The National Committee on Transmission (NCT) has given approval for a groundbreaking series of six power transmission projects worth a staggering INR 64,000 crore to connect renewable energy installations across the country. These projects are anticipated to be awarded through the bidding process later this year. The Indian government expects a significant level of interest from the private sector, given the size and scope of these transmission endeavours.
The Ministry of Power’s NCT recently convened a meeting wherein it sanctioned these power transmission projects. The approved initiatives will facilitate connection of renewable energy zones (REZs) in Gujarat, Rajasthan and Maharashtra, as well as hydropower projects in Himachal Pradesh, to the national grid. This strategic move aims to optimise the integration of renewable energy sources into the national power infrastructure.
The upcoming transmission projects represent a remarkable opportunity for private sector entities to contribute to India’s renewable energy goals. These large-scale initiatives will play a vital role in ensuring that the mega REZs in the country are seamlessly connected to the national grid, allowing for efficient power transmission and distribution.
Notably, the last significant batch of power transmission projects offered to the private sector was in 2015, amounting to INR 50,000 crore. This latest development, estimated at INR 64,000 crore, signifies the government’s unwavering commitment to renewable energy expansion and its recognition of the crucial role of robust transmission infrastructure in achieving sustainable energy targets.
The renewable energy transmission projects are expected to attract substantial interest from both domestic and international companies as the Indian renewable energy sector continues to witness rapid growth. By providing opportunities for private sector participation, the government aims to leverage the expertise and resources of industry players to accelerate the development of the country’s renewable energy infrastructure.
The successful execution of these transmission projects will facilitate the effective integration of renewable energy into the national grid, bolstering the reliability and stability of the power system. Furthermore, it will enable the evacuation of clean energy generated in REZs to meet the rising electricity demands across different regions of the country.