CEA Unveils STELLAR Model to Strengthen Resource Adequacy Planning.
National
In April 2025, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), based in New Delhi (Delhi), launched STELLAR — a powerful software tool for improving how India plans its electricity generation, transmission, and storage. STELLAR stands for State-of-the-art, Totally indigenously developed Resource Adequacy model.
- The model was officially launched by Shri Ghanshyam Prasad, Chairperson of CEA, during an event held in New Delhi. The event was attended by Shri Alok Kumar (Former Secretary, Ministry of Power), along with representatives from The Lantau Group (TLG) and various State Power Utilities.
- STELLAR was developed by CEA in collaboration with The Lantau Group (TLG), based in Hong Kong (China), and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), based in Manila (Philippines).
- The software is a symbol of india’s self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) in advanced power sector technologies. It will be updated every year to keep up with the changing needs of the energy sector.
Main Point :- (i) The STELLAR software will be shared free of cost with all State Electricity Distribution Companies (Discoms) and Load Despatch Centres, as per the Resource Adequacy Guidelines issued by the Ministry of Power (MoP) in June 2023.
(ii) This model helps in avoiding power cuts, finding the most cost-effective ways to generate and manage electricity, choosing the best energy storage methods for renewables like solar and wind, and supporting India’s goal of 24x7 reliable electricity supply under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
(iii) STELLAR comes with several key features that enhance power system planning and operations. It simulates the chronological operations of the power system, manages unit commitment constraints such as minimum operating levels and ramp-up/down times, and includes endogenous demand response to adjust electricity demand based on system needs. Additionally, it integrates ancillary services like frequency and voltage control and supports the optimal sizing and placement of energy storage systems. Overall, STELLAR is a significant step toward making India’s power sector more efficient, reliable, and future-ready.
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