The National Committee on Transmission (NCT), in its meeting scheduled on August 25, 2023, is expected to deliberate on the completion schedule of a major ISTS scheme involving HVDC technology, in Rajasthan.
The project in question is officially termed as “Transmission system for evacuation of power from REZ in Rajasthan (20 GW) under Phase III Part I” that has been housed under project SPV “Rajasthan Part I Power Transmission Ltd.”
Bid process coordinator REC Power Development & Consultancy Ltd (RECPDCL) is currently conducting the bidding process for selection of the developer. Bidding that opened in July 2023 is expected to close on September 12, 2023.
The project will see intensive deployment of HVDC technology in creating the following assets:
- A 6,000 mw, ±800kV Bhadla HVDC (LCC) terminal station (4 x 1,500 mw) near Bhadla-III substation in Rajasthan
- A 6,000 mw, ±800kV Fatehpur HVDC (LCC) terminal station (4 x 1,500 mw) near Fatehpur in Uttar Pradesh
- ±800kV HVDC line between the Bhadla (HVDC) and Fatehpur (HVDC) terminal stations
Apart from the above, there are other associated project elements, which do not involve HVDC technology.
Initially, the completion timeframe for the project was 24 months but this was subsequently extended to 42 months by RECPDCL.
Now, according to information available with T&D India, Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL), which is amongst the potential bidders, has sought extension in completion period to 60 months in view of inherent difficulties in sourcing HVDC equipment.
In an official communication addressed to CTUIL, PGCIL is understood to have highlighted that there are very few contractors and OEMs for HVDC terminals, and these are currently overwhelmed with global orders.
One of the key HVDC equipment suppliers, GE T&D India has also submitted that in view of the limited manufacturing capacity, supply chain constraints and ongoing HVDC projects, the timeline of 42 months appears unrealistic.
Meanwhile, Siemens – also a major supplier of HVDC equipment — is believed to be advocating a change in technology from LCC (Line-commutated Current-sourced Converters) to VSC (Voltage Source Converters). Siemens has expressed a view that for HVDC transmission for renewable energy evacuation, VSC would be a better technology than LCC. Siemens has also highlighted that of the 50-plus HVDC projects currently going on worldwide, 95 per cent are based on VSC technology.
Featured photograph (source: GE) is for representation only.