India’s robust economic growth has been accompanied by a significant surge in electricity consumption, which has risen by 5% annually from 2017 to 2022. Projections indicate that this demand will escalate further, reaching a 6.4% annual increase from 2022 to 2027. To ensure the smooth flow of electricity from generation sources to distribution centers and to optimize resource utilization, the establishment of an efficient transmission system is imperative. Transmission planning involves identifying needs arising from new generation capacities, escalating demand, and reinforcing system reliability.
The transmission infrastructure in India consists of the Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) and the Intra-State Transmission System (Intra-STS), managed respectively by Inter-State Transmission Licensees and State Transmission Utilities. The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) is responsible for formulating the National Electricity Plan (NEP) every five years, following the National Electricity Policy.
The NEP Volume I, focusing on Generation Planning, was released on 31st May 2023, while Volume II, which pertains to Transmission, is currently open for stakeholder feedback. This draft plan covers a review of transmission system development from 2017 to 2022, detailed planning for 2022 to 2027, and a perspective plan for 2027 to 2032.
During the 2017-2022 period, targets were set to add 1,10,281 circuit kilometers (ckm) of transmission lines and 3,83,690 Mega Volt Amperes (MVA) of transformation capacity in substations. Approximately 80.6% of the targeted transmission lines and 91% of the targeted transformation capacity were achieved.
Looking ahead to March 2027, additional renewable energy (RE) capacity is expected to be added, necessitating further transmission planning. Wind and solar generation capacities, along with additional Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), are under consideration for transmission planning purposes.
By March 2032, transmission systems are being planned to accommodate capacities from wind, solar, hydro, and nuclear sources. Various technology options are being explored to enhance the power system’s overall development, including hybrid substations, digital substations, and voltage-sourced converters (VSC) based High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) systems.
India’s renewable energy capacity has seen significant growth, comprising 42% of the total installed electricity generating capacity as of October 2023. To facilitate the expansion of renewable energy, high-potential solar and wind energy areas are being connected to the Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS).
The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has issued regulations for connectivity and general network access to the inter-state transmission system, aiming to streamline access for various entities including renewable energy generators.
Inverter-based generators, particularly in wind, solar, and hybrid plants, must articulate their response during grid disturbances to ensure grid stability. Compliance with technical standards for grid connectivity is mandatory for all renewable energy projects.
Transmission corridor capacity requirements are being assessed based on peak electricity demand and region-wise generation capacity additions. Storage capacity enhancements and green hydrogen production facilities near RE zones are being considered to reduce transmission requirements.
State-wise solar and wind potential zones are being identified for transmission planning purposes, with ongoing projects such as the Green Energy Corridor-I and II facilitating integration into intra-state networks.
Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for transmission schemes have been prepared, with the GEC-II scheme approved for implementation. Transmission plans are aligned with the government’s energy transition goals, aiming for a substantial increase in renewable energy capacity by 2030. India’s transmission planning endeavors reflect a concerted effort to accommodate escalating electricity demand and facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources, paving the way for a sustainable and reliable energy future.
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