Gurugram: In a major technological breakthrough for India’s power transmission sector, Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID), a Maharatna PSU under the Ministry of Power, has inaugurated the nation’s first 315 MVA, 400/220/33 kV synthetic ester oil-filled power transformer at its Bhiwadi Sub-station. The commissioning marks a significant step towards adopting environmentally sustainable and fire-safe transmission technologies in the country.
Inauguration by POWERGRID Chairman & Managing Director
The state-of-the-art transformer facility was inaugurated by Dr. R.K. Tyagi, Chairman & Managing Director, POWERGRID, in the presence of the company’s senior leadership and board members.
Those present at the event included:
- Mr G. Ravisankar, Director (Finance)
- Mr Naveen Srivastava, Director (Operations)
- Mr Burra Vamsi Rama Mohan, Director (Projects)
- Mr Naveen Kumar, Chief Vigilance Officer
- Mr Shiv Tapasya Paswan, Independent Director
- Mr Alok Sharma, Executive Director (NR-I)
Senior executives from POWERGRID’s Corporate Office
The inauguration highlights POWERGRID’s leadership in introducing advanced and sustainable technologies in India’s power transmission network.
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First-of-Its-Kind Transformer Using Synthetic Ester Oil
The newly commissioned 315 MVA, 400/220/33 kV power transformer employs synthetic ester insulating oil, a next-generation alternative to conventional mineral oil.
Key advantages of synthetic ester oil include:
- Biodegradability, reducing environmental impact
- Enhanced fire safety, due to a significantly higher fire point
- Improved thermal performance, enabling efficient operation under high load conditions
This innovation aligns with global best practices in green and sustainable power transmission technologies, significantly reducing fire hazards and environmental risks, especially in densely populated or industrial regions.
Designed for High Load and Enhanced Reliability
With a transformation capacity of 315 MVA, the transformer is designed to handle high load conditions efficiently, ensuring stable and reliable power supply. The deployment strengthens the operational resilience of the Bhiwadi Sub-station and supports growing power demand in the region.
The project underscores POWERGRID’s focus on modernizing grid infrastructure while maintaining high safety and environmental standards.
POWERGRID’s Expanding Transmission Network
As of December 31, 2025, POWERGRID has achieved the following milestones across the country:
- 287 operational sub-stations
- More than 1,81,894 circuit kilometers (ckm) of transmission lines
- Transformation capacity of 5,94,016 MVA
Through the adoption of advanced technologies, increased automation, and extensive use of digital solutions, POWERGRID has consistently maintained an average transmission system availability exceeding 99.84%, reinforcing its position as a global leader in reliable power transmission.
Commitment to Green and Future-Ready Power Infrastructure
The commissioning of India’s first synthetic ester oil-filled power transformer reflects POWERGRID’s long-term commitment to sustainable development, energy security, and future-ready grid infrastructure. The initiative supports India’s broader goals of reducing environmental impact while ensuring uninterrupted and safe power supply.
About Power Grid Corporation of India Limited
Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID) is a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Power. It is responsible for planning, implementing, operating, and maintaining India’s interstate transmission system and plays a pivotal role in the development of a robust, secure, and integrated national power grid.
