For 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.
Way 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)