— 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)