Advanced energy management systems are playing a pivotal role in reshaping the landscape of energy distribution and consumption
With increasing environmental consciousness and sustainable development, the integration of renewable energy sources into our power grids has become imperative.
According to the Ministry of Power, India’s vision is to transform its power sector into a secure, adaptive, sustainable, and digitally enabled ecosystem that provides reliable and quality energy for all with the active participation of stakeholders. Smart grids, along with advanced energy management systems, are playing a pivotal role in reshaping the landscape of energy distribution and consumption.
Trends Shaping the Interplay:
Decentralisation and Microgrids:Traditional grids, designed for centralised fossil fuel-based generation, are adapting to the need for a more responsive system to integrate renewable energy. Smart grids seamlessly incorporate renewables by dynamically managing and balancing supply and demand in real time. Facility managers can enhance energy resilience, minimise transmission losses, and ensure stable power supply by strategically deploying microgrids.
Energy Storage Solutions:Advanced management systems use algorithms to consider factors like weather and demand patterns, optimising energy distribution. By intelligently directing renewable energy to high-demand areas, smart grids maximise clean energy utilisation, reducing reliance on traditional sources.
Integrating energy storage enhances reliability by allowing stored energy from peak times to be used during low-generation periods, promoting a consistent and reliable power supply.
The Transformative Role of Facility Management:
India is a top global energy consumer, projected to exceed 256 GW in FY 24–25. Facility management is crucial for aligning renewable sources with optimal energy consumption. Facility managers optimise energy within buildings, impacting efficiency and sustainability directly. Key contributions include:
Energy Audits and Optimisation:In alignment with Agenda 2030 (SDG 7, 9, 12, and 13), there's a need for a real-time system to monitor and control power flows.
Facility managers conduct energy audits, use smart grids and EMS data to optimise consumption patterns, schedule operations during high renewable energy availability, and implement energy-saving measures for enhanced efficiency. This involves thorough audits to identify inefficiencies and leveraging real-time data for optimal energy usage within buildings and facilities.
Advisory Role in Renewable Energy: By analysing data, facility managers offer insights into the viability of incorporating renewable energy sources to meet energy requirements. They offer guidance on the deployment of solar panels, wind turbines, or other solutions tailored to the facility's location, energy demand, and budget. Additionally, they provide advisory services to facilitate permit acquisition, compliance with regulations, and the utilisation of incentives for the adoption of renewable energy.
Alignment with ESG goals:Facility managers align their strategies with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) objectives, emphasising the reduction of the carbon footprint. Actively pursuing opportunities, they integrate renewable energy solutions within comprehensive ESG initiatives. By utilising smart technologies and sustainable practices, they contribute to achieving ESG goals.
Furthermore, they aid in collecting and reporting data pertinent to ESG metrics, ensuring adherence to reporting standards. Effectively communicating progress towards sustainability goals to stakeholders is also part of their responsibilities.
Managing Large-Scale Solar Parks:Facility managers actively contribute in the planning phase, ensuring efficient land use and optimal placement of solar arrays. Throughout the development process, facility managers oversee timelines, budgets, and resource allocation for the construction of solar business parks.
Additionally, they assume responsibility for the ongoing maintenance and operations of solar installations within these parks. This includes developing preventive maintenance schedules, monitoring system performance, and promptly addressing issues to maximise energy output.
Integration of Renewable Technologies:In achieving the ambitious 500 GW+ renewable energy target by 2030, effective communication is crucial for balancing demand and supply and expediting outage responses. In Karnataka, most generating units use AMR, DCU, and MDMS, with DISCOMs urging consumer adoption.
Facility managers are integrating on-site renewable technologies, like solar panels, with smart grids to reduce dependence on traditional sources. Smart grids enable seamless integration of decentralised energy sources, supporting optimal utilisation.
Demand Response Strategies:Facility managers use real-time data from smart grids for demand response strategies, adjusting energy consumption to enhance grid stability and optimise renewable energy use in peak periods. Smart grids enable utilities to influence consumer electricity consumption during high renewable availability, incentivising consumers to shift usage to maximise renewable resource utilisation and balance the grid load.
Monitoring and Reporting:Facility managers employ smart building technologies for real-time monitoring of energy consumption and performance. Smart metres, sensors, and energy management systems offer data on usage patterns, enabling managers to generate detailed reports, assess energy-saving impacts, and make informed decisions to enhance renewable energy integration efficiency.
Sustainability Certification and Compliance:Facility managers pursue sustainability certifications like LEED or BREEAM, necessitating a commitment to renewable energy adoption and efficient energy management, aligning with smart grids and sustainable energy goals.
Smart grids, advanced energy management, and renewable energy are transforming our energy infrastructure. Amid challenges in integrating intermittent sources, facility management becomes a transformative force, aligning consumption with optimal patterns. Ongoing technological advancements and strategic facility management are guiding us towards a more resilient, responsive, and sustainable energy future.
(Saarang Ganapathi, Chief Operating Officer, Embassy Services Pvt. Ltd.)