Substations
Infocus
Substations
Strengthening Distribution: Discoms’ investment plans for substation development
To accommodate the growing grid capacity, the distribution network is undergoing rapid development, mainly at the substation level. Further, the need for evacuation facilities to meet the ever-increasing demand for power has resulted in considerable […]
Substations
Expansion Plans: Transmission capacity additions create new opportunities in the segment
Over the past few years, the number of substations installed at the transmission level has increased significantly, with the overall capacity registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.7 per cent between 2011-12 and […]
Substations
New Designs and Technologies: Aiming to ensure reliable power supply
Over the years, there have been significant advancements in substation technologies. New and emerging technologies aim to address the challenges faced in the transmission and distribution network, such as space constraints, high downtime in case […]
Substations
Substation Digitalisation: Need for intelligent communication and systems management
Rapid network expansion has rendered the management of grid operations much more complex. Forecasts made by Cigré, an international council on large electric systems, claim that in the future, electric power systems will be characterised […]
Coal-based Power Generation
Better Utilisation
India is dependent on coal-based power generation to meet its current power demand. However, the coal used in these power plants is usually of low grade with 30-45 per cent ash content as opposed to […]
Coal-based Power Generation
Future Growth: Equipment manufacturers hopeful of demand revival
The boiler, turbine and generator (BTG) equipment industry has been battling a significant slowdown in demand, which has led to major underutilisation of manufacturing facilities. While adequate manufacturing facilities exist in India for main plant […]
Coal-based Power Generation
Aiming for Efficiency: Low PLFs drive TPPs to focus on performance improvements
The coal-based power generation sector has seen a capacity addition of more than 75 GW in the past five years. The plant load factor (PLF) has, however, shown a downward trend, having declined by more […]
Coal-based Power Generation
Wise Use: Measures to reduce TPPs’ water footprint
Water is a key requirement in thermal power generation for condenser cooling, removal of heat from other plant auxiliaries, cycle make-up and other consumptive uses. With increasing pressure on natural resources like water, optimisation of […]
Coal-based Power Generation
Going Digital: Technology adoption helps TPPs lower their environmental impact
In a digital power plant, operations are monitored through over 10,000 sensor input points and the data drawn is interpreted to highlight the key factors (fuel quality, plant aging and ambient conditions) that at any […]
Coal-based Power Generation
Seeking an Extension: TPPs likely to get more time to meet emission norms
One of the most crucial policy developments impacting the coal-based power generation segment has been the amendment to the environmental norms in December 2015 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). The […]
Coal-based Power Generation
Best Practices: Effective O&M essential for improved plant performance
India’s power demand is largely met by coal-based generation plants. Therefore, to ensure continuous power supply, it is important to undertake operations and maintenance (O&M) for these plants, and even more so considering the mounting […]
Coal-based Power Generation
Price Pressures
Tariffs for coal-based plants have increased over the years due to the dependence on imported coal, which is relatively more expensive than domestic coal, and delays in the execution of projects, which led to an […]
Coal-based Power Generation
Uncertain Future: Headwinds continue to impact coal-based plants
Coal-based power generation continues to account for a significant share in the country’s total installed capacity base and plays an important role in meeting the growing power demand. The coal-based power generation segment has been […]
Power Distribution in India
Open Access Hurdles: Cross-subsidisation and low collection efficiency remain key challenges
By Prateek Aggarwal, Senior Analyst, and Vikas Chandra Agarwal, Director (Distribution), Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission India, home to one-sixth of the world’s population, is the fastest growing and the third largest economy in the […]
Power Distribution in India
Intelligent Systems: Technology trends in transformers and substations
One of the key priorities of power utilities is to provide reliable power to end-users. However, owing to various reasons, including an increase in load and technical breakdowns in the system, uninterrupted supply of power […]
Power Distribution in India
Renewed Interest: Utilities revisit the distribution franchise model
Since the award of the first distribution franchise (DF) in 2006 by Mahadiscom, various utilities have attempted to adopt the DF model. While some are operating successfully, some were terminated due to various challenges like […]
Power Distribution in India
Metering Best Practices: Solutions to improve operational efficiency
Distribution utilities have been under constant scrutiny from regulators and customers alike, owing to their inefficient operations and poor financial health. In a bid to make their operations more cost-effective, prepare for an increasing shift […]
Power Distribution in India
Powering Villages: DDUGJY achieves 99 per cent electrification of rural India
The Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY) was launched in December 2014 with the objective of providing 24×7 power supply to rural households, completing the balance work under the Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY), […]
Power Distribution in India
“IPDS is a much more holistic programme”
What have been the key achievements under the IPDS so far? We have sanctioned projects worth Rs 258.48 billion in 3,597 urban towns across 526 circles in the country. These are network strengthening projects, which […]