Tata Power is seen moving closer to securing the much-needed transmission licence for its Gopalpur interstate-TBCB scheme in Odisha.
In a very recent order, Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) granted interim transmission licence to “TP Gopalur Transmission Ltd,” the wholly-owned subsidiary of Tata Power that is implementing the project.
CERC has directed the petitioner TP Gopalpur Transmission Ltd to issue a public notice seeking suggestions/objections regarding the grant of transmission licence. Such feedback, if any, needs to be placed before CERC on or before June 5, 2026, and the next hearing of the matter will be held on June 11, 2026.
TP Gopalpur Transmission Ltd is implementing an ISTS-TBCB scheme termed as “Eastern Region Expansion Scheme – XXXIX” or “ERSS-XXXIX.” Tata Power, the winning bidder under the TBCB framework, had formally acquired the project SPV way back in November 2024.
However, securing transmission licence proved elusive for a very long time, resulting in Tata Power unable to begin construction work on the project. By original timelines, the transmission scheme is expected to come up by December 31, 2027 but over a year’s time has been lost owing to the absence of transmission licence.
The scheme aims to provide RE power to upcoming green hydrogen/green ammonia units in the Gopalpur area of Odisha. However, as there were no confirmed off-takers (green hydrogen manufacturers), the commercial feasibility of the project could not be established. With the result, CERC reserved its order for grant of transmission licence.
Subsequently, the matter was redirected to National Committee on Transmission (NCT), which, in its meeting of December 30, 2025, recommended early start of work upon grant of transmission licence by CERC.
Regarding the offtake, it is now learnt that three bulk consumers – Avaada GreenH2, ACME Cleantech Solutions and OCIOR Energy – have been identified. These would collectively require 2,900 MW of RE power connectivity for their upcoming green hydrogen/green ammonia plants. It is further learnt that while Avaada has been granted 700 MW, the other two applications are under scrutiny.
Gopalpur project
With an estimated outlay of Rs.2,828 crore, the Gopalpur ISTS scheme involves building a 765/400kV, 2×1500 MVA greenfield GIS substation at Gopalpur in Odisha. This will be connected to PGCIL’s Angul ISTS substation by a 765/400kV double-circuit line. Connectivity will also be established, at 400kV level, to the Gopalpur intrastate substation of state transco Odisha Power Transmission Corporation Ltd. Extension works are also envisaged at the aforementioned Angul (PGCIL) and Gopalpur (OPTCL) substations.
Transmission portfolio
As of March 31, 2026, Tata Power had an operational transmission line portfolio of 5,562 ckm, with another 1,841 ckm under construction. (See related story)
Also read: Tata Power keen to explore TBCB opportunities in intrastate transmission space
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