Vouching for green transmission

Every single cable that we produce is FRLS, low-smoke cables. So when it comes in contact with fire, there would be minimal or no smoke emitted in the environment.
Naman Singhal, Director, Prime Cable Industries Pvt. Ltd

In a discussion, Naman Singhal, Director, Prime Cable Industries Pvt. Ltd., shares his opinion on green cables and explains why it is important to switch to green cables for the environment. He also mentions how the government schemes are helping the cable and wire sector.

The government is planning to promote green transmission. What are your views?
It’s a great initiative, considering the pollution in New Delhi especially. It is taking a huge toll already. If we don’t do something now, we will face its consequences further. We are also trying to contribute towards the initiative. Every single cable that we produce is FRLS, low-smoke cables. So when it comes in contact with fire, there would be minimal or no smoke emitted in the environment.

How do you view the pricing difference and benefits of switching to green cables and sustainable wires?
The price difference between green and traditional cables is not much. Green cables cost approximately 3–4 percent higher. Our company has a policy that we don’t sell normal cables now. We only sell FRLS cables. The buyers are also responding well towards it. They are ready to incur that much of cost.

What measures are being taken by the industry to ensure the maximum application of green cables for safe transmission?
The generation, transmission and distribution boards of almost every state in India are focusing on green transmission and many of them have implemented it to an extent of 90 percent. They are using FRLS cables, and in other components also they’re introducing such materials and technologies. They are using FRLS in plastics and the plastics industry is also shifting towards biodegradable materials from non-biodegradable ones.

How has the wire and cable sector benefitted from government schemes like Ujjwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY), Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS) and Deendayal Upadhyay Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY)?
These schemes are definitely beneficial for us. The wire and cable market in India is growing after these government schemes. The IPDS and DDUGJY schemes are to focus on strengthening the Transmission and Distribution networks in the urban areas for enhancement of reliability and efficiency. This will be a benefit for increasing our business.

Can you talk about your new product plans?
We are setting up a new plant in Rajasthan, which is currently under construction. Within the next two years, we’ll be able to set up the whole plant and we’re aiming to increase our voltage capacity to 33 kV. For now we’re only at 1.1 kV capacity, but by 2022, you will see our product range till at least 30 kV. We do continuous testing at our test lab and we keep experimenting with new grades of plastics. We’re even testing some biodegradable plastics.