Automatic Generation Control (AGC)

Automatic Generation Control (AGC)

Part of: Prelims and GS-III Economy

Context: Union Minister of Power dedicated Automatic Generation Control (AGC) to the nation.

Key takeaways 

• This is expected to facilitate achieving the government’s ambitious target of 500 GW non-fossil fuel-based generation capacity by 2030.
• The AGC is being operated by Power System Operation Corporation (POSOCO) through National Load Despatch Centre.
• Through AGC, NLDC (National Load Despatch Centre) sends signals to more than 50 power plants in the country every 4 seconds to maintain the frequency and reliability of the Indian Power System. 
• This will ensure more efficient and automatic frequency control for handling variable and intermittent renewable generation.
• Shri R.K. Singh also released a report titled “Assessment of Inertia in Indian Power System” which has been prepared by POSOCO in collaboration with IIT Bombay.

Power System Operation Corporation (POSOCO)

• It comes under Ministry of Power as one of the Power PSUs after separating from POWERGRID as its subsidiary organization.
• It is responsible to ensure the integrated operation of the Grid in a reliable, efficient, and secure manner.
• It consists of 5 Regional Load Despatch Centres (RLDCs) and the National Load Despatch Centre (NLDC).