T&D India (February 2017) – Transition in Transmission

Some significant developments related to the power transmission sector unfolded in recent weeks. Power Grid Corporation of India announced that it has sold its entire shareholding

in its wholly-owned subsidiary Power System Operation Corporation Ltd (POSOCO) to the Union government. POSOCO is the corporate avatar of the National Load Dispatch Centre (NLDC). With this, the grid management operations have now been detached from PGCIL.

It is now only a matter of time before the Central Transmission Unit is also hived off from PGCIL. A small unit within PGCIL, the CTU is responsible for planning and development of new interregional transmission lines. These changes in the corporate profile of PGCIL were necessitated by the fact that there is increasing participation by private sector in development of interregional transmission lines, and therefore there needs to be level-playing field between PGCIL and private operators. After divesting of its responsibility in the planning and grid man-agement activities, PGCIL will become a pure-play transmission service provider, much akin to the emerging class of private power transmission companies.

Adani Group also announced that it will be taking over the Western Regional System Strength-ening Scheme, currently under the ownership of Reliance Infrastructure. Earlier Adani took over some intrastate lines owned by GMR Group. Adani’s moves are indicative of major con-solidation in the interregional power transmission infrastructure business.

Power transmission will remain a critical area for India for long years to come. India will need long-distance high voltage lines to transmit power from far-flung generation centres to con-sumption centres. Power transmission is an area that will see major influx of new technolo-gies. India is already gearing up to develop ultra high voltage 1,200kV power transmission systems. Already 765kV lines, once considered extra high voltage, are now fast replacing 400kV lines to become the new norm for interregional lines. Technologies like live-line mainte-nance, unmanned substations and use of drones, are making it to the Indian landscape. One technological-centric multinational company providing drones for grid management, and which recently entered India, has been interviewed in this edition.

Power transmission offers abundant opportunities for developers and contractors, at both the intrastate and interregional level. It is time that India’s private sector harnesses this opportunity, leading to higher private participation even at the National Grid level.

February 20174T&D India

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Transition in transmission

Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do. — Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (German poet)

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contents


8 NEWS l Sterlite commissions Purulia-Kharagpur line l EESL plans energy efficiency projects in APl Adani to acquire RInfra’s transmission assets

12 FacE-to-FacE l Power distribution reform needs a change in mindset S.c. Bhargava, Senior Vice President — Electrical & Automation, Larsen & Toubro Ltd

Also: l Power Generation (15) l Orders & Contracts (16) l Global Snippets (39) l Number Story (40) l Short Takes (42)

31 achiEvEmENt l aBB lands its second UhvDc project in india

32 iNtERviEW l the use of drones can increase the uptime of the indian grid tero heinonen, CEO, Sharper Shape Inc.

34 iNtERviEW l the ScS certification can drive better adoption of accc conductors Dave Bryant, Director – Technology, CTC Global Corporation

40 Photo FEatURE l intelect 2017: a journey in pictures

18 SPEcial StoRy l india will lead ‘intelligent Electricity’ : Piyush Goyal

22 lEaD StoRy l Budget maintains focus on rural india, infra

26 NEW laUNchESl Smart back-up system from luminous l most efficient low-voltage motors l EPic® SmaRt industrial connector

28 iNtERviEW l We are now eyeing the 400kv and 765kv segment Rattan lal labroo, Joint President – Power Group, Angelique International Ltd

Focus: Power transmission

News

terlite Power has announced commissioning of the Purulia-Kharagpur transmission

project. The project consists of two 400kV double circuit lines with a total length of 273 km, comprising the Purulia-Ranchi line (112 km) and the Kharagpur-Chaibasa line (161 km). Sterlite Power will operate and maintain the project, traversing through the states of Jharkhand and West Bengal, for 35 years.

This has taken Sterlite Power’s total portfolio to 4,063 km worth of transmission network and two substations, spread across 11 states.

Sterlite Power bagged the Purulia-Kharagpur Transmission Project through a tariff-based competitive bidding under the build, own, operate and maintain (BOOM) model. The line will contribute to the growing generation capacity in eastern India and strengthen the interconnection between state grids and regional

grids to facilitate the exchange of additional power. Both the transmission lines under the project have been planned under the System Strengthening Scheme for exchange of power between West Bengal grid and interstate transmission system.

The Purulia-Ranchi line connects Purulia Pumped Storage Power Project (PSPP) in West Bengal and the 765/400kV substation of Power Grid Corporation in Jharkhand. The Kharagpur-Chaibasa line that

connects substations of Power Grid and West Bengal utility in Chaibasa and Kharagpur respectively was commissioned in mid-2016.

Including projects both operational and under construction, Sterlite Power currently has a power transmission portfolio of 10 projects with an aggregate length of 6,767 ckm, spread over 15 states. The portfolio includes seven substations with an aggregate transformational capacity of 12,630 MVA. n

Sterlite commissions Purulia-Kharagpur lineS

Schneider to manufacture contactors locally

Schneider Electric has announced its plans to make energy-efficient contactors and circuit breakers at its plant near Hyderabad.

These contactors, currently imported from parent country France, have recently been launched in the domestic market. Alongside, Schneider Electric also rolled out compact circuit breakers used in low-voltage applications.

The new contactors are equipped with an innovative electronic coil that uses up to 80 per cent less energy and generates up to 50 per cent less heat inside cabinets as compared to electro-mechanical contactors, according to reports. While, the new range of circuit breaker provides most reliable low voltage protection with the patented EverLink technology.

These devices will largely be used in the industrial and buildings segment along with automation original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The products, designed keeping in my mind requirements of OEMs and plant managers, will help consumers save energy, a press report quoting a Schneider Electric official said.

T&D India February 20178

aychem RPG Pvt Ltd, a joint venture between USA-headquartered TE Connectivity and the Rs 21,000-crore RPG Enterprises India, has announced the acquisition of Chennai-

based Hi-Velm Industries, a division of Digivision Electronics Ltd. The 60-year old Hi-Velm Industries is a leading brand and trusted

producer of extra high-voltage disconnectors in India. Hi-Velm Industries owns cutting edge technology, design and credentials among various utilities in India.

Raychem RPG is currently focused on providing solutions to improve power reliability and lowering power losses through various innovative products. “Acquisition of Hi-Velm provides an immense strategic advantage to us as it adds a new product line in our portfolio of products and solutions. This acquisition will help extend the product line in high growth market of EHV disconnectors globally and we will be able to provide the comprehensive solution to EHV stations,” said Ramani Kasi, President, Raychem RPG, in a release.

Raychem RPG intends to integrate the above facility at its existing facility of power infrastructure products at Halol to create cost synergies as also to capitalize on the product innovation through its research centre at Halol.

Hi-Velm Industries, it is learnt, has even supplied a 1,200kV disconnector to the Bina test line of Power Grid Corporation of India, in August 2012. n

Raychem RPG acquires Hi-VelmR

Transmission projecTs commissioned by sTerliTe power*project spV project description ckm kV completion

East-North Interconnection Co LtdScheme for enabling import of NER/NR surplus by NR

450 400 Nov-14

Bhopal Dhule Transmission Co Ltd** System strengthening for WR 944 765 Jun-15

Jabalpur Transmission Co Ltd System strengthening for WR and NR 992 765 Sep-15

Purulia-Kharagpur Transmission Co Ltd ER system strengthening scheme-VII 272 400 Jan-16

*List may not be exhaustive; as of January 2017; **includes one 400kV line WR/NR/ER/NER = Western/Northern/Eastern/Northeastern Region

News


nergy Efficiency Services Ltd has signed multiple MoUs worth Rs.24,700

crore with the Government of Andhra Pradesh for energy efficiency and solar projects in the state. The execution of projects through this MoU will help the state reduce consumption of power and add over 80,000 jobs in the state, a release from EESL said.

Through this MoU, EESL will distribute energy efficient domestic appliances like LED bulbs, LED tubelights and 5-star rated fans under the Unnat Jeevan by Affordable LEDs and Appliances for All (UJALA). Andhra Pradesh, incidentally, was the first state to execute the UJALA programme for LED bulbs in 2015. EESL will continue to execute the programme in the state for a period of three years.

EESL will also install of 50,000

solar photovoltaic (PV) grid connected agriculture pumps sets in each DISCOM area. It is acknowledged that irrigation needs are intermittent, between 200 to 250 days in a year, leaving most of the days with additional power available. Solar PV grid connected pump sets will bridge the gap and

the surplus power may be fed back to the grid.

Several other projects will be executed by EESL for the state government, including conversion of

500 government-owned buildings into energy efficient buildings over three years; installation and maintenance of energy efficient LED street lights in 1000 Gram Panchayats in Andhra Pradesh over a period of 10 years and replacement of over 10 lakh inefficient agriculture pump sets with energy efficient agricultural pump sets over three years, the release added. n

n

EESL plans energy efficiency projects in APE

Hartek solar EPC portfolio soars

Hartek Power Pvt Ltd has connected 270-mw solar projects spread across Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka to the grid, a company release said. With this, the power systems EPC por tfolio of Har tek Power has surpassed 500 mw in solar power projects.

Cashing in on India’s solar overdrive, Har tek Power has registered a phenomenal twofold growth in its power systems EPC business catering to solar plants in a span of nine months. From just 258 mw, as on March 31, 2016, the solar power system EPC projects executed by Har tek Power have now gone up to 528 mw.

Involving 11 substations of up to 132kV, these 270-mw projects included a 150-mw project in Muktsar district of Punjab, a 70-mw project in Mahoba district of Uttar Pradesh and a 50-mw project in Karnataka. These turnkey projects were completed in just five months, an official release said.

dani Transmission Ltd has executed a share purchase agreement with Reliance Infrastructure Ltd for 100 per cent

acquisition of RInfra’s Western Region System Strengthening Scheme (WRSSS) transmission assets. The WRSSS network is around 3,100 ckm and the enterprise value of the same is around Rs.1,000 crore, a release from Adani Group said.

The WRSSS network has two components – one each in Maharashtra and Gujarat. RInfra had won the WRSSS project under tariff-based competitive bidding. The Maharashtra component of around 2,089 ckm, has been in operation since January 2014. The Gujarat component, is smaller of the two, and comprises 974 ckm of transmission lines. This component has been in commercial operation since December 2015.

After acquiring the WRSSS network, Adani Transmission’s portfolio is set to increase from 5,450 ckm now to around 10,350 ckm. The final figure also includes 1,900 ckm of projects that Adani Transmission has won through tariff-based competitive bidding and currently under construction.

Adani Transmission’s current operational portfolio consists of a network of 5,450 ckm of transmission lines, ranging from 400kV to 765kV, predominantly covering northern and western India. n

Adani to acquire RInfra’s transmission assets

A

Rajarhat substation on verge of completion

Power Grid Corporation of India’s 400/220kV substation at Rajarhat in West Bengal is expected to complete soon, a government release said. The substation assumes significance for two reasons. One is that the substation is critical to supply more power to Kolkata and surrounding areas. The second is for the controversy surrounding land acquisition. While PGCIL has maintained that land was acquired at market rates, it is alleged that land owners were forced to give up their agricultural land for the project. The substation has been in the making for nearly three years now.

The Rajarhat substation with 1000MVA capacity is being connected to Farakka and Purnea so that it not only receives the power from thermal generating power stations in Farakka and Sagardighi but also hydropower from north eastern hydro stations.

This substation is created with a gas insulated switchgear (GIS) technology, which requires about a fourth of the land as compared to conventional substation.

Components of WRsss

maharashtra (total: 2,089 ckm)

Pune-Aurangabad (400kV, DC)

Solapur-Kolhapur (400kV, DC)

Solapur-Parli (400KV, DC)

Parli-Pune (400kV, DC)

LILO of Solapur-Karad (400kV, DC)

LILO of Lonikand-Kalwa Circuit 1 (400kV)

LILO of Lonikand-Kalwa Circuit 2 (400kV)

Gujarat (total: 974 ckm)

Limbdi-Vadavi (400kV, DC)

Vadavi-Kansari (400kV, DC)

Rajgarh-Karamsad (400kV, DC)

Grand total: 3,063 ckm


Face-to-Face

What is your reading of the UDAY scheme, and the impact that it could have on power distribution utilities?So far government power distribution utilities don’t have a profit motive! They have been making losses year-on-year, which have now got accumulated. I think what UDAY is doing is giving them a way forward so that no matter what has happened in the past, the discoms now have a chance to drive themselves towards profitability. It needs a major transformation in mindset. I don’t think it is an issue of just transferring the regulatory assets of the discoms to the state government. Unless there is a major change in mindset of the utilities, these losses will get generated once again. It is

therefore very important that the transformation that UDAY calls for takes place. The transformation has to be driven by the Union ministry of power and the discoms themselves. If this transformation happens, utilities will start looking at meters as a lifetime investment. They (utilities) will stop seeing them with the “L1” perspective. The amount that utilities will need to spend in power distribution will be much larger than the investments going in generation and transmission. Currently, there is gross imbalance and this needs to be corrected. I can easily see that private power distribution utilities have a “driving element” that one does not see in government utilities.

If the transformation in mindset does not happen, even a great scheme

T&D India caught up with S.C. Bhargava during the recent Intelect 2017 event where Larsen & Toubro displayed its Smart Grid solutions and expertise. In an interaction with Venugopal Pillai, Bhargava discusses L&T’s competence in the field of smart grids, and also sheds light on the evolution of smart meters that not only measure electricity consumption but also act as a two-way communication device between the utility and the consumer.

Power distribution reform needs a change in mindset

— S.C. Bhargava, Senior Vice President — Electrical & Automation, Larsen & Toubro Ltd

L&T displayed its smart metering solutions at the INTELECT 2017

Face-to-Face


Face-to-Facelike UDAY can unfortunately prove ineffective.

Tell us about the evolution of L&T’s energy metersSo far, in the last twenty years, we have made plain vanilla electronic meters. Second-generation meters equipped with communication capability as well as smart meters with connect/disconnect facility are now ready. One will now start seeing rollouts of smart meters. Already there are some 14 Smart Grid pilots engineered to a large extent by Power Grid Corporation of India. But for two or three, most of the pilots had meters that came from outside India. You need to recognize that Indian meters need to have a much higher anti-tamper capability. While this element has been neglected in the pilots, as we go forward with large-scale rollouts, we will need to have meters that are smart meters but with high anti-tampering capability, so as to suit the Indian environment.

So, I think there is great opportunity as far as second-generation meters are concerned. Second-generation meters will not be just standalone meters; they will have to be system-driven so that in addition they will have a communication network, etc. That is why I think there is ample opportunity for companies engaged in automation, metering and even IT.

How do you rate the success of the 14 pilots?I think none of them have reached a level where one can say that it is successful. Some of them have helped in resolving what kind of technology to go in for, and one can clearly see the RF becoming a more successful solution in the Indian environment, as compared with solutions coming out of the programmable logic domain.

With so many smart meter manufacturers in India, how does L&T stand out?

L&T not only has over two decades of experience in manufacturing meters but it has a thorough understanding and domain knowledge of smart meters in the Indian context. We have sharp skills in all relevant departments—electrical, IT and automation. Besides we have strong execution and implementation capability. To complete the picture, we have robust infrastructure and processes to carry out post-commissioning services.

How can smart meters empower consumers in understanding and monitoring their electricity consumption?Earlier, when meters starting communicating, people had home display units that were similar to a smart phone mounted. This gave data with respect to consumption, etc. The way things are rolling out, every customer will finally end up with an app on his smart phone that will tell him all about his consumption. It will encourage time-of-day (ToD) tariffs to be introduced for residential consumers. It will encourage people to look at how to minimize their electricity bills and will actually give them suggestions. Today, mobile phone service providers recommend plans to their consumers after studying

their usage pattern. This will also happen with power utilities who will give recommendations to electricity consumers so as to optimize electricity consumption and reduce electricity bills. Smart meters architecture will start becoming a two-way communication that will also be educative. I think that is the direction in which we are headed.

Tell us about L&T’s services that empower utilities in asset management.In fact, we did a project in Maharashtra where all the distribution transformers across around 95 towns have been mapped and are part of the network. At any point of time, you know why the distribution network has gone down, which is the malfunctioning asset, how to reduce the time in getting it operational. All this information is available at the control centre. We are doing a similar project in Odisha.

Do you think privatization of power distribution could be an effective precursor to deployment of smart grid architecture?I don’t subscribe to privatization alone. As I said, you must run power distribution as a commercial enterprise, not as a loss-making one! If you run it as a loss-making enterprise, nothing will work—leave alone smart metering. What is required is a change in mindset. If you cannot do this, nothing else will work. The change in mindset, whether achieved by privatization or even with existing government ownership, is what is important.

How do you see the years ahead for L&T in the power sector?I think we have all the technologies available enabling us to cater to power generation, transmission and distribution. We have our expertise located in different pockets in the group but otherwise we have the same wide strengths that multinationals do. n

S.C. Bhargava at INTELECT 2017

lElectricity generation from conventional sources was up 5.2 per cent during the April-December period of FY17. Thermal (mainly coal) dominated with a share of 84.5 per cent.

lElectricity generation from renewable sources was around 59 billion kwh in the April-November period of FY17. This was as much as 28 per cent higher than the 46 billion kwh generated in the same period of FY16. [November 2016 is the latest month for which data is available for renewable energy.]

lSolar energy performed impressively during the April-November period of FY17. It experienced a y-o-y growth of 86.7 per cent. In wind power, the corresponding growth was 37.7 per cent.

lWind energy accounted for 63 per cent of the total electricity generated from renewable energy sources during the April-November period of FY17. This share also improved from 58 per cent in FY16.

lThe share of solar power in total electricity generation from renewable sources improved considerably from 9.8 per cent in the April-November period of FY16 to 14.3 per cent in the same period of FY17.


HigHligHts

Power Generation (Conventional SourCeS and renewableS) 2015-16 (mln kwh) 2016-17 (mln kwh) % change

Conv. renew total Conv. renew total Conv. renew totalApr 86,695 4,553 91,248 99,345 5,155 1,04,500 14.6 13.2 14.5May 95,402 5,143 1,00,545 99,903 6,861 1,06,764 4.7 33.4 6.2Jun 89,908 6,090 95,998 97,326 8,109 1,05,435 8.3 33.2 9.8Jul 93,142 8,872 1,02,014 94,606 9,544 1,04,150 1.6 7.6 2.1Aug 95,122 7,529 1,02,651 95,237 9,636 1,04,873 0.1 28.0 2.2Sep 95,741 5,485 1,01,226 98,072 8,314 1,06,386 2.4 51.6 5.1Oct 98,631 4,354 1,02,985 99,710 6,290 1,06,000 1.1 44.5 2.9Nov 85,906 4,141 90,047 93,569 5,248 98,817 8.9 26.7 9.7total 7,40,547 46,167 7,86,714 7,77,768 59,157 8,36,925 5.0 28.1 6.4Note: Conv. = Conventional Sources; Renew = Renewables

renewable enerGy Generation by SourCe: aPr-novmln kwh

% chg% share

2015-16 2016-17 2015-16 2016-17

Wind 26,933 37,082 37.7 58.3 62.7

Solar 4,519 8,436 86.7 9.8 14.3

Biomass 2,330 2,747 17.9 5.0 4.6

Bagasse 5,699 4,062 -28.7 12.3 6.9

Small Hydro 6,507 6,606 1.5 14.1 11.2

Others 178 235 31.9 0.4 0.4

total 46,166 59,169 28.2 100.0 100.0

Power Generation from Conventional SourCeS: aPr-deC

Sourcemln kwh

% chg% share

2015-16 2016-17 2015-16 2016-17

Thermal 6,95,174 7,38,078 6.2 83.7 84.5

Hydro 1,02,145 1,01,194 -0.9 12.3 11.6

Nuclear 27,770 28,233 1.7 3.3 3.2

Bhutan Import 5,081 5,456 7.4 0.6 0.6

all india 8,30,170 8,72,961 5.2 100.0 100.0

power generation

(Source for statistics: Central Electricity Authority)

KEC International Ltd has reported the winning of new orders worth Rs.1,866 crore across its various business verticals – power T&D, railways and cables. The T&D business received orders worth Rs.1,333 crore that included two domestic mandates valued at Rs.115 crore, and several others from countries like Afghanistan, Zambia, Mozambique and Jordan. The railways business received orders worth Rs.390 crore for overhead electrification works, civil engineering works, signaling and telecommunication works etc, in Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh) and Guwahati (Assam). The cable business secured supply orders of Rs. 143 crore, a release from KEC International said.

Kalpataru Power Transmission Ltd said in a stock exchange filing that it has received orders worth Rs.823 crore that included a transmission line project contract valued at Rs.737 crore in West Africa, and a Rs.86-crore mandate to build a 220kV GIS substation for Haryana Vidyut Prasaran Nigam Ltd. Prior to this announcement, KPTL had also informed stock exchanges of Rs.440-crore worth of orders for various transmission lines and substations in Africa and CIS regions.

Crompton Greaves (CG) has won an order worth around Rs.720 crore from PT PLN, the state-owned electricity company of Indonesia, to manufacture and install power transformers ranging from 30 MVA, 70/20kV to 500 MVA, 500/150kV. CG’s power transformers will be installed

across PT PLN’s transmission network, spread over multiple substations and power plants in Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi and the Papua islands of the Indonesian archipelago, a release from CG said. The contract was secured through a highly competitive open book bid. The scope of the project includes site survey, design, manufacture, transportation and installation of the transformers. The order falls under a project funded by PT PLN to enhance the performance of the Indonesian transmission grid, which is critical to PLN’s 35 GW Fast Track Programme, the release added.

IL&FS Engineering & Construction Company Ltd (IL&FS Engineering Services) has received letter of intent for two rural electrification works under Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY), and one under Integrated Power Development Works (IPDS) of West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company

Ltd, Kolkata worth Rs.515.47 crore. DDUGJY–RE contracts are being funded by Rural Electrification Corporation, and IPDS contracts are being funded by Power Financial Corporation. The value of the DDUGY contract, consisting of two packages, is Rs.356 crore while the IPDS contact is valued at Rs.159 crore. The completion period of all the contracts is 24 months, IL&FS said in a stock exchange notification.

Technofab Engineering has won two orders aggregating Rs.220 crore from Power Grid Corporation of India, to be executed in Tripura. Both orders relate to industrial and rural electrification along with works related to 33/11kV substations and associated lines. The two orders are scheduled for completion in 33 months, Technofab said in a stock exchange filing.

Suzlon Group, a global renewable energy solutions provider, has announced the repeat order win of 50.40 mw from a leading undisclosed power utility. The project consists of 24 units of S97 120m hybrid tower with a rated capacity of 2.1 mw. Located in Kutch, Gujarat, the project will be completed by March 2017. Suzlon will execute the entire project on a turnkey basis and will also provide operation and maintenance services for an initial period of 14 years through an integrated service package. The project has the potential to provide power to over 27,000 households and reduce 0.10 million tonnes of CO

2 emissions per annum, a release from Suzlon said.

Bharat Heavy Electricals has secured order for the installation of solar photovoltaic rooftop systems totaling 3.6 mw from Surat Municipal Corporation. The plants will be spread over 10 locations. According to reports, this is the single largest order for a rooftop PV system won by BHEL. The PSU engineering firm currently has annual manufacturing capacity of 105 mw for solar cells and 226 mw for solar modules. n

Orders & COntraCts

Improved order inflow for GEGE T&D India, formerly Alstom T&D India, has reported an order inflow of Rs.1,118 crore during the quarter ending December 31, 2016. This was 37 per cent higher than the comparable quarter of 2015. Major orders received during the given period (October 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016) included a Rs.150.50 crore order from PGCIL for a 765/400kV substation at Chilakaluripeta in Andhra Pradesh, and another 400/220/132kV substation, valued at Rs.1,295 crore, for the same client at Latehar in Jharkhand. The outstanding order book of GE T&D India as of December 31, 2016, stood at Rs.8,153.8 crore.



ndustry leaders needs to made India future ready when it comes to not just conventional

electricity but also intelligent electricity. This was the most important point expressed by Piyush Goyal, Union power minister, in his keynote address at Intelect 2017, a three-day conference cum exhibition organized by industry body IEEMA during January 23-25, 2017, at Greater Noida.

Goyal impressed upon the fact that intelligent electricity encompasses all aspects of the power value chain. However, intelligent electricity, would have to do more with the transmission and distribution side. “The focus is shifting from generation of electricity to transmission and distribution (T&D) and to last-mile connectivity,” the minister observed. He also made a pertinent point about subtle aspects of the electricity value chain, which are now gaining prominence. “Energy efficiency and energy conservation are finding the largest traction in every part of the world,” Goyal stressed adding that India is the largest market for these two crucial aspects. When it comes to energy efficiency and conservation, any amount of investment made has

the fastest payback, he asserted.

ShortageS and SurpluSGoyal brought to light a paradigm shift in the power sector, and how this shift has changed the entire perspective of policy makers and planners. “For years together, we have planned this sector in terms of shortages. For the first time, we have the ability to plan this sector in terms of surplus,” Goyal remarked attracting immediate acknowledgement from the audience.

“For years together, we have planned this sector (power) in terms of shortages. For the first time, we have the ability to plan the sector in terms of surplus. When you plan with surplus, it gives you the

maneuverability to plan intelligently. With shortages, one is always struggling,” was how Goyal put this point across.

Statistics available with Central Electricity Authority indicate that India today has 310 GW of installed power capacity but only 50 per cent of this is used. This means that not the entire capacity is usable due to low power factor of power generation plants. Generation plants based on renewable sources like solar and wind have an inherently low plant load factor, which can also be termed as capacity utilization. On the supply side, electricity generated from one place cannot reach a potential destination due to grid inadequacies.

R.K. Verma, Chairman, Central Electricity Authority, in his address observed that since Independence, India has achieved much on the power generation side with installed power generation capacity multiplying manifold to cross 300 GW today. Corroborating with Goyal’s view that power generation was no longer the prime focus area, Verma said that the emerging challenges in India’s power sector include integration of renewable energy into the power grid, combating climate change, and improving the per

special story

Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Power, Coal, New & Renewable Energy, and Mines

I

India will lead ‘Intelligent electricity’

India’s total power generation capacity is currently over 300 GW, most of it being thermal

intelect 2017


capita electricity consumption in India. In FY16, India’s (annual) per capita consumption was estimated to be around 1,075 kwh, which was the lowest amongst BRICS nations. For a frame of reference, the per capita electricity consumption in China is well over 4,000 kwh. Developed nations have comparable metrics that are in excess of 15,000 kwh. The CEA chairman also explained that economic growth of a nation was in direct proportion to electricity consumption. In this reckoning, India has a long journey ahead.

Verma also impressed upon the audience that intelligent electricity also implies a higher degree of “smartness” in power generation and distribution. For instance, allocation of fuel to coal-based power plants should be based on merit order. When the share of renewable energy plants increases, there will be a corresponding decline in the PLF of existing conventional plants (mainly coal-fired plants.) In this scenario, coal should be diverted to more efficient plants. In other words, efficiency of the coal-based power plant will determine how worthy it would be to receive coal.

On the distribution side, Verma explained that “smartness” will involve significant amount of demand side management. Consumption can be lowered through energy efficiency measures. For instance, LED

lighting has, over the recent years, helped reduce energy consumption substantially.

IndIgenous InnovatIonWhile admitting that innovation and research is a limitless exercise, generally speaking, Piyush Goyal said that intelligent electricity would imply that innovation and research should be relevant to the Indian context. “Our Indian electrical equipment should start coming up with innovations that are indigenous innovations. It does not depend on what is being done worldwide. It is important that the innovations are relevant to the Indian context. We should come up with contextual solutions that are applicable to the Indian ecosystem,” was how Goyal put his point across. In a separate interaction with T&D India at the sidelines of the Intelect 2017 conference, a participant said that in the Indian context smart energy meters, for instance, need to be tamper-proof. This attribute may not be necessarily applicable to developed countries, but in India, the need for tamper-proof meters is highly relevant.

The power minister also dwelt on smart energy meters in the context of intelligent electricity explaining, “a smart meter is a game changer when it comes to planning the electricity sector in the long run.”

He also explained how economies of scale are being realized even in sophisticated equipment like smart meters. When smart meters came on the Indian landscape, they cost in the region of Rs.15,000 to Rs.20,000 per unit. A recent tender of around 10,000 smart meters was finalized at around Rs.3,000 per meter, the minister noted. “Imagine the economies of scale when we look at the larger picture of India needing 25 crore smart meters,” Goyal said emphasizing his idea, adding that Indian smart meters need to meet local requirements and must adapt to local conditions. “This is where indigenous research is necessary. We need more and more ideas coming out from our young engineers. There is much more than young Indian engineers can provide, apart from just cloning what is happening in other parts of the world,” said Goyal in support of the domestic industry.

Goyal dwelt on several other aspects of intelligent electricity, touching upon the need for intelligent power networks, given the increasing role of renewable energy resources. “Energy storage based on renewable can power our country, making it more sustainable. The ability to control from source to socket will be an integral part of intelligent networks.” Goyal recalled the major national grid failure of July 2012 that spurred a massive exercise in making the power grid more robust. The power minister was confident that shifts in technologies could make Indian grids resilient and techno-commercially efficient. “Affordability of power is critical to “Make in India” and “Digital India” and other campaigns,” he observed.

In his concluding remarks, Goyal expressed his faith in India’s ability in meeting the requirements of intelligent electricity: “India will lead the charge when it comes to innovation and technology. The future will not come from other parts of the world. It will be designed in India, made in India and executed in India.” n

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March2017

T


he Union Budget: 2017 presented by Union finance minister on February 1,

2017, was definitely a progressive one, maintaining a conscious thrust on critical areas like rural India and infrastructure. Though the Union Budget speech did not quite have

any new proposals for the power sector, there is plenty in store for equipment suppliers and services providers. T&D India, in this special story, takes a closer look at the key areas for FY18, as gleaned from the budget speech and other budget documents.

The total allocation to the power sector for FY18 has been pegged at Rs.13,881 crore that would be 32 per cent higher than the revised estimate of Rs.10,476 crore forFY17. Out of the total allocation for FY18, total capital expenditure would be Rs.3,586 crore, mainly comprising of

Lead story

Budget maintains focus on rural India, infra

The budget gave a clear indication of the government’s focus to achieve ‘sustainable energy for all’, with two of its critical steps; firstly, by providing a boost to rural electrification with a 25 per cent increase in the outlay for key power schemes

like Integrated Power Development Scheme and Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojna. This is expected to fast track the rural electrification drive of the Government, which is now planned to

be completed by May 1, 2018. Secondly, by strengthening its focus on renewable energy forms with the inflow of another 20 GW in the next fiscal.

This however, will require investments in grid management and digitisation of the grid to ensure supply of quality reliable and safe power. It is important to stress that along with rural electrification, it is equally important to provide reliable and quality power which requires investments towards modernisation of the country’s transmission and distribution power networks and use of digitisation in grid management.”

Anil Chaudhry, MD, Schneider Electric India

Full marks to FM and his team for taking steps to address the need for accelerating growth through raising consumer demand and increasing investment.

Infrastructure is the key for economic growth of the country and Rs 3.96 lakh crore allocation which is 10 per cent over FY17 estimates only re-

emphasises the high importance which the government lays on this. Investment in Railways, airports, 20GW of solar installations, 100 per cent electrification of all villages by May 2018 and continued thrust on transmission and distribution will provide lot to cheer for by the copper industry as it is likely to help growth of copper market.

Sanjeev Ranjan, MD, ICA India

“The Honorable Finance Minister mentioned during his Budget speech that we are well

on our way to achieving 100 per cent village electrification by May 2018. It is globally accepted that access to energy is fundamental to economic growth

and human development. Energy Efficiency Services Limited is proud to have contributed to immense energy savings which help avoid additional capacity, thereby increasing access to electricity.

Duty cuts in LED manufacturing will encourage further innovation and support

our ongoing efforts to reduce the cost of cutting-edge technology. This is a stepping stone towards India becoming a global leader in energy efficiency programmes.”

Saurabh Kumar, MD, Energy Efficiency Services Ltd

The union Budget’s declaration of 100 per cent village electrification by May 2018 will

be beneficial to Power Distribution segment. Also, the plan to add 20,000 mw solar power will boost solar segment. Besides the reduction in Income Tax from 30 per cent to 25

per cent for industries having turnover of less than Rs.50 crore will be beneficial to MSME companies manufacturing power equipment and accessories”

— George Menezes, Chief Operating Officer, Godrej Electricals & Electronics

Su Kam would be standing with Mr Jaitley’s initiative of full electrification of 18,452 villages which were identified in 2015 and that will be achieved by 1 March 2018, for

which an extra Rs4,814 crore will be spent in the next financial year. Also with the announcement of setting up of 20 GW of solar power capacity and feeding 7,000

Development Scheme and Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojna. This is expected to fast track the rural electrification drive of the Government, which is now planned to

be completed by May 1,

the key for economic growth of the country and Rs 3.96 lakh crore allocation which is 10 per cent over FY17 estimates only re-

emphasises the high

on our way to achieving 100 per cent village electrification by May 2018. It is globally accepted that access to energy is fundamental to economic growth

and human development.

Distribution segment. Also, the plan to add 20,000 mw solar power will boost solar segment. Besides the reduction in Income Tax from 30 per cent to 25

which an extra Rs4,814 crore will be spent in the next financial year. Also with the announcement of setting up of 20 GW of solar power capacity and feeding 7,000

Rs.2,500 crore under the Integrated Power Development Scheme. The electrical equipment sector will generally benefit from the huge allocation for infrastructure in FY18, which stands at an all-time high of Rs.3,96,135 crore.

In the context of equipment suppliers and services providers to the power sector, the budget has focused on three ‘R’s –Rural India, Railways and Renewables. We take a closer look.

RuRal IndIaAcross several parameters, the budget has maintained a sharp focus

on rural India. While improving farm incomes has been retained as the ultimate objective, there has been significant allocation towards infrastructure development in rural

India. Allocation to the long-term irrigation fund of NABARD has been proposed at Rs.20,000 crore for FY18, taking the corpus to Rs.40,000 crore. This is expected to boost the demand for agricultural pumps, and in keep with current trends, energy-efficient agricultural pumps. Overall, allocation to the rural sector has been increased by 24 per cent in FY18, over that in FY17. This will spur the demand for various products and services catering to rural infrastructure.

Specifically, allocation under the national rural electrification scheme, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya


Lead story

railway stations with solar power, giving a major impetus to the shift to clean energy.

Solar energy initiatives, with the help of our government policies and the depreciating global prices, is now at an escalating point where it can compete on its own against other forms of conventional energy sources,

Sanjeev Saini Director (Technical), Su-Kam

ThiS budget is expected to lead an inclusive growth with a clear focus to lift the rural economy and create the right infrastructure.

It is indeed encouraging that India is now ranked sixth globally on the manufacturing front. The budget promises a very robust forex reserve, with resilient domestic market, further capitalisation of PSU banks, and launch

of trade infrastructure for export scheme (TIES), can truly position the ‘Make in India’ apart from establishing the country as a global hub for engineering goods.

Tulsi Tanti, CMD, Suzlon Group

The Union Budget is a fiscally prudent budget aimed at fiscal consolidation which should lead to a stable economic growth if implemented in a planned manner. Some announcements like a new metro rail policy,

abolition of Foreign Investment Promotion Board are forward looking which will provide necessary policy impetus to investor sentiments. Selective reduction of corporate

tax rate for companies below Rs 500 million turnover should be a game changer as far as corporate tax inclusion is considered since this will encourage higher compliance at the

lower level of the corporate pyramid where percentage of tax leakages is usually much higher. We also welcome the government’s efforts and commitment to electrification program which mentions that 100 per cent village electrification will be achieved by May 1, 2018.”

Rajeev Sharma, Head- Corporate Services & Strategic Planning, Mitsubishi

Electric India Pvt. Ltd

We believe that the government has focused on creating an inclusive budget for a transparently governed country. It’s refreshing to see the government calling out digital economy as one of the major areas of

focus as this will bring in a more transparent a d m i n i s t r a t i o n , enhancing finances for everyone. The move to incentivize merchants with rebates

will accelerate the adoption of mobile and digital payment systems in India thus increasing the scope of financial services to the under-banked. Personally believe that this budget holds a lot of promise for skilling the youth in the country.

The almost 1/3rd increase in resource allocation towards Integrated Power Development Scheme and Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojna is also a step in the positive direction.”

Sunil Khanna, President & MD - India, Vertiv

The Union Budget 2017-18 aims at comprehending the dream of building a transparent and sustainable economy by providing an impetus to rural economy, road infrastructure, airports and railways, which is a welcome move. . Increasing spends

on capital expenditure and infrastructure, and provisions to generate more employment opportunities, are some of the few pivots that can support India’s rapid growth. Provisions of a

new policy for metro rail and the proposed investment in making 500 railway stations disabled friendly will help provide a boost to the elevator and escalator industry in the long term.

– Sebi Joseph, President,Otis India.

ranked sixth globally on the manufacturing front. The budget promises a very robust forex reserve, with resilient domestic market, further capitalisation of PSU banks, and launch

tax rate for companies below Rs 500 million turnover should be a game changer as far as corporate tax inclusion is considered since this will encourage higher compliance at the

in a more transparent a d m i n i s t r a t i o n , enhancing finances for everyone. The move to incentivize merchants with rebates

and infrastructure, and provisions to generate more employment opportunities, are some of the few pivots that can support India’s rapid growth. Provisions of a

Lead story


Gram Jyoti Yojan (DDUGJY), has been stepped by 44 per cent to Rs.4,814 crore in FY18 from Rs.3,350 crore in FY17. The government has also targeted to achieve 100 per cent electrification by May 1, 2018. This is in keeping with the Prime Minister ’s announcement made on the Independence Day of 2015 that his government will electrify the remaining 18,452 non-electrified villages in 1,000 days thence.

It must be carefully noted that 100 per cent village electrification does not mean that all rural households will be equipped with an electricity connection. Current norms suggest that a village is deemed electrified if 10 per cent of the households have an electricity connection. This is over and above, electricity connections to government offices, schools and dispensaries. Thus, even beyond May 1, 2018, intensification of village electrification, which is increasing the number of electric connections, even in so-called “electrified” villages, will continue.

When rural electrification took off in India, then under the Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana, even Central PSUs like Power Grid Corporation of India, and large private contractors

like KEC International Ltd, were involved. Over the years, rural electrification has spawned a fraternity of small and medium contractors that have progressed from being electrical equipment manufacturers.

RaIlwaysUnion Budget 2018 was historic in view of the fact that for the very time in history, there was no separate Railway Budget. All major proposals, which would have been made in the Railway Budget speech, were subsumed in the Union Budget speech. The total capital expenditure on the Railways for FY18 has been estimated at Rs.1,39,341 crore, which includes Rs.55,000 crore as Central assistance. The total capital

expenditure for FY18, is nearly 30 per cent higher than in FY17. The focus this year has been on signaling and telecom that has an outlay of Rs.2,331 crore as against Rs.954 crore in FY17. The Budget has also envisaged electrical works (other than railway electrification) of Rs.362 crore. Industry sources suggest that electrification of railway lines will be a slow process in the coming years, as many of the important and revenue-centric lines have already been electrified. Undertaking electrification of sparse-traffic lines might not be remunerative.

The Indian Railways is instead proposing to procure dual-mode locomotives that can run on electricity (on electrified routes) and on diesel, in the case of non-electrified routes. Having dual-mode locomotives will obviate the need for changing the locomotive from an electric one to a diesel locomotive during the journey. As the dual-mode locomotive is largely going to be a “Make in India” endeavour, it presents opportunity to Indian suppliers for transformers and other electrical components used in the propulsion system of such locomotives.

RenewablesContracting companies in the field of rooftop solar plants are poised to benefit from the Budget proposal of installing such plants atop 7,000 railway stations. A beginning has already been made with 300 stations. The Budget has also proposed to install power generation plants that would use biodegradable waste from railways, at New Delhi and Jaipur railway stations.

In solar energy, the Budget has proposed to take up the second phase of the Solar Park development project, envisaging an additional 20,000 mw of generation capacity. The Union Budget has also made an allocation of Rs.75 crore towards capital expenditure on Green Energy Corridors. n

www.wired.com


New LauNchesSmart back-up system from LuminousLuminous Power Technologies has launched Regalia, a unique power back-up system that can be wall mounted and comes loaded with so many features. A product note from Luminous said that the system is the most compact power back-up system available in India and uses the latest in-built lithium ion battery technology – just like mobile phones. Regalia is maintenance free and has a battery lifespan of up to 10 years. Regalia has the option to be charged with regular mains supply

or through solar panels. Its unique fast charging technology charges battery completely in 2-3 hours, the release said, adding that users can stay connected with the back-up system using Wi-Fi. Diagnostics are also possible via smart phones. It is safe, eliminating the risk of accidental contact by doing away with wires, terminals and includes an in-built safety mechanism to protect appliances from voltage surges and short circuits, the product note added.

Most efficient low-voltage motorsSiemens Ltd has announced the launch of its new range of energy

efficient motor SIMOTICS 1LE7. The new SIMOTICS 1LE7 range of motors is the newest entrant in the existing range of motors offered by Siemens in India. These motors, to be manufactured in India, offer efficiency values higher than the IE3 standards that is currently the highest efficiency class as recognized by Indian Standards. Siemens SIMOTICS 1LE7 motors are capable of offering an average monetary savings of up to 8–20 per cent depending on the frame size. Apart from generating savings, the SIMOTICS 1LE7 range of motors will assist customers to reduce lifecycle costs, and meet environmental regulations. Siemens Ltd was also the first company in India to launch the locally – manufactured IE2 and IE3 efficiency class industrial motors. Today, one out of two energy efficient low voltages IE motor sold in India is from Siemens. (Image shown here is representative.)

EPIC® SMART industrial connectorsLapp India, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Germany-based Lapp Group, has launched EPIC® SMART, an industrial rectangular connector. EPIC® SMART industrial connector is designed and manufactured in Asia for Asian

customers with the promise of high performance at a cost-effective price. These connectors are used for power and control application in all industries ranging from machine tool, automotive and material handling to industrial automation. They are suitable for rated current up to 16A and voltage: 500V tested as per DIN IEC 60512-5 and with UL approval. EPIC® SMART is available in 6, 10, 16 and 24 contacts with screw type termination for easy assembly. These connectors can withstand temperature ranging from -40°C to +125°C making them very robust for industrial applications, a release from Lapp India said.

K40 family from MicrochipThe PIC18F “K40” family of microcontrollers (MCUs) is now available from Microchip Technology Inc., a company release said. The family consists of 10 new devices ranging from 16-128 KB of flash memory with package options covering 28-64 pins. These cost optimised 8-bit MCUs are

the first PIC18 product family to offer Microchip’s popular Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs). CIPs provide developers with the ability to accomplish tasks in hardware while freeing up the CPU to do other tasks or go to sleep. This results in reduced power consumption, allows for deterministic response time, decreased firmware development and time needed for validation. The PIC18F “K40” features the ADC with Computation (ADC2) — an intelligent Analog to Digital


The Union power ministry had mandated that foreign companies that wanted to supply mainplant supercritical power equipment (boilers and turbine generators) to government power projects should be willing to set up indigenous manufacturing facilities. This advisory expired in October 2015 but has since been extended by another three years, which is up to October 2018.

Accordingly, a foreign bidder should have a registered subsidiary or a joint venture company for manufacturing of supercritical boilers or turbines in India.

The bidder in this case must maintain an equity participation

of minimum 51 per cent in the subsidiary or minimum 26 per cent in the JV company during the lock-in period of seven years.

A minimum 75 per cent of the land required for setting up the manufacturing facility should be in possession with clear title, prior to submission of bid in the name if the subsidiary/JV company.

[The first advisory to this effect was issued on February 2, 2010 and it expired in October 2012. The advisory was then extended by three years to October 2015 and is now being extended for a

further period of three years.]

New LauNchesConverter which, independent of the core, can control data acquisition and signal analysis functions required in sensor interface applications, such as capacitive touch sensing. The addition of CIPs to the PIC18F “K40” builds upon the legacy of the successful PIC18F “K20” family. These new devices are cost effective and offer up to 128KB of flash, 5V operation, EEPROM and extensive peripheral integration, the release added.

NI launches upgraded VirtualBench National Instruments (NI) has announced the VB-8054 instrument, a new higher performance model of VirtualBench. VirtualBench plays a key role in reducing the cost and footprint of test and measurement systems by consolidating five of the most commonly used instruments into one device without

compromising the performance of each instrument. Combined with a modern software experience and simple programming interface, VirtualBench creates new efficiencies for engineers interacting with benchtop test equipment or developing low-cost automated test systems, a release from NI said. The VirtualBench application requires zero installation and can load automatically through Windows AutoPlay when connected

through USB. VirtualBench also includes software capabilities like digital phosphor density maps for displaying multiple acquisitions simultaneously, XY mode for plotting channels against one another and hands-free smart capture for automatic data capture of repeated stable waveforms. The VirtualBench hardware family consists of three models most easily designated by oscilloscope analog bandwidth: 100, 350 and 500 MHz. n

Domestic manufacturing clause for supercritical power equipment

Photo: Toshiba JSW Power Systems

KNowLedge ceNtre


interview

We observe that most of your power T&D projects are overseas. Tell us about the rationale of this preference.Angelique International Ltd was founded in 1996. Promoters and the professionals, who joined the company had vast experience in international projects. The basic aim and vision was to establish a company to deliver quality international EPC projects over the years in developing countries. The main focus has been on all parts of Africa, SAARC and ASEAN regions. Developing countries are deficient in infrastructure and availability of power is a big problem in Africa. This was one of the main reasons for us to go in for T&D projects in Africa.

Our first major T&D job was in Sudan, the 220kV 342-km Singa–Hawatta–Gedaref–Galabat double circuit transmission line with three substations consisting of 2x100 MVA transformers each. On the successful execution of this project,

we were awarded the Mali–Ivory Coast interconnection project.

It is not just power T&D, Angelique focuses on the entire value chain including generation, rural electrification and household connections. Incidentally, Angelique is the only Indian company having undertaken complete EPC hydropower projects in Africa. We completed our first hydropower project along with its associated transmission line and substations in Rwanda last year. We also completed the Salma Dam hydropower project in Afghanistan that was inaugurated by Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi last year.

It was in 2005 that Angelique diversified into domestic market.

Which countries or regions do regard as high-potential ones when it comes to your overseas power T&D business?Developing countries in sub Saharan Africa suffer from deficiency in

Angelique International is a global EPC company with expertise in diverse areas like power, water and industry. In the power transmission segment, Angelique International has proved its competence by successfully constructing complex transmission systems in diverse global geographies. We have Rattan Lal Labroo discussing at length Angelique’s power transmission business. Getting into the EHV segment, including 400kV, 500kV and 765kV, both in India and abroad, is high on the company’s agenda, notes Labroo. An interaction by Venugopal Pillai.

We are now eyeing the 400kV and 765kV segment

— Rattan Lal Labroo, Joint President – Power Group, Angelique International Ltd

225/30/15kV Sikasso substation, Mali


interview


power infrastructure. This is a major region having potential for T&D projects. In addition, South East Asian and SAARC countries offer a lot of potential.

What are the typical challenges that power T&D contractors face during project execution? In general terms, what difference do you perceive whilst executing projects in India and overseas?There are many challenges in executing projects overseas. For instance, on the technical side, each country and region has its own practices of construction of T&D systems. It sometimes becomes difficult to convince the authorities on the advancement or improvisation in the system as they are not ready to deviate from the techniques that they have been using for years.

There also exists significant difference in executing projects in India and abroad.In overseas projects, the specifications of the equipments do not necessarily cover all technicalities required by contractor to design the system. This is mainly due to blending of the practices prevailing in the country and the specifications prevailing in the country of origin of consultant. Thus it becomes difficult to sort out the contradictions, considering the local conditions

Many a times the contractor has to improvise and frame the requirements by carrying out system study, as grid data is not available.

The routing to destination is to be planned carefully taking into account the time taken and cost analysis for transportation to ultimate destination. One has to be clear about port clearances, local laws, taxation, customs formalities etc. Unloading machinery like cranes of sufficient capacities are not available in many places. There are instances where we had to transport cranes from neighboring countries.

Also, replenishing the shortage of materials is a costly affair and a difficult task, as the lead time for sending the materials from India or elsewhere is long. Even airlifting has to be done sometimes. Basic

hardware items of standard sizes are not available in some places and hence need to be airlifted from India.

In 90 per cent of cases, skilled manpower is sent from India adding to the cost and time, as the visa formalities and police clearances elongate the time line.

Even the basic tools and tackles are to be carried from India. In some cases, it is difficult to airlift some of the testing equipment because of its size.

Language of communication poses a big problem in many countries. Most of the West African nations are Francophone.

Warlike situation or political disturbance is a big challenge in some countries like Yemen, Afghanistan, Burundi, Mali, Tchad where we are working or have worked. We had to evacuate our staff for safety reasons.

Obtaining shutdowns is particularly difficult for interconnection jobs where multiple agencies in different countries are involved. It is difficult to arrive at an agreement as the utilities have different priorities.

What comes to your mind as the most challenging power transmission project executed in India or overseas? It is difficult to pick up one project. However, the Mali-Ivory Coast interconnection project was a challenging one.

The scope was a 100-km 225kV line

225/16.5kV Djibi substation, Ivory Coast

220kV Gadaref-Gallabat transmission line, Sudan

angelique international ltd

interview


in Mali and a 137-km 225kV line in Ivory Coast forming interconnection between two countries. It also involved construction of complete 225kV substations at Ferkesedougou in Ivory Coast and at Sikasso, Koutiala and Segou in Mali.

It also involved synchronizing power systems of Ivory Coast and Mali and making it operational, and providing and commissioning a 1,200-km PLCC/OPGW communication link from Abidjan in Ivory Coast to Segou in Mali.

The challenges encoutered were very significant:

The project jurisdiction fell in two countries Mali and Ivory Coast, but Mali was the client. The material shipment was through Abidjan, Ivory Coast but had to be stored in Sikasso, Mali, due to rebels’ control in the area of the project in Ivory Coast; authorities were not inclined to keep storage in Ivory Coast. Managing time and cost was a big challenge to operate the stores from Mali, first towards Mali and then from Mali to Ivory Coast.

The Mali Ivory Coast border was controlled by rebels—gun-totting persons in military uniform with no state authority—but full illegal authority. They would harass at will for passing the border. Our staff was directed not to travel in evening and return to base before dark as there was threat. In the 137-km road length in Ivory Coast territory, there were about ten more similar check posts.

We had instances where our site staff was fired upon by AK47. Luckily the occupants were safe, and the bullets pierced the car mud guards. Shooting, looting intimidation were daily rituals in that section.

Live line stringing of one circuit (10-km 225kV line) was to be done while the other circuit feeding the third country Burkina Faso was already energized. Only for final tensioning brief shutdowns were taken. For this the coordination had to be done with multiple authorities in three countries—Mali, Ivory

Coast and Burkina Faso.While the project work was in final

stage, there was a military coup in Mali. We had made an evacuation plan for the safety of the personnel. Some people were shifted, but we established a perfect liaison with the local authorities and our embassy and carried out the work taking the risk factor in account. Had we evacuated the personnel at that time, it would have taken a minimum one more year for completion and that too at an exorbitant additional cost.

At that time, the total installed power generation capacity of Mali was around 250 mw. With the commissioning of this project, the country got an additional 100 mw of reliable power. The power supply was a boon for society in general and particularly helped flourishing of the cottage industry.

India has envisioned huge capital expenditure in the power T&D sector right from setting up of EHV power transmission infrastructure right down to village electrification. How do you see business opportunities in India?India has been the frontrunner in energy sector investment. This has brought in the pace in the power

T&D sector towards network growth and reliable grid power. Yes, with the current plans of development in T&D sector right up to village electrification we see major opportunities. State utilities with help of Power Grid Corporation of India are putting up more and more capital towards strengthening of the system and expansion thereof. We are actively participating in various upcoming packages.

Our international exposure and workability with success in hostile and difficult terrains will serve us good in the domestic market.

Currently, what is the share of power T&D in your overall business portfolio? Angelique International Ltd has its roots in core electrical sector comprising energy and power T&D sector. It is backed up by strong-willed professionals having rich experience. The share of T&D business including generation in our overall business portfolio is roughly about 60 to 65 per cent, at present.

Do you envisage this share rising in the coming years?With active involvement in rising opportunities in India we envisage this share rising by another 10 per cent in coming years.

What are the key milestones that you would like to see Angelique International crossing in the next 5-7 years, when it comes to your power T&D business?We are already executing a 285-km 400kV transmission line in Nepal. We are also executing a 400kV substation project in Zimbabwe.

We have already proved our competence in the 220kV segment and are furthering our steps into the 400 kV segment.

In the next few years we see ourselves doing 400kV and 765kV power T&D projects in India and abroad, in full swing. We are also seeking opportunities in the 500kV segment outside India. n

115kV multi-circuit line, Laos

220/110/33kV Singa substation, Sudan

angelique international ltd

Achievement


BB has teamed up with Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd in a mega project worth over Rs.4,350 crore for ABB to deliver a transmission link that

will have the capacity to bring reliable electricity to more than 80 million people. The Raigarh-Pugalur 800kV ultra high voltage direct current (UHVDC) system will connect Raigarh in Central India to Pugalur in Tamil Nadu.

The 1,830-km link will be among the longest in the world. With a capacity of 6,000 mw, it will be enough to meet the electricity needs of over 80 million people in India. The two-way link will integrate thermal and wind energy for transmission of power to high consumption centers located thousands of kilometers away, supporting electricity demands in the south, when wind strength is low, and transmitting clean energy to the north, when there is excess wind power, a release from ABB said.

The total project value is worth more than Rs.5,700 crore and the balance will be executed by ABB’s consortium partner Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd. The project is expected to be completed in 2019.

In the release, Sanjeev Sharma, CEO and Managing Director, ABB India, said, “It will be a milestone in the efficient transmission of power on high voltage direct current lines between central and south India and

integration of renewable energy in a smart grid. It is a great example of the Make in India initiative where design, engineering, manufacturing of major components and project execution is done locally.”

ABB has an impressive HVDC track-record in India, where it introduced the technology over 25 years ago with the Vindhyachal project in 1989. Raigarh-Pugalur is ABB’s sixth HVDC project in India and the second UHVDC installation, following the multi-terminal North-East Agra link, which has been already partially energized and is in the final phase of completion.

UHVDC transmission is a development of HVDC, a technology pioneered by ABB more than 60 years ago. ABB has been awarded about 110 HVDC projects, which represents a total installed capacity of more than 120,000 MW and accounts for around half the global installed base.

HVDC transmission links help to conserve land as they occupy only one third of the space compared to the alternative. In this case that amounts to a saving of approximately 244 sqkm of space, which for a frame of reference, is around one third the area of Bangalore city. n

A

HVDC transmission lines help conserve land as they occupy only one third of the space compared to the alternative. In the Raigarh-Pugalur

line land savings will be around one third the area of Bangalore.

Valve halls like this one (North-East Agra station) are to be built for the new UHVDC link between Raigarh-Pugalur.

Achievement

ABB lands its second UHVDC project in India

The 800 kV UHVDC link between Raigarh-Pugalur is 1,830 km long and has a capacity of 6,000 mw, enough to meet the electricity needs

of approximately 80 million people

Focus: Power trAnsmission

ABB lands its second UHVDC project in India


interview

Sharper Shape, as we understand, is a leader in “aerial” works. Please summarize, in simple terms, the various services you offer, especially in the field of power transmission.Sharper Shape is a drone service company that uses beyond-visual-line-of-sight (or long-distance) drone flights for utility asset inspections. The Sharper A6 drone captures millions of data points on utility assets and neighboring trees (height, weight, species, proximity to power lines) to allow companies to see and assess the most serious risks to the power grid.

In short, Sharper Shape services include:•Vegetation management:

Automated LiDAR clearance and risk analysis, complete with growth forecasting, provides utilities with an efficient and cost-effective way to scan thousands of miles of trees and their proximity to power lines.

•Maintenance inspection: HD photo, video, corona detection, thermography and LiDAR in one flight. These high resolution images and precise measurements

can reveal even the smallest risks in grid components, ranging from a small crack in an insulator blade to an exact location of a corroded conductor.

•Asset management: Total asset base awareness to plan a scheduled overhaul or rebuilding after a disaster. Gathered data sets can be stored in a cloud ecosystem and quickly analyzed directly after collection in order to plan immediate and future field work.

We understand that your bouquet of services broadly comprises drones, measuring equipment and software. Tell us more.Our technology consists of our Sharper A6 drone, Sharperscope 5.0 and our Sharper software.

The Sharper A6 is the world’s first drone engineered to fly extended beyond-visual-line-of-sight missions. It has already flown and surveyed thousands of kilometers of transmission and distribution lines in Finland. It has four redundant cellular networks to make it virtually impossible for the drone to lose communication with ground control or get intercepted.

Power transmission is an area that is fast embracing new technologies for maintenance and even planning. One such emerging technology is drones. Sharper Shape, a drone service company, recently entered India through a partnership with Sterlite Power. In this exclusive exchange, Tero Heinonen tells us how the developed world is fast appreciating the deployment of drones as a cost-effective and even environment-friendly means for aerial surveys. Heinonen feels that India, with its focus on power transmission, can be an interesting market for Sharper Shape. An interaction by Venugopal Pillai.

The use of drones can increase the uptime of the Indian grid

— Tero Heinonen, CEO, Sharper Shape Inc.


Sharperscope 5.0

interview


It also leverages the LTE multi-billion-dollar commercial networks while others are using unreliable point-to-point (P2P) connections, or expensive and invariably latent satellite connections.

Sharperscope 5.0 is the only platform capable of collecting data from all of the following in a single flight: HD cameras, infrared sensors, corona detector, LiDAR sensor.

Our Sharper software automatically compiles all the inspection data for each individual asset, and flags issues that may need the inspector’s attention. Our software is also able to automatically detect vegetation issues such as encroachment, risky growth patterns and skewed trees.

We learn that Sharper Shape has reached an agreement with Indian utility Sterlite Power. Is this your first exposure to India? What is the scope of the collaboration with Sterlite Power?We formed a partnership with Sterlite Power in 2016 to provide drone inspection services for utility assets in India. As part of the agreement, Sterlite made a minority investment in Sharper Shape to foster Indian market growth and tech development. Together, we’re currently awaiting approvals for long-distance drone flights. In the meantime, we are preparing the necessary steps such as the long-distance flight plans, and are conducting visual-line-of-sight test flights with the Sharper A6 and Sharperscope 5.0 multi-sensor system.

India has a power transmission network of more than a million circuit kilometers which is undergoing double-digit growth annually. The use of drones will increase the uptime of the grid, reduce transmission tariffs, avoid grid blackouts and save the environment by reducing deforestation.

Apart from USA, your country of origin, which countries currently dominate your business portfolio? Do you operate in emerging nations?In addition to the US and India, we have a strong presence in Europe, considering we were founded in Finland and were the first to conduct commercial beyond-visual-line-of-sight drone asset inspections in Europe. We are also making strides in Asia and South America, as well.

We fully expect the demand for drone inspection services to grow dramatically in the immediate future, with more utilities worldwide adopting drones for inspection and maintenance purposes. And it is not just utilities that can benefit. In fact, critical assets like oil and gas pipelines, wind turbines and railways can benefit from drone inspections.

India needs long transmission lines, often passing through forests and other protected vegetation. Securing right-of-way many times becomes a hurdle. Do you have specific solutions for this aspect?This is an issue we are familiar with. Our vegetation analysis software has been successfully used to plan

new transmission lines in Finland (a very densely forested country with 78 per cent of land area being forested land). Sharper Shape was able to identify the optimal routing to minimize the extent of forestry work needed and the impact of the right-of-way to the local fauna and flora.

Furthermore, our drone-based vegetation management service provides a clear ecological advantage over more traditional alternatives. Once the transmission line is built, our battery-powered drones are a much more silent and environmentally-friendly way of inspection than using helicopters or land patrols in 4x4 vehicles.

This point has also come up in our recent tests in the United States, where there is protected fauna that inhabits the right-of-way of power lines in California and the Midwest.

What specific services of Sharper Shape do you see India benefiting from? We believe that the vege0tation management and maintenance inspection services can be used in India almost immediately and for instant benefit. Utilizing a more modern and efficient way of inspecting and maintain the existing lines can increase reliability for the end consumer while lowering the cost and electricity losses for the power producers, so both sides win. At a time when electricity demand in India is increasing yearly, this could prove helpful for the further electrification of the country and help industrial productivity. n

Sharper A6 preparing for flight

sharPer shaPe inc.

Sharper A6 close-up Sharper A6 on ground


SCS has assessed that ACCC conductors developed by CTC Global can reduce CO2 emissions by 27-31 per cent vis-à-vis ACSR conductors. Tell us more about how the underlying tests were performed. How long did the entire process take?Testing of the ACCC® conductor began back in 2003 and continues to this day to satisfy the requirements of a growing number of international customers. While members of the power generation and T&D community are close in many ways and collaborate on many levels through organizations such as IEEE, Cigre, EEI and others, on another level the community is quite fragmented. In other words, individual utilities often have very different viewpoints on asset management, technology adoption and operating parameters which is the primary reason why testing continues after nearly fifteen years.

While SCS Global Services studied all available data, they also performed numerous calculations using the IEEE 738 Standard for calculating

the current-temperature relationship of bare overhead conductors to assess line losses using an array of operating assumptions and conditions through a range of voltages, line lengths, etc., which are described in their assessment report. SCS Global also used CTC Global’s CCP™ software which is an excel-based program CTC Global’s customers use to assess the efficiency, capacity, economics and sag of any conductor type. As part of the six month process, SCS also certified the validity of the CCP program which anyone can request a free copy of at www.ctcglobal.com

Tell us more about the global acceptance of the SCS certificate and the positive impact that it will have on ACCC conductors.ACCC conductor is the first conductor among its competitors to receive certification under the ISO 14044:2006 Standard established for Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The Standard, created by the International Organization for Standardization (the same organization responsible for the ISO 9001 standard) is

CTC Global ACCC® (aluminium conductor

composite core) conductor recently became the first

electric transmission conductor in history to

earn SCS certification for CO2 emission reductions resulting from improved

energy efficiency. SCS Global Services (SCS) verified that

ACCC conductor reduces CO2 emissions associated

with transmission line losses by 27 to 31 per cent under

certain design conditions compared to conventional

steel reinforced ACSR conductors, the 100-year old technology currently used in

most electric transmission and distribution power lines.

We have Dave Bryant, Director – Technology, CTC

Global Corporation, explaining what this distinction means to his company and to the

power transmission sector at large. An interaction by

Venugopal Pillai.

The SCS certification can drive better adoption of ACCC conductors

IntervIew Focus: Power transmIssIon

IntervIew


used globally as the basis of LCA studies and claims. As a natural consequence, the certification can be used in any part of the world to make the claims mentioned in the certificate. Because ACCC was the first high performance conductor to receive such a certification, it establishes CTC Global’s leadership position in contributing to global climate change mitigation efforts. This will not only drive greater adoption of ACCC conductors owing to its inherent advantages but will also bring about the much needed realization that efficient transmission is an important method for achieving carbon reduction objectives.

Of the various countries that CTC Global caters to, which countries would be most “sensitive” and “responsive” to this newly-acquired distinction?We believe that all countries, whether developed or developing, will find it in their best interest to consider the ACCC conductor in light of the newly-acquired distinction. In the case of developed countries, there is a strong case for installing ACCC not only to relieve congested lines but also provide a cutting-edge solution for smart grid and other grid expansion initiatives where reliability is the key differentiator. As for emerging economies, the case could not be stronger. With rapid expansion in both population and attendant infrastructure, the reliable and efficient supply of electricity will be crucial to economic development goals at any level. We see Asia, Africa and Latin America as key for us among emerging markets as well as the US and Western Europe among other developed markets.

How do you see the impact, especially in India and China, where reduction in CO2 emissions is a strong national priority?India and China are key markets for CTC Global. India is among the fastest growing emerging economies and is the 4th largest GHG emitter

globally -- the result of a fossil-fuel intensive grid mix. Furthermore, the government has ambitious plans of providing electricity to an additional 25 per cent of the population by 2022, as per the World Bank. Given these circumstances, there is going to be a massive requirement for power infrastructure which will require high performance transmission conductors. India is also a signatory nation to the Copenhagen and Paris Climate Accords with ambitious goals for carbon reduction all the while maintaining exceptionally strong economic growth. This will not be possible without significant upgrade and expansion to the power infrastructure. The ACCC conductor, despite being a minor element within the grander scheme, can play a major role at least in the transmission and distribution space. The fact that ACCC conductors provide enhanced capacity and efficiency relative to competing conductors, will and is producing significant interest within the Indian market. Aggressive targets for renewable energy development further add to this impetus.

The Chinese story is very similar. China, the largest GHG emitter is also signatory to the Paris Agreement and has set a goal to reduce carbon intensity 60-65 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030. We believe that efficient energy transmission within the grid can be a further tool to meet China’s ambitious carbon mitigation targets.

Lastly, while it is very easy to imagine CO2 emissions during power generation, can you explain how CO2 emissions are actually caused during power transmission?CO2 emissions are not caused by the transmission or distribution of electricity. However, line losses or other system inefficiencies consume a significant portion of all electricity generated. A reduction in line losses serves to reduce the amount of electricity required to be generated under any given load condition. A reduction in generation serves to reduce fuel consumption and associated emissions. For instance, for every megawatt hour (MWh) of electricity generated using coal, nearly one tonne of CO2 is generated. The ACCC conductor’s ability to reduce line losses by approximately 30 per cent compared to ACSR conductors is making a significant impact.

One year ago when approximately 30,500 km of ACCC had been in service over a twelve month period, it was estimated that the ACCC conductor reduced CO2 emissions by over 12.2 million tonnes that year, based on an average emission output of 0.626 tonnes per MWh (considering all combined sources of generation). This was the equivalent of removing over 2.6 million cars from the road during that time frame. With nearly 40,000 km of ACCC in service today in 40 countries at nearly 450 project sites, that number will surely grow. n

Focus: Power transmIssIon


S E T R U MPS C

S E T R U MPS C


S E C T R U MPS


Advertisers’ indexCompany Page No. Company Page No. Company Page No. Company Page No.

Adinath Extrusion Pvt Ltd 7 Gurud Industries 37 Pradeep Sales & Service Pvt Ltd 38 Sumip Composites Pvt Ltd 43 (IBC)

Anand Engineering Corpration 36 IEEMA Meetering India 2017 19 Precision Wires India Ltd 2 (IFC) Supreme Electroplast Industries 37

Atlas Filtration Services 36 ITMA 17 R R Enterprises 38 Trak Enterprises 36

Braco Electricals (India) Pvt Ltd 9 Jay International 37 Reliserv Solutions 37 Transpower India Electronics Pvt Ltd 38

Calter (STI Industries) 37 Madhav Engineers Pvt Ltd 5 Shree NM Unilog Industricals Supplies Pvt. Ltd 13 Urja Infratech & Power Projects (I) Pvt Ltd 37

Deccan Engineering Services 36 Mathura Switchgears Pvt Ltd 36 Slimlites Electricals Pvt Ltd 44 (BC) Vinayak Corporation 37

Electro Care (India) Pvt.Ltd. 38 Myriad Industrial Solutions LLP 36 Spark Electrosystems 37

Elektra Precisioion Systems 36 Neutronics Manufacturing Company 36 State Enterprises 27

Epcos India Pvt Ltd 11 Om Indutries 37 Sterlite Power Transmission Ltd 3

CorrIgENdumIn the February 2017 edition of T&D India, on page 20, the name of the CEO of mjunction services limited should read as Vinaya Varma and not as published. The error is regretted.

-Editor

Prysmian Group has announced that its newly established Chilean affiliate is now fully operational. The South American market is experiencing growth in both the energy and telecom sectors, and Chile is one of the most promising markets in the continent. Prysmian has been selling into the Chilean market for many years and has decided to open a local legal entity in order to expand its reach in the country, a release from Prysmian said. Initially Prysmian Chile will operate through a local warehouse, making available Prysmian Group’s entire product range to the local market, the release added.

Building on the strategic alliance between Siemens and Bentley Systems, that was made public in November, 2016, Siemens’ Energy Management Division and Bentley Systems have announced an agreement to jointly develop solutions to accelerate digitalization of planning, design and operations for power utilities and industrial power customers. Bentley Systems is a global leader in software solutions for advancing the design, construction, and operations of infrastructure. The first of the new offerings will integrate Bentley System’s utility design and geographic information systems (GIS) capabilities with Siemens’ Power System Simulation (PSS) Suite, with specific solutions for power transmission, power distribution and industrial facilities. Combining these two platforms provides customers with Bentley’s expertise in 3D infrastructure asset modelling and GIS with Siemens’ knowledge and renowned experience in energy system planning and simulation.

Prysmian Group has secured a £27-million contract with East Anglia One Ltd to supply and install the land cable connection for the East Anglia ONE offshore wind farm. Comprising of 102 turbines, the £2.5-billion wind farm will generate

sufficient electricity to power 500,000 homes. The contract involves the supply and installation of a 220kV double circuit from the Bawdsey shore landing to a new substation in Bramford – covering a route of some 37 km. Prysmian is responsible for the system design, supply, installation and testing of the cables and their accessories. The underground high voltage cables will be manufactured by Prysmian and installed by its UK-based installation division, relying on the expertise of its technical design team.

ScottishPower Renewables has chosen Nexans’ submarine cables to carry energy onshore from its new 714 mw East Anglia ONE offshore windfarm. Nexans will supply and install two 85 km 3-core submarine cables with embedded fibre optics, as well as accompanying accessories, for the wind farm in the North Sea. The contract is worth more than 180 million euros. The new wind farm, due to be finished in 2020, will be made of up 102 wind turbines with a capacity to power around 500,000 homes. The entire project is worth nearly €3 billion. Nexans will type test, manufacture and then install the high voltage cables and accessories at the 300 sqkm site. The turnkey contract includes a pre-installation survey and cable protection by burying. Delivery of the cables will begin in 2018. DeepOcean has been subcontrtacted by Nexans to perform the transport and installation scope which will comprise all marine installation activities including crossings and cable protection.

International technology group Andritz has received an order from Energie Steiermark to supply the electromechanical equipment for a new hydropower plant to be built in the Puntigam district of Graz. Commissioning is planned for the first half of 2019. Andritz Hydro will supply two bulb turbines (capacity: 2x9-mw) with a runner diameter of 3,600 mm each, including speed controllers as well as generators and excitation systems. A major part of the equipment will be produced in Andritz Hydro’s production facilities in Austria, mainly at the generator manufacturing plant in Weiz, thus providing local value added. The power station will be equipped with a fish-ladder and will supply clean, renewable energy for around 20,000 households, thus reducing carbon emissions by 60,000 tonnes of CO

2 annually.

NI has announced the opening of the new NI Industrial IoT (Internet of Things) Lab at its Austin headquarters. The NI Industrial IoT Lab focuses on intelligent systems that connect operational technology, information technology and the companies working on these systems. Designed with flexibility for the future, the lab’s operational focus includes areas such as microgrid control and communication, advanced control for manufacturing, and asset monitoring for heavy equipment.

Wartsila will supply two 50-mw smart power generation plants to energy and services company Centrica in the UK. Each plant is based on five Wartsila 34SG engines running on natural gas. The power plants are scheduled to be operational in 2018. Wartsila’s scope covers the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC). The order is booked in January, 2017. The plants will be the biggest medium-speed engine-based gas power plants in the UK, an official release from Wartsila noted. n

Global SnippetS


Photo Feature

Intelect 2017 A journey in pictures


number story


Programme vs achievement of transmission Lines and substations

Voltage 2016-17 ProgrammeDecember 2016 April-December 2016

Programme Achievement Programme Achievement

Transmission Lines (ckm)

+/-800kV HVDC

Central Sector 2,597 0 0 2,597 2,574

State Sector 0 0 0 0 0

Total 2,597 0 0 2,597 2,574

+/-500kV HVDC

Central Sector 0 0 0 0 0

JV/Private Sector 0 0 0 0 0

Total 0 0 0 0 0

765kV

Central Sector 3,123 0 552 3,123 4,025

State Sector 750 0 0 750 337

JV/Private Sector 1,313 0 377 1,133 1,327

Total 5,186 0 929 5,006 5,689

400kV

Central Sector 3,953 421 199 2,889 2,674

State Sector 5,799 2,070 1,068 5,485 3,361

JV/Private Sector 762 0 362 942 1,801

Total 10,514 2,491 1,629 9,316 7,836

200kV


State Sector 5,009 530 530 4,132 4,423


Total 5,087 530 530 4,132 4,471

Grand Total 23,384 3,021 3,088 21,051 20,570

Substations (MVA)

+/-800kV HVDC

Central Sector 1,500 0 0 1,500 1,500

State Sector 0 0 0 0 0

Total 1,500 0 0 1,500 1,500

+/-500kV HVDC



Total 0 0 0 0 0

765kV

Central Sector 10,500 1,500 3,000 10,500 12,000

State Sector 1,500 0 0 1,500 3,000


Total 14,000 1,500 3,000 14,000 16,500

400kV

Central Sector 9,890 1,130 500 6,075 9,240

State Sector 13,015 500 830 10,385 7,825


Total 24,905 1,630 1,330 18,460 19,065

200kV


State Sector 4,783 580 1,200 4,003 10,470


Total 4,783 580 1,200 4,003 10,470

Grand Total 45,188 3,710 5,530 37,963 47,535

Source: Central Electricity Authority


Power Grid Corporation of India has announced that it has sold its entire holding in its erstwhile wholly-owned subsidiary Power System Operation Corporation (POSOCO) to the government of India. Accordingly, 306.40 lakh equity shares of Rs.10 each were sold for a total consideration of Rs.81.21 crore, PGCIL said in a stock exchange notification.

Crompton Greaves Ltd has received shareholders’ approval for changing the company’s name to CG Power and Industrial Solutions Ltd, the company informed in a stock exchange filing. Crompton Greaves Ltd was incorporated in 1937, as ‘Crompton Parkinson Works Private Ltd’ but changed its name to ‘Crompton Parkinson Works Ltd’ in 1960 when it became public. In 1966, the company’s name was changed to ‘Crompton Greaves Ltd.’ At present, the company is operating in a fully integrated B2B segment comprising two business – power T&D and industry.

Competition Commission of India has Schneider Electric’s proposed purchase of the remaining 26 per cent in power backup solutions provider Luminous Power Technologies. In 2011, Schneider Electric had acquired 74 per cent of Luminous Power Technologies (LPT) for a total consideration of Rs 1,400 crore. Schneider would now acquire 26 per cent shares of LPT presently held by the founder shareholders, resulting in their exit and Schneider acquiring full control of the company.

Tata Power’s total non-fossil operating capacity stood at 3,060 mw as of January 17, 2017, making it the largest renewable energy company in India, a company release said. The portfolio included 693 mw of hydropower, 918 mw of solar, 1,074 mw of wind, and 375 mw of waste gas-based generation. In FY16, Tata Power Renewable Energy Ltd (TPREL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tata Power, completed the acquisition of Welspun Renewables Energy Pvt Ltd (WREPL) that had over 1 GW of renewable power projects comprising 862 mw solar power projects.

Suzlon Group has achieved 10 GW of cumulative wind energy installations all over India, a company release said. The

Pune-headquartered company has installed over 7,500 turbines nationwide, the release observed. Suzlon’s cumulative global wind installations amounted to 15,500 mw with a presence across 17 countries.

Asian Development Bank has reportedly approved a new $390-million financing package for ReNew Power to develop renewable energy projects in India. With the financing, ReNew Power will develop solar photovoltaic projects with combined capacity of 398 mw in Jharkhand and Telangana, and wind power projects with combined capacity of 311 mw in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh. The plants are scheduled to be commissioned by December 2017. The generated electricity will be supplied to respective state power distribution companies under long term power purchase agreements.

Energy Efficiency Services (EESL) has planned to provide nearly 70 lakh pump sets across Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Karnataka. The new pump sets, being distributed free of cost, will also come with free repair and maintenance services. The move follows a pilot project undertaken by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency in Maharashtra’s Solapur circle, under which 2,209 pump sets were replaced with the new energy-efficient pump sets. This resulted in about 30 per cent energy savings, EESL said.

NTPC Ltd has informed that the first unit of 250 mw of the 4x250-mw Nabinagar thermal power project of Bhartiya Rail Bijlee Company Ltd (BRBCL), a subsidiary of NTPC, was declared commercial effective January 15,

2017. BRBCL was incorporated in 2007 as a 74:26 joint venture between NTPC and the ministry of railways for setting up of four coal-fired power units of 250-mw each at Nabinagar, Bihar.

NTPC has announced the acquisition of the Chhabra thermal power plant belonging to Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd. The acquisition involves the operational plant with four units of 250-mw each, and the 2x660-mw extension that is currently under construction.

Sensus, a Xylem brand and global supplier of utility-grade communications systems and smart meters, announces its increasing focus in the Indian market with the opening of its first global support center in Hyderabad. India is at the leading edge of smart city rollouts and Hyderabad is the next emerging hub in

terms of adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to build smart cities. The new center represents a strategic investment for Sensus and will support business operations in India and across the globe, a release from Sensus said.

Vertiv, formerly Emerson Network Power, has announced the successful conclusion of its annual ‘Annual India Sales, Service and Channel Conference FY 2017’ in Goa. The conference with the theme “Start Strong, Finish Strong,” saw an attendance from over 360 participants, consisting of business partners and members from the Vertiv

sales, service and channel teams across India. The conference witnessed the grand launch of the new Vertiv brand at the hands of the Asia Pacific President, Stephen Liang.

Tata Power Solar, which makes solar cells and modules, has announced it has achieved the milestone of shipping out of its factories 1 GW worth of modules, cumulatively. Tata Power Solar has a manufacturing unit in Bengaluru with production capacity of 300 mw modules and 180 mw of cells. The company has completed over 250 mw of ground-mounted large scale solar plants and 112 mw of rooftop plants. The company was set up in 1989, initially as a joint venture between Tata Power and BP (British Petroleum). It become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tata Power in 2012. n

Short takeS

nPublished on 10th of every month

Small Business & Entrepreneurship

T&D India (February 2017) – Transition in Transmission