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EHV cables: A big boost to power sector

Hiten Khatau ,  Tuesday, September 13, 2011, 17:27 Hrs  [IST]

Hiten Khatau.jpgFor a sustained economic growth of 8 to 9 per cent, it is important to bridge the gap between demand and supply of power. The power sector is therefore one of the most important sectors for the development of nations. With government thrust on growth of power sector that includes generation, transmission and distribution, the demand for underground cables is expected to increase. Extra High Voltage (EHV) cables are used in transmission and with the growth in the power transmission segment, the demand for EHV cables too is expected to grow.

EHV cables are used in urban areas only when there is no possibility of using overhead lines. Underground (UG) cables have following advantages:
  • Aesthetics - Not visible and therefore no hindrances
  • No maintenance
  • No power theft
  • The land is scarce in cities and UG cable transmission avoids Right of Way (ROW) etc.
In India, the technology for producing EHV cables has started maturing only in the recent past. Cable Corporation of India (CCI) has been producing 245 kV cables in India since the last two decades and the cables are still in satisfactory operation. Other internationally renowned companies are also making an entry in India through the joint venture route.

In India, the demand for EHV cable is likely to grow. As of now EHV cables are used mostly in metro cities. However, with growing urbanization, Tier II cities are also getting crowded and load centres are getting shifted. This will lead to a rise in the demand for EHV cables in Tier II cities as well. In recent times, there have been huge demands from cities like Jaipur.

Untitled - 48Way back in 1994, when the technology was just emerging, CCI was the pioneer in developing 220kV cables. The company has always managed to stay ahead of competition. The 220kV cables supplied in 1994 are in satisfactory operation even now. CCI has supplied more than 120 Kms of 230kV cable in the last one year. The company is currently executing a large 230kV turnkey cable order involving 129 Kms of 230kV cable. It is also in the process of upgrading its facilities for 400kV grade cables to cater to the growing requirement in this segment.

To ensure a steady growth for the EHV cable industry and to keep a check on the malpractices, cable users should buy cables only from reputed manufacturers with proven technology and proven service performances. The cables should be of such a quality as to be able to meet the continuous and short circuit current requirements. Also, it is necessary to ensure that the accessories and joints have been procured from manufacturers with proven service record. The EHV cables contracts should be Turnkey contracts so that the contractor will have single point responsibility and will guarantee a complete cable system.

 (Hiten Khatau is CMD, Cable Corporation of India Ltd)
 
                 
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