New & Renewable Energy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh Ltd (NREDCAP) has initiated steps to implement power transmission systems for power evacuation from upcoming renewable energy projects.
This follows tremendous interest from developers to set up renewable energy projects under the AP Renewable Energy Export Policy 2020.
NREDCAP, upon the suggestion of Central Electricity Authority (CEA), has approached APTransco, the state power transmission utility, to conduct load-flow studies in districts such as Kurnool, Kadapa and Anantapur. These locations are predominantly favourable for wind energy projects.
NREDCAP, it may be mentioned, has identified five locations — Kolimigundla (Kurnool), Puttaparthi, Kalyanadurgam and Kadiri (Anantapur), and Badvel and Kalasapadu (Kadapa) — for the establishment of ultra mega renewable energy power parks with an aggregate capacity of 4 to 5 GW.
Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) Ltd and NTPC Ltd are keen to develop green energy projects in the above areas, it is learnt.
It should be noted that there are already plans to set up interstate transmission projects of 4,500 mw in Kurnool district and 3,500 mw in Anantapur district. These plans are being implemented by Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd.
The CEA has now suggested that load-flow studies be now taken up to identify interstate system strengthening, if required, for integration of renewable energy capacity within the state. As per the provisions of our export policy, power can be exported to other states by accessing the interregional grids.
The power transmission infrastructure available for projects to be set up under the AP Renewable Energy Export Policy 2020 is tabulated below:
Besides, two transmission systems, currently under construction by PGCIL, will be available in future. These are Kurnool (transmission capacity: 5.5 GW) and Ananthapur (2.5 GW). Moreover, new substations/systems have also been proposed at Obuladevaracheruvu, Kadiri and Badvel.
(Note: New & Renewable Energy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh Ltd (NREDCAP) was formerly known as Non-Conventional Energy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh Ltd.)
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