REC Power Development and Consultancy (RECPDCL) has officially invited bids to establish an Inter-State Transmission (ISTS) System aimed at evacuating up to 3.5 GW of renewable energy from Lakadia, Gujarat. Interested bidders must submit their proposals by November 11, 2024, with the opening of bids occurring on the same day.

The project must be completed within an 18-month timeframe, encompassing the development of a Transmission System for augmenting transformation capacity at the 765/400 kV Lakadia substation (WRSS XXI (A) TRANSCO LTD). This initiative is crucial for integrating 2.5 GW of power beyond the existing 1 GW capacity from various renewable energy projects located in the Lakadia Renewable Energy Zone (REZ).

Key components of the project include the implementation of a 22 kV line bay for several renewable energy companies, such as Juniper Green Energy, TEQ Green Power, and Arcelor Mittal Nippon Steel India. Additionally, the installation of a 1×330 MVAr 765 kV Bus Reactor (2nd) and augmenting the transformation capacity at Lakadia PS with a 1×1500 MVA, 765/400 kV ICT (3rd) is also part of the scope.

Bidders must meet specific criteria, including experience in developing infrastructure projects with an aggregate capital expenditure of at least ?5.1 billion ($60.91 million) and a net worth of no less than ?2.5 billion ($29.85 million).

Recent activities in the sector include PGCIL securing an ISTS project for 5.5 GW of renewable energy evacuation from Rajasthan and Adani Energy being awarded transmission works for 7 GW of renewable energy, underscoring the growing demand for efficient transmission solutions in India’s renewable energy landscape.