We believe in designing energy-efficient, low smoke and sustainable wires

Discussing the government’s push towards boosting the concept of the green wire in Indian electrical and power sector with EPR Magazine, Bhushan Sawhney, Executive President & CBO, (LDC), Polycab India talks about initiatives taken by Polycab, in achieving the same.

How are the present energy trends impacting the demand for green/sustainable wires and cables? 

India may be staring at electricity shortages in the coming months, because of coal stocks at most of its power plants. This can be taken as a gentle warning from nature to reduce our dependency on non-renewable source of electricity production – Coal. The entire electrical infrastructure will slowly shift to green and renewable resources. India is going to see a power surge in the coming future due to the sharp GDP and economy growth. There has been a rise from 620 units per capita in 2010, to 1340 units per capita in 2021; and it is expected to grow at a sharper rate in the coming future. To be able to withstand this rise, the infrastructure will have to be of the utmost quality, and we can’t have a huge quantity of non-sustainable and hazardous products in our system. All these factors combined with increase the demand for green wire.  

The government is planning to promote green transmission. What are your views on this?

Government has taken various initiatives to promote and support green transmission and production in India by investing in renewable energy sources. The vast solar field established in Andhra Pradesh is a standing example of this feat. The government has planned for several nuclear plants, windmill fields, hydel plants, and solar fields to reduce dependency of coal operated thermal power plants. 

Similarly, the government has come up with IGBC norms, which has set several mandates and requirements for a building to be sustainable, eco-friendly, and safe. Apart from IGBC, we have LEED certifications, which have set several international standards for green and eco-friendly buildings and constructions. It would not be wrong to say that the government has gone all in to promote and support green transmission and production.

What measures are being taken by the industry to ensure the maximum application of green cables for safe transmission? 

Industries are setting standards and norms which must be followed in terms of product features and manufacturing. A few industries are already moving towards green and sustainable operations, while others are being made to do so by government standards and regulations.

The approval list that the industries follow for selection of products and vendors, are being edited to accommodate only those products who leave the least carbon footprint over the ecosystem. Additionally, the wires and cables industry are phasing out old, and hazardous commodities. Polycab India Ltd. already took the lead by developing green wires, the concept of green wire is built on the fundamental premise of mitigating environmental damage enabling sustainability and ensuring consumer safety. They are all eco-friendly, lead-free and RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive) & REACH compliant (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals). These best-in-class wire are designed to be energy efficient, recyclable, emit low smoke and emit fewer toxic gases. 

What are the opportunities and challenges in promoting/increasing the adoption of green wires/cables for efficient supply? 

The recent international steps taken for climate control and to reduce global pollution will serve as a bright opportunity for products like Green Wires. After the Paris Agreement, all countries are moving hand in hand to reduce their carbon footprint by 30 percent by 2025. Old wires and cables may create land and air pollution however green wire are eco-friendly recyclable and hence it can be reused. 

The biggest challenge is awareness. People are not aware of the danger the entire environment is facing. Though countries are organising meets and agreements on climate change, citizens are still not awareofthe serious issues and hence just ignore the fact and benefits of green and eco-friendly commodities. 

How do you view the pricing difference and benefits of switching to green cables and sustainable wires? 

The green wire is up to 20 percent energy efficient owing to the heat retardant capability of the wire. At the time of purchase, the green wire may incur a marginal cost, but the operating cost of green wire in long run would be much lesser than a normal wire and overall, it will prove to be cost efficient. Additionally, every individual should be responsible to take care of the planet and educate the coming generation, to adopt eco-friendly products and services. It may be expensive today, but it will save energy in long run and will givebetter future.

What disruptions do you foresee in achieving a decentralised model of energy with green cables? 

Wires and cables are simple yet technical products. Simple in terms of raw materials used for green wire is almost 100 percent pure copper. I don’t expect a disruption in case of the conductor because copper has been the most common conductor since inception, and it will continue to do so. However, as the copper prices are on a very steep rise, researchers are trying to develop alloys with the same conductivity as copper. If their quest becomes successful, it will be a huge disruption, considering the insulation, the field is vast to explore. Synthetic compounds arebeing fabricated and tested. A new insulation with better flexibility, lower dielectric constant may prove to be a disruption.