Power equipment manufacturer Transformers and Rectifiers (TARIL) has secured an order valued at ₹533.3 million (~$5.93 million) from Power Grid Corporation of India for the repair, erection, testing, and commissioning of a 397 MVA high-voltage direct current (HVDC) converter transformer.

The delivery is scheduled for the next financial year.

According to Mukul P. Srivastava, CEO at Transformers and Rectifiers, TARIL is the first Indian-origin private-sector manufacturer to win a contract in the technologically advanced HVDC converter transformer segment.

Transformers and Rectifiers manufacturers power, distribution, and specialty transformers, offering a comprehensive portfolio ranging from 5 MVA to 1000 MVA and up to the 1200 kV class. Headquartered in Ahmedabad, the company operates manufacturing facilities in Gujarat, supported by design, engineering, and testing infrastructure, including a 1200 kV ultra-high voltage test facility.

Transmission constraints are among the biggest impediments to faster commissioning of renewable energy projects in India. Stakeholders report growing stress in the power system supply chain, with supply falling short of demand for components such as transformers, control relay panels, tower parts, insulators, and gas-insulated switchgear. Longer lead times in procuring these components are causing delays in transmission and power generation projects.

In October, a CEA report said a large number of transformer failure incidents go unreported. It noted that many transformers installed in Indian utilities have failed within the first few years of service, which is a matter of concern.

Besides transformers, transmission towers have also experienced failures. In 2024, there were 76 extra-high-voltage transmission line tower failures across 28 transmission lines, including 220 kV, 400 kV, and 765 kV AC lines, as reported by 12 public and private power utilities.

CEA attributed the transformer failures to normal aging, insulation system and bushing faults, frequent system faults, transient overvoltage generated by the system, and the absence of prudent maintenance practices.