State-run Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has successfully developed and tested India's first indigenous 1200 kV Ultra High Voltage Alternating Current (UHVAC) transformer with a 333 MVA rating. According to reports from CNBC TV18, the transformer has been designed, manufactured and type-tested entirely using BHEL's in-house research and development capabilities. The successful development and international-standard type testing of the transformer places India among a select few countries possessing this advanced UHVAC transformer technology.
As reported by CNBC TV18, the breakthrough represents the result of two years of intensive research by BHEL engineers. Since the technology is available from only a handful of global manufacturers and is closely guarded and not available for technology transfer, the company developed every aspect of the transformer through in-house R&D efforts. The equipment was manufactured under a controlled environment at BHEL's newly built transformer facility in Bhopal, using advanced manufacturing and testing infrastructure to meet stringent quality standards.
According to CNBC TV18, the 333 MVA, 1150/400/33 kV single-phase auto transformer will be installed at India's first experimental 1200 kV National Test Station in Bina, Madhya Pradesh, being established by PowerGrid. The transformer represents the largest piece of equipment used in a substation. The development was carried out under a Memorandum of Understanding between BHEL and PowerGrid, supporting the country's move beyond its existing 765 kV transmission system to develop a 1200 kV transmission network as part of national grid expansion.
As reported by CNBC TV18, BHEL manufactures transformers, shunt reactors, instrument transformers, capacitors, extra-high-voltage circuit breakers and medium-voltage switchgear at its facilities in Bhopal, Hyderabad and Jhansi. The company has an annual manufacturing capacity of 45,000 MVA for transformers and reactors. It operates a dedicated 12,000 MVA facility in Bhopal for manufacturing large EHV, HVDC and UHVAC transformers and reactors. Shares of the company were trading 0.3% down at ₹436.75 as of 10.54 am on Friday, with the stock having gained 50% so far in 2026.
