
In a breakthrough that could transform how electricity reaches homes in crowded cities and remote villages, Tata Power Delhi Distribution Ltd (Tata Power-DDL), in collaboration with Japan’s Nissin Electric, has launched India’s first micro substation in Rohini, Delhi.
Traditionally, power travels through large substations that occupy a lot of space and require complex infrastructure. But this new micro substation is different. It's compact, efficient, and smart—small enough to fit into tight urban spaces yet powerful enough to deliver electricity directly from high-voltage transmission lines to regular households.
At the heart of this setup is something called a Power Voltage Transformer (PVT). It steps down electricity from very high voltages (like 66,000 volts) straight to the low voltage we use at home (around 240 volts), without needing the usual multi-tiered infrastructure. Think of it as a shortcut that saves land, cuts costs, and speeds up power delivery.
This pilot project—supported by Japan’s energy research body, NEDO—is currently lighting up around 20 to 30 homes, but each unit can serve 50 to 60 families. It’s especially promising for areas where building traditional substations is difficult or too expensive.
The micro substation is considered plug-and-play as it dramatically simplifies the traditional power infrastructure setup.Instead of building a full-scale substation with multiple transformers and switchyards, this unit taps directly into high-voltage lines and steps down the power to household levels in one go.
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India's first Micro-Substation equipped with a Power Voltage Transformer (PVT) launched by Tata Power-DDL and Nissin Electric Co. Ltd, at Tata's Rohini plant in New Delhi on Monday. (Image - ANI /Economic Times) |
The Power Voltage Transformer (PVT), switchgear, protection systems, and distribution board come as a single, modular unit. That means fewer moving parts, faster deployment, and easier maintenance. Thus, it doesn’t require large plots or complex construction. The unit is compact and pre-engineered, so it can be installed quickly—even in tight urban spaces or remote terrains.
Beyond just saving space, these micro substations also reduce carbon emissions by nearly 45% compared to diesel generators, making them a cleaner alternative for backup or primary power needs.
To sum it up: plug-and-play power is here, and it could be a game-changer for India's “24x7 Power for All” dream. Whether you're a tech expert tracking smart grid innovations or a local resident tired of power cuts, this tiny transformer box packs a big punch.
Besides, the micro substations like the one developed by Tata Power-DDL and Nissin Electric are also well-suited for powering EV charging stations in space-constrained urban areas. PVTs used in these setups can be configured to support three-phase power, which is essential for fast EV charging.
And, by decentralizing power delivery, these micro substations reduce stress on the main grid—especially useful when multiple EVs charge simultaneously.