Power Grid Corporation of India (PGCIL) has successfully won an inter-state transmission system (ISTS) project to evacuate 5.5 GW of renewable energy from the Jaisalmer/Barmer Complex. This project is part of a tariff-based competitive bidding process conducted by REC Power Development and Consultancy (RECPDCL), aimed at establishing a comprehensive transmission system for Rajasthan’s Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) Phase IV.

The project entails the construction of a new 765/400/220 kV substation at Kurawar, along with the development of 765 kV and 400 kV double-circuit transmission lines. Additional works will include bay extensions at existing substations in Madhya Pradesh, facilitating the efficient evacuation of renewable energy.

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and the Solar Energy Corporation of India have identified renewable energy zones across eight states, targeting a total capacity of 181.5 GW by 2030. Within this framework, Rajasthan alone holds significant potential with 75 GW, comprising 15 GW from wind and 60 GW from solar sources.

A robust transmission program has been devised to support the evacuation of this renewable energy capacity, including the 5.5 GW project from the Jaisalmer/Barmer Complex. Recently, PGCIL was also selected to develop an ISTS project aimed at enhancing the transformation capacity of the Jam Khambhaliya Power Station in Gujarat.

In addition, RECPDCL transferred the Bhadla-III Power Transmission project to PGCIL, valued at Rs.64.2 million (~$765,151), which involves creating an additional 20 GW transmission system for the Bhadla-III PS.

PGCIL continues to play a pivotal role in India's energy landscape, with ongoing projects and initiatives designed to bolster the country’s renewable energy infrastructure and transmission capabilities.