The National Electricity Plan (Transmission) has been launched by the Cabinet Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, along with the Central Electricity Authority (CEA). This plan is focused on supporting the transmission of 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 and over 600 GW by 2032. Prepared in consultation with various stakeholders, the plan was officially unveiled by Union Minister Shri Manohar Lal during a two-day brainstorming conclave organized by CEA on October 14-15, 2024, in New Delhi, with the presence of several dignitaries.
The plan highlights the necessity for storage systems, which include 47 GW of battery energy storage systems and 31 GW of pumped storage plants to accompany the growing renewable energy capacity. Additionally, the transmission system has been designed to ensure the delivery of power to the green hydrogen and green ammonia manufacturing hubs located in coastal areas such as Mundra, Kandla, Gopalpur, Paradeep, Tuticorin, Vizag, and Mangalore.
According to the National Electricity Plan, more than 1,91,000 circuit kilometers (ckm) of transmission lines and 1270 gigavolt amperes (GVA) of transformation capacity are expected to be added between 2022-23 and 2031-32. These additions will be at 220 kV and above voltage levels. Additionally, 33 GW of high-voltage direct current (HVDC) bi-pole links are planned. The inter-regional transmission capacity, currently at 119 GW, is projected to increase to 143 GW by 2027 and further to 168 GW by 2032.
The plan also includes cross-border interconnections with neighboring countries like Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, as well as potential connections with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and others.
The transmission plan introduces various new technologies in the sector, such as hybrid substations, monopole structures, insulated cross arms, dynamic line rating, and high-performance conductors. It also aims to upgrade the maximum operating voltage to 1,200 kV AC. Moreover, the plan emphasizes skill development within the transmission sector to keep up with the advancements.
Several transmission schemes are currently under construction, bidding, or in the planning stages. The plan presents a significant investment opportunity for investors, with an estimated investment requirement of over ₹9,15,000 crore in the transmission sector by 2032.
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