New Delhi, In a significant move towards bolstering the country’s green energy infrastructure, the National Committee on Transmission (NCT) has given the nod to approximately 10 transmission projects with a cumulative cost exceeding ₹6,600 crore. Among these projects, two mega ventures stand out, with a total budget of ₹5,281 crore.
The Mundra network expansion scheme in Gujarat, estimated at ₹2,383 crore, and the eastern region expansion scheme, costing ₹2,898 crore, have received the committee’s approval for implementation by the union power ministry. Both projects fall under the tariff-based competitive bidding system, with the Mundra project anticipated to be completed within 21 months, while the eastern region expansion scheme aims for completion by June 30, 2026.
The eastern region expansion scheme is particularly noteworthy, including the establishment of an Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) sub-station in Gopalpur, Odisha. This sub-station aims to meet the electricity demands of upcoming green hydrogen and green ammonia plants in the region, projecting a cumulative demand of about 3 GW by FY26. The ISTS corridor is crucial for supplying renewable energy to industries outside Odisha, supporting their renewable power purchase obligations.
The approval also encompasses projects linking various states, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha, to the national grid. These initiatives are expected to attract private investment and play a vital role in achieving the government’s ambitious target of 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030.
However, despite these approvals, there is a lag in the progress of expanding the transmission network. According to data from the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), India achieved only 61.5% of its target for expanding power transmission lines in the first half of the current fiscal year. The government’s commitment to connecting areas with high potential for solar and wind energy to the ISTS is crucial for the success of the renewable energy integration plan.
The NCT’s green signal to these transmission projects marks a significant step towards aligning the nation’s energy infrastructure with its renewable energy goals.
