India's largest 1150 kV transmission project approved

The National Committee on Transmission (NCT) has approved the launch of India's largest 1150 kV transmission project, with an estimated cost of ₹68,816 crore, according to a report by The Hindu BusinessLine.

This is a unique type of project whose primary objective is to connect renewable energy generation centers located in Gujarat and Rajasthan with green hydrogen nodes emerging in the eastern region. Under this project, an 1150 kV Raigarh Kotra-Rourkela-Kolaghat double circuit line will be constructed. Once this line is ready, it will become the network with the highest voltage level in the Indian transmission system. The 1150 kV Ultra High Voltage AC (UHVAC) line has the capacity to transport large amounts of energy.

Detailed information regarding the rationale of this project has been provided in the minutes of the 45th meeting of the NCT held on November 9. Studies conducted for 2031-32 indicate that there will be a significant increase in energy generation in Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and the north-eastern region. At the same time, large-scale demand for electricity is expected to increase in Odisha (GH/GA) and other industrial areas. According to the study, 5.2 GW thermal generation at Raigarh (Kotra-III), 12 GW renewable generation along with related BESS capacities at Bhadla-IV and Ramgarh-II, hydro, and PSP development in the north-eastern region are also included. In addition, major demand centers such as Paradip and Gopalpur in the eastern region will also become operational. The studies have also considered BESS capacities of approximately 124 GW and PSP capacities of 42 GW. All these factors are expected to influence future power flow patterns and increase the requirements for large-scale power transfer between the western region and the eastern region.

However, not all members are in agreement regarding this project. Objections have been raised against this project by S. R. Narasimhan, expert member of the NCT and former Chairman and Managing Director of Grid Controller of India Limited. According to Narasimhan's observation, the studies have used a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.64 percent in peak demand between 2026-27 and 2031-32, which is very high. He has written on LinkedIn that there is also a strong possibility of low load on the 1150 kV line during non-solar hours. One reason for this could also be the uncertainty regarding electricity consumption by green hydrogen and green ammonia projects. In Narasimhan's view, extending a 765 kV line or the existing HVDC line up to the eastern region would have been a more pragmatic and appropriate arrangement.

The National Committee on Transmission is an important committee that plans and manages India's electricity transmission system. It functions to make decisions regarding necessary transmission projects and their planning for the development of the country's power grid.