The National Committee on Transmission (NCT) has approved an interstate transmission system (ISTS) scheme for feeding RE power to upcoming green hydrogen/ammonia plants in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh.
The scheme has been approved for development under the tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB) route, with PFC Consulting Ltd (PFCCL) named as the bid process coordinator.
Officially called “Transmission system for proposed green hydrogen/green ammonia projects in Kakinada area (Phase-I),” this ISTS scheme is estimated to cost Rs.1,618.50 crore and will have an implementation period of 24 months from SPV transfer date.
The major elements of this ISTS-TBCB scheme include:
- A new 765/400kV, 3×1500 MVA substation (GIS) at Kakinada along with 1×240 MVAr bus reactor
- LILO of existing 765kV double-circuit Vemagiri-Srikakulam line at the proposed Kakinada GIS substation (running length: 20 km)
- ±300 MVAr STATCOM with 2×125 MVAr MSC at Kakinada 765/400 kV GIS substation, with control switching arrangement for proposed 1×240 MVAr bus reactor
Rationale
Upcoming green hydrogen/ammonia units in Kakinada area are estimated to generate a demand of around 6,000 MW by 2030. Application for GNA connectivity has been received from AM Green Ammonia (India) Pvt Ltd. This entity has sought 700 MW ISTS connectivity as bulk consumer by July 2026, and a further 1,300 MW by July 2027. The ISTS scheme under discussion essentially seeks to feed RE power to AM Green Ammonia (India) Pvt Ltd, and to other developers in future.
It may also be noted that the Kakinada substation will be of the GIS type, in keeping with recommendations of “Report of Task Force on Cyclone Resilient Robust Electricity Transmission and Distribution Infrastructure in the Coastal areas, May 2021.” The report has recommended construction of compact and modular indoor GIS installations for locations up to 60 km from the coastline, above the historical water stagnation/logging level (based on locally available data) or Highest Flood Level (HFL).
Green hydrogen schemes
Currently, according to information available with T&D India, the following ISTS-TBCB schemes related to green hydrogen/ammonia projects, are under bidding:
- Transmission system for supply of power to green hydrogen/ammonia manufacturing potential in Kandla area of Gujarat (Phase-I: 3 GW)
- Transmission system for supply of power to green hydrogen/ammonia manufacturing potential in Mundra area of Gujarat under Phase-I: Part B1 scheme (3 GW at Navinal substation)
- Transmission system for proposed green hydrogen/green ammonia projects in Tuticorin area
The last dates for submission of technical and financial bids for the three schemes, in respective order, are: December 30, 2024, December 31, 2024 and December 20, 2024.
Featured photograph (source: GE Vernova T&D India Ltd) is for representation only
