Digital Twins: The Game-Changer for Transmission Line Resilience

Industry experts urge power utilities to adopt digital twins for transmission lines to simulate environmental stressors and predict failures. A government report reveals failure of 75 EHV towers, attributed partly to climate change. Digital interventions and training for personnel are seen as essential steps forward.

Industry experts emphasize the importance of digital twins for power utilities to simulate wind loads, terrain impacts, and environmental stressors on transmission lines. This technology promises to anticipate failure points in advance, which could prove crucial amid increasing climate challenges.

A government committee's report revealed that between January and June 2025, 75 extra high voltage (EHV) transmission line towers failed, with shifting wind patterns due to climate change cited as a significant factor. This has prompted calls for improved monitoring and maintenance protocols.

Ranjeet Mehta, CEO of PHDCCI, recommends building digital twins of critical transmission corridors, while Manish Dabkara from EKI Energy Services advises tracking each tower's condition for predictive maintenance. Other suggested interventions include using monopole structures and drone-based monitoring, signaling a proactive approach to transmission line resilience.

(With inputs from agencies.)