Energy sector taps AI to address intermittency, streamline operations and manage rising demand

Time of India

21-04-2025

New Delhi: As India accelerates its shift towards clean and intelligent energy systems, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging as a defining force across the energy value chain. From grid automation and predictive maintenance in renewables to operational efficiency in oil and gas, energy companies are integrating AI to reshape how power is generated, distributed, and consumed.
Sanjay Gupta, CEO, Apollo Green Energy Limited, said, 'AI is fast becoming the brain of the modern energy system, it's can strategically & radically alter the way we generate, manage, and consume power. It enables real-time fault detection, adaptive grid management, and far more accurate forecasting of renewables like solar and wind, which were once traditionally hard to predict. This increases grid stability and helps to reduce curtailment.'
Gupta said that AI enables smart meters and home automation systems to lower consumption during peak hours, helping reduce costs and ease grid load. 'By intelligentially coordinating distributed energy resources including rooftop solar, EVs, and battery storage, AI is also addressing one of the biggest challenges facing the renewable energy sector - intermittency. But the deeper opportunity lies ahead,' he said.
'With data centres projected to consume 945 TWh of electricity globally by 2030, AI must also help balance this rise through intelligent storage, dynamic pricing, and decentralised energy orchestration. In India, where grid complexity and renewable growth are accelerating, AI offers a chance to leapfrog legacy challenges and build predictive, self-optimizing systems. This change is cognitive, not just digital. And it could be the most defining transformation in energy this decade,' Gupta added.
In the hydrocarbons sector, companies are deploying AI to improve exploration and production processes.
Sandeep Gupta
, Chief Digital and Information Officer, Cairn Oil & Gas, Vedanta, said, 'The world is rapidly moving into an AI-powered era, and Cairn Oil & Gas is leading its adoption in the Indian hydrocarbon space to streamline operations, enhance production efficiency and ensure safety in exploration and production of oil & gas. We have integrated advanced AI-powered technologies, along with
Machine Learning
(ML), Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT),
Artificial Learning
(AL) and Drone-based initiatives to optimise our operational activities across locations.'
'These technologies allow us to monitor real-time data, equipment performance, and reservoir conditions, helping make data-driven decisions, reduce costs and ensure sustainable operations. Adoption of battery-based IIoT sensors provide early detection of equipment degradation, allowing proactive maintenance to prevent costly unplanned shutdowns. Through pilot implementation, sensors were installed on 25 critical assets, leading to savings of ~USD 40,000 in unplanned maintenance costs,' Gupta said.
He added that Cairn has deployed IIoT-based steam trap devices across its oil facility in Rajasthan, helping visualise data and automate alerts, leading to greenhouse gas emissions savings of 47 tons of CO2. 'Similarly, through Project Digital Twin, we created a replica of our physical assets resulting in 30 per cent reduction in flaring and minimised environmental impact, in our Rajasthan and Gujarat locations.'
'To foster a safe working environment for employees and business partners, we implemented an AI-based Safety Surveillance Monitoring System with AI cameras at strategic locations, resulting in an 80 per cent reduction of manual efforts, over 7000 observations, and enhanced safety trajectories. Our goal is to integrate technology and digitalisation into other operational spheres for continued and enhanced precision, increased performance, and safety to support our overarching goals for sustainable development while creating long-term value for all stakeholders,' he said.
Prashant Mathur, Chief Executive Officer, Saatvik Green Energy Limited, said, 'The application of AI in the energy sector marks a transformational shift — it's no longer just about efficiency, but about building intelligent, adaptive, and resilient infrastructure for the future. As India fast-tracks its clean energy transition, the convergence of technology, scale, and innovation will define industry leadership. Our sector sees AI as a strategic enabler — from energy demand forecasting to supply chain optimization and enhanced module performance. AI empowers renewable companies like ours to meet national sustainability goals faster, smarter, and more reliably.'
Simarpreet Singh
, Executive Director & CEO, Hartek Group, said, 'At Hartek, we believe that Artificial Intelligence is not just another technological trend, but a vital strategy for the future of the energy sector. As the sector stands at a crossroads, the urgency to adapt and innovate in response to evolving challenges has never been greater. We see AI as a core driver in building intelligent, efficient energy systems.'
He added, 'It plays a crucial role in optimizing everything from design to maintenance, especially through predictive technologies that reduce downtime in renewable energy plants. Moreover, AI-powered smart grids can improve energy efficiency by as much as 20%, aligning with the International Energy Agency's findings on cost reduction and emission minimization. Embracing AI is not just about keeping up with the times—it's about creating a smarter, cleaner, and more sustainable energy future for all.'
Akshay Hiranandani, CEO,
Serentica Renewables
, highlighted the role of AI in renewable generation predictability. 'AI has critical applications in the renewable energy sector, particularly in enhancing predictability of weather forecasting. By leveraging AI, we can gain deeper insights from site performance data and forecasting models, allowing for more accurate generation predictions.'
'While we currently utilize different scientific weather forecasting models, each with its own strengths, the integration of AI offers the potential to build even greater accuracy with reduced processing time. It's crucial to remember that AI's effectiveness hinges on the quality of the data it learns from, necessitating careful data input and, importantly, human oversight to ensure reliable and actionable intelligence,' he said.
Vijay Karia
, Chairman and Managing Director, Ravin Group said, "Artificial Intelligence is driving a paradigm shift across India's renewable energy sector, revolutionizing the design, operation, and optimization of energy systems. By harnessing AI for applications ranging from smart grid management and demand forecasting to predictive maintenance and solar site optimization, the industry is becoming smarter and more adaptive. Sensors embedded in solar panels collect real-time data on variables like temperature, solar radiation, and humidity, which machine learning models analyze to boost efficiency and performance."
"At the forefront of this transformation are AI-powered solar tracking systems. These advanced systems equipped with dynamic tilt-and-roll mechanisms outperform traditional fixed-tilt setups by increasing energy generation by up to 35 per cent. AI algorithms process live weather data and solar irradiance levels to adjust panel orientation dynamically, optimizing energy capture even in challenging conditions. During high winds, the trackers tilt to a safe angle to prevent damage, while at sunset, they reposition to allow accumulated dust to slide off; a critical feature in India's dust-prone regions, where debris can slash efficiency. An integrated washer system further enhances panel cleanliness, minimizing maintenance needs while maximizing output," he added.
With India's energy landscape becoming increasingly complex and digital, companies are placing AI at the centre of their growth and operational strategies to manage intermittency, enable predictive systems and reduce environmental impact.