Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) is exploring the involvement of Central transmission utility Power Grid Corporation of India for implementing the southern state’s mega project “Transgrid-2.0”. According to reliable reports, KSEB wants to involve PGCIL in any one of the following three modes:
- PGCIL would become a joint venture partner to KSEB and the JV so formed would implement the Transgrid-2.0 project.
- PGCIL could be the project implementing agency where it could commission the project with funds generated by KSEB.
- KSEB could implement the project on its own, whilst seeking technical assistance from PGCIL during the project implementation.
KSEB, according to reports, is keen on the second option which will facilitate PGCIL’s involvement without the formation of a joint venture.
Transgrid-2.0 is a major project involving setting up intrastate power transmission network in Kerala, with capital outlay of around Rs.10,000 crore.
Aproved by the state government in February 2016, Transgrid-2.0 aims at improving the intrastate power transmission network by way of five new 400kV substations, around 25 substations of 220kV, apart from several transmission lines. Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) will be the principal lending agency to the Transgrid-2.0 project that will be implemented in two phases.
Kerala, it may be mentioned imports around 70 per cent of its power requirements from outside, necessitating intricate power transmission network within the state.
Empanelment of Contractors
KSEB is currently (as of October 16, 2017) seeking expressions of interest from potential contractors for carrying out EPC works of transmission lines envisaged in Transgrid-2.0. The last date for submission of EOIs is October 21, 2017, and the same will be opened on October 23. 2017. KSEB has envisaged 13 main transmission lines of varying voltage levels (110kV, 220kV and 400kV) as part of the project. Transgrid-2.0 envisages a modern technology and practices to optimize conductor capacity and right of way. Multi-circuit towers, monopole towers, use of modern conductors (e.g. high tension low sag) and narrow-based towers are some of the practices envisaged in the Transgrid-2.0 project.
(Photograph, sourced from Supreme & Co, shows a monopole useful in drawing power transmission lines in areas with limited right-of-way.)
