Hitachi ABB Power Grids and IIT Roorkee to pilot smart and sustainable energy ecosystem

Bangalore: Hitachi ABB Power Grids in India (listed on Indian stock exchanges as “ABB Power Products and Systems India Limited”) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee to progress toward a smart and sustainable campus energy ecosystem.

The project involves the creation of a smart energy management system and microgrid with battery energy storage and will also establish an Integrated Monitoring, Analytics and Control Center for systems ranging from energy assets to transport, water, and waste on the IIT Roorkee campus. Additionally, the collaboration will develop opportunities for technology competency enhancement.

India’s energy use has doubled since 2000 and the country is expected to overtake the European Union as the world’s third-largest energy consumer by 2030, according to a report by the International Energy Agency1. This will necessitate efficient, reliable, and inclusive energy infrastructure that does not come at the cost of the planet or the most vulnerable sections of society.

“Sustainability is at the heart of Hitachi ABB Power Grids’ growth strategy. Hence, our agreement with IIT Roorkee advances our mission to harness technology to power good,” said Venu Nuguri, Managing Director and CEO, Hitachi ABB Power Grids in India.

“The project, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 11, which aims to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable, will serve as a model for smart and sustainable cities and communities. It includes the setting up of an integrated energy and digital platform, embodying intelligent and futuristic energy systems to increase energy efficiency, renewable energy use and sustainable transport, minimizing harm to the planet,” he added.

IIT Roorkee has been working in various urban development areas, striving for a sustainable and equitable society through innovative research in science and technology. Hitachi ABB Power Grids’ years-long alliance with the institute via intelligent energy technologies and collaboration in talent development is another collaborative step toward a sustainable energy future.

Prof. Ajit Chaturvedi, Director, IIT Roorkee, said: “IIT Roorkee and Hitachi ABB Power Grids are creating a platform for innovation by students and faculty members to bring the Smart City concept closer to reality. The platform integrates but is not limited to smart power systems, renewable energy and storage, water conservation and waste management.”

“IIT Roorkee has been working with Hitachi ABB Power Grids in India to install smart energy management system and microgrid with battery energy storage in the IIT Roorkee campus. This center will help the entire ecosystem to define problem statements, identify improvement areas to carry out research, and develop technologies for smart grid and sustainable cities,” said Prof. Ganesh Kumbhar, Associate Dean Infrastructure (Elect.), IIT Roorkee.