An interstate transmission system (ISTS) scheme to for evacuating generation from pumped storage projects in Uttar Pradesh has been proposed.
In its most recent meeting, National Committee on Transmission (NCT) has recommended an ISTS scheme for pumped storage projects in Uttar Pradesh, to be implemented under the tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB) framework.
Termed as “Transmission system for evacuation of power from pumped storage projects in Sonbhadra district, Uttar Pradesh,” this ISTS-TBCB scheme will have REC Power Development & Consultancy Ltd (RECPDCL) as the bid process coordinator.
Estimated to cost around Rs.3,626 crore, the scheme will have an implementation timeframe of 34 months.
Objective
The transmission scheme will cater to evacuation of pumped storage projects (PSP) coming up in Robertganj area of Sonbhadra district, Uttar Pradesh.
It is learnt that ISTS connectivity applications aggregating 3,732 MW have been received from two developers – Greenko (2,016 MW) and Avaada Group (1,716 MW) – with respect to their PSPs coming up in Robertganj area.
These PSPs are scheduled to be commissioned during November 2026 and March 2028. However, the full commissioning of Avaada Group’s projects might extend to December 2030.
Considering the PSPs of these developers and future projects, the transmission scheme in discussion has been planned with a total connectivity quantum of 4 GW (4,000 MW).
Project elements
The Sonbhadra evacuation scheme involves putting up a new 765/400kV, 4×1500 MVA pooling station (air insulated) at Robertsganj in Sonbhadra district, with suitable bus reactors and provisions for future expansion. This AIS pooling station will have 13 interconnecting transformers (ICTs) of 765/400kV, 500 MVA, inclusive of one spare.
Both circuits of the existing 765kV Varanasi-Gaya (2 x single circuit) line will be LILOed at the upcoming Robertsganj.
An important element of this project will be a new 765kV double-circuit line, of about 185 km running length, connecting Robertsganj PS to the upcoming Prayagraj substation. It is learnt that the Prayagraj substation is part of another ISTS-TBCB scheme to relieve loading on the Vindhyachal-Varanasi line, which has been discussed in T&D India’s story dated March 6, 2025.
Other PSP schemes
Speaking of ISTS-TBCB schemes associated with PSPs, there is one such scheme currently under bidding. Housed under “WRNES Talegaon Power Transmission Ltd,” this scheme will cater to PSPs in the Talegaon region near Pune, Maharashtra. Going by current schedules, bid process coordinator RECPDCL expects to complete the bidding process and issue the letter of intent to the winning developer by March 27, 2025.
Also read: Transmission infrastructure addition falling short of target
Featured photograph (source: ANDRITZ) is for representation only
