Alstom T&D India to supply GIS substation

Himachal Pradesh Power Transmission (HPPTCL) has awarded approximately €35m (INR277m) contract to Alstom T&D India for the supply a 66kV gas-insulated substation (GIS) in Urni, Himachal Pradesh, in northern India.

Under the contract, Alstom will design, engineering, manufacture, supply, testing, and commissioning of the 66 kV GIS, substation automation and control system.

Alstom T&D India managing director Rathin Basu said Alstom has provided approximately 700 GIS bays, covering a range of voltages from 66kV to 400kV, in the country, till date.

"This second GIS contract with HPPTCL, following the one awarded in 2013, confirms HPPTCL’s confidence in Alstom’s industrial expertise," Basu added.

"Alstom has been localising GIS manufacturing activity in India since 2009 in Padappai near Chennai, and currently leads the GIS market in India."

The project aims to transmit power into the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh from new generation sources, boosting 23,000MW of hydro power potential in the state.

Alstom’s manufacturing facilities across India will produce all the equipment related to the project.

The preferred technology for hydropower plants, difficult terrains such as mountains, coastal areas and cities, the new GIS in Urni will utilise power from new generation sources such as hydropower, and then transmit into the grid.

The GIS, which is ideal for smaller footprint and low maintenance applications, is well-adapted for space constrained areas.