L&T scores big in power distribution contracts

Larsen & Toubro Power Transmission and Distribution (PT&D) division recently secured numerous contracts. These projects encompass a variety of endeavours, including the development of a 75 MW floating solar PV facility on the Panchet Dam in the eastern Indian state of Jharkhand as well as the complete construction of a 380kV substation in Saudi Arabia.

Additionally, the company has undertaken projects related to substations and voltage conversion in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, alongside receiving a supplementary order for an existing power supply project in the UAE.

According to the latest industry-focused report released by AL Circle, titled "Global Aluminium Industry Outlook 2024", aluminium wire rods are widely used in electrical transmission and distribution, building electrification, telecommunication cables, and automotive applications. Rapid urbanisation, infrastructure development, and technological advancements played a crucial role in the growth of aluminium wire rod usage in 2023.

Aluminium usage in electrical and electronics applications stood at 13.36 million tonnes (preliminary estimate) in 2023, a rise from 12.9 million tonnes in 2022. This is expected to increase by about 4.49% (forecast) in 2024.

In the global shift towards a more sustainable future, aluminium emerges as a key player. According to a 2020 World Bank study, aluminium is the predominant mineral material in solar photovoltaic (PV) applications. Remarkably, over 85% of the mineral material demand for various solar PV components, ranging from frames to panels, is met by this metal.

The cumulative operational capacity of Floating Photovoltaic (FPV) projects in Southeast Asia stands at approximately 500 MW. However, Rystad Energy anticipates a significant boost with an expected addition of 300 MW in FPV capacity across the region in early 2024. Remarkably, among the world’s top 10 FPV projects in terms of size, nine are in China.

The project is a component of the Ultra Mega Renewable Energy Power Park situated at the dam, which forms part of an initiative by the Indian government aimed at expediting the establishment of new clean energy ventures. The government can subsidise up to 30% of the construction expenses within this program. From its inception in 2014 until 2023, this endeavour has facilitated the development of 37.9 gigawatts of solar capacity. Larsen & Toubro has disclosed that the project's total worth will fall within the range of US$333.8 million to US$667.6 million.

L&T’s Power Transmission & Distribution (PT&D) business vertical is a powerful player that offers integrated solutions and end-to-end services ranging from design, manufacture, supply, and construction to commissioning in the field of overhead high voltage transmission lines, substations and distribution projects, including railway electrification and project electrification in the domestic and international markets.