Operation strategy & impact assessment of extremely severe cyclonic storm ‘Biparjoy’ on Indian Power System

Extremely severe cyclone ‘Biparjoy’ which originated from the Arabian Sea had its landfall in Saurashtra region-of state Gujarat on late evening 15th June 2023. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued advance-warning and continuous updates system developments possible track before after landfall. caused damage-to power infrastructure falling under area influence. brought heavy rainfall flash floods along western coast resulting large variations electricity demand renewable energy RE) generation. Before cyclone's landfall, was range 17-22 GW. By time fell by nearly 50% hovered 11 - 13 On generation side, it observed that thermal generators faced coal feeding issue while intra-connected wind reduced 4 GW 0.6 inter-3 almost 300 MW. Large intermittency solar also 13th, 14th June’23 with a maximum variation around +/- 75%. Post cyclone, recovery fast. However, restoration took as many 33 kV incoming feeders turbine pooling stations were forced outage synchronized physical inspection. transmission there an more than 250 lines at voltage level 132 & above. Tower collapse reported nos. 400 220 lines.

This paper presents the proactive measures taken by Grid-India and power utilities across all key sectors, viz., generation, transmission, and distribution during different phases of cyclone trajectory, the impact of the-cyclone on the Indian power system and elaborate the detailed advisory issued by the Load Despatch Centres. Simulation studies were carried out to formulate operational strategies for large load-generation imbalances and contingent scenarios. A system recovery plan was also prepared and implemented successfully to restore the system and ensure resource adequacy and system security during the post-cyclone load recovery. The paper highlights the key success factors and learning from the experience of handling ‘Biparjoy’. The paper would interest system operators, power system utilities, planners, policymakers and researchers concerned with power system reliability and resilience.