The National Electricity Plan (Transmission) envisioned over 1,91,000 ckm of transmission lines for integration of 10 GW of offshore wind farms, 47 GW of battery energy storage systems and 30 GW of pumped storage plants. The inter-regional transmission capacity is planned to increase to 143 GW by 2027 and further to 168 GW by 2032, from the present level of 119 GW.
Oct 25, 2024
In order to achieve over 600 GW non-fossil fuel capacity by 2032, the transmission infrastructure of India will need an investment of over INR 9.15 lakh crore. This was revealed by the National Electricity Plan (Transmission), prepared by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), in consultation with various stakeholders.
The NEP (Transmission), released recently by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) at a conclave on Indian Power in New Delhi, outlined a comprehensive strategy to achieve the government’s energy transition goals.
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It traced the power sector’s evolution, from a mere 1,362 MW installed generating capacity during Independence to 452.69 GW in October, 2024.
The Plan envisioned integration of 10 GW of offshore wind farms, 47 GW of battery energy storage systems and 30 GW of pumped storage plants. It also addressed the power needs of green hydrogen and green ammonia manufacturing hubs, including cross-border interconnections with Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka as well as probable interconnections with Saudi Arabia and UAE.
As per the National Electricity Plan, over 1,91,000 ckm of transmission lines and 1270 GVA of transformation capacity have been planned to be added during the 10-year period from 2022-23 to 2031-32 (at 220 kV and above voltage level), along with 33 GW of HVDC bi-pole links. The inter-regional transmission capacity has been planned to increase to 143 GW by 2027 and further to 168 GW by 2032, from the present level of 119 GW.
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The transmission plan highlighted new technology options in the transmission sector like hybrid substations, monopole structures, insulated cross arms, dynamic line rating, high performance conductors, upgradation of maximum operating voltage to 1200 kV AC as well as skill development in the transmission sector.
With several transmission schemes under construction, several transmission schemes under bidding and several other transmission schemes in pipeline, the transmission plan provided visibility to the investors of the massive investment opportunity of over INR 9.15 lakh crore in the transmission sector till 2032, it added.
