Kolkata: Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IIT Kharagpur to undertake joint research and development projects aimed at improving DVC’s operations through advanced technology, artificial intelligence and digital solutions.
The MoU was signed at DVC Headquarters in Kolkata in the presence of Rajesh Pandey, IAS, Chairman, DVC. The collaboration is expected to strengthen DVC’s technological capabilities and support the development of smarter, safer and more sustainable power sector operations.
DVC and IIT Kharagpur to Collaborate on Advanced R&D
The partnership will bring together DVC’s operational expertise and IIT Kharagpur’s technical and research capabilities.
The collaboration will cover several technology-driven areas, including:
- Dashboards and digital solutions for improved operational monitoring and decision-making.
- Dam and power plant defect and condition monitoring to strengthen asset management and safety.
- Artificial intelligence and data analytics for operational improvements.
- Predictive maintenance to identify potential equipment issues and reduce unexpected downtime.
- Sustainable and efficient power plant operations to improve performance and resource utilisation.
- Water management and logistics for more effective planning and operational efficiency.
- Secure AI solutions for power plant and grid optimisation.
Read also: DVC Achieves 70% Flood Moderation in Damodar Valley, Cuts Peak Inflow from 4 Lakh to 1.2 Lakh Cusecs
IIT Kharagpur to Provide Technical and Advisory Support
Under the MoU, IIT Kharagpur will provide technical expertise and advisory support to DVC for research and development activities.
The collaboration is aimed at developing practical technology solutions that can be integrated into DVC’s operations. The use of AI, data analytics and digital monitoring tools is expected to support more efficient asset management and improve operational decision-making.
Focus on Smarter and Sustainable Power Operations
The partnership comes as power sector organisations increasingly adopt digital technologies to improve efficiency, reliability and sustainability.
Through the collaboration, DVC and IIT Kharagpur will explore technology-based solutions for:
- Real-time monitoring of critical infrastructure.
- Early identification of equipment and structural defects.
- Data-driven predictive maintenance.
- Optimisation of power plant and grid operations.
- Improved water and logistics management.
- Greater efficiency and sustainability in power generation.
The joint R&D efforts are expected to contribute to DVC’s transition towards smarter and technology-enabled operations while supporting long-term sustainability in the power sector.
Collaboration to Strengthen Innovation in Power Sector
The MoU between DVC and IIT Kharagpur marks a step towards closer collaboration between a major power utility and a leading academic institution.
By combining research capabilities with field-level operational requirements, the partnership aims to develop innovative solutions that can address challenges related to power generation, infrastructure monitoring, maintenance and resource management.
The collaboration is also expected to support the wider adoption of AI, digital technologies and advanced analytics in power sector operations.
About Damodar Valley Corporation
Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) is a statutory organisation engaged in power generation, transmission and water resource management in the Damodar Valley region. Established in 1948, DVC operates thermal power stations and associated transmission and water management infrastructure, playing an important role in India’s power sector and regional development.
Read also: DVC Inaugurates 8 MW Ground-Mounted Solar PV Plant at Panchet to Boost Renewable Energy
