A new transmission system for evacuation of renewable energy from Kurnool REZ in Andhra Pradesh is in the making.
This interstate transmission system (ISTS) scheme has been named “Transmission system for integration of Kurnool-IV REZ – Phase-I (for 4.5 GW)” and will be implemented under the tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB) route with REC Power Development & Consultancy Ltd (RECPDCL).
Expected to cost around Rs.5,550 crore, the scheme is envisaged for completion in 24 months from the SPV transfer date.
Project components
The main component will be the new Kurnool-IV Pooling Station (PS) with capacity 4×1500 MVA, 765/400kV and 4×500 MVA, 400/220kV. Besides, the existing 765/400kV Chilakaluripet grid substation of PGCIL will be augmented by 1×500 MVA. The Kurnool-IV PS will be connected to various substations like Kurnool-III PS, Bidar and Chilakaluripet, through a network of transmission lines aggregating about 1,000 ckm.
Background
Andhra Pradesh will need transmission system for grid-integration of renewable energy worth 51 GW. Out of this around 23 GW (8 GW wind and 15 GW solar) has been identified in Kurnool district.
There are already some schemes under development for RE evacuation from Kurnool with the most recent scheme entailing the construction of Kurnool-III Pooling Station (PS). It is learnt that connectivity of around 7,740 MW has already been granted (or has been agreed for grant) at the Kurnool-III PS, exhausting the capacity of the pooling station.
This has necessitated the development of Kurnool-IV PS, which will be the core component of the new scheme. Applications for connectivity grant have already been received at Kurnool-IV REZ for 4,750 MW. This includes 3,200 MW at 400kV level from pumped storage projects (PSPs) and 1,530 MW at 220kV for RE evacuation.
Accordingly, a scheme called “Transmission system for integration of Kurnool-IV (near Aspiri) REZ (for 7.5 GW)” has been devised.
Keeping in mind connectivity applications and project cost, the scheme has been bifurcated into two phases – Phase-I for 4.5 GW and Phase-II for 3 GW. Of these, the first phase will be taken up for implementation as discussed above.
Note: The Kurnool-IV (Phase-I) scheme discussed in this story was approved by National Committee on Transmission (NCT) at its 23rd meeting held on September 2, 2024. This was the only ISTS-TBCB scheme approved at the said meeting. Discussions were also held on a proposed HVDC link in Andhra Pradesh, which has been covered earlier as a separate story. A summary of deliberations at NCT’s 22nd meeting can be found here.
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