POWERGRID Bikaner Transmission System Limited (PBTSL) has sought approval for a separate transmission license under the Electricity Act, 2003, in connection with solar and renewable energy projects in Bikaner, Rajasthan. The application involves implementing a 220 kV line bay, connecting to a solar project by NHPC Ltd., and two 220 kV line bays for the RE power park of ALF Solar Amarsar Pvt. Ltd. Additionally, it includes a transmission system for power evacuation from the Rajasthan Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) Phase IV (Bikaner Complex).
PBTSL, established as part of the Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding process, is spearheading the “Transmission System Strengthening Scheme for Evacuation of Power from Solar Energy Zones in Rajasthan (8.1 GW) under Phase II-Part F” on a Build, Own, Operate, and Maintain (BOOM) basis. Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL) acquired 100% shareholding in PBTSL after winning the bidding process.
Initially granted a transmission license by the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) for inter-state transmission, PBTSL later applied for additional licenses for specific projects. The estimated costs for these projects include the interconnection of the solar project (โน29.21 crore), the RE power park interconnection (โน11.68 crore), and the power evacuation from Rajasthan REZ Ph IV (Part-1) (โน368 crore).
Following the issuance of the transmission licenses, PBTSL must implement the projects under the Regulated Tariff Mechanism (RTM) mode. The Central Transmission Utility of India Limited (CTUIL) nominated PBTSL to execute these projects, a decision approved by the National Committee on Transmission (NCT).
During the recent hearing, the question arose whether these new elements should be incorporated into the existing RTM elements-based transmission license or if a separate license is required. PBTSL and CTUIL agreed on including these elements in the existing license, streamlining the regulatory process.
In response to the growing need for renewable energy integration into the national grid, PBTSL emphasized the potential for multiple RTM works to be assigned to a Transmission-Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) licensee. To address potential regulatory challenges, PBTSL proposed the issuance of a combined RTM license for TBCB licensees, accommodating future RTM works without the need for separate licenses.
In light of these considerations, the CERC has decided to relax certain regulatory provisions and has declared PBTSL eligible for the transmission license. A public notice will be issued to invite suggestions or objections, with a deadline of November 22, 2023.
The decision regarding whether to include the new elements in the existing RTM license or issue a separate license will be determined at the next hearing scheduled for November 28, 2023.
Please view the document here for more details.
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