The last date for submission of bids for a major ISTS-TBCB scheme involving HVDC technology has been extended yet again.
The bid submission date for the ISTS-TBCB scheme called “Transmission system for evacuation of power from potential renewable energy zone in Khavda area of Gujarat under Phase-V (8 GW): Part C” now stands at January 10, 2025.
This is at least the 14th time that the bid submission date has been extended from its original September 30, 2024.
Incorporated under “KPS III HVDC Transmission Ltd,” currently a wholly-owned subsidiary of bid process coordinator PFC Consulting Ltd (PFCCL), this is a major ISTS scheme involving HVDC technology.
With an estimated cost of Rs.12,000 crore and a gestation period of 48 months, this scheme seeks to create HVDC-based power transmission infrastructure, using the VSC (voltage source converter) technology. The cost is as per estimates made by National Committee on Transmission (NCT) at the time of deliberations. It is very likely that the final cost would be higher than the given estimate.
The project involves two new HVDC terminals, each of ±500kV, 2500 MW near Khavda Pooling Station-3 and South Olpad. These will be referred to as “KPS3 (HVDC)” and “South Olpad (HVDC),” respectively. A bi-pole line between these two HVDC terminals, running around 600 km and capable of transfer of 2,500 MW, will be another key element.
According to informed sources, the repeated extension in bid submission date is not because of lack of bidder response; it has more to do with amendments to bidding documents. It is learnt that on at least ten occasions so far, modifications were made to the bidding (RfP) document, mainly to do with technical specifications, guidelines for sourcing HVDC equipment, etc.
Third HVDC scheme under TBCB
KPS III HVDC Transmission Ltd represents the third transmission scheme involving HVDC technology and to be bid out under the TBCB modality. Two such schemes have already been awarded. The first “Khavda V-A Power Transmission Ltd” was won by Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL) while the letter of intent for the second, “Rajasthan Part I Power Transmission Ltd,” has been issued to Adani Energy Solutions Ltd.
HVDC build-up
During the five year period FY28 to FY32 (April 1, 2027 to March 31, 2032), India is expected to see the addition of 15,432 ckm of HVDC lines and 32,250 MW of HVDC transfer capacity. Of this, around 5,500 ckm and 14500 MW are expected to be developed under the TBCB route, which includes the three aforementioned projects.
Also read: Bid submission date extended for Fatehgarh-Barmer pooling station scheme
Featured photograph (source: GE Vernova T&D India Ltd) is for representation only
