New Delhi:  The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and India’s National Smart Grid Mission (NSGM) launched today the first in a series of training programs aimed at building the capacity and skills of utility personnel to develop India’s Smart Grid infrastructure. This training will help the Government of India achieve its target of having 10 percent of personnel from 14 of India’s state utilities trained in Smart Grid functions.  

Building a Smart Grid is a key priority for the Government of India as it will help curb power transmission and distribution losses, ensuring there is 24x7 access to power for all. A trained and skilled workforce is critical to achieving this vision.

“India expects to provide 24x7 quality power to all its people. The power generated will comprise a large share of renewable energy. Managing renewable and conventional energy calls for a grid that is smart and capable of providing electricity to the remote corners of the country,” said Dr. A. K. Verma, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Power.

“Training and capacity building have been identified as one of the key strategic areas under the NSGM. We are happy to partner with the Ministry of Power and the NSGM to facilitate knowledge sharing on Smart Grid technologies and related-operational issues,” said USAID/India Mission Director, Ambassador Jonathan Addleton.

The first three-day training program started today and will use a basic Smart Grid course – designed under USAID’s “Partnership to Advance Clean Energy” Program – to build the capacity of utilities on various Smart Grid components and applications. The participants will also visit a Smart Grid Lab at the Centre for Power Efficiency in Distribution in New Delhi, to gain a practical understanding of select Smart Grid functionalities.

Mr. Prabhu N. Singh, Director, NSGM, emphasized the importance of having a trained workforce of utility professionals who can understand and own the Smart Grid system. This trained workforce will help accelerate the development of Smart Grids across India.

“The Government of India, through the National Smart Grid Mission, is committed to assisting utilities in skill enhancement on Smart Grid aspects. We hope to partner with a number of national and state institutions to take up Smart Grid training in the country,” said Singh.

The Government of India has taken several proactive steps towards grid modernization, including the establishment of a Smart Grid Mission to plan and monitor the implementation of policies and programs related to Smart Grid activities in India.

Today’s training program is being rolled-out with the support of state partner institutions working alongside the NSGM. With USAID’s support, the Government of India plans to institutionalize the training under the NSGM so that it becomes a regular feature, helping grow India’s ability to provide strong and reliable power to all its people