The National Committee on Transmission (NCT), in its recent meeting, has recommended three interstate transmission system (ISTS) schemes to be implemented under the tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB) mechanism. The recommendation has been forwarded to the Union power ministry for final approval.
The three schemes, each with an envisaged implementation period of 24 months, are officially termed as:
- Provision of dynamic reactive compensation at KPS1 and KPS3 (Estimated cost: Rs.501.09 crore)
- Transmission system for evacuation of power from RE projects in Rajgarh 1,000 MW SEZ in Madhya Pradesh – Phase II: (Estimated cost: Rs.540.00 crore)
- Eastern Region Expansion Scheme (ERES) – XXXIV (Estimated cost: Rs.2,564.24 crore)
It may be mentioned that with a view to fast-tracking approvals for interstate transmission schemes, Central Transmission Utility of India Ltd (CTUIL) has been empowered to clear schemes with an estimated outlay of up to Rs.100 crore. Schemes costing between Rs.100 crore and Rs.500 crore can be cleared by NCT, while those costing above Rs.500 crore are recommended by NCT to the Union power ministry for final clearance.
Apart from giving final approval to the projects, the Union power ministry will also decide on the bid process coordinator – whether RECPDCL or PFCCL.
Also read: NCT Approves ISTS Scheme For RE Evacuation In Solapur
ERES-XXXIV
With an estimated project cost of Rs.2564.24 crore, the Eastern Region Expansion Scheme (ERSS)—XXXIV was the biggest project recommended for clearance in the latest NCT meeting. This scheme, to take shape in Odisha, is aimed at enhancing the supply of renewable energy (RE) power from outside Odisha, into the eastern state. The biggest component of this scheme is a new 765kV, 2×1500 MVA GIS substation at Paradeep that will be fed through two sources – Angul and Medinipur. The substation will help cater to the large industrial demand expected in Paradeep and surrounding areas, and also meet the demand for RE power from outside Odisha, for the production of green hydrogen and green ammonia.
The proposed GIS substation at Paradeep will be connected to the Angul substation of PGCIL via a 765kV double-circuit line with a route length of 190 km. A short 400kV double-circuit transmission of 10 km route length will also be set up, connecting the proposed Paradeep substation to the existing 400kV Paradeep substation of state utility Odisha Power Transmission Corporation Ltd (OPTCL).
Note: The “KPS” in KPS1 and KPS3 referred in this story stands for “Khavda Pooling Station” in Gujarat. RECPDCL is REC Power Development & Consultancy Ltd, while PFCCL is PFC Consulting Ltd.
