Kandla green hydrogen scheme to be de-notified, comprehensive review suggested
- July 24, 2026
The National Committee on Transmission (NCT), in its latest meeting earlier this month, has proposed to de-notify the ISTS-TBCB scheme aimed at supplying RE power to upcoming green hydrogen/green ammonia units in the Kandla region of Gujarat.
Reliance Industries, on February 19, 2025, was even issued the letter of intent for developing this ISTS-TBCB scheme that is formally termed as “Transmission system for supply of power to green hydrogen/ammonia manufacturing potential in Kandla area of Gujarat (Phase-I: 3 GW).”
Though the LoI was issued, there was considerable delay in the formal transfer of project SPV “Kandla GHA Transmission Ltd” to Reliance Industries Ltd, pending approval from the Union power ministry. Subsequently, Reliance Industries in a communication indicated that it would not be able to extend the validity of its bid (tariff or annual transmission charges).
The Union power ministry delayed the approval on the basis of CTUIL’s feedback that earlier GNA applications submitted for green hydrogen/green ammonia loads were since withdrawn, thereby raising questions on the scheme’s viability.
However, in the interim, some influential developments took place. On July 4, 2026, CTUIL received another connectivity application for 500 MW that is currently under its consideration. Prior to this, Larsen & Toubro indicated that it was setting up a 300 ktpa (0.3 million tpa) green ammonia project at Kandla, in collaboration with ITOCHU Corporation of Japan.
In view of this, NCT decided that while the Kandla GHA ISTS-TBCB should be de-notified, it recommended that CTUIL carry out a comprehensive review of the transmission requirement for connectivity to upcoming green hydrogen/green ammonia plants in Kandla. The review should address issues like the projected load requirement, phase-wise development of the green hydrogen/green ammonia plants and the suitable voltage level for providing connectivity.
NCT also suggested that in case any new connectivity application is received in the interim, CTUIL should explore the possibility of connecting the applicant to nearby ISTS points at appropriate voltage levels, based on MW quantum of application received, and in accordance with the prevailing rules.
Impact on Lakadia-II
As discussed in tndindia.com’s detailed story of June 24, 2026, an ISTS-TBCB scheme currently under bidding and housed under ““Lakadia II Power Transmission Ltd” depended on the Halvad-Kandla line envisaged in the Kandla GHA ISTS-TBCB scheme now proposed for de-notification. An alternative has been worked out in the form of a 765kV double-circuit line, of around 280 ckm, connecting the Lakadia-II and Halvad substations.
Featured photograph is for representation only