As India accelerates its transition to a modern, resilient, and sustainable power infrastructure, Technical Associates Limited (TAL) is playing a significant role in this transformation. In this exclusive interview with APAC Media and CXO Media, Anil Kumar Agarwal, Vice President (Finance) at Technical Associates Limited, discusses the company’s evolution, its projects, sustainability initiatives, and ambitious plans to tap into global markets while supporting India’s energy goals.
Can you shed light on Technical Associates Limited’s journey in the power sector? How does TAL differentiate itself from competitors in the electrical infrastructure space?
Technical Associates Limited (TAL) has been a key player in India’s power sector for over five decades. Established in 1969, the company has evolved from a transformer manufacturer to a leading provider of high-voltage and extra-high-voltage power equipment. TAL stands out due to its robust in-house R&D, backwards-integrated manufacturing, and consistent delivery of reliable products for utilities and power boards across the country. Its ability to innovate while maintaining quality and cost-efficiency makes it a preferred partner. Moreover, TAL’s long-standing relationships with government bodies and its strong commitment to the Make in India initiative further reinforce its leadership position in the sector.
What are the major product and service verticals that Technical Associates focuses on today?
TAL specialises in the manufacturing of High-Voltage (HV) and Extra-High-Voltage (EHV) transformers, up to 500 MVA, 400 kV class. The company also offers repair and refurbishment services for large power transformers—currently undertaking a transformer of 315 MVA class for WBSETCL.
These capabilities are backed by robust testing facilities and decades of technical expertise. TAL’s service vertical is increasingly becoming a vital part of its offering, as utilities seek faster and more cost-effective solutions for legacy equipment. This combination of new manufacturing and high-end repair work sets TAL apart in a capital-intensive, reliability-critical industry.
With the growing emphasis on green energy, how is Technical Associates Limited aligning its operations toward sustainability?
TAL is making steady strides toward sustainability by integrating renewable energy into its project portfolio. The company has already established a 10 MVA solar power plant in Bahraich and a 2 MVA solar plant in Barabanki, contributing clean energy to the grid. In its core transformer business, TAL focuses on manufacturing energy-efficient units that help reduce transmission and distribution losses. The company also promotes green practices within its manufacturing units, including waste reduction, water recycling, and energy-efficient lighting. These initiatives reflect TAL’s commitment to supporting India’s transition to a more sustainable and energy-efficient future.
Are there any upcoming technologies or projects that the company is particularly excited about?
Yes, TAL is currently testing a 500 MVA, 400 kV class transformer, a significant engineering milestone. This product is designed to meet the evolving demands of large-scale grid networks. Additionally, the company is working on developing a state-of-the-art facility in Barabanki, geared to handle production of transformers up to 765 MVA, 400 kV class—a major leap in its manufacturing capability. These projects are aimed at positioning TAL as a competitive force in both Indian and international high-voltage transformer markets, with cutting-edge technology, automation, and scalability at their core.
What have been some of the major challenges the company has faced recently, and how were they addressed?
TAL has faced significant challenges due to delays in the availability of bought-out items such as transformer tanks, RIP bushings, CTC conductors and insulation materials for higher voltage classes. These delays stem from the global raw material crisis and a sharp boom in power consumption demand. To counter this, TAL now follows a proactive approach, forecasting production over two years and placing orders well in advance. This strategic planning ensures better material availability and minimises disruption to project timelines. Additionally, TAL has strengthened its vendor relationships and diversified its supply chain to increase resilience.
What trends are you seeing in the demand for power distribution equipment or smart grid technology?
There’s a surge in global demand for transformers across all sizes and ratings, driven by increased energy consumption and grid modernisation. Many Western manufacturing countries, like the USA, are unable to meet this demand effectively, creating a major opportunity for Indian transformer manufacturers to expand into global markets. However, success here will require significant investment in people, processes, and technology to meet international quality benchmarks. Equally critical is the role of the Indian government in enabling size, scale, and export competitiveness through supportive policies and infrastructure development, especially for power equipment exporters like TAL.
What are TAL’s strategic goals for the next 5 years? Is the company planning any international expansion or diversification into new sectors?
TAL is highly optimistic about the sector’s future. With India’s per capita energy consumption at just ~2,000 KWh, compared to 14,000–15,000 KWh in developed nations, there is a huge growth runway ahead, particularly in the T&D space. TAL plans to scale up vertically into higher voltage transformer classes and diversify horizontally into innovative product lines and emerging markets. A key part of this strategy is international expansion, particularly in MENA, LATAM, and Africa. Additionally, many major economies like the USA and UK are currently facing supply gaps in large transformer procurement. TAL’s upcoming state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Barabanki will be well-positioned to address this global demand, enabling us to deliver high-capacity transformers built to international standards and open new export opportunities.
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