EPR February 2014

THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS ON ELECTRICAL & POWER

MAHENG/2012/47805 Vol 2 Issue 4 • Pages 44 • February 1, 2014 • `100/- • www.enpreview.com

An I-Tech Media Publication

EPR PERsonalityRaj H. Eswaran, President, IEEMA

intERViEWsTBEA IndiaGanges InternationaleVikram Solar

tEch ViEWEfficient conductors to improve T&D

Highest efficient supply for coal-fired power plants

editorial

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Electrical & Power ReviewFebruary 20144

Dear Readers,

Welcome once again!

The power sector in India is growing exponentially since 1990s with the government making expenditure on several new projects. This demands a large range of material handling equipment to meet day-to-day operations in power plants.

Over the years, material handling industry has come up of age. Today, its mission-critical applications play crucial role in power sector operations. The sector requires cranes for a variety of applications include coal and ash handlings. Material handling systems are also used by windmill and transformer manufacturers. Coal handling systems are an integral part of a complete material flow and quality management system. A seamless integration of all sub-systems and an overall optimisation from the mine to the power plant is need of the hour.

The increased degree of efficiency of modern coal power plants demands an integrated coal handling management system to secure the coal supply in the required quantity and quality. In order to meet these requirements, ABB has developed an integrated coal management system. In this issue, we have discussed on this technology in details.

Gradually, nuclear power sector in India is also gaining its feet. Material handling in nuclear power plants demands acute precision in operations. Single Failure Proof (SFP) cranes, due to their high efficiency and reliability, are preferred for various critical operations in nuclear power plants. In a case study, we discussed the challenges faced in installing SFP crane having 60-tonne capacity.

The issue also gives you the highlights of ELECRAMA 2014. Compiled with the major affairs of this international event, the issue talks on the current trends of electrical and power sector in India.

Hope you will enjoy reading the issue as always. Please do send me your comments at [email protected]

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Highest efficient supply for coal-fired power plantsABB’s support to power plant operators to handle their use of coal more

efficiently and sustainably

Cover Story08

28 Efficient conductors to improve T&DRajendra Mishra, COO - Power Cables Business, Sterlite Technologies Ltd writes on the technology

teCh view

30 Ganges Internationale: delivers on timeVinay Goyal, MD, Ganges Internationale Pvt. Ltd.opines on the market sentiment and his company’s performance

GreeN ZoNe

14 Open Forum

People39

Power Update12

37 Power Brand

22 ePr PerSoNALityGrowth and progress are populistic: IEEMA PresidentAn exclusive interview with Raj H. Eswaran, President, IEEMA

24 oNe-oN-oNeTBEA India aims to be No. 1 in transformer spaceAshish Srivastava, AGM and Head – Business Development, India, TBEA outlines the company’s strategies towards becoming a complete Indian player.

32 Crystaline, the most stable technology: Vikram SolarGyanesh Chaudhary, Director, Vikram Solar talks on the technology and industry growth trends

26 GUeSt CoLUMNPowering up discomsLalit Jalan, CEO, Reliance Infrastructure gives an industry outlook

34 CASe StUdySingle Failure Proof cranes powering NPCILElectroMech to supply 29 EOT cranes including three Single Failure Proof (SFP) cranes to NPCIL for their Kakrapar Atomic Power Project (KAPP) near Surat in Gujarat

iNdUStry ANALySiSStrong IPO activity in wind sector in 201316Wind sector VC funding reaches $455 million in 2013, project funding $18.1 billion

BeSt oF eLeCrAMAELECRAMA: powering India’s future18

COVER STORY


Regardless of the increasing number of discussions on regulations of greenhouse emissions, coal will remain to

be the most important source of fossil primary energy for the next decades on a global base. In order to face these future challenges, ABB provides technology support to power plant operators with trapezoidal stockpiles to handle their use of coal more efficiently and sustainably.

From mine to plantCoal handling systems are an integral part of a complete material flow and

quality management system as shown in Fig 1.

While in recent years, the main focus was on optimisation of single parts like mine planning or advanced automation solutions now a seamless integration of all sub-systems and an overall optimisation from the mine to the power plant is requested.

The increased degree of efficiency of modern coal power plants requests an integrated coal handling management system to secure the coal supply in the requested quantity and quality.

Highest efficient supply for coal-fired power plants

ABB’s support to power plant operators to handle their use of coal more efficiently and sustainably

COVER STORY


In order to cover these requests, ABB has developed a modular system as shown in Fig 2. The production management level includes the tools for managing the mine, haulage and trade process in regard of fulfilment of contracts (quantity and quality), production management, maintenance and asset management. This level provides also necessary interfaces to ERP systems like SAP and others.

The Stockyard Management System (SMS) which will be described more in detail later on enables a fully automated operation of the whole stockyard from a central control room and consists of the following modules:• Pile monitoring and visualisation• Material tracking• Quality management

• Autonomous stacking/reclaiming.

The local automation level covers all basic control functions, mostly implemented on the stockyard equipment itself. It includes instrumentation, electrification and automation scope on a local PLC for operator controlled stockyard machines.

This system can be customised to the needs of determined projects like:• Stockyard systems for lignite power

plants (connected with the mine by rail or an overland conveyor system)

• Export or import coal terminals with ship and train loading and unloading

• In plant coal handling systems.

Stockyard management descriptionIn order to achieve a fully automated operation from a central control room, the operator must know at every time

how much coal with a certain quality is at what place, even it is in a surge bin, on a belt or on the stockpile.

These requirements can be met by an exact database of material quality information in the transportation and stockpile model which monitors online the material flow.

The necessary input for the model is delivered by laser scanners and positioning systems mounted on the stockyard machines which allow the autonomous operation of the machines as well.

The scanners can provide surface information from its environment which will be used to recalculate the model. This solution enables a nearly real time update of the pile surface even after material movements due to environmental influences like storm or heavy rain or due to the use of mobile machines as grader or bull dozer.

Furthermore, these devices support the interface to the BulkExpert System which enables a fully automated stacking and reclaiming. The coal can be stacked and reclaimed by various methods in order to provide an adequate treatment of the material and perform the mixing and blending process.

Pile monitoring and visualisationThe stockpile monitoring and visualisation module records material movements to and from a stockpile and calculate the material distribution on a stockpile accordingly. The module supplies information about the material on the stockpile and its shape as well as the different properties (quality) of the material. Material distribution on the stockpile will be calculated with a computational module-based on the information of the module material tracking, stacking and reclaiming technologies and the 3D-laser scanning results. The stockpile visualisation component offers a graphical presentation of the information stored in the stockyard management system

Mine Site

Overall optimisation quantity and quality of supplied coal

Transportation Stockyard Power Plant

Exploration & Mine Planning

System

Geological Model

Production Planning System

Production Schedule Year

Month Day

Central Control System Overall Mine Automation

Fleet ManagementHaulage Chains

Central Control SystemOverall Stockyard

AutomationHaulage Chain

Local Automation SystemStacker/Reclaimer

Train Loading/UnloadingShip Unloading

Local Automation System

Mining Unit

Dispatching System Transportation

ShipRail network

Dispatching SystemProduction Schedule

Month Week Day

Production & Control system

Power Plant

Fig 1: Integrated coal management system

ERP

Material Manager

Electrification, Instrumentation & Automation Package

Stockyard Management

Pile Monitoring& Visualisation

QualityManagement

MaterialTracking

& Visualisation

Stacking/Reclaiming Technology

Anti CollisionSystem

Train Loading & Unloading

Belt Conveyor System

Stacker/Reclaimer

MobileEquipment

Ship loader/Ship un-loader

Scanning/GPS/Analyser

MineScape Mine

Planning

Assay Management

Sampling

Mine MarketMaterial Logistics,

Sell & Trade

Asset ManagementMaintenance

ProcessInformationManagement

Collaborative Production Management Mincom Intelligent Mining SolutionPlant Level

Area Level

Fig 2: Modular system for bulk material handlinga

COVER STORY


in a modern browser technology. The visualisation shows an overview over all stock piles on the job site. The stockyard can be displayed in 2D or in 3D view (Fig 3).

For a detailed analysis of the stockyard, it is possible to zoom and turn the view. The view can be adjusted from different viewpoints and separate piles can be selected.

Stockpiles can be splitted into small individual virtual piles. These sections are shown with its borders in Fig 4.

Additionally, pile areas with its properties, slice or cut views can be shown (Fig 5).

Material trackingThe module “material tracking“ supports the operator in monitoring the material flow of bulk material and supplies real time stockpile tracking by tonnage and quality. The main functions are:• Gathering information of material

type, quality and its specifications at the inlet of the stockyard

• Monitoring of masses/volumes on the way to the stockpiles via belt conveyors

• Tracking of materials to the discharge point

• Dynamic display of belt load with colour-coded information about material properties

• Balances of input, stored and output material mass/volume

• Data exchange to overriding MES systems.

The module manages the distribution on the stockyard to enable an efficient usage of the complete area with determined coal quality in every stock pile (Fig 6).

Coal qualityAn integrated coal quality management system is in particular important where power plants are supplied by different mine sites with variable coal parameters like:• Calorific value

Fig 3: Stockyard overall view in 3D

Fig 4: Indication of virtual piles

Fig 5: Selection of a cut view

COVER STORY


• Density• Ashcontent• Moisturecontent• Content of sulphur, silicon,

aluminiumandpotassium.

Moderngeneratingunitsneedacertaincoal quality with tight variations inorder to ensure an efficient burningprocess. Significant deviations cancauseslaggingprocessestothepointofunscheduled downtimes of the wholeunitwithremarkablelossofproduction.The coal quality parameters can be

detected offline by drill samples andlaboratory analysis, or online withradiometricmethods.

For the quantity measurement, beltscales or belt volume scanners canbeused.

Quality information (e.g. RFID, barcode,electronictransmissionperfileorfreight papers) has to be handed overbythesupplieror/andcanbemeasuredonlinerightawaytheloadingpointandoftenverifiedafterthedischargepoint.

Thequalitycanbeassuredbyblendingthe coalwithin themine (combinationof mining units, shifting heads andcoallines),onthestockyardduringthestackingorreclaimingprocessorintheinplantstorageandfeedingsystem.

Realise advantagesByimplementingstockyardmanagementsystem, power plant operator achievesmany advantages. First, the modularsystem enables a seamless integrationof the coal flow from mine to plantwhich is cutting the effort in materialhandling. Furthermore, the fullyautomated operation of the stockyarddevicessignificantlyreduceslongitudinaltravelling and decreases downtimes bypredefinedalternativerouting.

Additionally, the intelligent powerplant supply by monitored blendedmaterialqualitiesenablesabettercoalfiringwhichultimatelywillimprovethecarbonfootprint.

Fig 6: Material tracking system visualisation in boxed mode

Preventing transformer fires with revolutionary Sentry DS technology

Heralding a new era intransformer safety, SentryDepressurization SystemsInc.hasintroduceditsSentry

FDS system, the sub 6-milli secondsreaction transformer fire-preventiondeviceataconferenceinBangalore.

Sentry fast de-pressurisation systemis a revolutionary technology, whichhelps in preventing fire accidents inthe power industry. Oil-filled electricaltransformers are dangerous and thepossibility of catching fire is high. TheSentry fast de-pressurization systemisdesigned tohelppreventdangerousfiresandexplosionsfromoccurring.

BillKendrick,PresidentandCEO,SentryDepressurization Systems Inc., said,“Sentryiscommittedtocreatingasaferindustry for countless generations to

come and unlike other safety systemsSentryDSisaproactivesolutionuniquelydesigned prevent transformer fires.The Sentry system is easily retrofittedwithout tank machining by using theexisting tankopeningsandprovidingareplacementinterfacecover.”

MrKendrickannouncedthatthecompanyhasreceivedlettersofintentfrommajortransformer companies in India toprovidethesystemtotransformerstheymanufacture. The company is currentlyinadvancedstagesofnegotiationswithmajor Indian transformer companiesto installFDSasanOEMontheirunits.Power utility corporations are nowalso considering using FDS as standardequipmentintheunitsthattheyprocureandasaretrofittoexistingones.

The Sentry System is fast

depressurisation technology thatis smarter and more effective thanany other system. It is designed todepressurise transformers at 5.1milliseconds,whichislessthanthetimerequiredforthedynamicpressurepeakgeneratedbyanelectricalarc,tobecomestaticpressure,thusavoidingexplosionand subsequent fire. Depressurisationoccurs in milliseconds even if the arcis fed for a longerperiodof time. Thedynamic pressure wave activates thepinvalve.

This depressurises the tank, thuspreventingastaticpressurewavebuild-up. The pressure goes to the blastchamber,wheretheshock isabsorbedand the oil and gases separate. Thisallowsthegastoventtoasafelocationbeforeanycontactwithoxygenoccurs,preventingafireorexplosion.

Power Update


MTDC and Philips unveil the Gateway of India in a new lightPhilips unveiled a stunning lighting makeover of the historic Gateway of India in Mumbai.

The lighting is based around a new LED system, providing a palette of 16 million colors that can be computer-programmed to create inspiring light shows. The initiative has been taken up by Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) in association with Philips India.

The state-of-the-art lighting system will allow the monument to minimise light spill, directing light exactly to where it is needed. With the new LED fixtures,

the beautiful monument can be easily automated in real-time by a computer control system to create unique light shows with varied effects like ripple, cross-fade, particle and burst. The system will also simplify the maintenance schedule, as well as monitor unforeseen issues such as power outages.

“We hope that our Gift of Light to the people of Mumbai has given them another reason to visit this wonderful monument. On behalf of Philips, I would like to take this opportunity to thank MTDC and all the government authorities who hugely supported this initiative and made this lighting makeover possible,” said, Nirupam Sahay, President, Philips Lighting India.

There are various products from the Philips Color Kinetics and LED street lighting family which have been used to light up the monument and the adjoining landscape.

ACME Cleantech Solutions Ltd announced that it would partner with French renewable energy giant EDF Energies Nouvelles (EDF EN) to set up 200 MW solar power projects in India.

ACME Solar, will thus be a joint venture between ACME Cleantech, EDF Energies Nouvelles and EREN. ACME Cleantech, with a current capacity of 17.5 MW of solar generation, is committed to creating credible solutions for the growth of the solar sector in India and thus, expects to be at the forefront of the solar revolution in the country.

EDF EN will bring in to India its expertise as a world leader in the field of renewable energy. It will also give ACME Solar an access to EDF EN’s proven engineering expertise, leading technology partners, world class research and development facility in France. EREN will bring in its experience and expertise in project financing, developing and structuring solar projects.

ACME on its part, will be offering its exemplary project execution skills to ensure timely completion of the large scale projects. It has a proven track record in developing, constructing and operating MW scale of power projects.

ACME to partner with French renewable energy giant

The widening demand-supply gap in electricity is powering the stationary industrial battery (SIB) market in India. Delay in the setting up of new power plants due to land unavailability coupled with slow environmental clearances and fuel shortage

Fluid management company Kirloskar Brothers has collaborated with Tata Power and installed the world’s largest water pumping system for Tata Power’s Mundra UMPP (Ultra Modern Power Plant). With this, 10.5 million litres of water is circulated with the help of KBL’s 10 concrete volute pump sets every minute.

The Coastal Gujarat Power Limited (CGPL), Tata Power’s wholly-owned subsidiary, which has implemented the 4000 MW (800 MW x 5 units) UMPP requires an enormous amount of water to condense the heat generated in the production of power.

Demand- supply gap powering SIB market

Kirloskar Brothers partners with Tata Power

has led to a surge in SIB installations in the country.

“The increasing requirement for backup batteries in critical equipment and processes is giving a boost to the SIB market,” said Frost & Sullivan Energy and Environmental Analyst. “Demand for backup power is expected to further intensify with growth in IT/IT-enabled services and the banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI) network as well as automated teller machine development, rising automation across business enterprises, and burgeoning enterprise solutions.”

The focus on renewable energy, especially solar, will drive the need for storage capacity, broadening the potential of the industrial battery market. However, improving awareness among Indian customers regarding alternative storage technologies such as flywheels, fuel cells and ultra capacitors may rein in SIB market potential.

Power Update


Alstom has successfully completed tests on its high-voltage DC circuit-breaker prototype. The latest series of tests consisted of reproducing real operational constraintsof a high-voltage DC transmission grid. These tests mark the final stages of work headed by RTE for the operation and protection of DC grids in Europe’s TWENTIES research project, co-funded by the European Commission’s FP7 programme. This work contributes to the development and implementation of new technology, facilitating the integration of renewable energy into Europe’s electric power system.

Through these new tests, Alstom Grid asserts its leadership in the innovation of a key technology for the development of high-voltage power grids. The circuit-breaker acts as a lynchpin in power grid protection in the event of a short-circuit.

Alstom Grid R&D Vice President Stephan Lelaidier states, “With close to 4% of its annual turnover invested in R&D every year, and with 1,200 expert engineers and 34 technology and research facilities worldwide, Alstom Grid possesses the required means and skills to stand at the cutting edge of technology in the power transmission sector.”

Tata Power launches new power pack system

Tata Power Solar has launched a new 1 KVA solar power pack system to its solar product line-up, aptly called TATA Dynamo. The power pack, a combination of solar PV panels, inverter and battery, will help consumers enjoy uninterrupted power supply for up to 8 hours, at an affordable cost. With the new TATA Dynamo, it is now very easy to switch to solar!

Depending on the weather conditions, the system can provide back-up of 4 to 8 hours to power appliances like LED/CFL lights, fans, televisions, etc.

The system has been designed for simple and faster installation with maintenance free operation.

Commenting about the launch of TATA Dynamo, Ajay Goel, CEO, Tata Power Solar said, “Tata Dynamo is a great way to switch to solar. It will help both urban and rural middleclass manage power cuts better while reducing their power bills substantially.”

TATA Dynamo will be extremely useful in both urban as well as rural areas where power cuts are frequent.

Alstom and RTE successfully completes research findings

YES BANK joins hands with ECT

technology transfer of Clean Coal technologies in India via a systematic knowledge-based approach. YES BANK’s Sustainable Investment Banking Group along with Greenard Willing, will jointly set in place the structures and partners for implementation of ECT’s manufacturing strategy in India, to deliver a lower capital cost structure for Coldry plant & equipment and also in the development of commercial scale Coldry processing plants for Indian and International projects.

Aditya Sanghi, Senior MD, Investment Banking, YES BANK stated, “YES BANK has a strong commitment to mainstreaming sustainability within the industry and this partnership with ECT is a natural extension of our efforts to create sustainable development of India.”

OIL along with ONGC complete acquisition of Videocon stake

Oil India Limited (OIL), along with ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL), has completed the acquisition of 100 per cent shares in Videocon Mozambique Rovuma 1 Limited from Videocon Mauritius Energy Limited. Videocon Mozambique Rovuma 1 Limited holds a 10 per cent participating interest in the Rovuma Area 1 Offshore Block in Mozambique (Area 1). This is pursuant to their earlier announcement on 25th June 2013, of signing of definitive agreements to acquire this interest. The terms of the transaction remain broadly the same as per the earlier announcement. This acquisition marks OIL’s entry into the global LNG industry.

YES BANK jointly with Greenard Willing, an Australian corporate advisory firm, has entered into an advisory agreement with Australia based Environmental Clean Technologies (ECT). The agreement aims to assist ECT in commercialisation and

OPEN FORUM


Various State governments have announced power tariff reduction through subsidy. Is it a mere election gimmick?

Prioritise amongst need and luxury

It would seem to be an election gimmick without a doubt. In overall, power in India is in short supply and to

overcome this in itself requires a big technological upheaval and a common understanding of its benefits and

safety before we tantamount to oversee generation of power from say thermal, solar, wind or nuclear from

any state or area as it may be. Hence trying to reduce tariffs on the go means we are taking from someone and

giving it to others meaning to please the general public at large should not be at the cost of manufacturing or

other industries that need peak power always. If it continues, our economy is not going to stabilise and there

would be all round price increase. So a parity of understanding in such a situation means not just reducing

tariff costs but to understand its implications and at what and whose cost.

The European markets are buzz with the new hybrid car technology which is mandated to be run on electric

vehicle charging systems. Means use of electricity and avoidance of fossil fuels from now on. So they are

doing so by not reducing costs but by ensuring production of power in the greenest environment possible

without compromising on safety and looking to build in roads with newer latent technology and improving

the human necessity of pollution free zones and making a better place for generations to come to live by. One

needs to know that power is a necessity and not a luxury and needed for an everyday process without which

all service oriented institutions like hospitals, natal care, and utilities would fail. Won’t that be more critical

than serving people reduced tariffs to run their TVs or other domestic appliances?

- R. Vinod Kumar, Director-India Operations, Mennekes India Pvt. Ltd.

OPEN FORUM


Power subsidies or tariff cuts are not permanent solutions

Toeing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) line in Delhi, a few state governments have started announcing reduction

in tariff through subsidies, keeping in mind the forthcoming Lok Sabha election. The power subsidies or tariff

cuts are just election gimmick and not permanent solutions which we had been witnessing since ages.

Firstly, tariff structures need to be restructured in order to have a proper, fair billing. The wheeling charges,

cost of expensive power, reliability charges, stand-by charges, FAC charges, state government tax on sale

of electricity 0.15 to 0.20 paise unit, electricity duty @ 15-20 per cent need to be seriously engineered and

develop a new frame of billing where the consumers are not overbilled.

Secondly, distribution loss needs to be minimised to the lowest level by using high tech products which have

the lowest watts loss and also power distribution needs to be quickly worked upon . lt has been 50-60 years

we had been using the old switching device and products wherein energy saving formulation or technique is

not there.

Thirdly, our power generations, transmission and distribution networks need immediate action by all state

government to use the latest tools, device, and high tech products to optimise the losses which in our country

is about 15-25 per cent as T&D losses and open power theft. If these issues are handled judiciously the

consumer will get the ultimate benefit and all the ailing power discom will get into profit mode. Hence use of

high tech technology in power generation, transmission and distribution is required.

As mobile portability number has created a magic in telecom industry by having a healthy competition among

the service provider, similar approach is needed in power discom industry.

MERC has started a strong initiative in Maharashtra of switch over to other power utility without any expenses.

But the system is not channelised and the consumers have to bear many other charges in their bills like

wheeling, reliability, and FAC even after switchover. These need to be corrected in order to have permanent

cost saving solutions for our Consumers.

- Siraj Khan, Managing Director, Hitech Switchgear India

Industry AnAlysIs


Mercom Capital Group LLC, a global clean energy communications and consulting firm, released

its report on funding and merger and acquisition (M&A) activity for the wind sector for 2013.

Global venture capital funding in the wind sector increased to $455 million in 2013 compared to $315 million in 2012. Total funding into the wind sector reached $28.1 billion in 2013, including VC funding, public market financings, debt financings and announced project funding deals. VC funding in Q4 2013 came to $93 million in six deals compared to $135 million in four deals the previous quarter.

There were seven downstream companies that raised a combined $374.3 million in 2013. Six small wind turbine manufacturers raised $68.8 million. One wind component company raised $6.2 million and three monitoring software companies raised $5.5 million.

The top VC-funded company in 2013 was

ReNew Power, an Indian wind project developer, which raised $135 million, followed by Mainstream Renewable Power, an independent renewable energy project developer, which raised $133 million. NSL Renewable Power, also a project developer from India, raised $60 million and Ogin (formerly FloDesign), a manufacturer of small wind turbines, raised $55 million. Green Infra, a renewable power producer from India, raised $25 million.

Public market financings accounted for $5.8 billion in 17 deals in 2013, including six IPOs totalling $2.3 billion.

Announced large project funding in 2013 amounted to $18.1 billion in 114 deals, compared to $14 billion in 72 deals in 2012. There were a total of 150 investors that participated in project funding in 2013. The most active project funding investors were KfW IPEX-Bank with nine deals, followed by the European Investment Bank with

Strong IPO activity in wind sector in 2013Wind sector VC funding reaches $455 million in 2013, project funding $18.1 billion

198

2009 2010

Wind VC Funding 2009-2013 (US$ in Million)

2011 2012 20130

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

450

500

277

369

315

455

Industry AnAlysIs


seven deals, and Nord/LB with six deals. Announced large-scale project funding in Q4 2013 ($4.9 billion in 32 deals) increased compared to Q3 2013 ($3.9 billion in 21 deals.)

Q4 2013 was a very active quarter for large project development activity around the world. Mercom tracked about 104 project announcements totalling almost 10.7 GW in various stages of development.

It was a strong year for M&A activity in the wind sector in 2013 with 33 transactions, 18 of which were disclosed for a combined $2.6 billion. By comparison, 2012 saw 35 transactions.

Of the 33 M&A transactions in 2013, Wind Downstream companies accounted for 20 of them, Wind Component companies accounted for six, service providers and manufacturers accounted for three each, and BOS companies accounted for one transaction.

The top M&A transaction in 2013 was the $1.25 billion acquisition of Kaydon Corporation, an industrial manufacturer and supplier of wind turbine bearings, by SKF Group, a global supplier of bearings, seals, mechatronics, lubrication systems, and other services. This was followed by the acquisition of the Polish onshore wind business of DONG Energy, a company involved in procuring, producing, distributing and trading in energy and related products, by two

Polish power utilities, Polska Grupa Energetyczna and Energa, for $314 million. Brookfield Renewable Energy Partners, an operator of pure-play renewable power platforms, acquired vertically integrated renewable energy production company Western Wind Energy for $182 million. Private-equity firm Actis acquired 60 per cent of Atlantic Energias Renovaveis, a Brazilian renewable energy company, for an initial commitment of $169 million. Rounding out the Top 5 transactions was the acquisition of wind energy developer Salus Fundos de Investimento em Participacoes by Brazilian utility Copel for $128 million. Disclosed project acquisitions increased in 2013 with 116 transactions compared

to 72 transactions in 2012, representing over 16 GW that changed hands. There were 37 project acquisitions in Q4 2013 compared to 26 in Q3 2013.

The Top 5 large-scale wind project acquisitions in 2013 included the acquisition by SEAS-NVE, of an 80 per cent stake in the 207 MW Rodsand II offshore wind project from E.ON, for $577 million; Portland General Electric’s acquisition of Puget Sound Energy’s 267 MW Lower Snake River Phase II Wind Project for $535 million; Blue Energy’s acquisition of the 177 MW RidgeWind portfolio from HgCapital for $392 million; Scottish and Southern Energy’s acquisition of the 99 MW Dunmaglass Wind Project from Renewable Energy Systems for $305 million; and Iberdrola Renewables Polska’s sale of 184.5 MW of wind projects to Polish companies Energa Hydro and Polska Grupa Energetyczna for $265 million.

Announced debt financing amounted to $3.8 billion in 10 deals in 2013, compared with $12.5 billion in 16 deals in 2012.

There were 34 new clean tech- and wind-related funds announced in 2013 – 14 were announced in the fourth quarter.

Large-Scale Wind Project Funding 2010-13(US$ in Million)

2013

144 Deals

72 Deals

52 Deals

48 Deals

Source : Mercom Capital Group, IIc

2012

2011

2010

Wind-Top 5 Disclosed Project Acquisitions in 2013Company Project Term/amount (SM) Acquirer Country

E.ON(Rods and II Offshore Wind Project - 80% Stake)

577(207 MW)

SEAS-NVE Denmark

Puget Sound Energy (lower Snake River Wind Project)

535(267 MW)

Portiand General Electric

USA

Ridge Wind(Wind Project Portfolio)

392(177 MW)

Blue Energy UK

Renewable Energy Systems(Dunmaglass wind Project)

305(99 MW)

Scottish andSouth Energy

Scotland

Iberdrola Renewable Polska (wind Assets in Poand)

265(184.5MW)

Energa Hydro,Polska GrupaEnergetyezan

Poland

Source: Mercom Capital Group, IIc

BEST OF ELECRAMA


ELECRAMA: powering India’s future

The 11th edition of ELECRAMA-2014 showcased the global competitiveness of Indian products and the capability of local manufacturers to develop world-class engineering products at competitive costs.

IEEMA, the 66-year-old apex industry association in the power sector, organises this mega show every 2 years.

The biggest everThe 5-day exhibition was spread over six air-conditioned halls, covering a gross area of 70,000 sq. metres with over 1,200 exhibitors from 30 countries.

Business visitors from over 120 countries attended this show, providing more than 1,25,000 footfalls. This huge show attracted the who’s who of the global electrical sector and provided the partner state, Karnataka, a great opportunity to showcase its various strengths.

Hosting first T&D conclaveThis first international T&D conclave is a small step in creating a platform for business partnership. The conclave saw renowned technologists, global and Indian manufacturing companies with R&D operations, component suppliers and most importantly their customers — the utilities, EPC contractors and consultants.

In his address at the first T&D conclave, Subramaniam V Iyer, Director, Department of Sustainable Energy, the World Bank said that poverty reduction and elimination was central to the World Bank’s global strategy, and to this goal making power available plays a crucial role and the World bank is lending $8 billion globally, including India, to power producing and transmission companies.

According to the International Energy Agency (IRA), the demand for energy is going to grow exponentially, but the transmission and distribution losses will also grow in a big way unless the T&D equipment makers improve their efficiency.

Innovation DayIEEMA also held “Innovation Day” at ELECRAMA-2014 to promote the process of ‘idea into product’.

In his opening remarks at the Innovation Day, Raj Eswaran, President, IEEMA, said, “Innovation is defined as the process of converting an idea into a product or service that creates value for which people are ready to pay. So the real innovation or innovation to become a reality in a country like India must be aimed at people at the grass-root level and it must also embrace the future.”

National smart grid missionThe Indian Government will soon launch a national smart grid mission and monitor the implementation of policies and programmes envisioned in the smart grid roadmap for the power sector.

B N Sharma, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Power, Government of India, said, “This mission will help in finding solutions

ELECRAMA-2014, began on January 08 at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) and ran till January 12, again showcased why India’s power industry is running toward a better future

CIGRE Tutorial held at ELECRAMA 2014

ELECRAMA 2014 inaugural event

IEEMA seminar on new generation high performance conductors

BEST OF ELECRAMA


for some of the daunting challenges the Indian power sector is faced with, such as enabling better access to electricity, providing lifeline supply to all households, reducing T&D losses etc. This will also guide planning and investments for future power projects and T&D activities.”

He added that the government had recently unveiled the smart grid vision and roadmap for the future for both modernising the aging grids as well as for transition towards low carbon power

economy by integrating renewable generation with the grid.

Powering future“As the Indian electrical equipment industry has matured over the years, India is becoming a major sourcing destination for the global players. That is why the ELECRAMA-2014 is having the unique theme of ‘go global’ with a focus to showcase the global competitiveness of Indian products and the capability of Indian manufacturers to develop

world class engineering products at competitive costs. I am confident that at ELECRAMA-2014, there will be many important deals concluded by significantly boosting the exports of Indian products,” said Sanjeev Sardana, Chairman, ELECRAMA-2014.

IEEMA also released “Power Transformers - Standardisation Manual” to make the industry follow uniform standards on all aspects of manufacturing, maintenance and repair of power transformers in the country. ~

OMRON displays strength of sensing and control technology

Omron Group in India, part of Omron Japan – one of the global leaders in automation technology, displayed a wide spectrum

of its advanced technology-based portfolio at ELECRAMA 2014.

Themed “Transforming tomorrow” - Omron’s booth exhibits products and services helping the businesses and society in India to meet the needs of ‘tomorrow’ effectively. The showcase comprises of key offerings based on advanced ‘sensing & control’ technology from all of OMRON

business verticals in India namely, industrial automation, electronic & mechanical components, automotive electronic components and healthcare. Vinod Rapheal, Country Manager -India - Omron Electronic Components said, “We strive to be a key player in the segment by offering a contemporary, technologically sound and reliable range of relays, switches, connectors and sensors which are capable of catering to the requirements of the industry.

Exide displays top-line industrial standby batteries at ELECRAMA

Exide, one of the leading names in storage batteries, has displayed its top-line industrial standby batteries at ELECRAMA 2014. The

company has displayed industrial standby batteries include the well-known Plante’ battery which sets the benchmark for other such batteries in this segment.

For over 65 years now, Exide Industries Ltd has been synonymous with storage batteries. Exide manufactures every type of standby battery

for different applications and different service conditions from nine world-class manufacturing facilities spread across India. Its network extends to the remotest corners of the country. Its state-of-the-art R&D hub is recognised by the Government of India and internationally. Exide is now not only one of the largest lead acid storage power battery manufacturers globally.

BEST OF ELECRAMA


Legrand launches range of safety and protection devices

Alstom displays its new T155 GIS

Legrand India has launched DX3 - a comprehensive range of MCB, isolators, RCBO, RCCB, accessories, measure, time-

switch, contactor that meets requirements across the board. This offering positioned at the premium end of the market is aimed at large industrial, commercial and residential complexes and comes with 12 patented features. All these are safety

and protection devices that ensure that the home and commercial establishments are more secure places.

Sameer Saxena, VP-Marketing, Legrand India said, “The launch of DX3 and its host of new features will help us in offering the customer an even better product experience in terms of safety, reliability and sheer efficiency.”

The DX3 features a complete range of MCBs, from 10 KA to 50 KA and observes homogeneity with the power range and effective energy distribution. The innovative bottom clamp enables easy fixation and removal from the bank with fork busbar connection. The uniquely positioned Integrated label holder enhances protection from dust, improved opening and closing system while label remains in place for a long time, thus proving to be a useful feature for the end user.

Each DX3 comes with a unique Copytracer number to avoid duplication and fraud. The products are ROHS compliant. Additionally, the soft features of Time Switches like AlphaRex3 promotes better energy saving, electro-magnetic interference immunity, higher precision and additional savings.

Alstom Grid, one of the global leaders in power transmission and smart grid technology, showcased a number of technologies and

innovations at the ELECRAMA 2014.

The company displayed a wide spectrum of products, systems and services that improve energy efficiency and productivity at every stage of the energy chain – from generation to end use. In addition to its strong portfolio of automation technologies, Alstom Grid also showcased its latest generation of T155 gas-insulated substation (GIS) designed to meet the future challenges of electrical networks up to 420 kV, 63 kA, 5000/6300A.

“The T155 substation is 40 per cent more compact than its previous version with a reduced footprint, and is easier to access at ground level, easier to transport and 30 per cent faster to erect. The reduced size is mainly due to the single-chamber circuit-breaker that requires less energy to operate,” the company said issuing a statement.

The bays are manufactured, assembled and tested in Alstom Grid’s Chennai factory.

Eaton launches E-Line Motor Control Series

Power management company Eaton announced the launch of E-Line Contactor Family – the world’s smallest and most

efficient IEC Contactor. The powerful, yet compact innovative series will help OEMs and designers to

reduce panel size and impact on environment. Syed Sajjadh Ali, Managing Director – India, Electrical Sector, Eaton said, “The E-Line Contactors combines advanced science, better performance and greater efficiency in a compact package and improves the

reliability and efficiency of the machines.”

BEST OF ELECRAMA


HPL showcased its world-class products lines at ELECRAMA

L&T Electrical & Automation’s AU-Series wins best product award

HPL, a multi-product electric equipment company, showcased its world-class products lines at ELECRAMA. The uniqueness

of HPL products display was very evident though live demonstration of new products like ATYs S, new distribution boards, Bsafe MCBs, single pole MCCB, submersible panel, new MCCB – double break, MPCB (motor protection circuit breakers), new range of ACB – fixed type draw-out version.

HPL product range is divided in four groups: energy meters, switchgears, lighting, and wire and cable. Commenting on the company’s products range Rishi Seth, JMD of HPL said, “HPL has vast range of electronic energy meters from single phase, three phase to tri-vector meters. We also produce a wide range of energy management systems and panel meters. HPL produces over 6 million Electronic Energy Meters annually, making it the biggest manufacture of Energy Meters in India and among the largest in the world.”

“HPL product specifications are based on IEC and BIS Standards and most products are with ISI mark, wherever applicable. All HPL works are ISO 9001 ISO 9001, ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001 & ISO 27001. Its product has quality marking of national and international standards like ISI, CE and KEMA certified and are well equipped with latest technology for manufacturing products conforming to the best Indian and international standards. Our latest addition to the product range is the state-of-the-art modular switches and accessories,” Gautam Seth, JMD of HPL adds.

HPL manufactures over 6 million electronic energy meters per annum. HPL has nine manufacturing facilities covering over 9 lac sq. ft. mostly in NCR region of Delhi, Haryana and Himachal.

The design and development capabilities of L&T’s Electrical & Automation (E&A) earned rich recognition at ELECRAMA 2014 when its

AU-Series of Final Distribution Products was declared winner of ‘The Best Product developed by an Indian Exhibitor’ Award. The award ceremony was held at The Exhibitors Nite - JOSH 2014 on 11th January at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre.

The AU-series of final distribution products

comprises a complete range of protection, control and monitoring devices that include miniature circuit breakers, residual current devices, isolators, changeover switches, energy meters, time switches, surge protection devices, modular contactors, communication devices, and distribution boards. it ensures the highest level of safety and convenience to the end users.

The jury comprising technical experts lauded the innovation that went into designing the products, its usability in the long run, and energy saving potential.

L&T emerged the winner from 75 entries. ELECRAMA, regarded as the world’s largest confluence of the power transmission and distribution community, showcased products and technology conforming to global standards and specifications through the entire voltage spectrum.

The award was received by Tapan K. Tripathy, Joint General Manager, Switchgear Design & Development Centre, and Shantanu Chidgopkar, Senior Manager, Product Management, Electrical Standard Products, from Aditya Dhoot, Vice Chairman, ELECRAMA 2014.

EPR PERSONALITY


Growth and progress are populistic: IEEMA President

ELECRAMA-2014, one of the world’s largest expositions of electrical transmission and distribution industries, breaks

its own record. With more than 1,000 exhibitors, the 11th edition of IEEMA’s premier flagship event goes beyond expectation. On the sidelines of the event, Raj H. Eswaran talks to Subhajit Roy and explains how the event is going to change the face of Indian power and electrical industry.

How positive are you with the response you are getting at ELECRAMA-2014?Very positive! The number of visitors is significantly higher than what we expected, and the venue is great. The international visitors list has been also enlarged. Overall, we are quite happy.

During this 5-day exhibition, what is the number of visitors you are expecting?Anything between 80,000 to 1,20,000.

What will be the ratio of domestic and overseas participants in this edition?It’d be 75:25. Many companies from Germany, China, Korea and France took part.

‘Go global’ was the mantra for ELECRAMA-2014. What sort of initiatives you took to bring the visitors from across the globe?India is the hub for most visitors from developing countries to source their

products. Also, the Reverse Buyer-Seller Meet supported by Ministry of Commerce brought around 600 visitors from the Africa, Middle-East etc.

Is this a kind of turnout you were expecting?The turnout is not unplanned. We have put in a lot of efforts over 2 years to get the right visitors. More than 1,000 engineers from various electricity utilities in India have attended at the technical seminars concurrently organised with ELECRAMA. Hence, utilities also felt that there is knowledge upgradation for their engineers if they were to come to ELECRAMA.

A large number of utility engineers from Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Meghalaya, Tripura and Assam visited. For the first time, engineers from Jammu and Kashmir have visited the exhibition.

What about the quality of visitors?In terms of quality footfall, the ELECRAMA-2014 probably is higher than any of the past ELECRAMA. In numbers, we were initially little worried because Mumbai been the destination all the time; we were not sure how the numbers would react. However, the numbers in Bengaluru are far more than Mumbai.

What difficulties you faced when you compare it with Mumbai?In comparison with Mumbai, it is the easiest venue to execute. BIEC is

“Various freebies by means of electricity,

water etc. are very short-

term populistic measures,” says Raj H. Eswaran,

President, IEEMA

EPR PERSONALITY


the purpose-built exhibition venue. Hence, there is very little requirement of decoration and beautification we have to do. The halls are very well laid out. It is a much safer venue due to electrical wirings all underground, efficient fire control, sprinkler systems etc. In Mumbai, it is the factory shed converted to venue, so there are a lot of limitations. BIEC is the first-class international venue. Even the international visitors have appreciated.

Is Bengaluru going to be the new home for ELECRAMA?The idea of ELECRAMA was not to rotate it throughout India; it was to find the suitable venue which can accommodate the numbers. For example, the venue in Bengaluru has total built-up area of 40,000 sq. metres. We have built another 35,000 sq. metres on top and total area sold for exhibition is 75,000 sq. metres. Today, there is no venue in India big enough to accommodate ELECRAMA. The only venue perhaps which has the area will be Pragati Maidan, but it is too old and the quality of visitors is very different.

So for ELECRAMA, does the search end here?We have sold nearly 16 per cent more space what we sold in Mumbai last year. Next ELECRAMA, with economy picking up, will probably be 20-25 per cent bigger. Building temporary hanger all the time is not the answer. So we are pushing the exhibition centre to build more permanent hangers.

Are you satisfied with the response from the local authorities?It’s fantastic. The Karnataka Government has pulled all stops to help ELECRAMA to be successful. So far, Karnataka is known as IT capital, and the government is desperately trying to make it a manufacturing capital. They are very keen on attracting manufacturing facilities in the state. To that extent, we are going out to ask

people to come here and showcase Bengaluru as the manufacturing destination.

Talking about the performance, how do you look at the future of electrical equipment industry in India?Things have started to change but very slowly.

When can we see the complete revival?In financial terms, I think it’s going to be by September this year. We have to allow for the election to go and things to start moving.

What sort of project will give boost to the power sector?If the projects that are stuck for the environmental clearances are cleared, the boost will automatically come. Only the government needs to get its act together and do something.

Do you expect some positive development will happen in this next couple of months as election is round the corner?Today, the problem is the projects are identified and all half way through. The government doesn’t do anything to complete it. We are stuck up for environmental and other issues. The government has to start completing the projects which are stalled. Then the demand will automatically come out, and the economy will move very fast.

This government has done nothing for the past 9 years. I think it is very optimistic to think that they are going to do something in the last 10 days.

What if the same parties come into power?I think if they come again, they will have a very different set of criteria. The next round of UPA, if at all they come, is going to be based on growth and progress; it cannot be based on the minority partners.

Even not on populism …That is not true. Growth and progress are populistic. Who will not be popular if they are able to deliver the growth or progress in the place? Various freebies by means of electricity, water etc. are very short-term populistic measures. The state governments in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh have ben able to achieve growth and progress for people in 5 years which is why they came back in power.

If the new government comes

into power, will it be able to provide power to all by 2020?‘Power to all by 2020’ is a very misplaced target. The ideal target should be ‘100 per cent paying customer by 2020’ because if we give free power to all, the industry will die.

What is your comment on the initiatives taken by some state governments to reduce tariff?The Delhi electricity tariff reduction is a very negative step. The country has not raised tariff for 10 years, and after a lot of struggle, the regulator forced the states to raise tariff. It will make the state electricity boards lose more money. There must be some sense in terms of how we act.

‘Power to all by 2020’ is a very misplaced

target. The ideal target should be

‘100 per cent paying customer by 2020’ because if we give

free power to all, the industry will die


ONE-ON-ONE

TBEA India aims to be No. 1 in transformer space

TBEA Shenyang is one of the largest manufacturers of transformers in China. The company has set up a

facility in India and aims to provide totally ‘Indianised’ products for local market. In an interview with Subhajit Roy, Ashish Srivastava outlines the company’s strategies towards becoming a complete Indian player.

TBEA is into power transmission business for last 70 years. How do you look at the journey of TBEA in India?Our parent company TBEA Shenyang Transformer Group, China has come up with a very clear vision about the business context in India. Earlier, we have participated as TBEA Shenyang and succeeded getting many orders of 765 kV transformer and reactors from Powergrid. We consider India as a biggest market. Therefore, we have

come up with a manufacturing plant in Vadodara, Gujarat with 100 per cent FDI. Our vision is to be number one player in Indian transformer market within next 5 to 7 years.

What are the strategies you have in place to reach the number one spot?Firstly, we have come up with the plant which is the most automated plant in the country. The manufacturing operations of this plant will take place in the three phases - transformer reactor, GIS and cable, and then the solar. Our objective is to cater the complete T&D solution to the customers and we want to be in the grid from all aspects. We will be completing all the three phases in coming years.

Secondly, we don’t have any JV or any tie-up so that in later stage we will not have any problem in terms of execution of our strategies and plan. It is complete hold of our parent company.

Thirdly, we are making this unit completely ‘Indianised’ which reflects how we want to do business in India. Most of our employees are Indians. We are picking the experts from the industry who understand the business, clients, products, and technicality of products. So we are making the mix of all the best to have the target business for us.

How is the competitiveness in the market?Competition is quite tough because

“We consider India as a biggest market. Our vision is to be number one player in Indian transformer market within next 5 to 7 years,” says Ashish Srivastava, AGM and Head – Business Development, India, TBEA


ONE-ON-ONE

of the pricing. Also, some important players already exist in the market.

Are you facing any kind of difficulties being a having the Chinese connection?Trust level among the customers is the biggest challenge. At times, it becomes difficult for us to convince customers. It is a common phenomenon about Chinese products that they are not good in quality - we are also feeling that heat.

Secondly, most of the time TBEA India products do not qualify QRs (quality requirements) for various utilities as we are yet to complete 2 years of operations in India.

Also, many utilities demand short circuit test report for 315 MVA, 400 kV Transformer which is still under process. That’s why we do not qualify for many SEBs.

How you are going to address these challenges?For short circuit, we are confident of

sorting out the issue by third quarter of this year.

What are you doing in regards to the brand building?Brand building is going on pretty well! We have established our offices in all five regions in India namely Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai, Gurgaon and Vadodara. We have a whole marketing set up now and doing the promotion of our products and brand.

We have already penetrated in more than 10 states. Recently we have got orders from HVPNL in Haryana and GETCO in Gujarat. We are participating in almost all tenders and we are also participating in events like Elecrama, Gridtech, and Vibrant Gujarat.

How the products are priced to your nearest competitors?Yes, pricing is an issue. Mostly, we are going neck and neck with our competitors.

What advantages you’ll have

through localisation?We will be known as an Indian company. Through localisation the Chinese factor will be eliminated from the mindset of our customers. Also, once we start manufacturing the products locally, our qualification will build. Therefore, in another 2 to 3 years, we will be qualified in almost all SEBs on our own name TBEA Energy India.

What are the product categories you aim at to get qualified for all the SEBs?Definitely in power transformer, reactors and GIS. Since the current facility is for power transformer and reactors, initially our target will be approval for participation for transformer and reactors.

Do you have adequate sales and marketing network to cater to the demand of Indian market?We are new here and have already set up our offices in all regions. We want to further subdivide and reach to the important cities like Bengaluru, Lucknow, Chandigarh and Jaipur.

Bajaj Electricals Ltd., one of the market leaders in small appliances and ranking amongst Top 3 in fans and

lighting, celebrates its 75th year in 2013-14. In the spirit of the 75-year celebrations, it was the perfect opportunity for the company to interact with the dealers at each branch, putting forth plans for the coming years while strengthening and building on existing relationships.

Speaking on the occasion, Shekhar Bajaj, Chairman and Managing Director, Bajaj Electricals Ltd., said, “It is a significant time in the history of this company that turned 75 last July. Each branch has contributed in a big way to this heritage, and Mumbai, where the company’s headquarter is also located, is no exception. It is a proud fact that

this city that we call home has so many landmarks lit up by Bajaj Electricals Ltd., which include the Bandra-Worli Sea Link and Wankhede Stadium.”

Anant Bajaj, JMD, Bajaj Electricals Ltd., said, “Mumbai has always been a high-potential market for the company. We will continue to expand our network here and introduce new and world-class products. We take this opportunity

to wish our partners a bright future with Bajaj Electricals Ltd., and we are certain that together we will continue to shine on.”

Some of the recent projects undertaken by the company include installation of Navi Mumbai Municipal corporation 67-metre flag mast, 1,200 poles for Thane Municipal Corporation and 7-antenna mast for D’Mello Tele Power, Goa.

Bajaj Electricals shines on in Mumbai


GUEST COLUMN

Powering up discoms

As the Indian economy gears up for a more optimistic 2014, its sustainable development will warrant growth from all

sectors, particularly the power sector, which will play an instrumental part in catalysing India’s growth. Moreover, any rationalisation and modernisation of the policy regime in the power

sector will set an example for other infrastructure sectors.

The clear lesson from the recent Indian experience is that the most critical challenge faced by the power sector is the dismal health of discoms, which has led to inadequate investments in the sector.

Reforms at the power utility level will lead the way for its sustainable growth in 2014


GUEST COLUMN

This has, in turn, led to serious power shortfall, as well as poor quality of supply, which are both very serious constraining factors on overall economic output.

The combined financial losses of all the power distribution companies stand at a staggering ` 1,200 billion (`1,20,000 crore or nearly 1.5 per cent of the country’s GDP). These losses were due to the rising gap between average cost of supply and the average realisation; going by which distribution companies lose ` 2 for every unit of electricity sold by them.

Timely tariff hikes in the power sector are perhaps its most politically sensitive issue. Many states have not revised tariffs in the last 5-6 years and some for over a decade. With average cost of supply growing at over 7 per cent CAGR in recent years, the situation has become untenable.

Today, distribution entities across the country, whether in public or private sector, urgently require tariff hikes to the tune of 50-60 per cent to meet their operating costs and serve the economy with reliable supply of power. An increase of this magnitude will seem staggering to the political leadership and the consumer, but the stark fact is that this hike would still leave unattended the subject of past accumulated losses due to irrationally low tariffs.

It’s important to note some positive signs initiated by the government and policy makers in this regard. Calendar year 2012 witnessed tariff hikes in 30 Indian states and UTs, averaging between 10 per cent and 37 per cent. This is for the first time that almost all states have issued tariff orders.

Of course, rationalisation of power tariffs has to happen on a perennial basis. It’s critical to understand that purchase costs for power typically comprise up to 80 per cent of the total cost of the distribution function. As

the ‘truing-up’ process, involving a fix on the gap between power purchase costs and the revenues from sales, can take a few years for reasonable estimation, it’s important to institute and implement mechanisms that enable immediate pass through of any variation in power costs. This will avoid build-up of so called ‘regulatory assets’.

There are other bedevilling issues too. One of these is the need for reduction in cross-subsidies between diverse consumers. One testimony to the twisted deal in such arrangements is provided by the fact that 24 per cent of entire electricity supplied flows to the agricultural sector but yields less than 6 per cent of the total revenues. While it is laudable that the government is investing huge amounts in electrifying villages under the RGGVY program, but the question is: are financially distressed distribution utilities in a position to supply power to these villages at zero net realisation that is after accounting for cash expenses.

Very often, we find that cash constrained SEBs prefer selling power outside the state to paying customers rather than supply to non-paying farmers. With the average cost of supply at over ` 5.0 per unit every 10 per cent increase in agricultural supply will add ` 7,500 crore to the deficit. Decision makers and people in governance fail to realise that more than subsidy; it is round the clock and quality power supply that holds the potential and promise to completely transform life in rural India. A beginning has been made in Tamil Nadu, which has increased tariff on electricity supplied to its agricultural consumers by 589 per cent to ` 1.75 per unit.

Investments in capacity building and modernisation are also key requisites for improving the health of the sector. Delhi has proven to be a shining example in this regard, where only 5-6 years ago, a typical resident was

exasperated by 4 to 5 hours of daily power cut. This has now reduced to a mere 4 to 5 hours of interruptions in the entire year. This dramatic improvement in quality and reliability of supply has been possible due to large investments in network and technology (` 6,500 crore) along with streamlining of systems and processes. A true testimony of the fact, that reliability levels in Delhi are now comparable to international benchmarks. Yet all the improvements and the entire reform of the Delhi electricity supply market are under risk for want of urgent tariff rationalisation.

As serious bottlenecks have emerged, it’s important to identify and implement solution as soon as possible. The debt restructuring package for state utilities is one of these positive developments, yet only for the short term. Its long-term benefits will actually depend on the discoms’ ability to lower AT&C losses, hike tariffs and limit operational costs.

To sum up, reforms at the power utility level are vital for the overhaul of the Indian power sector and will lead the way for its sustainable growth in 2014. It is a welcome sign that government has recently shown some resolve in this direction. ~

Disclaimer: The views expressed are of the

author and may not reflect the views of Reliance

Infrastructure.

Authored by—Lalit JalanCEO, Reliance Infrastructure Ltd.


tech view

Efficient conductors to improve T&D

India, one of the most developed renewable energy markets in South Asia, is considered to be the third most attractive country to invest in

renewable energy. It is also proposed to double the renewable energy capacity in India from 25,000 MW in 2012 to 55,000 MW by the year 2017. This would include further exploiting abundant non-conventional energy sources such as solar, wind power and energy from biomass.

Further, the country’s 12th Five-Year Plan recognised the importance of evolving a low carbon footprint strategy for environment friendly sustainable growth. Besides, setting a national target of increasing the efficiency of energy use, the Plan envisaged an expanded role for clean energy, including hydel, solar and wind power.

Global scenarioAcross the globe, the renewable energy

sector continues to be more attractive as technology improves and costs decline. Also, transmission and distribution (T&D) of electric power is predominantly accomplished through bare overhead electric power conductors. For efficient use of energy and resources, reduction in T&D losses, high ampacity conductors to meet the ever increasing power requirement, lower sag property of the conductor to allow retrofitting on existing lines, robust and low maintenance conductors still remain a challenge to be met on priority.

ChallengesResistive losses incurred during T&D of electricity through electric power conductors is a major factor contributing to T&D losses. A popular solution to reduce resistive losses incurred in electric power conductors is the use of high conductivity material (or a material having low electrical resistance). While selecting

“Today, there is a need to have power conductors with improved current carrying capacity, reduced losses lesser sagging as well as lower aging effects,” urges Rajendra Mishra, Chief Operating Officer - Power Cables Business, Sterlite Technologies Ltd.


tech view

an electrical conductor material, apart from its conductivity, there are several other factors too which need careful analysis. These include economic viability, physical and chemical properties of the material, safe operating temperature range for continuous power transmission at specific range of load, modulus of elasticity, strength, coefficient of linear expansion, ultimate tensile strength (UTS), resistance to corrosion, etc.

Apart from using high conductivity material, resistive losses of power conductors can also be reduced by improving their structure, components and design. Besides, the structure, components and design of overhead power conductor also play an important role in its overall performance such as ampacity, safe operating temperature for continuous power transmission at a specific range of load, robustness etc.

Special low loss conductor solution for T&D networksAs is known, the T&D network has technical losses as well as commercial losses. While commercial losses are a matter of law and order; technical losses can be reduced by the use of new generation conductors like ‘Sterlite Eco Conductor’. Family of these conductors has a low resistance and therefore results in low distribution network technical losses. Besides, these conductors have a property which offers high resistance to corrosion, which make these conducive for oceanic climate as well as polluted atmosphere.

In India, the distribution network is the largest segment of power network with distribution voltage ranging from 11 kV to 33 kV. Even 0.1 per cent saving in technical losses will mean saving in multi million units per day at national level. This would bring down the fossil fuel consumption. And, eco friendly conductors are a step towards this measure. Further, the cost of these conductors can be offset within a very short time by saving in losses offered by them. It may be important to note that

these conductors may not need any special type of supports or line material.Technical dimensions and effectivenessThe Eco Series conductors consist of trapezoidal shaped special aluminium alloy containing magnesium, silicon and copper stranded with round core. Further, the trapezoidal shape provides compactness to the extent of 96 per cent. When arranged and laid intelligently within an electrical power conductor, the non-circular cross-sectional shape of strands is useful in providing more conductor material per unit volume of the electrical power conductor. Hence, though the structural dimensions of electrical power conductor remain the same, due to better compaction and availability of more conductor material, current carrying capacity i.e. ampacity of the electrical power conductor is increased. In a particular embodiment of Eco Conductors, each of the non-circular cross-section strands are arranged within the conductor in a manner such that there is substantially little or no voids left in between said strand and strands which lie adjacent to it. Also, better compaction of strands helps in enhancing the robustness and reduction of sagging of the power conductor when hung between pylons.

Thus, these conductors are an innovative, efficient, low loss and most importantly an economical solution for re-conductoring power lines and constructing new lines. The higher efficiency of Eco Series Conductors also enables significant savings when substituted in grid systems for normal ACSR or AAAC conductors. Also for delivery of same power to the customers, Eco Series Conductors enables power generators to reduce the amount of power they must generate and hence lesser emissions. Hence with Sterlite Eco conductors I²R losses of distribution lines can be brought down by almost 30 per cent.

Some of the other benefits of Eco Conductors include:• For same output runs cooler by 5-10

C, hence lower carbon emissions• Contributing to reducing greenhouse

gases• Can be deployed with existing

structural designs.

ConclusionThe Indian industry offers numerous opportunities in the energy sector particularly in the case of clean energy technologies. However, the power sector, which is witnessing higher transmission infrastructure growth, needs greater power transfer capability per unit cost of ROW. In such a scenario conductors that deliver large quantity of current as compared to the conventional ACSR conductors offer best alternative. Further, any additional cost spent on new generation conductors and corresponding additional cost of supports, foundations or line material can be offset within a small gestation period due to increase in power transfer capability of the transmission line. This clearly indicates that the improvements have to be prioritised, and those giving very high returns with less investment, such as replacing conductors and releasing overload on the 11 kV -33kV line, should be identified and taken up first.

Sterlite Technologies has been developing and offering this technology to its customers, as a result of which they are able to increase the capacity of their transmission and distribution networks without the need to modify the structure and/or foundation of existing towers. ~

Rajendra Mishra is Chief Operating Officer - Power Cables Business, Sterlite

Technologies Limited.


GREEN ZONE

Ganges Internationale: delivers on time

Ganges Internationale Pvt. Ltd. (GIPL) with a group turnover of ` 1,000 crore is one of the leading manufacturers

of fabricated and galvanised structures for solar panel mounting. Vinay Goyal opines on the market sentiment and his company’s performance.

Could you brief us about your role in solar power sector?We design and manufacture structure and foundation solutions for solar panel mounting. We provide economic, customised and convenient solar panel mounting solutions that are used in the installation of ground mount and rooftop plants.

We also provide balance of systems where we do ancillary work like road, fencing, drainage, DC and AC works – all these come under our solar balance of plant segment.

How is the demand of structure and foundation solutions for solar panel mounting as of now?The demand is currently in the downside. The entire economy has taken a tumble, so the solar sector has also taken a beating because of rupee devaluation. A lot of the investments in solar sector have got stalled. Promoters are not withdrawing the projects but are delaying the process.

For a solar project developer, the power tariff is pre-decided as per the bidding which occurs well before the project is executed. But now the cost for

putting up the plant is increasing due to weakening rupee.

However, future looks positive. Tamil Nadu has floated a 1,000 megawatt tender last year, which was the single biggest tender. Out of this, 600-megawatt project has been finalised and started.

Other states like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab are also about to finalise allocations. Most importantly, rooftop seems to be really picking up.

How competitive is the market? What is your USP?We are working for almost all EPC players. Over the years, we have built an image. Our slogan is ‘Ganges on time’. Whichever project we undertake, we finish it on time regardless of any issue. Our primary concern is to finish the project on time. We have cut down the project execution time from 6 months to 3 months. So, today, from designing to the handing over a plant, we barely take 90 days.

Apart from the time line, what other advantages do you offer?We ensure excellent quality. Our design is extremely lightweight and robust. In all terminology, we also offer one of the cheapest designs available in the market as we have our own high-tech production facilities and galvanising plants.

Cheapest in terms of …Per megawatt cost for balance of

“Whichever project we

undertake, we finish it on time

regardless of any issues,”

assures Vinay Goyal, Managing Director, Ganges Internationale

Pvt. Ltd.

31 g


GREEN ZONE

systems which include civil and structure.

What is the per megawatt cost you bid?We offer the entire package at approximately ` 40 lakh/MWp which includes foundation, structure, insulation of structure and installation of modules. Three years ago, this package was at more than ` 80 lakh/MWp. We have made our design in such a way that we are able to adapt it for most of the solutions.

What is your annual production capacity?Though we have a capacity of producing 36,000 tonnes per annum, right now

due to lack of demand we are able to do around 1,000 tonnes per month which is around 25 megawatt per month.

Are you doing any kind of cost cutting to consolidate your position amidst economic slowdown?Today, we are not cutting any kind of cost rather we are increasing our infrastructure. Recently, we have launched six new products. We have introduced a new product called ground screw which eliminates concrete in foundation. We have also designed a special structure for rooftops with specialised kits which can be installed in any rooftop, anywhere in the country.

What is your market share and what are your expansion plans?We have a market share of around 25-30 per cent. Our current capacity should be enough to last till 2016, and any expansion would come only after that. Our manufacturing facilities are located in Pondicherry. How do you look at the draft guidelines for the national solar mission second phase? There are too many grey areas. We don’t know whether everything will go smooth or not. The government is yet to address a lot of concerns of the investors. But we are very confident of the second phase. We hope it will sail through quickly and will be well accepted.

The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) is currently developing the first-of-kind cloud-based open-source Web-

GIS tool for estimating rooftop solar power potential for Indian cities. The main objective of this exercise is to develop a high-performing, flexible Web-GIS tool to estimate the rooftop solar power potential for Chandigarh.

This is considered as an important step to promote solar rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems in Indian cities. There is a need for a tool to showcase solar resource potential in a user-friendly format so that users can investigate their locations of interest and perform pre-processed analysis. Geographic Information System (GIS) is the obvious tool to achieve this because it provides visual reference -- a map of the entire city, showing the buildings having solar PV installation potential.

The tool was recently demonstrated

during the workshop entitled “Promoting Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic Systems in India” organised by TERI.

Amit Kumar, Director, Energy Environment Technology Development, said, “TERI started working on development of this tool, realising the felt need for the same, especially given the ambitious programmes on solar rooftop systems under Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission as well as under states’ policies. While similar tools were available in countries like Germany and USA, nothing of sort was available in India. Going further, TERI aimed at a tool that can be used by anyone rather than only those having access to proprietary software.”

The proposed rooftop Web-GIS tool for India will be an ideal medium to showcase investors the logistics of rooftop solar energy investment. This tool will have the following benefits: • It will enable user to estimate the

rooftop solar power potential of

selected area or, buildings for a particular location w.r.t. various SPV technologies such as, crystalline, thin film etc.

• Will act as a decision support system (DSS) to carry out the pre-feasibility assessment of putting rooftop PV system for a particular location

• Will help users estimate potential GHG mitigation through solar rooftop route for a given location/building

• Assess the viability of any rooftop projects based on possible business models and financial schemes available.

After successful demonstration of this rooftop solar Web-GIS tool on a pilot-basis, the quantifiable and tangible benefits can be showcased for other cities too. This tool can work as a base platform, which can be replicated for other cities by creating the GIS data layers for the target city and integrating those with the existing tool, without having any additional development efforts.

Cloud powered tool to estimate rooftop solar power potential

30 f


ONE-ON-ONE

Crystaline, the most stable technology: Vikram Solar

Vikram Solar, a part of the Vikram Group, is specialises in manufacturing of PV solar modules. Gyanesh Chaudhary

says crystaline is the most suitable technology.

Guidelines for the ongoing national solar mission stipulate that 50 per cent of the total 750 MW of solar power projects must be set up using domestic solar cells and modules. How do look at this?I think the intention is very good. As far as the government is concerned they are trying to promote an ecosystem for Indian manufacturing sector which is a positive stand. However from the standpoint of module manufacturer and as an industry representative, we feel that the cell technology base in India is not strong enough. The reason is that Indian cell manufacturing has traditionally been dependent on turnkey production lines sans investment in R&D which is critical for a high technology sector like solar cells. Policy driven introduction of Indian cells with high $/W benchmark is going to create a disparity in the market. In terms of available domestic capacity, there is not enough cell manufacturing compared to module. That’s why we feel that it is little unfair. But, in overall, to have DCR (Domestic Content Requirement) is a way to promote Indian manufacturing sector which is positive.

Is there any way to promote the local manufacturing and at the

same time enhance the quality of manufacturing?I think it needs to happen over a period of time. The government has come up with M-SIPS (Modified Special Incentive Package Scheme) after some modifications in SIPS (Special Incentive Package Scheme) which was supporting and encouraging manufacturing facilities by way of subsidies for capital investment. That would have been a better way to subsidize efficient manufacturing and encourage industries to take on new products and new industries. That would probably be a better way rather than to promote the manufacturing of

“Crystaline technology is

the most stable technology. It is long lasting and

proved its mettle over the years,”

says Gyanesh Chaudhary,

Director, Vikram Solar

Vikram Solar productsPV modules• Multi-crystalline solar PV

modules• Mono-crystalline solar PV

modules• Range of modules• Eldora Micro Series – available

upto 36 cells (3 Wp to 150 Wp)• Eldora Mini Series – available

with 48 cells (170 Wp to 195 Wp)• Eldora Core Series – available

with 54 cells (195 Wp to 220 Wp)• Eldora Prime Series – available

with 60 cells (225 Wp to 250 Wp)• Eldora Grand Series – available

with 72 cells (150 Wp to 300 Wp)• Eldora Jumbo Series – available

with 88 cells (350 Wp to 365 Wp)


ONE-ON-ONE

the product that is not yet established. Solar manufacturers have to realize that long term investments in basic and applied research, collaboration with leading research institutions and building strong technical capabilities in quality, reliability and testing are key to sustainable business models.

What about the policy formulation for the solar power project developer like you?They have options to go for Indian content or non-Indian content. So it will encourage relationships to be formed faster. People will tie-up their capacities before they bid for projects which is a positive thing. Also, there will be less risk at the time of bidding which is very important because every year we are seeing the price bids dropping to levels unheard of. Hopefully this year such suicidal pricing will not happen, bidders will be very judicious in bidding. They will calculate Internal Rate of Return (IRR), do reverse bidding in calculation and plan their offers accordingly. Lack of understanding on the part of the investors is the major problem with the bidding process. The situation should

improve as the market matures.

You mean to say there are players who are bidding at unjustifiable rate…Yes, but you have to see where are these projects coming up! The states Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka where biddings were done at a lower rate, there are no status on the projects. So, the question is - by driving the costs down are we sustainable or we are purely doing something for the sake for doing it? Nobody is winning out of this – it’s not a win-win situation at all. The government does not want this also; it never says you should bid lower.

What are the points to be considered while bidding in India to create a win-win situation for all?I think one should plan his (or her) IRR’s very seriously considering solar is low-risk and low-return. Strategic tie-ups with EPC players and module manufacturers should be completed much in advance to have price lock-in or project lock-in with them. There should be a very conscious effort to understand what technology is to be put up. Crystaline is the most suitable technology which I will recommend. There has been a lot of learning in both the parts of the first phase. I would also recommend that the investors should engage with experiences players, take cognition of this experience and then take things forward.

Are you working with crystaline technology?Crystaline is the only technology we are working with. We don’t believe in thin film, we don’t subscribe to it. We think that it’s not the right technology.

What are the advantages crystaline technology offers?Crystaline technology is the most stable technology. It is long lasting and proved its mettle over the years – the earliest crystalline silicon modules have been generating power for the last 40 years and therefore, it is pretty much indestructible. Earlier the cost

was much higher than the thin film. Now that is not the case and there are very good Indian manufacturers who are already investing and setting up strong R&D and international standard plants to manufacture and provide these products in India. So, there is no reason to go with any other products.

Do you have tie-up with any cells manufacturers?As far as cells are concerned, we are working with Jupiter, one of the leading manufacturers based out of eastern India.

Recently you have commenced a 5 megawatt project in Chennai. What are the other projects you are working on?Many more projects are coming up. There are few large projects coming up in Tamil Nadu, unfortunately PPAs (Power Purchase Agreements) are held up. Similarly, a few large projects in Rajasthan are coming up, but land acquisition is held up. So in India you have to deal with it, you can’t help it. Here projects take time longer than one can imagine.

In India we are doing some large megawatt scale projects. We also have presence in the channel sales network. We are doing small and large kilowatt rooftop projects. Around 40 per cent of our products are exported to Europe and other countries.

What is your total installed capacity?Our manufacturing capacity in solar panels is 150 megawatt. We are adding another 400 megawatt within next one and half year in two phases. So 200 megawatt will be up and running in six months from now and remaining 200 megawatt by middle of next year.

What is your long term strategy?Our long-term strategy is to be a dominant player in the solar market with stable, standard and superior quality solar products and solar modules along with superior and stable EPC solution, which is world-class and cost effective.

Vikram Solar to supply modules for solar park in GermanyVikram Solar has entered into a tie up with GermanPV, an energy solution company based out of Germany, for the supply of modules required for 2.45 MW grid-connected solar park constructed and commissioned in Germany.

The solar park is located at Osterburg in the district of Stendal, in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. The complete set of solar PV modules has been supplied by Vikram Solar for this solar park which will generate enough power to sustain the demand of 1,000 households.


cASE STUDY

Single Failure Proof cranes powering NPCIL

For the third and fourth units of its Kakrapar Atomic Power Project (KAPP) near Surat in Gujarat, Nuclear Power Corporation of

India Ltd. (NPCIL) selected ElectroMech to design, manufacture and commission 29 EOT cranes.

The cranes are required to be installed at crucial locations in the reactor building, reactor auxiliary workshop and mechanical workshop of the nuclear plant. The scope of the

work also includes the designing of three critical Single Failure Proof (SFP) cranes.

The NPCIL order includes:• Single Failure Proof Cranes - 3 nos.• Double Girder EOT Cranes - 6 nos.• Single Girder Underslung Cranes - 6

nos.• Manually Operated Cranes - 6 nos.• Chain Hoists - 4 nos.

Among these, one of the most

ElectroMech to supply 29 EOT

cranes including three Single Failure

Proof (SFP) cranes to NPCIL for their Kakrapar Atomic

Power Project (KAPP) near Surat in Gujarat

cASE STUDY

challenging requirements was that of the 60 tonne SFP crane to be installed in the reactor building.

What is a SFP crane?A SFP crane has in-built redundant systems and mechanisms. In case of system or mechanism fail, the back-up system ensures that the work cycle is completed. If a load carrying system or mechanism suffers a failure, the full load is taken by the backup or redundant mechanism. This, in turn, prevents any major catastrophe due to failure of any load carrying component in the system.

ApplicationThe first crane supplied is mainly to be used for handling primary coolant pump motors, which are located exactly above the reactor. The secondary application is for erection and maintenance related activities of all the equipment within the reactor building.

Why is this required?This crane will operate at the top of the reactor building dome, directly above the reactor which is the heart of a nuclear power plant. The location of the crane thereby demands a very high level of safety, necessitating the need for a SFP crane.

How is this achieved?The required redundancy is achieved by using two independent load paths through two rope drums. Both the rope drums are driven by separate gearboxes and motors, synchronised to ensure equal displacement of wire rope in each load path. Each load path is designed to hold the rated load.

Both the wire ropes reevings are taken on alternate pulleys to maintain

equilibrium of load in case of failure of one rope system. The hooks used are of dual design with dual attaching points thereby if one attachment fails, the other load path continues to support the load without excessive drop or swing.

Project challengesDesignOne of the biggest challenges for the designers was that SFP crane for the 700 MWe reactor was to be made with

Technical specifications of 60 tonne SFP crane• Crane SWL: 60 tonne• Span: 21 metres • HOL: 38 metres• Class of duty: M7 • Operation: Cabin, radio remote

control & pendant • Crane weight: 80 tonne• Crab weight: 30 tonne• Hook: 60 tonne Ramshorn type

SFP hook



cASE STUDY

the same dimensional constraints as a regular EOT crane.

Moreover, the span of the crane for the 700 MWe reactor is 21 metres as compared to 10 metres for a crane in the 500 MWe reactors. This made the design and arrangement of the crane components a daunting task while meeting the dimensional requirement. ElectroMech design team along with the NPCIL design team narrowed down to a double-decked arrangement of the trolley mechanism. The design of this trolley having a height of approximately 6.5 metres and sitting on top of the reactor building was successfully undertaken. With the successful execution of this new concept, NPCIL plans to adopt the same in unit 7 of their Rajasthan Atomic Power Plant as well.

Seismic designDesign to ensure structural integrity during a seismic event was called for. The crane structural needed to be designed for Safe Shutdown Earthquake (SSE) and Operating Base Earthquake (OBE) standards as per the furnished Floor Response Spectra.

For the design and qualification of the plant the SSE standard is adopted. Therefore, in the eventuality of an earthquake it must be possible to shut down the plant and equipment safely. Similarly, the intensity of the OBE is related to the production period of the nuclear power plant. After an OBE,

it should be possible to shut down the plant safely and further operation of the plant and equipment should be possible after checking and a certain amount of repair work.

Procurement, quality and productionThe special design called for use of special, non-standard materials. For example, MS plates of grade E350 instead of 07 conventional grade E250 were used for girder fabrication, square tubes were used for trolley fabrication and caliper brakes were used. WPS PQR were re-established to meet the customer requirement as per ASME. Above all, a stringent quality plan was followed whereby material at each stage of its production cycle - from raw material to finished component, was tested to meet the highest quality standards. This couldn’t be achieved without an efficient procurement, quality and production team.

Setting new records at ElectroMech• First SFP EOT crane supply by

ElectroMech

• First supply to a nuclear power plant by ElectroMech.

NPCIL placed the package order on ElectroMech in the month of August 2011. The first SFP crane was manufactured and despatched in March 2013. This was tested for full load and overload in ElectroMech factory before despatch in the presence of a specialist team across NPCIL, QS Pune and NPCIL Mumbai. The remaining two SFP cranes will be supplied in current financial year. ~

“It was an honour for us at

ElectroMech to be involved on such

an ambitious and prestigious project

of NPCIL. The development of the Single Failure Proof 60-tonne crane was done

completely in-house by our team. This crane has a lot of specific requirements which

needed to be accommodated in limited area.”

- Tushar Mehendale, Managing Director,

ElectroMech

power brand


Moser Baer Solar Ltd. (MBSL), one of the largest integrated solar PV manufacturers and

a subsidiary of Moser Baer India Ltd., has crossed more than ` 100 crore PV module sales in the highly competitive Japan market during April-December 2013. MBSL has been exporting solar PV modules to Japan for last 4 years, and the volume of shipments has increased significantly in last 9 months. Japan’s solar market is growing exponentially, driven by their focus on using renewable energy.

Vivek Chaturvedi, Chief Marketing Officer, Moser Baer Solar, said, “Japan traditionally is amongst the world’s

most quality conscious markets, and we are proud to have established an Indian brand in high technology space here. This reiterates India’s capability to develop, manufacture and deliver world-class products across categories globally. The opportunity is big, and we look forward to further our commitments in Japan’s journey toward promoting clean energy. A strong quality focus, and our understanding of Japan market sensitivities in general and Japan solar PV business in specific has resulted in this significant growth in shipments.”

The earliest installation in Japan using Moser Baer Solar PV Modules is now almost 3-year olds, performing at

consistently better levels than estimated by the owners. Moser Baer Solar Elite PV Modules are already popular with Japan’s biggest solar EPC companies and developers.

Moser Baer Solar promoting bi-lateral trade with Japan

AVEVA has announced a further expansion of its sales and support network for the growing Indian market

by moving to larger office facilities in Mumbai. According to the company, the new location will enable AVEVA to significantly expand its current sales and product support and will host a new training centre that offers customer training on the entire range of AVEVA’s software products and solutions. Based in the Supreme IT Business Park in Powai, Mumbai, the office was formally opened by AVEVA Group CEO Richard Longdon and AVEVA Group Chairman Philip Aiken.

“India is one of AVEVA’s most important and fastest growing markets,” said Mr Longdon. “Over the past few years, we have seen a significant increase

in demand for AVEVA’s engineering, design and information management software across the country’s oil and gas, power and marine industries. This new office is just the latest of the major investments we continue to make in facilities and manpower across India. It gave both our Chairman of the Board Philip Aiken and me great pleasure to be present at the inauguration of this new Mumbai office.”

“We recognise how important it is to provide exceptional local service and support, and our new office in Mumbai enables us to expand this by recruiting additional high-calibre sales

and support professionals,” said Navtej Garewal, Senior Vice President and Country Head, India, AVEVA. “AVEVA is well established in the Indian market with a rapidly growing number of high-profile customers. Now is the right time to build on this strong growth through further investment and the new Powai office is an important and logical step in our growth strategy.”

AVEVA strengthens presence in Indian market

• Company becomes the first and only high-end technology brand from India to achieve this significant mark in during Apr- Dec 2013

• It is amongst the first of the few non Japanese companies to have products certified by extremely stringent JET under JIS Q8901 and JET PVm certification

power brand


Avantha Group Company CG launched its state-of-the-art smart grid facility at the Global Village in Bangalore

for full-fledged manufacturing of smart grid devices. Besides manufacturing smart grid devices, the facility will support economic development, foster job creation and boost an understanding of smart grid solutions in the energy field.

The smart grid devices manufactured in this facility will offer numerical solutions to Indian utilities and industries in the transmission and distribution (T&D) segment and provide improvement in the electric grid to make it more efficient and reliable. CG has invested ` 80 million in this facility which can employ more than 100 people. The smart grid facility will manufacture substation automation products, distribution automation devices, protection and control systems, advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) and telecommunication solutions. It will also offer global engineering services such as systems integration, installation, and commissioning. The facility is fully equipped with modern equipment to ensure an annual production capacity of 10,000 units of power line carrier communication terminals (PLCC) and intelligent electronic devices (IED).

According to CG, it’s solutions give timely, necessary information needed to implement automatic functions and allow maximum use of the grid at minimum cost. The real value add of the smart grid concept over the conventional automation system is that smart grids are able to convert the data provided by installed devices into actions and decisions that are taken in real time to operate the network.

With more than 2 million CG smart meter complete solutions installed worldwide, CG is a well-established manufacturer. CG’s smart grid devices are running successfully in the world’s first major smart grid deployment at the Iberdrola STAR Project, Bilbao, Spain, where over 2,27,000 smart meters monitor the electricity services provided to the area’s 4,10,000 inhabitants. In the past year, CG has participated in no less than 10 AMIs pilot projects in Europe, Asia and America.

CG is already participating with many of these smart grid devices and services in India’s first smart grid pilot project which requires approximately 87,000 smart meters and a street light automation solution that will prove substantial savings to the Electricity Department of the Government of Puducherry (PED). CG’s Utility Distribution franchise that operates in Jalgaon efficiently manages the multiple data obtained from the

intelligent devices installed at all voltage levels, enhancing the quality of service provided to the utility’s end users and drastically reduces technical and non-technical losses.

CG’s cost-effective smart grid solutions will help utilities identify and eliminate power thefts and system losses caused by aging or faulty equipment. For the utility customers, CG’s smart grid solutions offers more control over their power consumption and energy costs and spread awareness of consumption patterns.

Commenting on the inauguration, Laurent Demortier, CEO and Managing Director, Avantha Group Company CG, said, “The opening of CG’s smart grid manufacturing facility in Bangalore is a result of intense planning with the Indian stakeholders: customers, regulators and employees. I thank all of them for what they have achieved so far. Expansion in smart grid markets is a key strategy of CG.”

CG opens smart grid devices manufacturing plant in Bangalore

(L to R) Hampesh T, Unit Head CG Automation India; Laurent Demortier, CEO & MD, CG; and Norberto Santiago Elustondo, Executive VP & President, CG Automation

PEOPLE


Dr Puneet Kumar Goel, an IAS officer of 1991 batch (AGMU Cadre) has taken over as Chairman and Managing Director of Delhi Transco Ltd. Before joining Delhi Transco Limited Dr Goel was Secretary and Commissioner (Transport), Delhi. Earlier, he has served in Andaman and Nicobar, Goa, Arunachal Pradesh and NCT of Delhi as Secretary Power. He was also Relief Commissioner for handling Tsunami in Andaman Nicobar. Besides, he was also in-charge of rehabilitation works relating to power sector in aftermath of Tsunami.

A renewable energy expert, Dr Goel also has rich experience of working in the power sector. Dr Goel has also served in Government of India in Ministry of Power. He was Secretary (Power) Andaman and Nicobar Islands and has also served in Rural Electrification Corporation Limited where he was in-charge of implementation of Rajiv Gandhi Gramin Vidyutikaran Yojna for more than two years. He has also been in-charge of implementation of decentralised distribution genset using renewable energy sources. Besides, Dr Goel has also been head of the team involved in project and financial appraisal of large sized power generation projects.

Dr Goel is also not new to the Power Sector of Delhi and has worked earlier in Delhi Vidyut Board before privatisation. In addition to his responsibilities in Delhi Transco, Dr Goel has also been appointed as Secretary (Power) GNCTD, CMD Delhi Power Company Ltd and Chairman of Indraprastha Power Generation Company Ltd and Pragati Power Corporation Ltd.

Dr Puneet Kumar Goel takes over as CMD Delhi Transco

Steve Edwards became the new Chairman, President and CEO of Black & Veatch, succeeding Len Rodman. The formal transition occurs as Rodman retires from Black & Veatch after 42 years with the company and 15 years as CEO. During his tenure, the company further positioned itself as a world leader in Critical Human Infrastructure solutions.

In April, Mr Edwards was named CEO of Black & Veatch and to the company’s top leadership position following a transition period concluding on November 27.

“During the transition process, Steve led the company’s strategic planning initiative and the 2014 budgeting process. In addition, he met with clients, business partners and company professionals all over the world in preparation for his new role,” Mr Rodman said.

Steve Edwards assumes role as Black & Veatch Chairman, President and CEO

Regd. No. MH/MR/North East/290/2013-15 • Posted at Tilak Nagar PO Mumbai - 400089 on 1st & 2nd of every month.• English • Monthly • Date of Publication: 1st of every month.

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