Rajesh Power Services Secures New Orders Totaling ₹541 Crore from Gujarat Discoms

Rajesh Power Services, an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) firm specializing in power transmission and distribution, announced two new orders from power distribution companies in Gujarat. The total value of these contracts is around ₹541 crore.

One order, valued at ₹471.92 crore, was awarded by Madhya Gujarat Vij Company Ltd (MGVCL). This contract focuses on enhancing electricity distribution infrastructure across various locations in Gujarat and has an 18-month execution timeline.

The second order, worth ₹69 crore, comes from Uttar Gujarat Vij Company Ltd (UGVCL). This turnkey project includes site survey, design, engineering, procurement, supply, testing, and commissioning for relocating existing electrical networks within the state. This work is scheduled for completion within 12 months.

Battery Storage Critical for India's Expanding Data Centers

The data center industry in India is experiencing significant growth, with installed capacity projected to reach 1,575 MW by 2026, up from 375 MW in 2020. This expansion, driven by factors such as AI workloads, is changing the role of batteries from simple backup power to an active component of the power system.

Advanced battery systems can act as dynamic buffers, managing rapid fluctuations in electricity demand from AI clusters and reducing stress on the electrical grid. This integration allows batteries to protect both the IT load and the grid infrastructure. The shift also promotes architectural changes, such as DC-native power systems, to enhance efficiency by reducing conversion stages.

Beyond backup, batteries are now evaluated for response time, power capability, controls, and thermal performance. They can charge during off-peak hours and discharge during peak demand, helping facilities manage electricity costs and integrate renewable energy. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy estimates that India will require 236.22 GWh of battery energy storage by 2031-2032.

The evolving role of batteries necessitates a comprehensive approach to the storage ecosystem, including cells, packs, battery management systems, power electronics, system integration, testing, and energy management.

National Electricity Data Sharing Framework to Launch This Month

The power ministry has finalized the national electricity data sharing framework, with a launch scheduled for this month. Secretary Pankaj Agarwal announced that a national governance committee, including industry representatives, is being planned to define the framework's scope.

The framework's objective is to establish a common architecture for the voluntary sharing of electricity sector data. It proposes standardized datasets, privacy safeguards, and consent-based access to support planning, grid operations, regulation, and research. This initiative seeks to provide clarity to utilities regarding data sharing practices and optimal data structures.

A national electricity data governance committee, led by the Central Electricity Authority Chairperson and comprising public and private sector representatives, is also suggested within the framework. This committee will oversee the consistent structuring of large datasets, enabling utilities and startups to leverage them for decision-making.