Driving Digitalization in the Utility Industry

In an exclusive interaction with Thiruamuthan, Correspondent at Industry Outlook, Robert HK Demann, Head of Smart Infrastructure at Siemens Limited, discusses how India’s power grid is undergoing a fundamental shift where digitalization is not just supporting but essential to managing the complexities created by decentralised renewables and changing energy demands.

Robert Harald Kottukapally Demann, a seasoned business leader with 27 years of global experience, specializes in smart infrastructure, energy transmission, and digital transformation, bringing proven expertise in business setup, cross-border leadership, and driving innovation across diverse industries and geographies.

India’s decentralised renewables surge reshapes grid flow. How are digital grid technologies adapting to bi-directional power and intermittent generation challenges today?

While some would say that India’s power grid is evolving, in many ways it’s being reimagined. We can say with a fair amount of confidence that we are witnessing one of the most dynamic energy transitions globally, where decentralized renewable energy sources are reshaping the very architecture of traditional power flows. This transformation is both a linear upgrade and a systemic shift.

With 226 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy already deployed and a bold national target of 500 GW by 2030, India is setting the global pace. To achieve this target, grid expansion will require sustained investment in advanced technologies and, more importantly, a digital-first mindset.

Smart digital technologies have emerged as the backbone of modern grid operations. They are enabling bi-directional power flows, reducing operational costs, enhancing efficiency, and unlocking grid flexibility. Storage solutions such as Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), Pumped Storage Plants (PSP), and green hydrogen are not just complementary—they are foundational. PSPs, in particular, demonstrate how bi-directional energy flows can be harnessed to meet peak demand with precision.

In this scenario, the role of Transmission System Operators (TSOs) in grid stabilization is evolving. In a decentralized landscape, Distribution System Operators (DSOs) are stepping up—responding to stabilization signals and delivering ancillary services through sector coupling. This is where integration across electricity, heating, and mobility becomes critical.

To manage this complexity, India’s utilities need sophisticated grid management systems. Advanced Distribution Management Systems (ADMS), smart inverters, Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered forecasting, and Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) are not just tools—they are enablers of resilience. Dynamic grid protection systems ensure stability, while supervisory control frameworks allow for accurate scheduling and forecasting—from 15 minutes to five years.

At Siemens, we believe India’s energy future is being written today. This transformation is not just about technology—it’s about leadership. It’s about building a grid that is resilient, efficient, and sustainable. And it’s about doing so with clarity, conviction, and collaboration.

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With rising grid congestion from EV adoption and urban density, how are digital load management systems improving reliability and peak-hour efficiency?

As India moves toward a decarbonized future, the convergence of electrified transport, urbanization, and digitalization is placing unprecedented demands on our power infrastructure. The grid is no longer a passive conduit—it must now be intelligent, adaptive, and resilient.

As the adoption of electric vehicles increases and urban centers become denser, grid congestion would turn into a critical challenge. But this is precisely where digital load management systems are stepping in—not just as a solution, but as a strategic enabler.

Modern EV charging infrastructure would one day be grid-aware. When this happens, through grid-to-socket and dynamic load balancing, Charge Point Management Systems can intelligently distribute available power across multiple charging stations, preventing overloads during peak hours. This will make the power distribution efficient and protect the grid while enabling scale.

At the fleet level, eMobility SaaS platforms are capable of optimizing charging schedules based on real-time grid conditions and energy pricing. This ensures that electric depots operate within their grid connection limits while minimizing energy costs—turning what was once a constraint into a competitive advantage.

Transparency and control are equally vital. Today’s digital load management platforms offer real-time visibility into the status of EV charging networks, remote control capabilities, and the ability to respond instantly to Distribution Network Operator (DNO) signals. This agility helps avoid costly violations and ensures compliance with evolving grid codes.

All this is evidence that digitalization is improving reliability and peak-hour efficiency while also redefining how energy is produced, distributed, and consumed. The future grid would be smarter, more human-centric, sustainable, and resilient by design.

As grid edge tech evolves, how do digital substations and remote monitoring enhance real-time operational responsiveness and downtime reduction for Indian utilities?

With the rise of distributed energy resources, electrified mobility, and urban density demands a smarter, faster, and more responsive distribution network. This is where digital substations and remote monitoring are redefining operational excellence.

For instance, we at Siemens see digital substations as ‘intelligence hubs’. These substations integrate advanced sensors, digital communication networks, and edge analytics to transform raw data from MV and LV grids into actionable insights. They enable real-time visibility, predictive diagnostics, and automated control—turning complexity into clarity.

Remote monitoring complements this by extending situational awareness across the grid. AI-powered engines can now detect anomalies, predict failures, and pinpoint fault locations before they escalate. This means Indian utilities can move from reactive maintenance to proactive asset management—reducing downtime, improving service reliability, and optimizing workforce deployment.

The real breakthrough lies in decentralized automation. As sensors proliferate across the grid edge, decisions can be made locally—enhancing responsiveness and resilience. Whether it’s rerouting power during peak demand or triggering service tickets for asset servicing, the system adapts in real time.

Utilities need confidence that their networks can handle tomorrow’s challenges today. Digital substations, remote monitoring, AI and grid edge softwares deliver that confidence, enabling a grid that’s secure, scalable, and sustainable.

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Grid automation is gaining much-needed traction in India’s transmission sector today. Given this positive growth trajectory, how are utilities ensuring interoperability between legacy systems and emerging digital platforms?

India’s transmission sector is undergoing a remarkable transformation, and grid automation is at the heart of this evolution. The real challenge isn’t just deploying new technologies—it’s ensuring that legacy systems and emerging digital platforms speak the same language.

Indian utilities are navigating this complexity with a pragmatic, phased approach. Rather than a complete overhaul, they are digitally enabling legacy infrastructure through edge devices that deliver essential data for grid stability. This minimizes capital expenditure while maximizing operational continuity.

We’re seeing a strong push toward interoperability through open standards and APIs. Utilities are actively avoiding vendor lock-in, ensuring that digital solutions remain scalable, flexible, and future-ready.

At critical nodes and Load Dispatch Centres (LDCs), utilities are piloting proof-of-concept projects to validate integration strategies. These efforts are complemented by explorations into cloud computing, digital twins, and advanced data management, all of which are reshaping how utilities visualize and control the grid.

Regulatory reforms are being designed to foster coexistence between legacy and digital systems—creating a more resilient and efficient power ecosystem.

With cybersecurity risks growing, how are Indian grid operators strengthening digital trust and protection across IT-OT layers and SCADA systems?

In recent times, with the surge in attacks on critical infrastructure across the wold, cybersecurity has turned into a frontline imperative for India’s grid operators. As digitalization accelerates across IT-OT layers and SCADA systems, the biggest challenge remains building digital trust. However, Indian utilities are responding with multi-layered security frameworks that begin with Security by Design and Default, embedding protection into the very architecture of grid systems. This includes network segmentation, zero-trust principles, and real-time monitoring across distributed control centers.

We’re seeing a convergence of IT and OT security strategies. This alignment is critical to managing risk across hybrid environments where legacy systems meet cloud-native platforms. Siemens is actively supporting this shift through platforms like Siemens Xcelerator, which integrates cybersecurity into every layer—from edge devices to cloud analytics. 

The Grid Software Suite is built with cyber resilience at its core, offering open interfaces, modular architecture, and secure data exchange for SCADA and DER management. Digital twins, AI-driven threat detection, and IEC 62443-compliant assessments are becoming standard practice.

Moreover, Siemens India is working closely with stakeholders to standardize cybersecurity self-assessment tools, enabling utilities to benchmark their readiness and align with global best practices. These tools help identify gaps in network security, physical access controls, and disaster recovery planning, ensuring that OT systems are not just protected—but resilient.

Looking ahead, how will AI and predictive analytics reshape India’s grid management for outage prevention and enable self-healing capabilities?

India’s grid is evolving rapidly, and technology will continue to play a significant role in this transition. AI and predictive analytics are not just tools—they’re strategic enablers for outage prevention and self-healing grid capabilities.

As India integrates more renewables and distributed energy resources, grid complexity is rising. Traditional outage management models—built for centralized, predictable systems—are being stretched to their limits. We’re now entering an era where the grid must think, adapt, and recover autonomously.

The real value lies in moving from reactive operations to predictive intelligence.

• Replace periodic inspections with continuous digital surveillance.
• Prioritize asset maintenance based on risk, not routine.
• Optimize capital allocation by targeting failure-prone feeders before breakdowns.

Self-healing grids were once aspirational, but today, they’re achievable. With AI-driven automation, utilities can isolate faults, reroute power, and restore service without human intervention. This not only enhances resilience but also builds public trust in the grid’s reliability. With the right technology, data, infrastructure, and strategic alignment, AI will redefine how we manage, protect, and empower the grid.