid, India’s first power sector Infrastructure Investment Trust (“InvIT”), listed on the BSE and NSE.