Power Ministry revises 'Make in India' norms for HVDC substations

The Ministry of Power has revised "Make in India" norms for the power sector, setting a phased increase for minimum local content in HVDC substations. The requirement will rise from 30% by 2028 to 60% by 2035 for EPC projects.

New Delhi [India], May 2 (ANI): The Ministry of Power has revised its "Make in India" procurement norms for the power sector, introducing a phased roadmap to achieve 60 per cent minimum local content in HVDC substations (LCC type), according to an official order dated April 30.

"In continuation to Ministry of Power's Order... it has been decided to revise the Minimum Local Content (MLC) in HVDC Substation...," the ministry said in the order. Minimum Local Content (MLC) refers to how much of a project must be sourced/manufactured within India. Under the revised norms, the government has replaced the earlier uniform requirement of 60 per cent local content with a gradual increase over time for engineering, procurement and construction (EPC)/turnkey projects.

Revised Roadmap for Local Content

As per the order, the minimum local content for HVDC substations (LCC type) will be "30% upto 31.03.2028," followed by "40% from 01.04.2028 till 31.03.2030," then "50% from 01.04.2030 till 31.03.2032," and finally "60% from 01.04.2032 till 31.03.2035."

The ministry said the changes fall under the Public Procurement (Preference to Make in India) framework, which provides "purchase preference (linked with local content) in respect of Power Sector."

The revised roadmap applies to HVDC substations under the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) or turnkey project category, which are critical for long-distance power transmission infrastructure.

"All other provisions of the said Order remain unchanged," the ministry clarified.

The order has been issued with the approval of the competent authority, the ministry added.

Boosting Domestic Industry

The move is expected to provide a transition period for domestic industry to scale up capabilities, while continuing to push localisation in high-value power infrastructure projects. (ANI)

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