The pace of the addition of 220kV transformation (substation) capacity appears to be on track in FY23, though there has been a substantial shortfall in higher voltage levels like 400kV and 765kV.
According to official statistics recently released by Central Electricity Authority (CEA), the country saw 20,050 MVA of 220kV substation capacity added in the first eleven months (April to February) of FY23. This was very close to the target of 20,209 MVA set for the period.
The target for FY23 (full year) has been set at 21,459 MVA. Given the performance in the first eleven months of the year, the target will most likely be attained. Much of the 220kV transformation capacity addition, as is always the case, came from state government utilities.
Speaking of transformation capacity at higher voltage levels – 400kV and 765kV – the performance was quite unimpressive. The addition of 400kV substation capacity in the first eleven months (April to February) of FY23 was 22,375 MVA. This fell short of the target of 33,000 MVA by a wide margin of over 30 per cent. For FY23, India has targeted to add 33,500 MVA – a metric that appears unattainable in the present circumstances.
As of the 765kV transformation capacity, a total of 24,000 MVA was targeted to be added in the first 11 months of FY23. As against this, the achievement, at 12,000 MVA, was exactly 50 per cent. Substations of 765kV are typically associated with large interstate transmission system (ISTS) schemes. Owing to the delay in awarding ISTS projects, especially in FY22, the addition of 765kV substations suffered in FY23. However, in view of the pickup in awarding ISTS schemes evinced in FY23, one can look forward to a revival in 765kV power transmission infrastructure in FY24 and beyond.
No HVDC-based transmission infrastructure – transmission lines or substations — has been envisaged for FY23.
Also read: Godrej & Boyce Commissions 220kV Substation In Karnataka
Downward revision
It may be noted that during September/October 2022, during a mid-term review by CEA, the target for substation capacity addition for FY23 was revised downward from the original 95,659 MVA. The first revision brought the target down to 84,169 MVA and it was further lowered to 78,959 MVA in the second revision. The net downward revision was to the tune of 17.5 per cent. The revision in 400kV substation capacity addition was the highest at 21.3 per cent – from the original 42,570 MVA to 33,500 MVA, now.
The featured photograph (source: MP Transco) is for representation only.
