National Energy Plan (Volume II - October 2024)

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Projected growth in transmission systems - 2022-27

Between 2022 and 2027, approximately 1,14,687 ckm of transmission lines and 7,76,330 MVA of transformation capacity at 220 kV and higher voltage levels are slated for addition to meet the projected electricity demand and planned generation capacity expansion. Additionally, the plan includes the installation of 1,000 MW of HVDC bi-pole capacity during the same period.

The planned transformation capacity addition of 7,76,330 MVA for 2022-27 marks a significant increase compared to the 3,49,685 MVA added during 2017-22. This rise is largely driven by the growing integration of renewable energy (RE) capacity into the grid. Since RE potential zones are typically concentrated in a few states and often located far from major load centers, bulk power transfer from these zones to demand centers has become essential.

To facilitate long-distance power transmission, electricity generated in RE zones is stepped up to 220 kV and further to 400 kV or 765 kV, depending on the power volume and distance. At the load centers, the voltage is stepped down progressively from 765 kV to 400 kV, then to 220 kV, and finally to lower voltages as required. Transmitting power at high voltages not only minimizes transmission losses but also optimizes the right of way, making it a crucial strategy for efficient grid operations.

Estimated cost of transmission system 2022-27

An estimated expenditure of ₹4,25,222 crore is projected for implementing additional transmission systems at 220 kV and above voltage levels across the country during the 2022-27 period. This includes the development of transmission lines, substations, and reactive compensation systems.

Of this total, ₹2,69,150 crore is allocated for the Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS), while ₹1,56,072 crore is earmarked for intra-State transmission systems.

Likely growth in transmission system till 2026-27

The status of growth in 2022-23 & 2023-24

During the year 2022-23, a total of 14,625 ckm of transmission lines and 75,902 MVA of transformation capacity were added. This includes 4,671 ckm of transmission lines and 23,765 MVA of transformation capacity in the Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS), along with 9,954 ckm of transmission lines and 52,137 MVA of transformation capacity within intra-State networks.

In 2023-24, another 14,203 ckm of transmission lines and 70,728 MVA of transformation capacity were added. Of this, 6,283 ckm of transmission lines and 31,820 MVA of transformation capacity were added to the ISTS, while 7,920 ckm of transmission lines and 38,908 MVA of transformation capacity were added to intra-State networks.

As of March 31, 2024, the total length of transmission lines at 220 kV and above voltage levels across the country reached 4,85,544 ckm. The total transformation capacity at the same voltage levels stood at 12,51,080 MVA, which includes 33,500 MW of HVDC capacity.

Perspective Transmission Plan 2027-32

Based on the NEP, approximately 76,787 ckm of transmission lines and 4,97,855 MVA of transformation capacity at 220 kV and higher voltage levels are planned for addition during the 2027-32 period. Additionally, the plan includes the installation of 32,250 MW of HVDC bi-pole capacity.

Greening the andaman & Nicobar islands

The electricity demand in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is primarily met through diesel generator (DG) sets, supplemented by small-scale renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. To enhance energy reliability and integration, plans are underway to connect the islands to mainland India using HVDC undersea cables.

The proposed ±320 kV, 250 MW HVDC (VSC-based) interconnection will span 1,150 km via undersea cable, with a total cable capacity of 500 MW. This will connect Port Blair in the Andaman Islands to Paradip in Odisha, marking the first project of its kind in the country. The estimated cost for Phase I of this transmission system is approximately ₹31,000 crore, with an implementation timeline of about 60 months.

In Phase II, an additional 250 MW HVDC terminal will be installed at both Paradip and Nicobar Islands. This phase will also include the installation of an undersea cable linking Port Blair to Nicobar Islands, ensuring electricity supply to meet the demand in the Nicobar region.

Estimated cost of transmission system 2027-32

An estimated expenditure of ₹4,90,920 crore is projected for implementing additional transmission systems at 220 kV and above voltage levels across the country during the 2027-32 period. This includes the development of transmission lines, substations, and reactive compensation systems.

Of this, ₹3,91,624 crore is allocated for the Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS), while ₹99,296 crore is earmarked for intra-State transmission systems. The ISTS network has been designed to facilitate the evacuation of power from potential renewable energy (RE) zones, incorporating storage capacity co-located with RE generation.

Meanwhile, States and Union Territories are in the process of finalizing their intra-State transmission plans for the 2027-32 period. As these plans take shape, along with the actualization of storage capacities, the overall transmission system estimates for 2027-32 may be subject to revision.