The Indian government has greenlit two major transmission schemes aimed at enhancing the evacuation of renewable power from Rajasthan and Karnataka, crucial steps towards achieving its ambitious renewable energy targets.
Announced by the Ministry of Power, these Inter State Transmission System (ISTS) schemes represent a combined investment of INR 135.95 billion (USD 1.63 billion/EUR 1.52 billion) and will be executed through tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB).
The first scheme focuses on Rajasthan's Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), facilitating the transport of 4.5 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy from specific complexes in Rajasthan to regions in Uttar Pradesh. This includes 1 GW from Fatehgarh, 2.5 GW from Barmer, and another 1 GW from Nagaur. Scheduled for completion within two years, the project is estimated to cost around INR 122.41 billion.
According to the Ministry of Power, “The System strengthening scheme of Karnataka will evacuate 4.5 GW from the Koppal and Gadag areas, with completion expected by June 2027 at a cost of about INR 13.54 billion.”
These initiatives are integral to India's broader goal of achieving 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, with the current connected capacity standing at 200 GW. The transmission enhancements will significantly bolster the grid infrastructure, facilitating the integration of large-scale renewable energy projects into the national electricity grid.
