India OKs uniform protection protocol for grid security

This aims to ensure grid stability.

India’s Central Electricity Authority has approved the uniform protection protocol for users of the Indian Grid to ensure its stability, and security.

In a statement, the Ministry of Power said this also supports efforts to integrate 450 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy into the national grid by 2030 and the target of 2,100 GW of clean energy by 2047.

Amongst the key features of the protocol is its applicability. The ministry said this shall be applicable to all Regional entities, State/Central/Private Generating Companies/ Generating Stations, SLDCs, RLDCs, CTU, STUs, Transmission Licensees and RPCs, connected at 220 kV (132 kV for NER) and above.

The protocol also states protection requirements for thermal and hydro generating units, renewable energy generations, battery energy storage system, substations, transmission lines, and HVDC terminals.

Furthermore, it mandates disturbance monitoring, analysis, and reporting to ensure sufficient data for grid event analysis. Analysing power system disturbances helps monitor protection system performance, identify correct system behaviour, adherence to safe operating limits, and early fault detection.