Inside ELECRAMA 2025: Key Insights from the World’s Largest T&D Expo

February 28, 2025 | Quick Reads

What is ELECRAMA? 

ELECRAMA, organized by IEEMA (Indian Electrical and Electronics Manufacturers’ Association), is one of the largest global exhibitions dedicated to the power sector. The event gathers stakeholders from various segments of the power and energy industry, including transmission and distribution companies, equipment manufacturers, and service providers, making it a vital platform for sharing insights, innovations, and future trends in the sector. 

Major Participants and Industry Focus 

At ELECRAMA, key players from the transmission and distribution sectors showcase their latest technologies and solutions. The event serves as a meeting point for manufacturers of transformers, cables, smart meters, and power equipment, offering a comprehensive view of the entire value chain from generation to distribution.  

Broader Industry Insights 

Transformers: A Core Pillar of the Power Sector 

The transformer market remains one of the most critical segments of the power transmission sector. With the growing demand for electricity globally and the rise in renewable energy integration, the transformer market is poised for strong growth. In the expo, companies showcased their capacity expansions, such as Indo Tech Transformers, which is increasing its capacity from 9,000 MVA to 15,000 MVA by FY27, reflecting strong industry demand. The gap between supply and demand for transformers is 2.5x, creating long-term order visibility and growth opportunities for manufacturers. 

Cables & Wires: Enabling Power Transmission 

The cables and wires industry plays a crucial role in energy transmission, with low-voltage (LVC) and high-voltage (HVC) cables being fundamental for the smooth operation of power systems. The industry is experiencing strong growth, driven by a surge in infrastructure development and renewable energy integration. Dynamic Cables Ltd and other companies highlighted exports and domestic growth, especially in high voltage cables needed for underground cabling and long-distance power transfer. The EHV (Extra High Voltage) cable market, despite being a niche segment, is seeing strong demand due to urbanization and space constraints in cities. 

Smart Meters: The Future of Power Management 

With a focus on smart grids, smart meters are becoming a crucial part of the modern power system. These devices enable more efficient energy management, providing real-time data and improving grid stability.  

At ELECRAMA 2025, the spotlight on smart grids underscored the growing importance of smart meters in modernizing India's power sector. These advanced devices play a crucial role in enabling efficient energy management, offering real-time data insights, and enhancing grid stability. With the Indian government targeting the deployment of 250 million smart meters by 2027, the market presents a significant opportunity for technological advancements and investments. However, key challenges such as integrating smart meters with legacy infrastructure, managing deployment costs while maintaining grid reliability, and ensuring robust cybersecurity measures remain focal points for the industry. Additionally, consumer awareness and education are essential for widespread adoption. Beyond reducing Aggregate Technical & Commercial (AT&C) losses, smart meters help curb electricity theft, ensure accurate billing, and provide critical insights for demand forecasting and grid optimization. 

The exhibition saw key partnerships and technological advancements. Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited (Tata Power-DDL) has teamed up with Probus Smart Things to deploy Bluetooth-enabled Network Interface Cards (NICs) in smart meters, improving connectivity in low-network areas and driving innovation through joint patent filings. Similarly, HPL Electric, in collaboration with Wirepas, launched Wirepas-certified in-meter gateway, integrating RF mesh networking directly into smart meters, reducing infrastructure costs, and enhancing data transmission efficiency. Kimbal showcased its latest innovations, including an in-meter gateway and allied solutions across the power value chain, such as Remote Terminal Units (RTU), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, and Energy Management Systems (EMS). These advancements reflect the industry's commitment to smarter grid solutions. Industry leaders, including OEMs, communication providers, and cybersecurity experts, expressed optimism at ELECRAMA 2025, signalling a significant step forward in grid modernization, energy efficiency, and consumer engagement within India's evolving power sector. 

Tailwinds Driving Industry Growth 

Government Focus on Power Infrastructure 

The government's emphasis on upgrading the power sector, particularly with initiatives like smart grid development and green energy integration, creates significant tailwinds for the industry. These initiatives are designed to improve grid reliability, integrate solar and wind energy, and expand cross-border transmission. With increased capital expenditure in power infrastructure, the transformer and cable markets are expected to grow at double digits for the next 3-4 years. 

Renewable Energy Integration and HVDC Technology 

As the world transitions to clean energy, the demand for High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) technology is accelerating. Quality Power Ltd, with a niche product to the HVDC market, has emerged as a strong player with high-voltage power systems that cater to the global energy transition. The growing demand for HVDC solutions stems from the need for long-distance power transmission and renewable energy integration. Companies investing in HVDC technologies are poised to capture a significant share of this growing market. 

Future Prospects: The Road Ahead for the Power Industry 

The future of the power industry looks promising, with significant growth expected in transformers, cables, smart meters, and HVDC technologies. The continued investments in renewable energy, power transmission infrastructure, and smart grid solutions are set to drive long-term industry expansion. Companies with strong R&D capabilities, such as Apar Industries with their innovative ACCE core conductors, are likely to lead in product differentiation, while those with backward integration, like TRIL, will benefit from improved supply chain efficiency and cost control. 

New players in niche markets, such as HVDC and smart meters, are emerging and will likely disrupt traditional models by offering advanced, efficient solutions. As the demand for green energy and smart grids increases, established and emerging companies will need to adapt quickly to technological advancements and market demands. 

Conclusion 

ELECRAMA 2025 highlighted the dynamic growth and transformation happening in the power transmission and distribution industries. From transformers and cables to smart meters and HVDC systems, the industry is moving towards innovative, efficient solutions to meet the rising demand for electricity and the integration of renewable energy. The strong government support, along with technological advancements and strategic industry collaborations, ensures that the power sector will continue to evolve, offering exciting opportunities for investors and stakeholders. As the market expands, companies that can innovate and adapt to the changing energy landscape will be the key players in shaping the future of the power industry. 

Disclaimers and Disclosures

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