Wind Challenge: Safeguarding India's Power Grid from Tower Failures

A government committee urges transmission utilities, including Adani and NTPC, to improve maintenance as 75 high-voltage towers failed in 2025. Climate change-induced wind intensity shifts are highlighted as key factors. Recommendations include proactive measures, updated wind maps, and digitized inventory for long-term stability.

A recent directive from a government-appointed committee calls on major transmission utilities, among them the Adani Group and NTPC, to enhance maintenance protocols after 75 extra high voltage transmission line towers failed between January and June 2025.

The committee, during its meeting, identified shifts in wind intensity due to climate change as a primary cause of these failures. These towers are integral to transporting substantial power over extended distances. The towers, owned by twelve entities including ReNew Transmission Ventures, Resonia Limited, and Powergrid, are critical to the national grid.

To prevent further collapses, utilities are advised to follow the National Building Code's wind map, until an updated version is released, and to improve maintenance practices, such as frequent patrolling and replacing missing components. A focus is placed on areas prone to high winds or geographical changes, with high-priority digitization of assets also recommended.

(With inputs from agencies.)