The National Committee on Transmission (NCT), in its recent meeting, approved an interstate transmission system (ISTS) scheme for the evacuation of 1,500 MW worth of upcoming renewable energy projects at Solapur in Maharashtra.
The scheme, estimated to cost Rs.471.24 crore, will be implemented under the tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB) mechanism. PFC Consulting Ltd (PFFCL) will take up the role of the bid process coordinator (BPC) for the project.
Also read: PFCCL Transfers Two Project SPVs To Adani Transmission
The project will broadly involve setting up of:
- A new pooling station (PS) at Solapur comprising 400/220kV, 4×500 MVA interconnecting transformers (ICTs), along with 2×125 MVAR, 420kV bus reactors
- A new 400kV double-circuit line (of around 30 km running length) from Solapur PS to the existing Solapur substation of PGCIL
- Two 400kV line bays at Solapur substation of PGCIL for termination of 400kV line discussed in #2 above
The scheme is estimated to have a gestation period of 24 months, which is measured from the date of allocation of the project to the implementing agency, to be selected under the TBCB mode.
The scheme is officially termed as “Transmission system for evacuation of power from RE projects in Solapur (1,500 mw) SEZ in Maharashtra”.
It is also learnt that the location of the proposed Solapur PS (discussed in #1 above) will need to be carefully chosen so as to be the eastern side of the existing Solapur substation of PGCIL. This is because if the Solapur PS is planned anywhere else — say north, west or south-west of the Solapur SS (PGCIL) – the 400kV connecting line (discussed in #2 above) could pass through priority or potential Great Indian Bustard (GIB) zones.
Project rationale
It has been estimated that about 3.5 GW of renewable energy potential exists at Solapur in Maharashtra. Out of this, around 2 GW will be directly injected at the existing Solapur substation of PGCIL, through a 400kV bay. The transmission scheme discussed in this story will help in the evacuation of the remaining 1.5 GW (1,500 MW). It is also learned that so far, connectivity applications corresponding to 773 MW of renewable energy capacity have been received so far.
Featured photograph is for representation only
