India takes a leap in energy transition with innovations at Elecrama 2025

Home
Articles
India takes a leap in energy transition with innovations at Elecrama 2025

India takes a leap in energy transition with innovations at Elecrama 2025

Articles
Mar 27,25

With over 1,100 exhibitors and presence of leading international players, Elecrama 2025 provided a vital platform to witness cutting-edge innovations in the energy sector. The event further reinforced India’s position as a major force in the global energy ecosystem, reports Rakesh Rao

India takes a leap in energy transition with innovations at Elecrama 2025

Elecrama 2025, organised by the Indian Electrical & Electronics Manufacturers’ Association (IEEMA) from February 22 to 26 at Greater Noida, was a landmark event for India’s electrical and energy sectors, underscoring the nation's growing influence in the global energy transition. The 16th edition of this exhibition highlighted India’s commitment to becoming a global manufacturing hub under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative and a key player in the evolving energy landscape. The inaugural session witnessed participation from top industry leaders, such as Oliver Blum, CEO of Schneider Electric; Matthias Rebellius, CEO of Siemens Smart Infrastructure; Sunil Singhvi, President of IEEMA; Vikram Gandotra, President (Elect) and Chairman of Elecrama 2025; and Siddharth Bhutoria, Vice President of IEEMA and Vice Chairman of Elecrama 2025.

Elaborating on the government’s efforts to strengthen India’s energy infrastructure, Manohar Lal Khattar, Union Minister of Power and Minister of Housing & Urban Affairs, said, “India is on track to becoming the world’s third-largest economy by 2027 and a fully developed nation by 2047. Power is at the core of this transformation. With renewable energy capacity exceeding 200 GW and an ambitious target of 500 GW by 2030, we are making significant strides toward sustainability. The expansion of EV infrastructure, the integration of Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology, and the digitalization of the power sector will be crucial in this transition.”

Oliver Blum noted, “With the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence, the expansion of data centers, and industrial growth, the demand for innovative energy solutions has never been greater. India’s strong manufacturing ecosystem and skilled workforce position it as a global leader in the energy transition.”

Emphasising on the transformation underway in India’s power sector, Matthias Rebellius said, “India is at a pivotal moment, where digitalisation and clean energy adoption are reshaping its power industry. Smart grids, automation, and sustainable energy investments will drive progress.”

India is also playing a major role in the global decarbonisation initiative with 210 GW of renewable energy already achieved and a clear roadmap to 500 GW by 2030. With over 1,100 exhibitors and presence of leading international players, Elecrama 2025 further reinforced India’s position as a major force in the global energy ecosystem. Smart Manufacturing & Enterprises (SME) interacted with some the leading exhibitors to know more about emerging trends in the industry and their innovative offerings.

RR Global advocates safety in wires & cables segment

L-R: Kirti Kabra, Director, and Shreegopal Kabra, MD, of RR Global

RR Global, a leading electrical and infrastructure solutions provider, is emphasising the importance of safety standards in the cables and wires industry. Speaking to SME, Kirti Kabra, Director, RR Global, highlighted, “There are concerns over substandard cables in the Indian market. Around 70 per cent of cables available in the country fall below BIS standards. Many manufacturers reportedly compromise on quality, using undersized copper conductors and inferior insulation to cut costs, posing serious fire hazards.”

The company is actively engaging with regulators and industry bodies to push for stricter compliance and enforcement of quality standards. Recent discussions with government officials and industry associations such as CII indicate growing awareness and potential regulatory actions to address these concerns.

On the growth front, RR Global, which operates in over 19 countries with more than 50 national and international certifications, is strategically shifting focus from wires to cables.

“Currently, wires account for 70 per cent of our business, but over the next 4–5 years, the company aims to increase the share of cables to 60 per cent,” added Shreegopal Kabra, MD, RR Global. While being a listed company prevents it from disclosing specific growth targets, RR Global remains committed to expanding its cable portfolio and ensuring adherence to the highest safety and quality standards.

Teledyne FLIR showcases innovative condition monitoring solutions

TP Singh, Sr Director Sales - APAC Instrumentation, Teledyne FLIR

Teledyne FLIR presented its advanced utility-focused solutions at Elecrama 2025, with a strong emphasis on condition monitoring technology. The company’s thermal imaging products enable temperature measurement from a safe distance without requiring physical contact or system shutdowns. One of its flagship offerings can measure temperatures with an accuracy of ±0.1°C from up to 300 meters away. This allows utility technicians to assess transmission lines and critical infrastructure efficiently, even in challenging terrains like hills and rivers, significantly improving operational efficiency.

A key highlight is Teledyne FLIR’s acoustic imaging cameras, equipped with 124 microphones to detect and visualise partial discharges in electrical systems. These partial discharges, a common challenge in the power sector, can be identified with precision, enhancing predictive maintenance efforts. Additionally, the company offers specialised gas detection cameras capable of identifying SF6, ammonia, and volatile organic compounds, along with 24/7 monitoring solutions that provide real-time visualisation of critical infrastructure from anywhere in the world.

“The demand for these smart solutions was strong in 2024, driven by the increasing adoption of smart manufacturing and digitalisation in utilities. Teledyne FLIR’s digital solutions integrate cloud-based reporting, enabling remote analysis and management. With the ability to upload and access inspection data in real time from any location, these innovations enhance efficiency and decision-making for utilities,” stated TP Singh, Sr Director Sales - APAC Instrumentation, Teledyne FLIR.

Teledyne FLIR has been firmly established in India since 2011, with a presence across all states. The company has trained over 300 professionals, ensuring strong technical support for its customers. It also operates service centers in India, offering calibration and demo units to maintain seamless operations. With a well-developed infrastructure and a commitment to expanding smart monitoring solutions, Teledyne FLIR is poised for continued growth in India’s evolving power sector.

Powermat leads sustainability in electrical manufacturing

K S Bhadauria, MD, Powermat Group of Companies

The Powermat Group of Companies, including Powercam Electricals Pvt Ltd, was established in 1986 with a strong commitment to manufacturing high-quality products. By 1992, the company ventured into exports, driven by a vision to deliver superior products at a time when the Indian market was largely focused on low-cost, lower-quality items. Powermat’s export journey began with Thailand, gradually expanding to 70 countries worldwide, including the USA, Europe, the Middle East, and the Far East. The company specialises in producing low-voltage insulators, manufacturing approximately 100,000 insulators daily, with the USA and Europe being key markets. “Long before the Make in India initiative gained traction, Powermat was already championing the cause of quality Indian manufacturing on a global scale,” stated K S Bhadauria, MD, Powermat Group of Companies.

To meet international standards, the company developed an advanced in-house testing laboratory equipped to certify products according to US, IEC, RoHS, and REACH compliance standards. “In terms of innovation, we have recently launched high-performance products tailored for drilling applications in the USA, particularly for fracking operations. These products are designed to withstand extreme pressure and high temperatures deep underground, supporting independent drilling farms across the region,” added Bhadauria.

Powermat has also made remarkable strides in sustainability by achieving zero-waste manufacturing. The company developed an innovative system to recycle waste from thermosetting compounds, which traditionally would have been discarded in landfills. This recycled material is reused as filler in production, ensuring that no waste leaves the factory. The company holds prestigious certifications, including the ZED Gold Certification and export house accreditations. With 70 per cent of its revenue coming from exports, Powermat has increased its growth by 40 per cent this year and projects a 25–30 per cent growth next year.

Powermat’s expansive production facility, situated on six acres along the Delhi-Rohtak Road in Haryana, boasts a 250,000-sq ft manufacturing area, with additional land secured for future expansions. This infrastructure positions the company to scale operations seamlessly over the next five to six years.

Modutec highlights panel building software

Ramani Mani, MD, Mani Group of Companies

Modutec Ready Panels Pvt Ltd –a part of the Bangalore-based Mani Group of Companies - is an authorised stockist for brands like ABB, Legrand, Socomec, Electron, etcs. In 1990, Modutec expanded into electrical switchboard manufacturing, starting with low-voltage (LV) solutions. Modutec was registered in 2007 to address the growing demand for faster, smarter, safer, and more sustainable panel manufacturing, all while maintaining strict compliance with industry standards. “Today, exports make up 35–40 per cent of the production, and Modutec aims to increase this to 60 per cent soon. The manufacturing infrastructure spans 62,000 sq ft in Bangalore, with an additional 50,000 sq ft expected to be operational by May or June this year,” said Ramani Mani, Managing Director, Mani Group of Companies.

As a group, Modutec is projected to achieve a turnover of ?1.5 billion this year, with plans to double this in the next two years. The production capacity is also set to increase significantly, currently converting approximately 120 tonnes of sheet steel per month and produce 400–500 electrical switchboard verticals monthly, both of which are planned to double annually over the next two to three years.

Their growth will be driven by both domestic and export markets. While load control products currently cater only to the domestic market, Modutec is actively exploring export opportunities. “A key highlight of our innovation is our new estimation software, MODEST which simplifies panel costing. This follows our earlier software, MODSIM, which helps panel builders generate GA (General Arrangement) drawings and bills of material from a single-line diagram,” commented Ramani Mani.

MODEST takes this further by allowing users to sketch GA drawings directly and automatically produce the entire mechanical bill of materials with pricing — a major advantage for large-scale enclosure estimations.

Kusum-Meco expands product line amid rising demand

L-R: Chandmal Goliya, MD, and Navin Goliya, Director, of Kusam Electrical Industries Ltd

Kusam Electrical Industries Ltd (Kusum-Meco), a leading manufacturer of electronic test and measuring instruments, is witnessing strong growth driven by increasing electrification and government policies promoting renewable energy. The company, which has been in the industry for over 40 years, offers a wide range of high-precision instruments, including UL-listed multimeters, insulation resistance testers, process calibrators, thermal imagers, and micro-ohm meters.

“Nearly 40 per cent of our showcased products at Elecrama are new. Among the latest additions are partial discharge acoustic imagers for power industry applications and multifunction insulation testers catering to the growing EV sector. We are also seeing strong demand for testing instruments from industries such as solar, wind, and power transmission,” disclosed Chandmal Goliya, MD, Kusam Electrical Industries Ltd.

Kusum-Meco anticipates a 25 per cent year-on-year revenue growth, driven by increased demand for advanced measuring instruments. While exports remain a lower priority due to high domestic demand, the company continues to expand its product portfolio in response to industry needs.

EAPL showcases expanded range

Ashok Shanbhag, MD, Electronic Automation Pvt Ltd

Electronic Automation Pvt Ltd (EAPL), a leader in industrial electronic instrumentation, founded in 1985, has revolutionised India’s industrial landscape by introducing standardisation in electronic instruments like DIN rail-mounted products. A key feature of EAPL’s products was the universal voltage range (24 to 241V AC/DC), reducing inventory and costs for customers.

Over three decades, EAPL has built a strong reputation for high-quality, competitively priced products. Their portfolio now includes annunciators, sequential timers, energy meters, temperature controllers, time switches, power supplies, reduction relays, and IoT-enabled instruments. “The new theme, Engineering Smart Solutions, reflects our expanded product range and commitment to innovation,” said Ashok Shanbhag, MD, Electronic Automation Pvt Ltd.

EAPL has established a production capacity of over one million products annually, with a diverse portfolio of 500+ products. While their products are already exported to over 20 countries, the company aims to increase its export market share further, leveraging their zero-defect quality and growing global demand.

Sai Computers eyes growth in power distribution sector

Ayush Kumar, Director & CEO, Sai Computers Ltd

Sai Computers Limited, led by Ayush Kumar as Chief Executive Officer and Director, is a 40-year-old company with a robust presence across the power distribution supply chain. The company operates four key verticals: power distribution franchises in Meghalaya and Tripura, digital solutions for utilities, transformer manufacturing up to 20 MVA and 33 kV class, and operational support for power utilities. “Sai Computers is also one of India’s leading manufacturers of high-power voltage regulators, having supplied the country’s only 16 MVA high-tension AVR,” said Ayush Kumar, Director & CEO, Sai Computers Ltd.

At Elecrama 2025, the company showcased its achievements in power distribution, particularly its success in reducing losses in Meghalaya from 87 per cent to 16 per cent over five years. This success was driven by targeted interventions, including advanced analytics, strong field execution, and tailored solutions based on localised diagnostics. Key initiatives like providing doorstep and online payment facilities played a crucial role in improving collection efficiency across the vast service area.

Sai Computers also highlighted its digital products, including one of the country’s best-performing meter data analytics tools. This tool has delivered an average revenue increase of over 20 per cent for six different utilities, with one utility achieving an impressive 30x return on investment, claimed Kumar.

The company’s manufacturing facility in Meerut has also undergone a recent capacity expansion, now producing over 300–400 tons per month, up from 250 tonnes earlier. While Sai Computers exports to countries in Africa, Nepal, Bhutan, and other neighbouring regions, the company remains focused on India’s rapidly growing market. Looking ahead, Sai Computers expects strong growth in its digital product division and anticipates increased interest in private participation in power distribution, driven by rising discom losses and government initiatives.

Weidmueller Electronics eyes localisation in India

Manoj Dunung, MD, Weidmueller Electronics India

With a strong focus on providing value-added solutions tailored to customer needs, the Germany-based Weidmueller Electronics, which has been in India for over 30 years, has been playing a key role in the country’s industrial and automation sectors. The company has been a consistent participant in Elecrama the past many years and has been using the platform to showcase its latest technologies and innovations. According to Weidmueller, being part of such a prominent exhibition is crucial for understanding market dynamics, recognising industry trends, and adapting strategies to align with evolving demands.

“This year marks a significant milestone for Weidmueller globally, as the company celebrates 175 years in the industry. Having started with components like terminal blocks used in control cabinets, the company has evolved into a comprehensive industrial automation solutions provider. Today, we offer an extensive portfolio ranging from simple PCB connectors to advanced IoT hardware and software solutions,” remarked Manoj Dunung, MD, Weidmueller Electronics India.

At Elecrama 2025, Weidmueller showcased its approach to solution engineering and its expertise across multiple industry segments. “The company is focused on understanding sector-specific challenges and offering customised solutions that address key pain points. Among its targeted verticals are green hydrogen, wind energy, photovoltaics, intralogistics driven by e-commerce, transportation (especially railways), marine, and process automation,” said Dunung.

Looking ahead, Weidmueller has ambitious growth plans for India, driven by the government’s Make in India initiative. The company, which started as a liaison office in 2015 and later transitioned to local billing and warehousing, has been steadily expanding its value-added services. Future plans include partial localisation through partnerships to gain market experience, with an eventual move toward establishing local manufacturing facilities.

Essen Deinki eyes growth through new products

Nikhil Jain, Managing Partner, Essen Deinki

Essen Deinki, a leading manufacturer of electrical components, participated in Elecrama 2025 to expand its industry connections and integrate into the evolving supply chain. With over ten years of participation, the company sees the event as an opportunity to engage with industry leaders and strengthen its position in the Indian and global markets. “We have observed a maturing Indian market, where customers are increasingly prioritising quality and reliability over price. While Chinese and Far Eastern products offer competition, Essen Deinki differentiates itself through its superior quality-price ratio. Essen also exports to 14 countries, with Western Europe, Brazil, Africa, and the Middle East being key markets. Exports account for 40 per cent of its revenue, benefiting from the preference of developed markets for certified and reliable suppliers,” commented Nikhil Jain, Managing Partner, Essen Deinki.

Tracing its roots back to 1964, Essen Deinki started as an electrical component manufacturer before expanding into telecommunication connectors during India's fixed-line telephone boom of the 1980s. Today, the company continues to supply leading telecom vendors while adapting to 5G and evolving telecom infrastructure needs. However, global competition remains a challenge, particularly from Western and Asian manufacturers.

Looking ahead, the company plans to expand its product portfolio, introducing 20-30 new products annually across switchgear, electrical solutions, and wiring. Essen Deinki aims to collaborate with automation and electrical sector leaders, leveraging gaps left by larger firms to capitalise on niche opportunities in the global market.

Vidhyut Control displays smart LV panels

Varun Agarwal, Director, Vidhyut Control (India) Pvt Ltd

Vidhyut Control, a 35-year-old manufacturer of LV control panels, is making its debut at Elecrama to gauge market response and showcase its latest technology. The company is displaying its CPAN design, developed as per IEC 439 standards, featuring a complete range of Siemens LV products, including draw-out panels, intelligent motor control centres (IMCCs), and busbar termination systems.

With a production capacity of 4,000 verticals annually, Vidhyut Control offers a fully integrated in-house manufacturing setup, including sheet metal fabrication, powder coating, and wiring. The company employs 250 professionals and derives 80 per cent of its revenue from industrial businesses.

“The new panel design emphasises smart technology, allowing real-time data communication. Now, technology is all about being smart. Our panels enable users to monitor data from ACBs and motors directly on mobile devices, DCS, or SCADA systems. The shift towards digitalisation in energy management aligns with industry trends, as energy becomes a critical resource akin to air and water,” said Varun Agarwal, Director, Vidhyut Control (India) Pvt Ltd.

Looking ahead, Vidhyut Control is set to expand into medium-voltage (MV) manufacturing and double its production capacity. Currently operating a 55,000 sq ft plant in Ghaziabad, the company plans to scale up to 100,000 sq ft over the next three years. The first phase, covering 60 per cent of production space, is expected to be operational by December 2026. Beyond LV panels, Vidhyut Control also exports compressed fibre materials catering to the oil & gas and marine sectors across 26 countries, with a strong presence in the Middle East and South Asia.

Indore Composite unveils new conductor technology

Mukesh Sanghvi, MD, Indore Composite Pvt Ltd

Indore Composite Pvt Ltd, a leading manufacturer of composite products for fibre optic and power cables, has launched EnergyCore, becoming the first Indian company to develop and commercialise this advanced conductor technology. EnergyCore is designed to enhance grid efficiency, offering twice to three times the ampacity (ampere capacity) of conventional conductors while reducing sag and weight. Unlike traditional Aluminum Conductor Steel Reinforced (ACSR) conductors, which use steel cores, EnergyCore employs a carbon composite core, making it corrosion-resistant and lightweight.

“The technology is gaining traction globally, particularly in reconductoring projects where it can replace aging infrastructure and double current capacity without modifications to existing transmission lines. Additionally, its lower energy losses contribute to a reduced carbon footprint, making it a sustainable alternative in power transmission,” remarked Mukesh Sanghvi, MD, Indore Composite Pvt Ltd. At Elecrama 2025, the company also showcased its semiconductive tapes used in high, medium, and low voltage power cables to prevent water ingress and electrical surges.

With 80 per cent of its revenue coming from exports to America and Europe, Indore Composite operates warehouses in the US and Brazil and has a manufacturing plant in Morocco to support European markets. Looking ahead, the company is gearing up for a major expansion, having acquired 30 acres of land in Vadodara. “We will establish a greenfield facility and plan to commence construction in June 2025, with commissioning targeted for 2026. This new plant will focus on EnergyCore production and a newly developed wind energy product,” informed Sanghvi.

Tesla Transformers plans capacity expansion

Jitendra Singh, CEO, Tesla Transformers (India) Ltd

Tesla Transformers India is gearing up for a large-scale expansion to meet the rising demands for transformers across various sectors with a heavy focus on renewable energy. Tesla, a 50-year-old company, operates four manufacturing plants, three in Bhopal and one in Mandideep, 30 km from Bhopal. The company produces a wide range of transformers, including distribution, power, inverter, and furnace transformers, catering to diverse industrial needs. With a production capacity of 16,000 MVA per annum, Tesla expects to achieve a sales turnover of ?10 billion this year and aims to reach ?15 billion next year. Some of their important customers include NTPC, PGCIL, the Adani Group, and the Tata Group.

“The demand for transformers, particularly in the renewable energy sector, remains high. Sectors like solar and wind energy are driving significant transformer demand, and this trend is expected to continue for the next five years,” highlighted Jitender Singh, Country Head, Tesla Transformers India.

To capitalise on this growth, Tesla showcased its 17.6 MVA IDD transformer at Elecrama 2025. Looking ahead, Tesla Transformers India plans to expand capacity and introduce new products, including transformers up to 200 MVA and 220 kV class. The expansion is expected to be completed in the next six months.

(With inputs from Sanskriti Ramachandran)