T&D INFRASTRUCTURE: A PROMISING OUTLOOK

There is a bigger and wider window of opportunities opening up for technology players in India’s power transmission and distribution sector to make it more efficient and sustainable. Industry experts explore the outlook and the roles technology providers can play in this process.

The transmission and distribution (T&D) sector of India is facing challenges from its existing infrastructure which leads to T&D losses, affecting the power sector badly. In spite of the ongoing development and modernizing activities in the sector, there is still more needs to be done to bring down the power loss percentage to single digit. This demands for reliable power delivery, efficient monitoring and control and sustainable infrastructure. The government is keen on improving the overall T&D infrastructure with the introduction of smart technologies and solutions across the country. New initiatives on smart grids, automated substations, smart measuring solutions, and renewable energy will create a new efficient T&D infrastructure in the country. This is going to create ample opportunities for technology, solution and service providers in future.

Current scenario Various research reports indicate that India is still facing a huge power loss in transmission and distribution. According to the last economic survey published, India’s T&D losses have been over 20 per cent of generation, which is more than twice the world average. The ideal level of T&D losses ranges between six to eight per cent. The survey says that the T&D losses have been declining since 2001-02 but are still substantial. As compared to the T&D losses of the peer countries. India’s T&D losses are very high.

As per the survey, till October 2020, the generation capacity increased to 3,73,436 MW, and comprised 2,31,321 MW of thermal, 45,699 MW of hydro, 6,780 MW of nuclear, and 89,636 MW of renewables and others.

There is no major technical loss today as the infrastructure is pretty much improved over the period. The major loss is on a commercial level, according to Vinit Mishra, Director – Technology Consulting, Ernst & Young LLP. “The 20 percent power loss mentioned is the overall number. If we segregate it among less than 10-15 percent and more than 30-40 percent, we have to target on the more than 30-40 percent loss making segment. A significant portion has 10-15 percent T&D loss and in the case ofsome private distribution companies, it is in single digits. So, we have to clearly address areas where losses are more than 40 percent.”

“We have to install smart meters where power losses are 25-45 percent because due to lack of administrative will, they are not able to control them.”

Reviving old infra

It is essential to replace or upgrade the old infrastructure and equipment with new advanced ones for improved performance of a system. When it comes to T&D infrastructure, the revival is challenging due to the sheer complexity of the structure. Though developments are happening at various levels over the last few years under government support and in private sector, more is needed. Anil Saboo, President, Indian Electricals & Electronics Manufacturers Association (IEEMA), says, “There has to be one design, one specification, one common testing system. If you create a system for every equipment, cost will come down and you will get the right technology. If you design well from the beginning, there is a lesser need for monitoring. It will really result in quality power, reduce our maintenance and the system will take care of with the help of technology.”

Effective maintenance

Regular maintenance plays a vital role in the country’s T&D Infrastructure. The current O&M practices in transmission lines, grids and substations need to be improved and have a new approach towards advanced solutions. S Dhanapal, Chief Manager, Powergrid Corporation of India says, “We can change the philosophy of maintenance with the support of advanced digital technologies.”

He highlights the importance of preventive and predictive maintenance in power transmission and distribution systems as high value assets like transformers cannot afford frequent breakdowns that cause huge loss.

More developments

When it comes to grid infrastructure, there are many developments taking place like smart grids, automation of substations and more. While these developments are ongoing, more specific unified developments are needed in this direction. Vikram Gandotra, Vertical Market Manager – Utilities & GM of (Strategy & Marketing), Digital Grid, Smart Infrastructure, Siemens Limited, says, “There are three major aspects which are always very important for success:the technology, the processes that are followed by an organisation and the people who are doing it.Now, if we are going to do only one or two among these and do not take adequate care for the third, we will not reach our final goal which we thought we are going to invest in. However, over the years we have done fantastic achievements in terms of advanced networks with monitoring of the systems.”

Policy support

The Central Government has created the draft National Electricity Policy 2021 which is expected to be presented and discussed in the ongoing monsoon session of parliament. Various measures taken in the policy is expected to create a major fillip to the power sector and the power consumers in the country. According to Anil, the ultimate aim of this bill is to empower consumers to choose their power suppliers. And like it did with the telecom industry, private players would bring down costs and provide better service to all of us, that is the main aim. This means that apart from the cost, the quality power will be available to the consumer and for which as there is a constraint with the government for investing. So, now, they are encouraging private players to come forward and to invest in technology and quality and well-designed transmission and distribution equipment. In the long run, they will be getting the benefit by the end on the same infrastructure, they will get more profit and the consumer will get the right quality of power with less cost.

Opportunities for technology players

With the growing requirements of modernisation and upgradation of the overall system and infrastructure, advanced equipment and solutions will play a vital role in meeting the goals towards efficiency and operational excellence. In transmission and distribution systems, equipment such as switchgears and metering systems will be of special focus.

Presence of globally acclaimed technology players along with homegrown companies have created a better platform for providing improved and efficient products in switchgear market. Switchgears built on IoT with intelligent features can ensure a smooth flow of data to better prepare for any unforeseen irregularities.

Looking ahead

Development and modernisation of transmission and distribution infrastructure in India will continue with the government planning major revival in power sector.

Vikram says, “We have islands of success, though not everywhere in the country, but we are on our way. And I think with the new investments, which are planned, it will definitely have a significant impact on improving the quality of reliability of supply and delivery to the end-consumer. Ultimately, we must always do whether we are in transmission generation or a manufacturer, we have to keep in mind, what is the value that the end consumer will bring or see with this, whatever we are doing.”

With the renewables sector evolving fast in the country, there will be a growing need for the integration of grid infrastructure which will pave way for advanced technologies and solutions in future.

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“We can change the philosophy of maintenance with the support of advanced digital technologies.” – S Dhanapal, Chief Manager, Powergrid Corporation of India

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“We have islands of success, though not everywhere in the country, but we are on our way.” – Vikram Gandotra, Vertical Market Manager – Utilities & GM of (Strategy & Marketing), Digital Grid, Smart Infrastructure, Siemens Limited

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“There has to be one design, one specification, one common testing system. If you create a system for every equipment, cost will come down and you will get the right technology.” – Anil Saboo, President, Indian Electricals & Electronics Manufacturers Association (IEEMA)

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“We have to clearly address the areas where T&D losses are more than 40 percent.” – Vinit Mishra, Director – Technology Consulting, Ernst & Young LLP