Somesh Dasgupta, Whole-time Director, India Power Corporation (IPCL) Can you share IPCL's vision, especially in view of your goal to achieve 80 percent renewable energy (RE) in your distribution system by the end of 2024? IPCL is committed to a sustainable future by integrating advanced energy storage solutions, expanding RE capacity, engaging in energy markets, advocating regulatory support, investing in smart grid technologies and promoting sustainable practices. Our vision aims for an 80 percent RE mix in our distribution system by 2024, aligning with global environmental and economic goals. How does IPCL balance the transition to RE with the current dependence on coal and what steps have been taken for a smooth transition? IPCL is balancing the shift through these initiatives: Hybrid RE Projects: Long-term PPAs with SECI for 200 MW of renewable energy, including wind-solar hybrids and round-the-clock energy, ensure reliability. Energy Storage Solutions: Collaborating with E2S Power, we are deploying a 250 kWh pilot Thermal Energy Storage System (TESS) to convert coal plants into energy storage facilities, enhancing flexibility and reliability. Monetising Surplus RE: Participating in the REC market and exporting green power through IEX. Smart Grid Technologies: Investing in smart meters, distribution automation and real-time monitoring to improve grid reliability and demand management. How do technologies and smart metering in IPCL operations improve grid efficiency and customer satisfaction? Advanced technologies are central to IPCL's operations, enhancing efficiency and reliability: SCADA: Enables real-time monitoring and control, fault detection and load management, ensuring stable power distribution. IoT: Devices monitor distribution transformers, providing data on electrical and non-electrical parameters, aiding in preventive maintenance and load optimisation. Smart Metering: Offers accurate, real-time energy consumption data, precise billing, remote disconnection for safety, theft detection and net metering for bidirectional energy flow. These technologies ensure coordinated grid operations, enhance stability, reduce losses and improve customer satisfaction. Could you elaborate on the collaboration with Swiss energy storage company E2S Power and how TESS fits into IPCL's strategy for sustainable energy. IPCL's collaboration with E2S Power focuses on converting fossil fuel power stations into thermal storage systems. The 250 kWh TESS unit, tested and integrated at our Asansol plant, demonstrated the technology's viability. TESS aims to reduce pollution, mitigate climate change and support decarbonisation by storing energy at high temperatures and converting it to steam to power turbines. This repurposes retiring thermal assets and supports our goal of achieving 80 percent RE by 2024. We plan to extend TESS technology across India and Southeast Asia, targeting a 5 GWh portfolio in energy storage in the next 5-6 years, aligned with the 'Make in India' campaign, sourcing components locally and promoting socio-economic upliftment. As India aims for net zero emissions, what are the biggest challenges and opportunities for IPCL and how do collaborations help overcome such challenges? IPCL faces challenges including modernising of coal-based infrastructure, navigating the regulatory landscapes and securing financing for RE projects. However, India’s wind-solar potential presents significant opportunities. Investing in smart grids and energy efficiency programmes can reduce emissions. Global collaborations such as with E2S Power provide access to advanced technologies, attract investments and facilitate knowledge exchange, accelerating our transition to a sustainable energy future. These partnerships help build local expertise and capacity, which are essential to achieve India’s net zero emissions goal. (Communication by the management of the company)