Although India has emerged as one of the world leaders in energy transition with the fastest rate of growth of renewable energy capacities in the world, it is a known fact that today the country lacks adequate transmission facility – especially evacuation of power from the (remote) renewable sources is a big challenge. It is really praiseworthy that our government has now chalked out a comprehensive plan for evacuation of power from the planned renewable capacity by 2030. The plan titled ‘Transmission System for Integration of over 500 GW RE Capacity by 2030,’ has been made in consultation with states and other stakeholders. It is a major step towards achievement of the goal of integrating 500 GW of non-fossil fuel based capacity by 2030.
It is estimated that by 2030, 8,120 ckm of High Voltage Direct Current Transmission Corridors (+800 kV and +350 kV), 25,960 ckm of 765 kV AC lines, 15,758 ckm of 400 kV lines and 1,052 ckm of 220 kV cable need to be installed at an estimated cost of 2.44 lakh crore. With the planned transmission system, the inter-regional capacity will increase to about 1.50 lakh MW by 2030 from 1.12 lakh MW at present.
Also, considering the availability of Renewable Energy based generation for a limited period during day, the plan envisages installation of Battery Energy Storage Capacity of the order of 51.5 GW by 2030 to provide Round the Clock power to end-consumers.
If implemented in time, I am sure that the plan will provide a visibility to the Renewable Energy Developers about the potential generation sites and scale of investment opportunity. For the Transmission Service Providers too, it will open up a big growth potential through investment opportunity.
Publisher & Editor-In-Chief
