IEMA propose to partner with Bengal govt to conduct market research, growth opportunities & challenges

IEEMA, the apex association of manufacturers of electrical, industrial electronics and allied equipment in India, flagged off its `Bengal Power Conclave- 2023’ on Friday.

IEEMA DG Charu Mathur, while delivering her inaugural address, said the association can collaborate with the government to identify potential growth opportunities, key players, and challenges in the market, finding innovative startups and facilitating Start-up Conclave and promoting Govt schemes for Startups in West Bengal.

“We would also like to engage in networking events, trade shows, and conferences to establish connections with industry stakeholders, government officials, and potential customers,” Mathur said.

A coffee table book "The Bengal Story – A Chronicle of Power & Progress" was formally launched on this occasion. This coffee table book tells the story of the remarkable journey through the power sector of Bengal; the key milestones and achievements.

The Conclave provided a unique platform for experts to share the best practices and deliberate upon key topics such as Energy Pathways, Smart Power Generation, Smart Grid, Transmission & Distribution and Smart Metering Journey.

Damodar Valley Corporation Chairman R N Singh emphasised that electricity is one of the essential components necessary to sustain day-to-day life and nothing can be achieved without the support of Industry & IEEMA.

He said there has been a tremendous improvement in the sector in the last decade. Also, India has the second largest Power transmission network in the world. He laid emphasis on the use of renewable energy and pumped hydro storage in the state.

However, the increasing demand of power should not hinder our carbon goals, he added.

IEEMA Vice-President Sunil Singhvi appreciated the State Government for bringing down WBSEDCL's AT&C loss from 29.84% in 2015-16 to 16.65% in 2021-22.

The dignitaries present at the Conclave included R N Singh, Chairman, Damodar Valley Corporation, Praloy Majumdar, WBCS(Exe), Joint Secretary, Department of Power, Government of West Bengal, Hamza Arsiwala, President-Elect, IEEMA, Sunil Singhvi, Vice President, IEEMA&Mr SiddharthBhutoria, NEC Member, IEEMA.

West Bengal achieved 100% household electrification in 2017 and now the focus of the Department of Power is on strengthening the transmission and distribution network in the State along with ambitious plans for the promotion of green/renewable energy and for the installation of grid-connected, ground mounted, roof-top and floating solar power plants.

The West Bengal Power Development Corporation Limited leads the Nation among all India Thermal Power Plants based on PLF ranking (FY 22-23) by CEA, Ministry of Power, Govt of India with Bakreswar Thermal Power Station ranked 1st, Santaldih Thermal Power Station ranked 2nd and Sagardighi Thermal Power Plant ranked fifth.

A joint venture between DVC and NTPC RE Ltd. is actively working on Renewable Energy Projects and awarded the contract for setting up a 10 MW Ground Solar Plant at Koderma along with initiatives of setting up EV Charging Infrastructure. 

The RE expansion plan includes the addition of 5929 MW through the installation of solar and pump storage projects.

IEEMA, which completed 75 years last year, has about 1000 members.

IEEMA members contribute to more than 95 percent of the power equipment installed in India and represent a turnover of over 50 billion dollars.