BHEL builds India's first homegrown 1200 kV ultra-high voltage transformer

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.

The transformer has been designed, manufactured and type-tested entirely using BHEL's in-house research and development (R&D). The successful development and international-standard type testing of the transformer place India among a select few countries possessing this advanced UHVAC transformer technology.

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Two years of in-house R&D

According to BHEL, the breakthrough is the result of two years of intensive research by its 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.

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The development was carried out under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between BHEL and PowerGrid.

The 333 MVA, 1150/400/33 kV single-phase auto transformer will be installed at India's first experimental 1200 kV Test Station in Bina, Madhya Pradesh, being established by PowerGrid. The transformer is also the largest piece of equipment used in a substation.

Boost for India's power transmission network

BHEL said the achievement is a significant step towards self-reliance in ultra-high-voltage AC transmission systems. The country is looking to move beyond its existing 765 kV transmission system by developing a 1200 kV transmission network as part of its national grid expansion.

Other key transmission achievements

The company has successfully tested and dispatched India's first indigenously developed 500 MVA, 765 kV transformer for a PowerGrid project in western India.

BHEL has also manufactured and installed a 1200 kV, 180 MVA transformer for use as a testing transformer at its Ultra High Voltage (UHV) Test Laboratory in Bhopal.

Manufacturing capacity

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 as of 10.54 am on Friday, at ₹436.75. The stock has gained 50% so far in 2026.