The Power Grid Corporation of India (PGCIL) and Dineshchandra R Agarwal Infracon (DRAIPL) have secured a monumental transmission project to support the evacuation of 3.5 GW of renewable energy from Rajasthan’s rapidly expanding renewable energy zone. This major development comes under the guidance of REC Power Development and Consultancy Ltd. (RECPDCL), which is overseeing the project. With a competitive bidding process, this project is a crucial step in India’s mission to transition to cleaner energy, enhance power transmission capacity, and meet the growing energy demands of the country.
Overview of the Transmission Project
The transmission project, awarded under a tariff-based competitive bidding system, involves two key components (Parts A and B), each critical to the overall success of the energy evacuation process. This ambitious project is being developed on a Build, Own, Operate, and Transfer (BOOT) basis.
The project was tendered in July 2024, and after a thorough bidding process, both PGCIL and DRAIPL emerged victorious, securing crucial parts of the project to develop key infrastructure across Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
Part A: Power Transmission by PGCIL
PGCIL, the state-owned power giant, won the contract for Part A of the project. The scope includes the establishment of a 765/400 kV substation near Ghiror in Mainpuri district, Uttar Pradesh, along with the construction of transmission lines connecting Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
This part of the project also includes enhancing existing substations to handle the additional power being transmitted. PGCIL triumphed over strong competition from major players such as Sterlite Grid 32 and Adani Energy Solutions, highlighting its capabilities in large-scale power transmission projects.
Part B: DRAIPL’s Role in Power Transmission Infrastructure
DRAIPL won Part B of the project, which focuses on creating the Merta-II Substation near Merta in Rajasthan. This substation will be equipped with advanced 765/400 kV, 2×1500 MVA transformers, along with 2×240 MVAr bus reactors for the 765 kV lines and 2×125 MVAr for the 400 kV lines.
This part of the project is integral to managing and stabilizing power flow in the region, especially considering the vast renewable energy generation potential of Rajasthan. DRAIPL’s ability to deliver large-scale infrastructure projects was key in securing this segment, beating out competitors including PGCIL, Sterlite Grid 32, and Adani Energy Solutions.
Key Aspects of the Project: Design, Development, and Execution
Both parts of the project will require comprehensive planning, financing, and execution. Key tasks include:
- Land Acquisition and Permits: Securing the necessary land and permits to construct the infrastructure will be essential for the timely completion of the project.
- Designing and Engineering: Both companies will engage in designing the complex transmission systems and substations to ensure high efficiency and seamless integration with existing infrastructure.
- Material Procurement: A critical part of the project involves the procurement of high-quality materials for the transmission lines, substations, and transformers.
- Construction and Commissioning: Once the materials are procured, the construction phase will begin, followed by thorough testing and commissioning of the transmission systems.
- Operation and Maintenance: Both PGCIL and DRAIPL will be responsible for maintaining the systems after installation, ensuring long-term reliability and operational efficiency.
Renewable Energy in Rajasthan: A Growing Hub for Solar and Wind Power
Rajasthan has long been recognized as one of India’s renewable energy powerhouses, with a total renewable energy potential of 75 GW. This includes 60 GW from solar energy and 15 GW from wind energy. As part of India’s national renewable energy target, Rajasthan will play a crucial role in meeting the country’s green energy goals.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), in collaboration with the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), has already identified key renewable energy zones across India, with Rajasthan’s capacity earmarked for a large portion of India’s renewable energy targets. These zones will provide the backbone for India’s 2030 renewable energy goals, which aim for 181.5 GW of renewable capacity across eight states.
Significance of the Project for India’s Energy Transition
This large-scale power transmission project is part of India’s broader push to strengthen its renewable energy infrastructure. With the development of 3.5 GW of renewable power evacuation capacity, this initiative not only supports Rajasthan’s growing renewable energy sector but also ensures that power can be efficiently transported across the country.
The project plays a vital role in supporting India’s energy transition, enabling the country to move away from fossil fuels and reduce its carbon footprint. By enhancing the grid capacity to evacuate renewable power from remote regions to urban centers, India can better meet its energy needs while also contributing to the global fight against climate change.
Conclusion
The successful bids by PGCIL and DRAIPL for this 3.5 GW renewable power transmission project signify a monumental step in India’s renewable energy journey. By establishing critical infrastructure in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, this project will not only enhance the nation’s energy security but also play a significant role in achieving India’s ambitious renewable energy targets. As the country moves toward cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions, projects like these will be essential in shaping a greener future for India.
Source:
ConstructionWorld, Link to article
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