The Ministry of Power (MoP) has launched the National Electricity Plan for transmission. It was prepared by the Central Electricity Authority with the aim to transmit 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030 and over 600 GW by 2032.
The plan addresses the need for 47 GW of battery energy storage systems and 31 GW of pumped storage plants. Over the ten-year period from 2022-23 to 2031-32, the plan aims to add more than 191,000 circuit km of transmission lines and 1,270 GVA of transformation capacity at 220 kV and above. It also includes the addition of 33 GW of high voltage direct current (HVDC) bi-pole links and plans to increase inter-regional transmission capacity from the current 119 GW to 143 GW by 2027 and 168 GW by 2032. Furthermore, the plan covers cross-border connections with neighbouring countries like Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, while exploring potential links with Saudi Arabia and the UAE. With numerous transmission projects already underway or planned, the initiative presents a significant investment opportunity, estimating over Rs 9.15 trillion in the transmission sector by 2032. The plan further highlights new technology options in transmission sector like hybrid substations, monopole structures, insulated cross arms, dynamic line rating, high performance conductors, upgradation of maximum operating voltage to 1200 kV AC as well as skill development in transmission sector
