CREC Grants Transmission License For Renewable Energy Integration At Khavda Pooling Station

The petition was filed by POWERGRID KPS2 Transmission System Limited (a subsidiary of Power Grid Corporation of India Limited) for the implementation of a transmission system project to connect a renewable energy developer’s transmission line at a pooling station. The project was part of a regulated tariff mechanism, and the petition aimed to secure a separate transmission license for the project. The company, a subsidiary of a larger power grid corporation, had already secured the contract for the project through a competitive bidding process.

The project involved constructing additional transmission infrastructure at the Khavda Pooling Station, designed to handle renewable energy generation. The development of this transmission system was aligned with the company’s broader objective to enhance renewable energy connectivity. The project was expected to be completed by March 2025, with the timeline being synchronized with the larger Khavda Phase-II transmission system.

The Commission reviewed the petition and noted that the petitioner had been identified by the Central Transmission Utility to implement the project under the regulated tariff mode. The estimated cost for the project was approximately ₹12.26 crores. The Commission also considered the importance of ensuring that the construction timeline was not delayed and emphasized the need for the project’s alignment with the existing infrastructure development in the region.

The Commission had previously issued a public notice inviting any objections or suggestions regarding the petition. However, no objections were received from the public, and during the hearing, the petitioner confirmed that there had been no responses to the notice. The Central Transmission Utility had submitted a request to the Ministry of Power for further clarification on the project but had not yet received a response.

The Commission, after reviewing the petition and submissions, decided to grant the transmission license to the petitioner for 25 years, with certain conditions. These conditions included compliance with existing regulatory frameworks, ensuring that the project adhered to technical standards, and submitting progress reports. The petitioner was also required to follow competitive bidding processes for the construction contracts related to the project.

The Central Transmission Utility and the Central Electricity Authority were tasked with monitoring the execution of the project. The Commission emphasized that any delays or lapses in meeting the project schedule would be brought to their attention for appropriate action.

The Commission granted the transmission license to the petitioner, allowing the company to proceed with the development of the transmission infrastructure necessary to integrate renewable energy into the power grid. The decision reflected the importance of ensuring the timely completion of transmission projects to support renewable energy development and maintain the stability and efficiency of the power grid.