Maharashtra, India’s largest electricity-consuming state with an annual demand of over 205 billion units and a peak load of 28 GW in FY 2023–24, is rapidly scaling up renewables to meet future demand sustainably. The state has already installed 54 GW of generation capacity, around 48% of which is renewable, and is now pursuing the installation of distributed solar under the Mukhyamantri Saur Krishi Vahini Yojana (MSKVY) 2.0 to meet 30% of agricultural demand locally. However, integrating such large-scale solar at 11/22/33 kV distribution levels will significantly influence the sub-transmission network. During low agricultural demand periods, particularly in the monsoon season, solar generation is expected to exceed local consumption, resulting in reverse power flows from distribution to transmission networks. With renewable projects operating under must-run status, making it essential for both distribution and transmission systems to dynamically operate their networks.
In response to a formal request from Maharashtra State Electricity Transmission Company Limited (MSETCL), the Transmission and Grid Planning team has undertaken a detailed assessment of MSKVY scheme impact on the state grid through extensive load flow and scenario-based simulations. The study evaluated reverse power flow capability, identified network constraints, recommended the necessary strengthening measures, and the associated investment required. Building on these findings, MSETCL has further requested the team to identify optimal locations for battery energy storage installations, for which analysis is currently in progress.
