⇒ Union Minister for Power and MNRE Shri R K Singh virtually launched Powerthon-2022 for Enabling Advanced Technology in Power Distribution on 07 February 2022.
Powerthon, a hackathon competition under Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) to find technology driven solutions to solve the complex problems in power distribution and to ensure quality and reliable power supply.
- REC Limited launched Powerthon-2022 in collaboration with SINE, IIT Bombay, India’s premier technological institute.
Subject:
A hackathon competition wherein Technology Solution Providers, start-ups, educational institutions, research institute, equipment manufacturers, state power utilities and other state and central power sector entities, shall be briefed on the current challenges/problem statements faced across the power distribution sector and invited to participate and showcase their technology driven solutions to solve the complex problems.
The hackathon will task participants to find innovative solutions based on advanced emerging technologies like AI/ML, Blockchain, IoT, VR/AR etc on nine themes that have been identified after various discussions & consultations with 14 DISCOMs across 9 states.
It is categorized across 9 broad aspects for pilot testing:
- Demand/Load Forecasting
- AT&C (Aggregate Technical & Commercial) Loss Reduction
- Energy Theft Detection
- Prediction of DT (Distribution Transformer) Failure
- Asset Inspection
- Vegetation Management
- Consumer Experience Enhancement
- RE (Renewable Energy) Integration
- Power Purchase Optimization
Powerthon-2022 is launched in line with the aim of Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) introduced by the Ministry of Power, Government of India.
About RDSS:
- RDSS is a Reform-based and Result-linked Scheme introduced by the Ministry of Power.
- The key objectives of RDSS are Reducing AT&C losses to 12-15%, eliminating the ACOS-ARR gap by 2024-25 and improving the quality & reliability of the power supply to build a robust power sector. This can amplify the development opportunities in the nation’s quest for a thriving economy.
- RDSS has 2 major components, of which Part A is Strengthening & Upgradation of Distribution infrastructure under which Smart prepaid metering, Communicable feeders for DTs & Unified software is of focus.
- This Scheme also lays special emphasis on using Advanced tech to analyze data generated through IT/OT devices to Increase operational efficiency & financial sustainability of DISCOMs.