Indian Transformer Market 2017: Trends & Opportunities

Discussing the significant trends in Indian transformer industry

Indian power and distribution transformer market is expected to witness significant growth buoyed by initiatives like smart cities, power for all etc. Under the government’s ongoing reform and financial restructuring drive in the energy sector, India now has surplus power, fiscal discipline in utilities, sufficient coal availability and an unprecedented growth in the green energy market.

With the advent of smart cities and India’s bullish push for green energy business projects and soaring power generation demand, the transformer market is expected to witness a huge increase in domestic demand as the energy sector will evolve to cater to the growing market.
Briefing about the most significant trend in Indian transformer market, Manas Kundu, Director – Energy Solutions, International Copper Association, India says, “The government aims to increase the renewable energy generation capacity to 175 GW by 2022 and to have renewable energy account for 40 per cent of installed capacity by 2040. India is currently ranked second, ahead of even the US, in this year’s ‘Renewable energy country attractiveness index’ by EY. In this scenario, solar transformers in particular are expected to see a sharp rise in demand.”

He adds, “Quality is fast gaining importance as the main criteria for buyers. Due to a price sensitive market, a significant downturn in the quality of transformers has occurred in earlier decades even though the technology and efficiency capabilities have significantly increased in the same period. This is reflected in the balance sheet of distribution companies who are taking efforts to improve their operational efficiency and cut losses, which in the retail distribution and supply business alone could account for up to 22-25 per cent in costs.”

The government also aims to achieve the goal of uninterrupted power for all by December 2018. This will directly increase the need to invest in transformer (distribution) assets to enhance loads. The launch of government schemes such as DDUGJY, IPDS and NEF for improving distribution sector have offered distribution companies some reprieve.

“Capitalisation in the form of introduction of new technology products and solutions, improvement in product quality and a rise in local manufacturing capabilities by localisation of procurement, design and manufacturing within India are expected as well,” he informs.

The market in for transformer consumer and/or manufacturers is majorly categorised as distribution transformer, power transformer and UHV / GT transformers; and this classification is not just on the type and purpose of the transformer; but the very approach of its designing, manufacturing, IT&C, and maintenance, says Divyansh Kohli, Executive Director, NDL Power Ltd. He adds, “Though, the standards and certain technical parameters rightfully vary; but as a industry – we are now moving toward equality in quality, designing and maintenance, but to a certain extent. However, what our experience and market feedback tells us; is we need to upgrade ourself significantly. Far from being the front runners, Indian transformer industry is still preaching the age old techniques and technologies. Weather it is on the front of equipment design, or composition materials, diagnostics tool, maintenance practices, etc. To address this concern specifically, NDL has been organising technical conferences and technical appraisal programs for our clients on pan India basis. We encourage our clients to connect with our team at NDL, if they wish to address and appraise their technical executives towards the reliable management techniques for transformers practices worldwide.”

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