USTDA Accelerates the Deployment of Distributed Energy Resources in India

June 12, 2014

(USTDA) Improving the Reliability and Carbon Footprint of Tata Power's Delhi Distribution Operations

NEW DELHI, INDIA – Today, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency awarded a grant to Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited (TPDDL), a leading electricity distribution company in India, for the development of a distributed energy resource plan for its service territory in north Delhi. The project will enable TPDDL to prioritize and deploy distributed energy resources that will improve the reliability of its electricity network, reduce emissions, and lower overall power costs for its more than six million customers.

"TPDDL has a strong track record of turning studies into results, including two activities that USTDA previously supported with the company and its predecessor," stated USTDA Director Leocadia I. Zak. "This study will enable TPDDL to make the business case that advanced distributed energy technologies are worthwhile investments with proven commercial results in lowering costs while strengthening networks."

According to Praveer Sinha, CEO & Executive Director, TPDDL, "This study is very important to TPDDL, as it will assist in developing the ecosystem for utilizing rooftop solar resources. Combined with demand response technologies, this effort will go a long way to meeting the peak electricity demand of a large metropolis like Delhi, and to determining whether a similar model can be replicated in the other major cities of India."

TPDDL has consistently demonstrated a willingness to invest in new technologies to improve its energy reliability and customer service. Over the past decade, the company has achieved significant results by reducing transformer failure rates, improving the efficiency of power delivery to new network connections, and increasing the length of its transmission network.

TPDDL has selected Energy and Environmental Economics, Inc. (E3, headquartered in San Francisco, CA) to carry out this project. Special emphasis will be given to assessing the financial and technical viability of power generation from renewable energy resources, the integration of demand response technologies on TDPPL's network, and the development of specifications for a pilot project.

This study responds directly to TDPPL's goal of generating cleaner, more reliable electricity, while also positioning U.S. firms to provide technology solutions. This project supports bilateral U.S.-India government priorities, including increasing domestic energy production and implementing smart grid solutions, as identified during the ongoing U.S.-India Energy and Strategic Dialogues.

Welcome to the Exporting Source

Your one-stop resource for finding help to export to new customers, to learn about government export programs, to join export-promoting trade missions, to sign up for trade conferences and training, and to link to other exporting services. Whether you're an old hand at exporting or just getting started, the Exporting Source provides a place to locate foreign customers, export financing and foreign investment assistance.