Indian power sector facing multi-level challenges: IEEMA

“India’s ageing assets, rising energy demands and the need to deliver without unplanned outages are few challenges faced by utilities and industries alike,” said Switzerland-based Pierre Lorin, Global Technology Manager – Transformers Service at ABB Secheron while delivering his presentation on Transformers Asset Management at TRAFOTECH 2012 organised by the Indian Electrical & Electronics Manufacturers Association (IEEMA).
“Like in other markets, India is facing multi-level challenges of ageing transformer assets, rising energy demands and the need to deliver without unplanned outages. However, at the same time, financial constraints demand an increased return on investment over reduced maintenance budgets and investments. The real challenge is to make the twain objectives meet at some point,” Mr. Lorin adds.   “Transformers are the heart of Power systems, with an average life of a transformer being 25 years. India has planned additional power generation of approximately 65000 MW in the 12th 5-year plan and there are aggressive plans to increase interregional transmission capacity (national grid) from 16,450 MW in 2007 to 37,150 MW by 2012, a CAGR of 18 per cent during 2007-12,” commented Vishal Gakher, Director General – IEEMA.

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