Batch-2 of Regional Power System Operator Training and Certification Program
The Batch-2 of Regional Power System Operator Training and Certification Program, held from September 2 to September 7, 2024, at the National Power Training Institute (NPTI) in Faridabad, India, was a comprehensive six-day course designed to equip power system operators and load dispatchers from the South Asia region including from Nepal (Nepal Electricity Authority), Bhutan (Bhutan Power Sector Organization), and Sri Lanka (Ceylon Electricity Board) with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their roles.
Organized by USAID’s South Asia Regional Energy Partnership (SAREP) program in India’s National Power Training Institute (NPTI), the program featured 16 in-depth technical sessions, case studies, site visits of advanced control room, hands-on simulator training, and interactive quizzes, covering essential and emerging aspects of power system operations. It was designed to ensure a balance between theoretical knowledge and practical exposure, and culminated in a certification examination on the final day. The training is delivered by leading industry experts, academicians and practitioners of the subject.
Ms Namrata Mukherjee, Chief of Party, SAREP, delivered the inaugural address to emphasize the training program’s role in fostering a skilled network of professionals capable of tackling complex challenges like renewable integration and cybersecurity. She highlighted the training’s unique approach of creating connections and encouraging the exchange of insights, driving positive change in power operations across the region, ultimately driving positive change in power operations across the region.
Dr Tripta Thakur, Director General, NPTI, underscored the importance of hands-on training and real-world exposure in power system operations. She praised the participants’ commitment to mastering complex topics and noted the program’s significance in preparing the next generation of energy sector leaders.
The program’s curriculum delved into key modules such as balancing generation resources, frequency monitoring, power system stability, and integration of renewable energy and advanced energy storage solutions like battery and pumped hydro. Power market operations were another critical component, with discussions on electricity market design, open access transmission, and energy accounting. The program also covered system resilience, including defense against natural disasters, system protection technologies like Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs) and mitigation measures to secure against cybersecurity threats. The practical case study on trilateral trade emerged as a highly engaging and valuable segment of the program.
To complement the theoretical sessions, the program incorporated several hands-on training activities and simulator exercises to provide participants with real-time experience in grid operations. Participants received practical training on smart grid simulators, including Hydro, Thermal, and Multi-Functional Smart Grid Simulators, allowing them to simulate real-time grid operations and understand the complexities of power system control. Additionally, a visit to the BSES Control Room in Delhi provided participants with on-ground insights into power system operations and control.
Key Outcomes
The event concluded with remarks from Ms Monali Zeya Hazra, Regional Energy and Clean Energy Specialist, USAID/India, along with participant feedback and a certificate distribution ceremony. Ten participants from Bhutan Power System Operator, Nepal Electricity Authority, and Ceylon Electricity Board were successfully certified.
The program’s equipped participants with the necessary skill-set to address the dynamic challenges of power system operations in South Asia. The cross- exchange of best practices, facilitated through presentations and discussions, was a critical element, and is likely to promote regional collaboration in areas like Cross-Border Energy Trading (CBET), grid balancing and renewable integration.
Building on the success of Batch-I, this iteration incorporated feedback to enhance the learning experience, with additional focus on simulator training and practical applications. The Batch-2 program proved to be a vital step towards building institutional capabilities in power systems across South Asia, fostering a network of skilled professionals who are well-prepared to lead in the region’s evolving energy landscape.
