Alstom T&D India has flagged off the first “Made in India” 800 kV HVDC convertor transformer from its world-class power transformer manufacturing facility at Vadodara, in the state of Gujarat. The transformer was flagged-off by Hon’ble Chief Minister of Gujarat, Smt. Anandiben Patel, in the presence of Shri. I. S. Jha, Director Projects, PowerGrid and other eminent dignitaries from various central utilities, state utilities and private customers.

The convertor transformer is part of PowerGrid’s 3000 MW, 800 kV Champa-Kurukshetra UHVDC Phase 1 link that connects the power station of Central India near Champa to the demand center, 1365 kms away in Northern India at Kurukshetra.

Alstom is amongst world’s leading companies to have successfully designed, manufactured and tested 800 kV DC converter transformers. It has successfully transferred complex design and manufacturing technology for these transformers to be manufactured in the local Unit at Vadodara. Further recent investments have been done in expanding the manufacturing and testing facilities for the HVDC line of transformers.

Vadodara unit has become a significant contributor in building a robust 765 kV AC transmission backbone in India. Alstom has supplied more than 190 units of 765 kV transformers and shunt reactors from this unit to various clients like PowerGrid, state utilities and private generating companies

Mr. Rathin Basu, Country President, Alstom India and South Asia said, “Over the past 100 years, Alstom has continuously invested, localised and introduced the latest technologies in India. 800 kV HVDC converter transformers mark a new milestone and demonstrate once again Alstom’s manufacturing and technological prowess. It also builds on our strong position in the Extra High Voltage AC and DC markets, a core focus area where we expect significant growth over the next few years. Our 14 world class manufacturing facilities in India espouse the ‘Make in India’initiative of the government and Alstom would like to continue to contribute to it.” 

HVDC is increasingly the preferred choice for utilities to ensure efficient, reliable bulk power transmission over long distances. Alstom Grid is a major supplier of turnkey HVDC solutions worldwide. In India, Alstom has supplied HVDC systems for Vizag (State of Andhra Pradesh), Chandrapur (State of Maharashtra), Sasaram (State of Bihar), and is currently constructing the Phase I and II of ±800 kV Champa–Kurukshetra link.