Key Insights by Mr. Manish Agarwal, CEO of Conductor & Telecom Businesses at APAR Industries Limited, MD – APAR T&D at Powerline Transtech 2024 Exhibition and Conference.
Transforming India’s Transmission Sector: Challenges and Opportunities
Mr. Manish Agarwal speaks about the challenges in the transmission sector, innovative technologies that can address these issues, and the pivotal role of Indian manufacturers in the global supply chain. Let us explore more.
India’s journey toward a sustainable energy future is both ambitious and complex. As the nation strives to achieve a renewable energy (RE) capacity of 500 GW by 2030, the efficiency and adaptability of its transmission infrastructure become paramount.
Overview of Current Challenges
India has made commendable progress in expanding its RE capacity. However, to meet the 2030 target, the pace of new capacity addition must significantly increase. A critical question arises: can the transmission infrastructure evolve quickly enough to support this transition? Despite impressive project award statistics — 23 projects last year and 14 awarded in the first half of FY25 — the actual circuit kilometer (cKM) additions have not kept pace. The annual run rate has declined from 20,000 cKM to approximately 14,000 cKM over the last decade.
A primary obstacle is the Right of Way (RoW) and land acquisition processes. For instance, constructing a 100 KM line typically requires around 400 towers and a corridor width of 46-67 meters. This complexity often leads to legal disputes and agitation, hindering progress. The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has recently released a report addressing RoW reduction through technological advancements, signalling a potential path forward.
Leveraging Technology for Improvement
To overcome these challenges, India must embrace innovative technologies. High-Temperature Low-Sag (HTLS) conductors combined with lattice towers and mono Pole has been evaluated by CEA. Composite core conductors along with Lattice towers can significantly reduce land use from 5 meters to as little as 1 meter, depending on voltage and area. This shift conserves land and enhances transmission capacity without necessitating new structures.
Advances in grid technologies have opened new ways of increasing transmission capacity. Moreover, reconductoring existing lines presents a cost-effective solution for increasing capacity. This method typically costs less than half that of constructing new lines while saving on RoW establishment costs. Prioritizing large-scale reconductoring with advanced conductors should be a national policy focus.
The Role of Indian Manufacturers
The pathway to a climate-safe future is clear, with known technologies available; however, the critical factor is the speed of technology adoption. For instance, it is essential to construct high-capacity transmission lines using advanced technology within existing corridors rather than planning multiple parallel lines. Additionally, a dedicated fund is necessary to improve the operation, reliability, and security of the power system.
The Power System Development Fund (PSDF) has historically supported projects that yield significant strategic returns, particularly in areas like reliable communication and congestion relief through reconductoring. However, this fund is now depleting. Recently, 57 projects valued at approximately ₹5,690 crore were deemed returned, with over 10 projects focused on modernizing transmission and distribution systems for congestion relief, totalling ₹2,385 crore. To catalyse initiatives such as reconductoring and fiberization of transmission lines up to 66 kV, a well-structured fund is imperative for ensuring long-term energy security and sustainability.
As India aims for a net-zero emissions future, Indian manufacturers stand at a crucial juncture. The potential for electrical exports is significant, given the country’s established capacities and experience in supplying globally. However, India’s export incentives have diminished over time, transitioning from the focus market/product scheme to MEIS and RoDTEP, making it challenging to compete against countries like China, which benefits from substantial subsidies, tax breaks and strong state support. To boost competitiveness, India should consider increasing the RoDTEP percentages, considering embedded and non-recoverable taxes and duties.
To bolster competitiveness, India should consider revising export incentive structures and focusing on sector-specific trade agreements. Negotiating Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with major economies will further enhance India’s position in the global market.
Conclusion
The challenges facing India’s transmission sector are formidable but not insurmountable. By leveraging technology and fostering collaboration among manufacturers, India can transform its energy landscape. The commitment to innovation and strategic partnerships will not only ensure energy security but also position India as a leader in the global electricity transmission market.
In summary, addressing RoW issues through advanced technology and prioritizing reconductoring initiatives are essential steps forward. As stakeholders work together to navigate these complexities, India’s vision for a sustainable energy future can become a reality.