Strengthening Energy Infrastructure: APAR’s Strategic Expansion of Continuous Transposed Conductors (CTC)
APAR Industries: Pioneering CTC Production in India’s Renewable Energy Landscape
The recent announcement by APAR Industries Limited regarding the expansion of its CTC production capacity is a significant development in the context of India’s evolving energy landscape. With the National Electricity Plan (NEP) released in October 2024, which aims to enhance the country’s renewable energy infrastructure, APAR is poised to capitalise on the increasing demand for CTCs and transformer oils.
National Electricity Plan and Its Implications
The National Electricity Plan, launched by Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, Mr. Manohar Lal Khattar, outlines ambitious goals to achieve 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 and 600 GW by 2032. The plan includes adding 1,91,474 circuit kilometres (ckm) of transmission lines and 1,274 GVA of transformation capacity at voltage levels of 220 kV and above during the period from 2022 to 2032.
This strategic initiative addresses the growing energy demands and creates substantial investment opportunities within the power transmission sector, estimated to exceed Rs. 9,16,000 crores by 2032.
Expansion of CTC Capacity
APAR currently operates with an existing capacity of 7,350 MT per annum, achieving utilisation rate of 98%. With this proposed expansion of CTC capacity along with the expected capacity addition over the next 4-5 months, the total annual production capacity for CTC will be 20,490 MT gradually by the 3Q FY26 i.e. ~3x of current levels.
Rationale Behind the Expansion
This expansion aligns closely with the NEP’s objectives. As outlined in the plan, significant additions to transmission infrastructure are necessary to facilitate the delivery of renewable energy across India. APAR’s enhanced capacity will enable it to meet the rising demand, particularly as government initiatives prioritise power and generation equipment.
Synergising Strengths in Transformer Oil and CTC
A key advantage for APAR is the overlapping customer base between transformer oil and CTC products. This shared clientele allows for a strategic synergy that can enhance market penetration in both segments. By leveraging its established leadership in transformer oils, APAR will be able to expand its CTC business globally.
Mr. Manish Agrawal, CEO of the Conductor & Telecom business and MD – APAR T&D Projects Pvt Ltd, emphasised this point, stating that the proposed expansion will:
- Augment APAR’s existing market presence
- Cater to increased demand driven by governmental priorities
- Complement the goal of 500GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030
Looking Forward
The expansion of APAR’s CTC production capacity is a forward-thinking response to India’s National Electricity Plan and its ambitious renewable energy goals. The strategic move enhances APAR’s operational capabilities and contributes significantly to India’s transition towards a sustainable energy future.
Stay Tuned! In a follow-up blog, we will delve deeper into understanding Continuous Transposed Conductors (CTC) and transformer oils, exploring their applications and significance in modern energy systems.