Hybrid transmission, a future-ready solution to grid challenges

A real-time case study confirmed that developing new lines is more expensive than upgrading existing lines to hybrid.

- Manan Pathak Senior Manager - New Technology Management, Gujarat Energy Research & Management Institute (GERMI)

We are transferring from the conventional grid to a smart grid. And one of the contributors to this is hybrid transmission technology, which is not yet implemented in India but will play a significant role in the future. Therefore, we need to determine the type of technology involved and how to integrate the skills related to hybrid transmission technology. In short, the major components of hybrid transmission lines, as well as separate AC or DC transmission lines, include insulators, conductors, hardware, fittings, tower foundations, and earthwork. It is not a core engineering concept. It is a multidisciplinary domain. For this, we require civil engineers and electrical engineers.

Goals set by the government

The central government has set three goals: to achieve 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030, to reach developed country status by 2047, and to achieve net zero emissions by 2070. These targets have been set, and we are all working towards them. The futuristic peak demand is expected to rise three times and could reach around 450,000 MW. As of March 2025, the installed capacity is 47,500 MW. The network length, in terms of circuit kilometres, is 1,650,000, and the inter-region capacity under intrastate transmission systems might reach 1,400,000 MW.