— Dr. Konstantin O. Papailiou,
Chairman - CIGRE Study Committee B2 on Overhead Lines
CIGRE, considered the best forum for international experts in the
field of power systems, is very active in India. The association that
has active collaboration with IEEMA recently conducted a extensive
training session during Elecrama 2012 in Mumbai.
Dr. Konstantin O. Papailiou, in conversation with
Mrinalini
Prasad, expounds on a variety of subjects and assesses India's
need for high-voltage power transmission. He is confident that
UHVAC power transmission is a very viable option for India.
Tell us about CIGRE and the role of the CIGRE Study Committee
B2 on Overhead Lines.
CIGRE, the French acronym standing for "International Council on
Large Electric Systems", is the world largest non-profit
organization in the field of electric power systems. Established in
1921, it has presently more than 10,000 members from more than
90 countries. CIGRE is considered the best forum for international
experts who exchange knowledge, share best practices and join
forces for the Power System of Today and Tomorrow.
The mission of CIGRE covers the following four strategic
directions:
- The electrical power system of the future
- Making the best use of the existing system
- Focus on the environment and sustainability
- Interactive communication with the public and with political
decision maker
On the other hand Study Committee B2 covers the design,
construction and operation of overhead lines. This includes the
mechanical and electrical design and experimental validation
of new line components (conductors, ground wires, insulators,
accessories, structures and their foundations), the study of inservice
line performance, the assessment of aged line
components, line maintenance, the refurbishment and life
extension as well as upgrading and uprating of existing
overhead lines. Study Committee B2 has presently 25 active
working groups where more than 300 experts from 50
countries regularly meet in order to discuss actual issues in the
field of overhead lines. The work of these working groups is
documented in so-called technical brochures, which can be
found as well as other relevant information on CIGRE under
www.cigre.org.
What has been the role of CIGRE India in developing Indian
power sector, with special reference to the transmission
sector? Please discuss some initiatives taken by CIGRE.
To expand CIGRE's reach in India, we support the National
Committee, which is very active here. I am personally very
impressed by CIGRE's presence in India. The association is
doing very good work by getting people together to exchange information on best practice, which has induced co-operation
at various levels between different companies and even
countries. With this, international experience is coming to
India, which is the largest market in the transmission and
distribution sector after China.
CIGRE India has been very fast in reacting to the issues in the
sector and has successfully organized various workshops. The
recent forum on EHV Lines design and maintenance issues has
also brought together experts from different countries to share
their experiences. Such initiatives are very important for the
sector to grow in India.
Does CIGRE plan any collaboration in future with some Indian
association for electrical manufacturers in India?
CIGRE has in cooperation with IEEMA during the recent
ELECRAMA 2012 organized a series of tutorials on actual issues
in the field of overhead lines, insulated cables, substations and
protection and automation. These tutorials have been very well
attended and we plan to have similar activities in the future.
How do you compare the Indian power sector with the West?
India is any transmission lines engineer's as well as
manufacturer's dream. The projects here have great
magnitude. Rate of growth in western countries is presently
rather slow as the transmission and distribution infrastructure
there is already in place. India, on the other hand, is still
developing. There still needs a lot to be done to provide
electricity to all the cities and villages, so to say "electricity to
the people". Hence, the growth envisaged here is huge
making the sector extremely dynamic.
Considering the geographical conditions of India, do you
feel that the 1,200kV high voltage systems are feasible for
this country?
Yes, I feel these so-called UHV systems would be viable in
this country. There is a rule of thumb saying that 1kV of line
voltage per 1 km of distance between generation and load is
the optimal rate at which the power should be transferred.
Hence, with 400kV AC lines power to about 400 km can be
transferred. Applying the rule, 1,200kV AC lines would
enable power transfer to a distance of over 1,000 km, which
is the requirement for a country like India.
What, according to you, would be the major challenges in
development of these 1,200kV lines in India?
The challenges in designing suitable equipment for
extremely high voltages engineering are so to say "overproportional"
to the voltage. The manufacturing and
installation of 1,200kV equipment is definitely more than
three times demanding if compared to 400kV equipment.
Besides, the problems in maintenance at UHV are also a
major issue. As the technology is new, the manufacturers
and engineers will take some time to adopt it. The
manufacturing infrastructure is also likely to take some time
to develop.
What would be your suggestions to Indian electrical
manufacturers about R&D in 1,200kV transmission lines?
India has good manufacturers and they should be open to
cooperation. Besides, more resources must be spent on R&D.
More specifically, manufacturers should invest the most in
human resources. They can purchase machinery but people
cannot be cloned and well-trained engineers are a must for
effective R&D and efficient operation. The industry should
focus on creating qualified manpower by training young people.
Education and, in particular, engineering education must be
encouraged and students should be informed about this
dynamic sector, which may attract them as a career option. I
would further suggest that Indian companies participate more
in CIGRE international activities, as this would be very
beneficial for them.
What is your vision for the future?
Electrical power is the base of the future. Politicians,
government agencies, academia and other stakeholders must
work together towards further development of the power
sector in India. The power system is like our health. We take it
for granted when we have it and we realize its importance when
we loose it. The future growth and prosperity of the whole
world depends strongly on electricity.
(Note: Dr. Konstantin O. Papailiou has been until the end of
2011, when he has reached retirement age, CEO, PFISTERER
Holding AG, Germany, an international business group in the
field of electric power systems. PFISTERER has 20 companies in
its fold, with combined annual turnover of over €300 million)