Power transmission projects, structured on the tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB) mechanism and associated with large-scale evacuation of renewable energy, are seen to be taking off, after a sustained period of lull, recent developments suggest.
Large power transmission projects being developed under the tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB) route appear to be progressing very slowly. During FY19, not a single new project was awarded. This inference is based on an analysis done by T&D India, using data released by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA).
Independent power transmission line concessions, both at the regional and state level, are witnessing a phase of consolidation, notes Venugopal Pillai, in this special study.
IEEMA recently organized “DistribuELEC 2019” event in Mumbai. The event had a series of covenant conferences and panel discussions where extensive deliberations on the Indian power distribution sector took place. This story by Venugopal Pillai, based on views expressed by various speakers at these conferences, attempts to dwell upon key issues affecting the Indian power distribution sector.
The National Committee on Transmission (NCT), in a recent meeting, has recommended the tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB) route for a major transmission project in Gujarat.
The transmission scheme, officially known as “Western Region System Strengthening Scheme – 21 (Part A and Part B)” is expected to cost a little over Rs.2,700 crore.
The National Committee on Transmission (NCT) in its recent meeting has recommended the de-notification of a power transmission scheme in Himachal Pradesh, as the committee expected significant delay in the commissioning of the underlying power generation projects.
Over the past one year, there has been no appreciable movement in interregional power transmission projects awarded under the tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB) mechanism, as gauged from official statistics released by Central Electricity Authority. Given that the TBCB mechanism is a very important dimension of reforms in the power sector, this sluggishness is worrisome, notes Venugopal Pillai.
Industry body Indian Electrical & Electronics Manufacturers’ Association (IEEMA) recently held its annual convention in Mumbai. The convention, which anchored around the theme “Go Global,” sought to create a roadmap for Indian electrical equipment manufacturers to turn globally competitive. An eminent panel not only deliberated on the said theme but also imparted keen insights on the changing dynamics in the Indian power T&D sector. This special story is based on gleanings from this panel discussion.
Augmenting power transmission capacity is one of India’s foremost objectives as the country strives to transfer an ever growing quantum of power—from generation centres to far-flung consumption areas. Laying overhead power transmission lines is a highly land-centric activity, which is often fraught with difficulties and unpleasant surprises. T&D India got in touch with leading power transmission contractors to understand the ground-level challenges and how the fraternity is working towards surmounting them.
Central transmission utility Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL) whose main mandate is development of interregional lines, is willing to support the development of even intrastate power transmission infrastructure, noted I.S. Jha, Chairman & Managing Director, PGCIL. Jha was speaking to T&D India at the sidelines of the company’s recent press conference in Mumbai.