Renewable energy: Govt approves transmission projects worth ₹13,595 cr

The Centre announced on Saturday the approval of new Inter State Transmission System (ISTS) schemes to evacuate 9 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy from Rajasthan and Karnataka.

The schemes, to be implemented through tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB) mode, are part of the plan to achieve 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, with 200 GW already connected.

The Rajasthan Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) evacuation scheme will transfer 4.5 GW of power, including 1 GW from the Fatehgarh complex, 2.5 GW from the Barmer Complex, and 1 GW from the Nagaur (Merta) Complex. This power will be routed to the Mainpuri Region, Fatehpur, and Orai in Uttar Pradesh. The project, costing approximately ₹12,241 crore, is expected to be completed within two years.

In Karnataka, a system strengthening scheme will evacuate 4.5 GW of renewable energy from the Koppal and Gadag areas. This scheme, with a budget of about ₹1,354 crore, is slated for completion by June 2027.

The government remains focused on expanding transmission and storage capacities to integrate more renewable energy into the grid and ensure grid stability. Earlier this month, Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, who recently assumed office, discussed enhancing storage and transmission capacities with senior officials.

A February 2024 report by CareEdge Ratings highlighted that India needs around 12 GW of storage capacity, assuming 4 hours of storage per GW for FY24. This requirement is projected to grow to approximately 70 GW by FY30.

HBL