Gujarat To Install STATCOMs At Dholera And Six Substations

29 May 2026 CW Team

The state government has announced plans to install Static Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM) systems at seven key substations to strengthen the power grid and improve supply reliability. The decision was disclosed in a press release issued by the transmission utility and the Department of Energy and Petrochemicals, which said the move follows an earlier deployment that proved effective in stabilising regional voltage.

The bulk of the new equipment will comprise ±125 megavolt-ampere reactive (MVAR) STATCOM units to be commissioned at six existing 220 kilovolt (kV) substations and at the upcoming 400 kV Dholera-2 substation. The existing sites named for the installation are Tharad, Deodar, Sagapara, Kheralu, Kukma and Dhrangadhra, and the release indicated the additions aim to bolster system resilience during peak demand.

The transmission utility recalled that it had earlier commissioned the state’s first ±120 MVAR STATCOM at the 220 kV Timbdi substation on 5 March 2019, becoming the first state transmission utility in India to adopt the technology at that scale. The STATCOM device functions as a smart voltage stabiliser and responds quickly to fluctuations by supplying or absorbing reactive power, thereby supporting stable grid operation.

Authorities said the need for further STATCOM capacity arose from frequent voltage instability driven by high demand, particularly from the agricultural sector, and by local transmission constraints. At Timbdi, a single-circuit transmission link and the absence of nearby generation had led to swings in voltage between 190 kV and 245 kV, the release noted. Officials expect the expanded STATCOM deployment to improve power factor, reduce transmission losses, protect equipment and deliver more reliable electricity to farmers and consumers in affected districts.

Resources

29 May 2026

KBL Launches Smart Skid Mounted Fire Pump Set

Kirloskar Brothers (KBL) has launched its Smart Skid Mounted Fire Pump Set, an integrated fire protection solution designed to improve operational efficiency, remote monitoring and installation flexibility. The system was inaugurated by Ms Madhuritai Misal, Hon. Minister of State for Urban Development, Government of Maharashtra.The Smart Skid Mounted Fire Pump Set is a factory-tested, pre-packaged solution that combines FM/UL-certified motor and engine pump sets with IoT-enabled remote monitoring. Designed to deliver a flow rate of 170 m³/hr at a head of 100 metres, the system aims to provide..

Senior Living Shifts Beyond Retirement Housing

Senior living in India is increasingly being positioned as a lifestyle-driven housing segment rather than conventional retirement accommodation. Across projects in Bengaluru, Pune and the NCR, developers are focusing on wellness ecosystems, assisted independence and active ageing, reflecting changing perceptions of later life among urban affluent buyers.The shift is being driven by financially secure seniors seeking socially engaged and professionally managed communities instead of ageing in large family homes. Developers are also moving away from standalone retirement campuses, particularly i..

Antica Ceramica Launches Heritage-Inspired Terracotta Tiles

Antica Ceramica has launched a new terracotta tile collection inspired by India’s architectural heritage and designed for contemporary interiors and exteriors. The range combines handcrafted aesthetics with modern functionality, bringing warmth, texture and cultural character to residential and hospitality spaces.Drawing inspiration from traditional courtyards, verandahs and heritage homes, the collection features terracotta tones, handcrafted motifs and customisable patterns aimed at transforming flooring and surfaces into design elements. The launch reflects growing demand for natural mate..