Digital Twins in Power Transmission: From Conventional Planning to Intelligent Grids

Digital twins have risen to prominence in recent years, evolving into a transformative technology across various sectors. This surge in adoption is driven by the convergence of advanced technologies, including the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), and cloud computing. India is actively adopting the digital twin technology, primarily to modernise power systems, industrial manufacturing, and infrastructure planning. A digital twin (DT) refers to a virtual replica of a physical product, process, or service that enables real-time monitoring, analysis, and optimisation on the basis of continuous data updates from its physical counterparts. When utilised in power systems, the DT technology can enhance visibility, predictability, and control. Unlike conventional static planning, DT-enabled transmission uses adaptive, data-driven approaches, allowing for 24/7 monitoring, predictive maintenance, and optimal use of assets. In the context of power transmission network operation and planning, DTs can improve system efficiency and be instrumental in smoothening renewable energy (RE) integration, thereby stabilising the grid while reducing operational cost.

India’s smart grid initiative—driven by the National Smart Grid Mission—has moved from pilot stage to mass-scale deployment, especially through the Revamped District Sector Scheme (RDSS), under which India is rapidly deploying smart meters to meet the national target of 250 million by 2027. Though deployment across the country is currently uneven, India is moving towards a modern grid infrastructure to strengthen reliability and aid integration of renewables. Digital twins can help India’s transmission planning to evolve from static to real-time, employing predictive models that simulate load flows, RE integration, and system faults.