-How is the Indian Transformer Industry growing?
India Power and Distribution Transformers Market to witness robust growth due to growing demand for electricity and government initiatives for power additions. The market for power & distribution transformers in India is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10.5% during 2015-2020.
Growth of the country’s power Transmission and Distribution (T&D) sector remained sluggish during 10th and 11th five year plans due to inadequate investments allocated by the Indian Government. However, under the 12th five year plan, the Indian Government is focused towards expansion of the country’s T&D network with significantly higher investments than previous five year plans.
Upcoming government projects like Green Energy Corridor for power generation from renewable sources would further add to the overall power and distribution transformer installations in the country.
Other initiatives like Restructured Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Programme are aimed at providing basic power infrastructure to rural inhabitants and households in the country, thereby boosting the demand for power and distribution transformers in India.
‘India Power and Distribution Transformers Market Forecast and Opportunities 2020’ has analyzed the potential of power & distribution transformers market in India and provides statistics and information on market size, industry behaviour and trends.
-What types of innovations are being sought here?
We have developed ‘Pad-Mounted Transformers’ to cater for the needs of urban underground Power Distribution Systems.
Also, we have successfully come out with ‘Multi-Pulse Transformers’ to meet the required phase angle between secondary windings in VFD system inputs.
Also, we are pursuing manufacture of ‘Reactors’ for VFD drives systems to curb the harmonics that emanate from the VFDs. Right now we are supplying those to the US Market.
-How are the government’s new policies helping you to generate more business?
Government is contemplating to improve the Urban and Rural infrastructure. Hence, they need wide variety of power transformers to meet the changes required. Further, smart cities and digitized villages need perfect power quality, which needs efficient power transmission and distribution. Hence, I see much more demand for transformers because transformer is the basic component in Power Transmission.
-Please tell me about the recently developed products in PETE.
As I have already explained to you, we are working more on products like Pad-mounted, Multipulse, Reactors and PV Solar Sub-Stations. Also, as our JV partners are experts in Cast Insulation Transformers, we are using their expertise to meet the demands of the Indian Customers. Their Cast Insulation Dry Type Transformers are very important in high density population areas like big malls, theatres, multi-storey sky scrapers. The frequent mishaps in these areas demand stringent electricity laws for the use of fire resistant dry type transformers. We have also developed Compact Sub-Stations (CSSs).
Nowadays Solar Power is in focus. Previously we have done great business in Wind Energy related transformers. Now, Solar Power handling needs PV compact transformer sub-stations. We are successful in developing both Modular and Container type – and we have successfully commissioned these units to cater to the PV Solar Power Systems.
As the new demands come up from society, we must be able to meet them. Otherwise, we are out of business. We have to adopt the new changes using the existing capabilities. This is the trick of the Trade.
-Please tell me in brief about your manufacturing facility and capability.
Our Production facility has changed during the last five years. A sea of change! Now we have 132 kV grade power transformer manufacturing and testing facility added to the existing 33 kV grade. But this facility is separate in a different location.
We have another facility for dry type Cast Resin and Cast Coil transformers.
We have special radiator manufacturing unit to meet conventional oil filled transformers.
We also have separate location for special repairs of transformers.
Fabrication unit exists separately and exclusively. Recently, PETE Group of companies started manufacturing Epoxy Bushings and Spouts.
–How do you take care of quality and consistency in your products?
Quality is in-built in the system. Production facility and quality checks are not separate. Now, we have come to a stage wherein quality building is part of the manufacture. As you know, we have been adjudged as No. 1 Quality Leader in our range of MSME transformer units and we received a National Award from Rastrapathi in the year 2010. Now we have to keep it up, you know!
-Which segments are you primarily targeting as far as new transformers are concerned?
Power Sector is the main arena that we focus on. Distribution Sector is the primary target where competition is more and volumes are large. Special Purpose Transformers are icing on the cake.
-How is the demand scenario in the reconditioning and repairing market?
We are not focusing on repair jobs, but we don’t say ‘no’ to the needy customers. Hangings are more in repairing but volumes are not there compared to production or manufacture.
-Is the new trend of captive power generation opening up a lucrative market for you?
Yes, of course! Captive Power Generation and Evacuation of power in Power Generation. This segment is growing fast. We have to pick up the demand. We have a substantial market in these areas.
-What is your message to the Indian Power Community?
As a manufacturer, you have to meet the customers’ expectations and needs. There are fast changes occurring in society. You have to adapt to the changes, acquire new technologies and innovations to meet the changes in demands. Then you exist, survive and sustain. Through this Cycle you grow!
