The National Electricity Plan (NEP) Volume II – Transmission, outlines India’s strategy for the expansion and enhancement of its electricity transmission system. This plan plays a critical role in meeting the country’s growing demand for reliable, affordable, and uninterrupted electricity supply.
India’s power demand has seen a consistent increase, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 5% from 2017 to 2022, and a further spike to approximately 9.46% during the period from 2022 to 2024. This growing demand necessitates an efficient and coordinated transmission network that connects electricity generation sources to distribution systems and ultimately to consumers.
The NEP emphasizes that transmission planning is an ongoing process, where the addition of transmission systems is aligned with the increasing generation capacity, rising electricity demand, and the need to strengthen the grid for improved reliability. The transmission network in India consists of the Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) and the Intra-State Transmission System (Intra-STS). While ISTS is developed by inter-state licensees and private companies, Intra-STS is primarily managed by State Transmission Utilities (STUs).
The NEP Volume II covers the development of the transmission system during the period 2017-22, as well as detailed plans for 2022-27 and a perspective plan for 2027-32. The review of the 2017-22 period reveals that the planned addition of 104,400 circuit kilometers (ckm) of transmission lines was largely achieved, with 88,865 ckm completed, representing 85% of the target. Meanwhile, the transformation capacity for sub-stations exceeded the target, with 107% achievement.
During 2022-27, the transmission system expansion will support the peak electricity demand, which is projected to reach 277 GW by 2026-27, with a corresponding installed generation capacity of 609.6 GW. Significant efforts are being made to accommodate renewable energy (RE) sources, especially wind and solar, with about 319 GW of RE capacity expected by 2026-27. The cost for this transmission expansion is estimated to be ₹4.25 trillion, which includes the development of transmission lines, sub-stations, and reactive compensation.
Looking ahead to 2027-32, the NEP plans for a peak electricity demand of 366 GW and an installed generation capacity of 900 GW. This period will also see the integration of substantial renewable energy potential zones, necessitating robust transmission planning. Approximately 76,787 ckm of new transmission lines and 32,250 MW of High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) bi-pole capacity will be added to support the transmission of power from renewable-rich regions.
A key feature of India’s future transmission network is its focus on inter-regional transmission links. By 2031-32, inter-regional transmission capacity is expected to increase to 1,67,540 MW, facilitating the efficient flow of electricity across different regions of the country. This expansion is essential to balance regional power surpluses and deficits, especially as renewable energy sources are integrated into the grid.
The plan also emphasizes new technological innovations and cybersecurity. Technologies such as hybrid substations, compact transmission towers, Extra High Voltage (EHV) cables, and smart grid systems will be adopted to optimize the use of existing transmission corridors and enhance grid stability. The growing importance of cyber resilience in the transmission sector is highlighted, with various initiatives being undertaken to secure the electricity grid from cyber-attacks.
The NEP also encourages greater private sector participation in the transmission sector, aligning with the Electricity Act of 2003. The Tariff Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) route has been instrumental in involving private players in building and operating transmission systems, with several projects already awarded through this mechanism.
In conclusion, the National Electricity Plan (Volume II – Transmission) presents a comprehensive strategy to expand India’s transmission network in line with its ambitious electricity generation targets. The plan addresses both current needs and future challenges, focusing on renewable energy integration, technological advancements, and enhancing inter-regional connectivity to ensure that power is reliably delivered to all parts of the country.
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