Download Brochure - India Infrastructure

POWER TRANSMISSION IN INDIA
Mission
The power transmission network in India has been growing in size and complexity. The interstate transmission network has grown
at a CAGR of around 10 per cent over the past five years.
The intra-state transmission network has, however, grown at a much slower pace as compared to the interstate transmission network.
This can be attributed to the poor financial position of the state transmission utilities, which has hampered investment in infrastructure.
Certain parts of the country, especially the southern region, face serious issues of transmission congestion. This limits the ability of the
southern states to utilise short-term power to meet their needs. Power Grid Corporation of India (Powergrid), the central transmission
utility, is implementing projects related to the creation of the National Grid and high capacity transmission corridors to evacuate power
from upcoming generation projects. These measures are expected to ease the transmission congestion issues.
The significant growth in renewable capacity poses challenges for transmission system planners. Last year, Powergrid released a report
containing detailed transmission plans to ensure proper evacuation of power from current and upcoming renewable energy capacities.
Measures such as intra and interstate transmission system strengthening, forecasting, etc. will address intermittency and variability
aspects of renewable energy generation and help in grid integration of this power.
Over time, the private sector has been increasing its contribution to the transmission segment. Though its percentage share is still
small, seven out of the nine projects awarded through competitive bidding so far have been won by the private sector. At the
intra-state level too, an initiative has been taken by some states like Maharashtra, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh to involve
the private sector in transmission.
System operators face the challenge of managing a complex grid. The grid disturbance in July 2012 raised questions about the
robustness of the country's grid. The enquiry committee set up after the incident has made several suggestions regarding grid
management, some of which are being implemented. The regulator, on its part, has been taking steps to achieve greater grid
discipline. The past year saw amendments being made to the UI and IEGC regulations to tighten the frequency band. A
regulation regarding standards of performance for interstate transmission licensees was also announced in September 2012.
On the technology front, the move towards higher voltages has spurred the demand for high voltage transformers. Technologies to
increase the loadability of transmission lines are being utilised. Compact towers are being designed to address right of way issues. The
increasing need for automation is creating new demands for communication technologies. Powergrid is implementing a smart grid
project through the deployment of phasor measurement units at various locations.
The mission of this conference is to focus on the key challenges facing Indian transcos, relating to capacity, stability and security,
congestion and complexity. The conference will also highlight strategies and solutions that can address these challenges, in the
form of policy, regulatory and technological initiatives.
Target Audience
The conference is targeted at officials and managers from:
- Transmission companies - Regulatory agencies
- State electricity boards - Power generators (public/private)
- Interstate transmission operators - Distribution companies
- Private developers - Private utilities
- Technology providers - Funding agencies
- Equipment manufacturers - Consulting organisations, etc.