In a recent order, Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has granted transmission licence to Powergrid Bikaner Transmission Systems Ltd (PBTSL) for the development of additional components of an existing transmission scheme in Rajasthan, under the regulated tariff mechanism (RTM) route.
The additional components to be developed under the RTM route are:
- 220kV bays for RE generators and 400/220kV ICTs at Bikaner-II PS scheme
- One 400kV line bay at 400/220 kV Bikaner-II PS for interconnection of 1,000-mw solar project of SJVN Ltd
- Two 220kV line bays at 400/220kV Bikaner-II PS for interconnection of 1,000-mw solar projects being collectively developed by ACME Solar Holdings Pvt Ltd and Prerak Greentech Pvt Ltd
The transmission licence was granted on the basis of the recommendation made by Central Transmission Utility of India Ltd (CTUIL). As the combined cost of these three components exceeds Rs.100 crore, the approval of the National Committee on Transmission (NCT) was also sought.
The licence is valid for a period of 25 years and is subject to various conditions precedent.
Why RTM?
The CERC order notes that in the present case, the Petitioner (PBTSL) does not fulfil any of the eligibility condition for grant of transmission licence. However, in the 6th meeting of National Committee on Transmission (NCT), it was indicated that as per the revised Terms of Reference issued by Ministry of Power, Government of India, ISTS projects costing up to Rs.100 crore (or such limit as may be prescribed by Ministry of Power from time to time) and the mode of implementation would be approved by CTUIL The scheme (three additional components) has been identified for implementation though RTM mode by CTUIL.
Also read: CERC Grants Transmission Licence To Rajgarh Transmission
Background of original PBTSL project
Powergrid Bikaner Transmission Systems Ltd (originally known as Bikaner-II Bhiwadi Transco Ltd) was incorporated as a special purpose vehicle by PFC Consulting Ltd (PFCCL) as part of the TBCB process for implementing an interstate transmission system (ISTS) scheme officially termed as “Transmission System Strengthening Scheme for Evacuation of Power from Solar Energy Zones in Rajasthan (8.1 GW) under Phase II-Part F” on Build, Own, Operate and Maintain (BOOM) basis.
PGCIL emerged as the successful and received the LoI from bid process coordinator PFC Consulting Ltd on February 16, 2021. On March 25, 2021, PGCIL acquired 100 per cent shareholding in Bikaner-II Bhiwadi Transco Ltd, which was subsequently renamed to Powergrid Bikaner Transmission Systems Ltd (PBTSL). CERC granted transmission licence to PBTSL through its order dated July 15, 2021.
Current status: According to information available with Central Electricity Authority, the transmission scheme being developed by PBTSL is under construction and is likely to be fully commissioned by March 2023, albeit delayed from its original commissioning date of September 2022.
The major components of the scheme are: 400kV double-circuit Bikaner II-Khetri line (272 km), 400kV double-circuit Khetri-Bhiwadi line (124 km) and the 400/220kV New Bikaner II substation. It may be noted that the need for building the three additional components discussed above arose later.
Featured photograph (source: Sterlite Power) is for representation only
