NEWS – National Electricity Plan (Transmission)   launched

HIGHLIGHTS

• Aimed at achieving 500 GW of Renewable Energy installed capacity by 2030 and 600 GW by 2032.
• Plan prepared by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) in consultation with stakeholders.

Renewable Energy and Storage Integration

• Includes 47 GW of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
• Plans for 31 GW of Pumped Storage Plants (PSP).
• Transmission system designed for power delivery to Green Hydrogen/Green Ammonia manufacturing hubs (e.g., Mundra, Vizag, Mangalore).

Transmission Infrastructure Expansion

• 1,91,000 circuit kilometers (ckm) of transmission lines and 1270 GVA transformation capacity planned from 2022-23 to 2031-32 (220 kV and above).
• 33 GW of HVDC bi-pole links planned.
• Inter-regional transmission capacity to increase to 143 GW by 2027 and 168 GW by 2032 (current level: 119 GW).

Cross-Border and International Interconnections

• Cross-border transmission links planned with Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka.
• Possible interconnections with Saudi Arabia and UAE.

Technological Advancements

• New technology options: Hybrid Substations, Monopole Structures, Insulated Cross Arms, Dynamic Line Rating, High Performance Conductors.
• Plans to upgrade the maximum operating voltage to 1200 kV AC.
• Focus on skill development in the transmission sector.

Investment Opportunities

• The plan showcases a massive investment opportunity of over INR 9,15,000 Crores in the transmission sector by 2032.
• Several transmission schemes are already under construction, bidding, or in the pipeline.