Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has sought information from equipment manufacturers with respect to critical imported items, with an ultimate aim of localizing their production.
CEA has identified 73 critical items through consultations with industry body IEEMA and major stakeholders. These items are currently imported due to technological gaps, limited domestic manufacturing capabilities or challenges related to economies of scale.
Of these 73 items, CEA has made a priority list of 16 items, based on inputs from stakeholders. This list contains items with higher import dependency and criticality to the power sector.
The 16 items include, inter alia, subsea cables (HVDC and HVAC), permanent magnets for actuators, oxygen-free high-conductivity copper rods, HVDC valve assemblies, porcelain hollow insulators (33kV to 800kV), lighting arrestors, etc.
For the remaining 57 items, though recognized as critical, would require further detailed and qualified inputs from domestic or international manufacturers interested in exploring manufacturing opportunities in India.
CEA is of the view that such information is essential to accurately assess the total financial implications and formulate a comprehensive item-wise localization strategy based on criticality, feasibility, and industry readiness.
To this effect, CEA has requested all stakeholders, including IEEMA, to provide detailed comments, suggestions, and inputs as per a prescribed format.
The information sought includes:
- Estimated cost of the item
- Annual domestic volume requirement for next 10 years
- Percentage contribution of the item to the total cost of the final product
- Current import levels (in numbers or value)
- Support required from the Government (clearly mentioning financial
- Requirement in value Rupee terms
- Technology transfer/machinery required to promote local manufacturing
- Any other specific support required for localization of the proposed items
CEA is seeking this information by December 29, 2025, via email to ce-rndcea@nic.in
Insulating the power sector
This initiative has become essential in the current scenario, as the power sector remains relies heavily on imported advanced components, making it vulnerable to global supply-chain risks and price volatility. Localizing these items supports the Government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision by boosting domestic manufacturing, reducing forex outflow, and strengthening grid resilience and energy security.
The inputs sought will help CEA make a realistic, industry-backed assessment is essential for preparing a financially sound proposal for the ministry of power.
The list of 57 items and the prescribed format in which CEA is seeking inputs is available on CEA’s official website, and may be accessed using this external link.
Note: CEA had conducted a similar exercise in June 2025 as discussed in tndindia.com’s story dated June 13, 2025.
Featured photograph (source: sumitomoelectric.com) showing an HVAC cable is for representation only