IIT Bhubaneswar Commissions Indigenous Digital Substation With CPM System
On February 10, 2026, IIT Bhubaneswar made a significant advancement in the field of power system technology by commissioning an indigenous digital substation equipped with a Centralised Monitoring and Protection (CPM) system. This facility is located at the Institute’s 33/11 kV campus substation and represents a major milestone in India’s journey towards developing smart grid technologies.
Inauguration Ceremony
The inauguration of the digital substation was officiated by Shri Vishal Kumar Dev, IAS, who serves as the Additional Chief Secretary of the Energy and Electronics & Information Technology Department of the Government of Odisha. The event was attended by several dignitaries, including:
- Prof. Shreepad Karmalkar, Director, IIT Bhubaneswar
- Dr. Satyapriya Ratha, IAS, Managing Director, GRIDCO
- Prof. S. R. Samantaray, Project Investigator
- Mr. Rutupurna Mansingh, Deputy GM (Electrical), GRIDCO
Project Overview
This project was executed under the National Perspective Plan (NPP) of the Central Power Research Institute (CPRI), Bengaluru, which operates under the Ministry of Power. The initiative was led by Prof. S. R. Samantaray from the Department of Electrical Engineering at IIT Bhubaneswar. His team designed and demonstrated a CPM system that is capable of integrating Distributed Energy Resources (DERs).
Innovative Features of the Digital Substation
Unlike traditional substations, the newly commissioned digital substation employs intelligent merging units. This innovative approach eliminates the need for physical Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs), which are commonly used in conventional setups. The architecture of the substation lays the groundwork for a Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS) integrated within the CPM framework. This integration enhances the intelligence, flexibility, and reliability of the electrical grid.
Significance of the Digital Substation
The commissioning of this digital substation is a testament to IIT Bhubaneswar’s commitment to advancing smart grid technologies and promoting sustainable energy infrastructure. It aligns with national energy priorities and demonstrates the Institute’s role in the broader context of energy innovation in India.
Future Implications
The establishment of this digital substation is expected to have far-reaching implications for the energy sector in India. Some of the anticipated benefits include:
- Enhanced Monitoring: The CPM system allows for real-time monitoring of the entire electrical distribution network, enabling quick responses to any issues that may arise.
- Increased Reliability: By integrating DERs, the digital substation enhances the reliability of power supply, reducing the chances of outages.
- Sustainability: The focus on smart grid technologies promotes the use of renewable energy sources, contributing to a more sustainable energy future.
- Economic Growth: As the energy sector becomes more efficient, it can stimulate economic growth and job creation in related fields.
Conclusion
The commissioning of the indigenous digital substation at IIT Bhubaneswar marks a significant step towards modernizing India’s power infrastructure. By leveraging advanced technologies such as the CPM system, the Institute is not only enhancing its own energy management capabilities but also contributing to the national goal of achieving a smart grid. This initiative is expected to pave the way for further innovations in energy management and sustainability in India.
Note: The information provided in this article is based on the latest updates available as of February 2026 and may be subject to change.
