Renewable energy to drive next grid build

40,000 CKM OF INTER-STATE TRANSMISSION LINES COMING UP

- SAURAV ANAND

AS INDIA RACES towards its 500 GW non-fossil power capacity target by 2030, the national transmission grid is gearing up for its next major expansion, with around 40,000 circuit kilometre (ckm) and 399 gigavolt-ampere GVA capacity of interstate transmission lines.

The facility will primarily be to evacuate renewable energy from solarand wind-rich states such as Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, officials said.

The interstate build-out, planned at 220 kilovolt (kV) and above, is aimed at preventing congestion and curtailment as renewable capacity scales up rapidly across western and southern India.

An industry expert said that interstate transmission lines at 220 kV and above typically cost between ₹4 crore and ₹7 crore per ckm, depending on voltage level, terrain, right-of-way challenges and whether the corridor involves high-capacity lines such as 765 kV. The total investment required for the planned massive capacity upgrade is, therefore, seen to be in the range of ₹1.6-2.8 lakh crore.

Investments are expected to come from multiple sources — from state-run agencies, including PowerGrid and private players. A large part of the capital will be tied up as debt, with global patient funds playing a major role.