An interstate scheme for evacuation of a further 3 GW from the Kurnool renewable energy zone (REZ) in Andhra Pradesh has been planned under the tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB) mechanism.
The National Committee on Transmission (NCT), in its latest meeting, has cleared such a scheme, formally termed as “Transmission system for Kurnool-IV REZ – Phase II (3 GW),” to be implemented under the TBCB framework with PFC Consulting Ltd (PFCCL) acting as the bid process coordinator.
Estimated to cost Rs.3,235 crore, the scheme will have a phase-wise implementation period of between 24 and 30 months.
Project elements
The project will involve augmentation of transformation capacity at the existing Kurnool-IV pooling station (PS) by addition of 400/220kV, 4×500 MVA interconnecting transformers (ICT). In the second phase of the same project further enhancement of capacity by 765/400kV, 2×1500 MVA and 400/220kV, 6×500 MVA will be done. The project also entails development of a new 765/400kV, 4×1500 MVA substation at Shadnagar in Ranga Reddy district of Telangana.
Connectivity will be established as follows:
- LILO of 765kV double-circuit Kurnool-IV PS – Bidar at new Shadnagar substation (around 50 km)
- A 400kV quad double-circuit line from new Shadnagar substation to the existing Shadnagar substation of Transmission Corporation of Telangana Ltd (TGTRANSCO) [around 50 km]
- A 400kV quad double-circuit line from new Shadnagar substation to existing Kethiredipally substation of TGTRANSCO
TGTRANSCO is expected to upgrade its existing Shadnagar substation to 400kV in a matching timeframe.
Objective
The scheme will help meet 3 GW worth of ISTS connectivity applications from generators located in Kurnool-IV REZ. Together with Phase I (4.5 GW) of the Kurnool-IV REZ scheme, total evacuation of 7.5 GW from Kurnool-IV REZ would be made possible. For evacuation beyond 7.5 GW, a separate scheme Kurnool-V would be considered.
The Kurnool-IV REZ (Phase I: 4.5 GW) was recently awarded to Power Grid Corporation of India Ld (PGCIL) under the TBCB mode. This ISTS-TBCB scheme is housed under “Kurnool-IV Transmission Ltd” and was formally transferred to PGCIL, on March 24, 2025, alongside two other schemes. (Read full story)
Featured photograph is for representation only
