Maharashtra to strengthen power distribution network through Digital Twin model for solar, renewable energy sources

Mumbai: Maharashtra is set to strengthen its power distribution network through a Digital Twin model for solar and other renewable energy sources.

This is the first-ever attempt to develop a Digital Twin for electricity distribution. The innovative AI initiative is expected to drive major improvements in the use of sustainable and eco-friendly green energy, especially in rural areas.

Maharashtra’s energy distributor, MahaVitaran, will soon implement an AI-based digitisation initiative in collaboration with leading international organisations.

“This marks the beginning of environment-friendly and sustainable development through AI technology in the state’s energy sector,” Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has said.

Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL or MahaVitaran), The Rockefeller Foundation (RF), Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), and the state Energy Department are jointly implementing this pathbreaking project.

The idea emerged during a discussion held in January this year between Chief Minister Fadnavis and Dr Rajiv Shah, President of The Rockefeller Foundation.

The innovative concept of deploying a Digital Twin in the electricity distribution system was proposed, and since the Energy Department is also overseen by the Chief Minister, he took this groundbreaking decision for Maharashtra’s energy future.

“Through the cooperation of RF and GEAPP, this state-of-the-art AI-based global platform will set a benchmark for power utilities across India,” Fadnavis stated.

AI-driven decision-support tools will significantly enhance customer service and help strengthen MahaVitaran’s financial foundation. The solutions being developed will offer long-term, sustainable and effective support to the power distribution sector, he added.

“Farmers and electricity consumers in rural Maharashtra will gain more reliable and easily accessible power through this technology. With global-level AI systems and direct energy-sector collaboration, Maharashtra will deploy advanced digital solutions that will increase the accuracy of power flow, field operations and energy management,” officials said.

“Under this programme, digital models of the electricity network are being created to analyse power flow, optimise the grid, plan outages, and integrate renewable energy sources more effectively. The system will also help improve maintenance planning and encourage increased use of solar energy for farmers,” the officials said.

Key objectives:

- Enhanced power flow analysis, grid optimisation and renewable energy integration.

- Improved customer service and operational efficiency, strengthening financial stability.

- Better planning and maintenance of power lines across the state.

- Higher usage of solar energy.

- Reliable and uninterrupted power supply in rural regions.

- Annual savings of Rs 1,000–1,500 crore through reduced power losses.