Powering India for the Future

Along with increasing generation by setting up new capacities, power producers need to invest in modernising their power plants.
Dominik Hofmann, VP  – Power and Gas Division, Siemens Ltd
  Power Ministry is taking a lot of initiatives to transform the power sector in India in the right direction leading to highest ever conventional power capacity of 46,543MW has been added during 2014-16; the highest ever growth in coal production of 7.4 crore tonne by Coal India in 2014-16; the lowest ever energy deficit of 2.1 per cent in 2015-16 as compared to 11.1 per cent in 2008-09; revival of 11,717MW gas based plants with supply of Re-gasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG) through transparent auctions.
Government has launched Ujwal Assurance Discoms Yojana (UDAY) scheme for revival of distribution companies and ten states have joined it. It has promised to electrify all villages by 2019 and provide 24/7 power supply for which it has signed specific action plans with 21 states. “India’s power sector is geared up for substantial growth led by the manufacturing sector with the domestic players being the main drivers in achieving the growth,” comments Dominik Hofmann, Vice President – Power and Gas Division, Siemens Ltd. Government initiatives can be game changerElectrification remains one of the most critical components of developing India considering following initiatives such as smart cities, ‘Power for All’ and ‘Make in India’ will be implemented and therefore creates a huge demand. Smart cities will not only require energy but most of all efficient and environmental friendly solutions for a better living. This includes also smaller co-gen solutions providing power and cooling.The government has planned to provide affordable 24/7 Power for All homes, industrial and commercial establishments and adequate power for farms by 2018, which will also increase the demand. Prime Minister is looking towards increasing the share of manufacturing from 15 to 25 per cent of GDP translating into a CAPEX opportunity of $ 1 trillion through its flagship initiative Make in India which will support the industrial power demand.
“The next 5 years will be decisive in determining what type of energy mix and infrastructure India uses to achieve national electrification. The power sector in India has shown signs of recovery. In the last 5 years we have seen domestic manufacturers invest heavily in technology for creating, manufacturing and enhancing manufacturing facilities. Also a lot of emphasis has been given to skill development and manpower to meet the growing demand,” informs Hofmann.

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