The Ministry of Power (MoP) has launched an indigenously developed resource adequacy model STELLAR, enabling distribution companies (DISCOMs) to manage their power resources effectively.

The MoP will distribute this software model to all the states/DISCOMs free of cost.

The tool was launched in collaboration with the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), The Lantau Group, and the Asian Development Bank under the technical assistance program.

The resource adequacy tool is designed to assist the states in carrying out a comprehensive Resource Adequacy plan in line with the resource adequacy guidelines issued by the Ministry of Power in June 2023.

STELLAR is an integrated generation, transmission, and storage expansion planning model combined with a demand response. It will ensure optimum resource adequacy for DISCOMs.

The software will also ensure  zero load shedding and stressed capacity and provide the least cost solutions for DISCOMs.

It is designed to optimize the cost of power system generation expansion and system operation while considering the benefits of demand response. The model will also focus on optimizing energy and ancillary services and the size and location of energy storage.

The model considers aspects such as chronological operation of the power system, unit commitment constraints, internal demand response, and ancillary services for its calculations.

The CEA has been carrying out resource adequacy plans for all DISCOMs.  The plans for DISCOMs have been updated up to 2034-35. It has also completed the national-level exercises for up to 2034-35.

In November 2024, the CEA approved the Uniform Protection Protocol to ensure grid stability, reliability, and security and safely integrate 450 GW of renewable energy by 2030 and 2,100 GW by 2047. The National Power Committee, in consultation with the Regional Power Committee, prepared the Uniform Protection Protocol.

In February 2024, the MoP wrote to all states and union territories to adhere to the Resource Adequacy Guidelines to ensure sufficient growth in power generation capacity in line with the rapidly increasing electricity demand in the country.