The 2024 Transmission & Distribution Forum, hosted at KSH Infra Park in Pune, Maharashtra, on June 13, gathered industry experts, policymakers, and innovators to discuss advancements and opportunities in India’s evolving energy landscape.
A Platform for Energy Transformation
Organized by ETEnergyworld in collaboration with CTC Global, the event served as a crucial venue for exploring the latest developments in transmission and distribution (T&D) technology, grid resilience, and energy efficiency. The discussions focused on the intersection of policy, renewable energy integration, and infrastructure modernization, emphasizing the need for innovation and collaboration to drive sustainable energy solutions.
A significant announcement at the event was CTC Global’s decision to open its fifth global manufacturing facility in Pune, reinforcing India’s commitment to expanding energy infrastructure capacity. 
Key Discussions and Insights
Opening Address:
Saurabh Kumar, Consulting Editor at The Economic Times, highlighted India’s impressive journey in power evolution, tracing its growth from the first public lighting in 1879 to a peak demand of 250 gigawatts in 2024.
Industry Perspectives:
Hitesh Mundhada, Vice President at CTC Global, emphasized India’s strides in expanding energy access, promoting renewable sources, and modernizing grid infrastructure to improve efficiency.
Panel Discussions
Investment Prospects in India’s Energy Landscape:
Moderated by Saurabh Kumar, this session examined India’s $91.26 billion investment potential in energy transmission and distribution. Key insights included:
- Debajyoti Das (Managing Director, Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited): Highlighted the urgent need for additional funding to strengthen Assam’s transmission system.
- Rishika Sharan (Chief Engineer & Member Secretary, National Power Committee, Central Electricity Authority): Stressed the importance of both public and private funding, citing initiatives like the Power System Development Fund and RDSS for new projects.
- Dr. Aditya Prakash (Managing Director, Bihar State Power Transmission Company Limited): Emphasized holistic upgrades in grid substations and infrastructure.
- Manju Gupta (Executive Director, Powergrid): Discussed joint ventures with state utilities to enhance investments and integrate new technologies.
- S.K. Agarwal (Senior Vice President, Apar Industries): Confirmed the manufacturing sector’s readiness to support the country’s energy expansion.
- Stephen Fernandes: Addressed Goa’s dependence on central energy allocation and the pressing need for improved transmission line policies.
Fireside Chat: Climate-Conscious Grid Modernization
- J.D. Sitton (CEO, CTC Global): Noted that India completes reconductoring projects in 18 months, compared to 5-7 years in the U.S., underscoring the efficiency of India’s energy expansion policies.
- Manish Agarwal (Industry Leader): Credited government support and regulatory efficiency for significantly reducing transmission project timelines in India to 2-3 years.
Renewable Energy Integration: Challenges & Solutions
Moderated by Girishkumar Kadam, this panel explored strategies for integrating renewable energy into the grid.
- B.B. Mehta (Director, Odisha Power Transmission Corporation Ltd): Emphasized the complexities of managing intermittent renewable energy generation.
- Avinash Nimbalkar (Director Projects, Maharashtra State Electricity Transmission Company): Highlighted the importance of HTLS technology for upgrading aging infrastructure.
- Manish Shrivastava (Senior VP, Sterlite Power): Urged a value-based approach to adopting new energy technologies.
- David Chiesa (VP Global Sales, CTC Global): Stressed the need for rapid transmission upgrades, drawing lessons from India’s efficiency.
- Dan Millison (Consultant, Asian Development Bank): Pointed to the necessity of advanced conductors for accommodating increased solar and wind energy.
- Devanand Pallikuth (Chief, TATA Power): Identified right-of-way challenges and the importance of insulated cross-arms in resolving clearance issues.
Paving the Way for a Resilient Energy Future
The 2024 Transmission & Distribution Forum reinforced the critical role of technology and policy in shaping India’s power sector. With expert insights and strategic discussions, the event laid a roadmap for enhancing grid infrastructure, accelerating renewable energy adoption, and fostering innovation. The discussions and takeaways from this forum will serve as a blueprint for India’s continued journey toward a modern, efficient, and resilient energy network.
