India Plans Domestic Push for Critical Transmission Gear Under Make in India Initiative – EQ
In Short : India is set to identify key transmission equipment for local manufacturing under the “Make in India” drive, focusing on HVDC components like transformers, cables, and converters. The government may introduce incentives such as Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes to boost domestic capacity. This move supports energy security and aims to meet the 2030 target of 500 GW non-fossil capacity.
In Detail : India is moving to strengthen its power infrastructure by identifying key transmission equipment for domestic manufacturing under the “Make in India” initiative. The plan focuses on boosting local production of critical components used in high-voltage direct current (HVDC) and alternating current (HVAC) systems.
The Ministry of Power is engaging with industry stakeholders to draw up a list of essential equipment that can be feasibly produced within the country. These consultations aim to determine the technical and commercial viability of domestic manufacturing across various product categories.
Key items under consideration include power transformers, high-capacity cables, converters, and switchgear—components crucial for the transmission of large-scale renewable energy across states. These systems are vital to connecting solar and wind generation centers to urban and industrial demand hubs.
Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal has suggested exploring incentives such as Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes to support the creation of domestic manufacturing capabilities. Similar schemes in other sectors have helped attract investments and promote innovation.
This push aligns with India’s broader energy goals, including the planned integration of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. The need for reliable, indigenously sourced transmission gear has become more urgent amid global supply chain disruptions.
The government is also considering proposals to set up dedicated power equipment manufacturing zones. These zones would offer industrial benefits like subsidized land and electricity, helping manufacturers scale operations efficiently and cost-effectively.
India has previously implemented successful PLI programs in electronics and telecom, and similar frameworks could prove effective in the energy transmission sector. These incentives aim to reduce import dependency and build a competitive domestic ecosystem.
Localizing production of transmission equipment is expected to enhance the resilience of India’s power grid, reduce costs over the long term, and support the country’s transition to clean energy. It will also open opportunities for both public sector undertakings and private players in the equipment space.
Once finalized, the initiative could reshape the power transmission supply chain by encouraging the development of indigenous capabilities in manufacturing key gear. This would mark a significant step toward achieving self-reliance in India’s energy sector.
