Gujarat-headquartered Onix Renewable Ltd is essentially a green energy player offering end-to-end solutions in the field of solar and wind energy, as well as energy storage. Interestingly, Onix has a power transmission division engaged in EPC and O&M of transmission lines. In this exclusive interaction with T&D India, we have Divyesh Savaliya, Chairman, Onix Renewable Ltd discussing how the power transmission division strategically complements the renewable energy business. Savaliya asserts that while the country is striving to meet its 500-GW RE generation capacity target by 2030, the criticality of power transmission infrastructure for RE evacuation cannot be overstated.
Let us start by understanding the various services that Onix Renewable offers in the field of power transmission.
At Onix Renewable Ltd., we aim to play a catalysing role in the country’s progress towards achieving renewable or clean energy goal – 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030. Our larger goal is to drive innovation in renewable energy and power generation and generate 10 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 and produce up to 1 million tonnes of green hydrogen and ammonia.
Our renewable energy solutions spread across multiple domains – energy generation, component manufacturing, green PPA, Green Credit, green hydrogen, transmission, substation, distribution, EPC, etc. We successfully completed projects for a number of marquee names in India Inc. After working in the sector for 17 years, we are set to enter the next phase of growth by building our presence nationwide by aligning our resources and expertise.
In the power transmission segment, our specialisation lies in the construction, maintenance, and upgrade of high-voltage transmission lines, ensuring reliable and efficient power transmission for our clients. We provide an extensive range of transmission solutions, from initial design to ongoing maintenance. The solutions include high-voltage transmission line construction, pre-construction engineering and design, live-line maintenance and reconductoring of existing transmission lines. We have so far commissioned a 400kV transmission line in Gujarat.
Take us through the recent advancements in project execution techniques for erection of overhead power transmission lines.
The transmission sector in India is undergoing a technology transformation to meet the rising energy requirements. The transformation in infrastructure development is gaining efficiency, speed, reliability and resilience banking on the technology-powered solutions.
In the renewable energy sector, speed in completing transmission projects is important as renewable energy generation projects usually take a shorter time-frame which is anywhere 12 and 18 months to complete whereas transmission projects normally take around 36 months to get over. So, to avoid any timeline mismatch, heli-stringing or the process of deploying helicopters to install and repair wires is used. Drones are also used to ensure better project progress monitoring and transmission infrastructure maintenance.
Power transmission is an area that is often fraught with right-of-way (RoW) especially whilst passing through ecologically sensitive areas, privately-owned land, etc. How can these concerns be minimized at the planning stage itself?
Obtaining RoW is challenging especially for the renewable energy producers given the fact that renewable energy projects are majorly located in remote locations and connecting these projects to the grids calls for construction of an extensive power transmission infrastructure. However, the best way to solve RoW issues is to initiate engagement at the local level. The transmission infrastructure development company can depute a local representative to build awareness on the long-term advantages of constructing the transformation infrastructure. The landowners need to be reassured of the safety aspect of the project. If the transmission infrastructure happens to extend into agricultural land, construction can be planned keeping the crop cycles in mind. These are some of the ways to minimise RoW issues at the initial level.
We observe that power transmission service providers extensively use remote monitoring techniques to minimize downtime. How has remote monitoring technology evolved over the years?
As renewable energy projects are situated at far-flung and elevated terrains, drones are being extensively used for remote monitoring. Use of drones helps in both visual and thermal inspections of towers, leading to faster actions. Data captured by tech-enabled remote monitoring facilitates building AI-driven digital twins of the towers, paving the way for better surveillance and maintenance.
Tell us about “live line” maintenance of overhead power transmission lines that we understand Onix specializes in.
Well, we offer advanced live line maintenance services, including hot sticking and live line bare-hand techniques. This helps us in carrying out critical maintenance without interjecting power flow.
How do you see the scope for underground and submarine EHV cabling in the field of power transmission in India?
As the country’s share in global primary energy demand is steadily growing, we expect the adoption of underground and submarine EHV to grow to ensure robust energy access. Underground and submarine cabling is technologically challenging and requires a sizeable investment. In addition, obtaining project clearance from all parties involved is still a hurdle. Having said that, with the growing urbanisation and development of planned cities, underground cabling will become more prevalent to reduce visual intrusion and ensure safety of the surroundings.
We see growing instances of reconductoring of existing transmission lines with HTLS conductors for increasing power flow without additional right-of-way. How do you rate the opportunities for Onix in this space?
Reconductoring the existing transmission lines reduces the requirement of additional right-of-way. We always explore this option while setting up a transmission project.
India is rapidly moving towards the 765kV voltage regime in power transmission. Does Onix offers services in this voltage class as well?
We have a continued focus on boosting the power transmission capacity of the country. We are working towards scaling our power transmission capacity to 765kV.
Tell us how power transmission complements the various activities of Onix in the field of renewable energy.
Transmission and distribution form the backbone of our renewable energy initiatives. Our IPP and EPC projects have a multiplier impact on the energy transition mission thanks to our transmission and distribution capabilities.
Given that power transmission is emerging as a very important area in India’s power value chain, how do you see the years ahead for Onix?
Boosting power transmission capacity is the key to achieve 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030. Therefore, we expect a robust growth for our transmission operations, going forward.
All industrial photographs seen in this interview relate to power transmission projects of Onix Renewable Ltd.
