Power Transmission & Distribution Infrastructure Modernization
Science & Technology
- PYQs8
- Articles1
Background
Crucial for India's energy security, integrating renewable energy into the national grid, reducing transmission and distribution losses, supporting economic growth, and achieving climate change mitigation targets.
India's rapidly growing energy demand, driven by industrialization and the expansion of renewable energy sources, necessitates continuous modernization and expansion of its power transmission and distribution infrastructure to ensure efficient and reliable electricity supply. This involves adopting advanced technologies like high-capacity conductors and high-voltage transmission lines to minimize losses and enhance power density.
Facts & tables
- Conductor Capacity
- HTLS conductors carry about four times the load of conventional ones without replacing transmission towers.
- High Voltage Lines
- Importance of 400 kV and 765 kV lines increasing for enhanced power density and reduced losses.
- Market Growth
- Conductor market size expected to reach ₹23,000-₹25,000 crore by FY30.
- Technology Adoption
- Indian firms are forming tech tie-ups (e.g., Laser Power & Infra Ltd with TS Conductor Corp.) for local production of advanced conductors.
| Type | Reference |
|---|---|
| Conceptual area | Energy Security |
| Conceptual area | Infrastructure Development |
| Conceptual area | Technology Adoption |
| Body | Role |
|---|---|
| Indian Railways | Consumer of power infrastructure |
| State Utilities / Distribution Companies (DISCOMs) | Adopter and consumer of advanced conductors |
Prelims angle
Prelims angle: Statement-based questions
Prelims angle: Factual recall
- HTLS conductors offer higher load capacity and lower sag.
- High voltage lines reduce losses and increase power density.
- Crucial for evacuating power from solar and wind hubs.
- Supports industrial growth and rising electricity demand.
- Technology tie-ups boost indigenous manufacturing capabilities.
| Year | Framing tags |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Statement-based questions, Factual recall |
| 2024 | Terminology-based question, Conceptual understanding |
| 2023 | Factual recall, Multi-statement analysis |
| 2023 | Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding |
| 2020 | Statement-based questions, Factual recall |
| 2018 | Statement-based questions, Factual recall |
| 2017 | Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding |
| 2014 | Statement-based questions, Conceptual understanding |
Timeline
-
Energy Security
Conceptual area
-
Infrastructure Development
Conceptual area
-
Technology Adoption
Conceptual area
-
Prelims 2014
Statement-based questions, Conceptual understanding
-
Prelims 2017
Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding
-
Prelims 2018
Statement-based questions, Factual recall
-
Prelims 2020
Statement-based questions, Factual recall
-
Prelims 2023
Factual recall, Multi-statement analysis
-
Prelims 2023
Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding
-
Prelims 2024
Terminology-based question, Conceptual understanding
-
Prelims 2025
Statement-based questions, Factual recall
-
High voltage power conductor demand surges as load increases; local firms gear up with tech tie-ups
Modernizing India's power grid with advanced conductors and high-voltage lines is essential for meeting rising electricity demand, efficiently integrating renewable energy, and improving overall grid efficiency and reliability.
See also
Past papers
2014–2025 · 8 questions
In the news
High voltage power conductor demand surges as load increases; local firms gear up with tech tie-ups
Modernizing India's power grid with advanced conductors and high-voltage lines is essential for meeting rising electricity demand, efficiently integrating renewable energy, and improving overall grid efficiency and reliability.
Try these PYQs
With reference to solar power production in India, consider the following statements:
1. India is the third largest in the world in the manufacture of silicon wafers used in photovoltaic units.
2. The solar power tariffs are determined by the Solar Energy Corporation of India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statement 1 is incorrect: India does not feature among the top three global manufacturers of silicon wafers used in photovoltaic (PV) units or solar cells. The top three manufacturers of silicon wafers for PV applications are China, Taiwan, and South Korea. Statement 2 is incorrect: The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) is a government-owned company that facilitates the implementation of solar energy projects in the country, but it does not determine the solar power tariffs. The solar power tariffs in India are determined through a competitive bidding process conducted by various agencies. Hence, the correct answer is option (d) Neither 1 nor 2.
With reference to technologies for solar power production, consider the following statements:
1. ‘Photovoltaics’ is a technology that generates electricity by direct conversion of light into electricity, while ‘Solar Thermal’ is a technology that utilizes the Sun’s rays to generate heat which is further used in the electricity generation process.
2. Photovoltaics generates Alternating Current (AC), while Solar Thermal generates Direct Current (DC).
3. India has a manufacturing base for Solar Thermal technology, but not for Photovoltaics.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statement 1 is correct: Photovoltaic (PV) technology converts sunlight directly into electricity using semiconductors (like silicon) — this is a direct conversion of light to electrical energy. Solar Thermal technology uses mirrors or lenses to concentrate sunlight to produce heat, which then drives a turbine to generate electricity (an indirect process). Statement 2 is incorrect: Photovoltaic systems generate Direct Current (DC), which is usually converted into Alternating Current (AC) through an inverter for grid use. Solar Thermal systems generate heat energy, which is used to produce AC electricity through conventional turbines. Statement 3 is incorrect: India has a manufacturing base for solar photovoltaics (PV) — including solar cells, modules, and panels (e.g., companies like Adani Solar, Vikram Solar, and Tata Power Solar). The solar thermal manufacturing base in India is limited and largely focused on small-scale applications like water heating.
It is possible to produce algae-based biofuels, but what is/are the likely limitation(s) of developing countries in promoting this industry?
1. Production of algae-based biofuels is possible in seas only and not on continents.
2. Setting up and engineering the algae-based biofuel production requires a high level of expertise/technology until the construction is completed.
3. Economically viable production necessitates the setting up of large scale facilities which may raise ecological and social concerns.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Statement 1 is incorrect. The production of algae-based biofuels is not limited to seas only. It can be done on land, saline water, or wastewater. Statement 2 is correct. Setting up and engineering the algae-based biofuel production does require a high level of expertise/technology, which might be a limitation for developing countries. Statement 3 is also correct. Economically viable production of algae-based biofuels does necessitate the setting up of large-scale facilities, which may raise ecological and social concerns.
With reference to green hydrogen, Consider the following statements :
1. It can be used directly as a fuel for internal combustion.
2. It can be blended with natural gas and used as fuel for heat or power generation.
3. It can be used in the hydrogen fuel cell to run vehicles.
How many of the above statements are correct?
* Green hydrogen is any hydrogen that is produced from renewable energy. * Statement 1 is correct: Green hydrogen can be used as a direct fuel for internal combustion engines, replacing conventional fuels like gasoline or diesel. * Statement 2 is correct: Green hydrogen can be blended with natural gas and used as a fuel for various applications like heating, power generation, and industrial processes. * Statement 3 is correct: Green hydrogen can be used in hydrogen fuel cells to power electric vehicles, providing a clean and efficient alternative to traditional fossil fuel-powered vehicles. Therefore, all three statements regarding the uses of green hydrogen are correct.
With reference to solar water pumps, consider the following statements:
1. Solar power can be used for running surface pumps and not for submersible pumps.
2. Solar power can be used for running centrifugal pumps and not the ones with piston.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Solar pumps provide a clean, energy-efficient, and sustainable alternative to traditional electric and fuel-driven pump sets. They play a crucial role in environmentally friendly agriculture and can be implemented in both developed and underdeveloped regions. The main components in a solar pumping system include a photovoltaic (PV) array, an electric motor and a pump. Solar water pumping systems are classified as either direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC) systems based on the motors ability. Recently, the concept of brushless DC (BLDC) motors for solar pumping water applications was presented as well. Statement 1 is incorrect: Solar power can be used to run both surface pumps and submersible pumps. The type of pump does not limit the use of solar power. Statement 2 is incorrect: Solar power can be used to run both centrifugal pumps and piston pumps. The type of pump, whether it's a centrifugal pump or a piston pump, does not limit the use of solar power. Hence, both statements 1 and 2 are incorrect.
Show 3 more PYQs
Consider the following statements about 'PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana':
I. It targets installation of one crore solar rooftop panels in the residential sector.
II. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy aims to impart training on installation, operation, maintenance and repairs of solar rooftop systems at grassroot levels.
III. It aims to create more than three lakhs skilled manpower through fresh skilling, and up-skilling, under scheme component of capacity building.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is a major government initiative to expand rooftop solar adoption in the residential sector, while also building technical capacity across the country. ✅ Statement I: Correct
* The scheme targets the installation of 1 crore solar rooftop panels in households. ✅ Statement II: Correct
* The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE plans to train grassroots-level workers in installation, operation, and maintenance. ✅ Statement III: Correct
* The scheme aims to create over 3 lakh skilled workers through fresh skilling and up-skilling efforts.
Consider the following infrastructure sectors:
1. Affordable housing
2. Mass rapid transport
3. Health care
4. Renewable energy
On how many of the above does UNOPS Sustainable Investments in Infrastructure and Innovation (S3i) initiative focus for its investments?
* In March 2020, Sustainable Investments in Infrastructure and Innovation (S3i) was formally established as a stand-alone business unit in the UNOPS governance structure, making UNOPS the first United Nations organisation able to make direct investments from its own balance sheet. * In line with the UNOPS Strategic Plan, 2022-2025, the S3i office will seek to enhance and accelerate the effort of engaging public and private sector investors to work collectively to scale up infrastructure investments and consider co-creating innovative financing options. The UNOPS S3i will continue rolling out the initiative across its three focus-areas- affordable housing- renewable energy- health infrastructure _SK Tip_: _Just think of the option - Rapid Mass Transport. If we generally think, rapid mass transport is not a need or even a necessity while considering sustainable aspects. Had it been mass transport, we would have still given it a thought. But not rapid mass transport._
Recently, the term "pumped-storage hydropower" is actually and appropriately discussed in the context of which one of the following?
Pumped-storage hydropower (PSH) is used for long-duration energy storage. It works by pumping water to a higher reservoir during low electricity demand and releasing it to generate power during peak demand. This process helps balance the grid supply and demand, making PSH an effective tool for energy storage over extended periods. Thus, the correct answer is C.