POWERGRID Acquires Four Major ISTS Projects to Strengthen Renewable Energy Integration

Gurugram: Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID) – a  power sector Maharatna PSU  has successfully acquired four  Project Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) to execute Inter-State Transmission Projects related to transmission of renewable energy. The SPVs, acquired through Tariff Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB), include ‘Khavda PS1 and 3 Transmission Limited ‘, ‘Barmer I Transmission Limited ‘, acquired from the Bid Process Coordinator PFC Consulting Limited (PFCCL) and the SPVs ‘Bikaner A Power Transmission Limited’, and ‘Bikaner B Power Transmission Limited’ acquired from the Bid Process Coordinator REC Power Development & Consultancy Limited (RECPDCL). These projects will support the integration and transmission of green energy across various states. All the four aforementioned projects are Inter-State Transmission System Projects and are to be commissioned in 24 months, according to a company source.

Khavda PS1 and 3 Transmission Limited shall implement a transmission system comprising establishment of two (±300) MVAR STATCOM at KPS1 and one . (±300)  MVAR STATCOM at KPS3. This project is part of RE power evacuation of Khavda area in Gujarat and includes provision of Dynamic Reactive Power Compensation [STATCOMs with mechanically switched capacitors (MSC) and reactors (MSR)] to help in real-time adjustment of reactive power in an electrical system to maintain optimal voltage levels.

Barmer I Transmission Limited shall implement a transmission system comprising establishment of new 765/400/220 kV Barmer-I Pooling sub-station, 765kV & 400kV D/C Transmission Lines and associated bays extension works at other existing substation in the state of Rajasthan. This project is part of the transmission scheme for evacuation of 5.5 GW of renewable power from Jaisalmer/Barmer Complex (Fatehgarh-IV: 4 GW, Barmer: 1.5 GW).

Bikaner A Power Transmission Limited shall implement a transmission system comprising establishment of 765/400/220 kV Bikaner IV pooling substation along with STATCOM and MSC/MSR equipment, 765 kV D/c transmission line traversing in the states of Rajasthan & Haryana connecting Bikaner IV to Siwani S/s, various 400 kV D/c lines traversing through the states of Rajasthan, Punjab, & Haryana along with bay extension works for the above lines at existing substations in the states of Haryana and Punjab.

Bikaner B Power Transmission Limited shall implement a transmission system comprising establishment of new 765/400/220 kV Siwani sub-station along with STATCOM and MSC/MSR equipment, 765kV D/C (2nd) Transmission Line traversing in the states of Rajasthan and Haryana connecting Bikaner IV and Siwani, various 400kV D/C Transmission Lines traversing through the state of Haryana along with bays extension works for the above lines at existing substations in the state of Rajasthan and Haryana.

The Bikaner A & B projects are designed to evacuate an additional 6 GW of renewable energy from the Bikaner Complex (Bikaner IV PS), fortifying India’s capacity for sustainable energy distribution.

POWERGRID, through its SPVs, is actively implementing various transmission projects under the build, own, operate and transfer (BOOT) model, furthering India’s commitment to a sustainable energy future. These projects are instrumental in supporting the national goal of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based generation capacity by 2030, reducing dependency on fossil fuels, and integrating renewable energy into the National Grid.

As of 31st October 2024, POWERGRID operates 280 Sub-stations with over 1,78,975 ckm of transmission lines and 5,43,961 MVA of transformation capacity. With the adoption of latest technological tools and techniques, enhanced use of automation and digital solutions, POWERGRID has been able to maintain average transmission system availability of about 99.8% says the company press note.