Best Stories

A lot of initiatives are being taken in the power sector for improving generation, transmission and distribution segments. In the generation segment, the focus is being shifted to renewable energy sources, with particular spotlight on solar, besides nuclear.

Although there are certain standards of performance for power distribution companies mentioned by the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) and also mandated by the state electricity regulatory commissions, they are not properly monitored. I will tell you a simple reason.

Power Quality is little more complex as it has dependencies on both supplier and consumer. (Definition) Definition of Power Quality (PQ), depends on one´s frame of reference. For example, a utility may define power quality as reliability and show statistics that its system is 98% or 99% reliable. This is the usual criteria established by regulatory agencies.

There is an emergent need to provide high voltage electric power transmission that minimises impact on the environment, agriculture and communities. Overhead transmission lines have been the normal, located on designated rights-of-way.

No replacing required. Both angular towers and monopoles shall coexist. Only for in new installations and at places where enough land is not available, monopoles shall be used.

Developed power sector markets like North America and Europe have been using monopoles since 1960s. However BEL had set-up the first world-class, state-of-the-art galvanized steel structure manufacturing unit in India at MIDC Ranjangaon, near Pune in 2002

As far as need for replacement of existing T&D tower with monopole is concerned, it depends on the factors like space and aesthetic requirement for monopoles to be installed in developing urban areas. And for rural area it will be a requirement where RoW problems exist, especially in agriculture lands and land requirement for transmission along the highways.

Advantages of monopole in comparison to conventional tower are: Less right-of-way (RoW), better appearance, less components resulting in faster installation, better reliability under extreme conditions, design flexibility, vandalism proof, reliable performance and longer service life.

With truckloads of untreated waste being generated daily, while the country is struggling to achieve consistent power supply to all, waste-to-energy seems to be a bright proposition. However, awareness and implementation remain major constraints.